Inexpensive Ways To Update Your Home’s Interior Decor
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So, you just moved into a fixer ‘er upper and now you want to add a modern touch to the décor? While you can always hire a professional contractor to do the job, a smarter and more affordable option is to do it yourself.
Paint It
A fresh coat of paint is arguably one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to update the look of your home. Go through your home and inspect the painting in each and every room. If it’s peeling, cracking, or simply possesses an unattractive color, you should repaint it. Neutral colors like beige, taupe or cream, will instantly give your home a more modern, up-to-date look.
Remove Popcorn Ceilings
About 40 years ago, nearly every residential house in the U.S. was built with the acoustic or “popcorn” ceilings. If your home features this type of ceiling, you can remove it in just a few simple steps. However, before you go scrapping it off, take a sample of it and send it off to a certified lab to have it tested for asbestos.
Once you’ve determined the ceiling doesn’t contain asbestos, it’s safe to begin the removal process. Start by covering the walls and floor with plastic sheets or tarp to avoid any damage. Next, lightly spray down the ceiling with water (or a solution) and start scrapping. With a little bit of elbow grease, it should come off fairly easily.
Focus on The Kitchen
Updating your kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances would be nice, but this is out of the budget for most people. However, replacing the sink faucets in the kitchen can be done for under $100. Just visit your local home improvement store and find a faucet that’s the right size. To replace it, you’ll first need to turn off the water and remove the clamps holding the faucet in place.
Modernize Your Bathroom
While you’re in the mood of replacing your kitchen faucet, you should take a look at your bathroom and see if the towel fixtures or sink faucet need replacing. Both of these are inexpensive and easy to install.
Blinds and Curtains
If you have old and/or damaged blinds, you may want to replace them with more modern ones. Authentic wood blinds are wonderful, but these are often too expensive to use throughout the entire home. An alternative, however, is faux wood. These look and feel like real wood, but with cost about 40% less. You can pick them up and have them installed throughout your house in just a few hours.
Do you have any other ideas for updating your homes interior? Share them with us in the comments below.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Home Remodeling
Infinity Formula One Barrels Through Downtown Austin
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The Formula One World Championship is regarded as the most popular type of single-seat automobile racing in the world. Sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), it features groups of races known as Grands Prix, all of which are held on circuits and public roads.
While Formula One racing is predominantly held in Europe and parts of Asia, the high-octane sport recently came to downtown Austin, Texas.
2014 marks the third year in which Austin played host to the the U.S. Formula One Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo of team Infinity barreled through the city’s Congress Avenue in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
The duo then proceeded to showboat the 2011 Championship RB7 F1 and Infinity Q50 Eau Rouge (prototype) by doing donuts on the closed course.
But it was Lewis Hamilton who won the main event in Austin, passing his teammate Nico Rosberg on Austin’s streets. This win gave Hamilton a 24-point lead in the rankings, but there are still plenty of Grand Prix races left in the season. Both Hamilton and Rosberg drive for team Mercedes.
So, what kind of impact did the race have on Austin? According to a report published by Bloomberg, this year’s F1 race generated well over half a billion dollars in revenue for the city and surrounding area.
To put that number into perspective, F1 generated more revenue than South By Southwest and Austin City Limits. Fans often purchase hotel rooms, transportation, food, souvenirs, memorabilia, and other products/services, stimulating the city’s already bustling economy.
Scoring a ticket to see the Formula One racing event isn’t cheap. While there are tons of events and activities to do in addition to watching the race, a general admission ticket starts at $300. However, fans of the sport say it’s well worth the price.
“Austin’s such a great city, and we worked with them really, really closely,” said Allyson Witherspoon, lead director of marketing communications for Infinity. “My team came to me and they were like, ‘Here’s what we want to do: we want to shut down the streets of Austin and race the cars in the middle of the city.’ I was like, ‘That is awesome. Go make that happen.’ So we did, working really closely with the city to figure out: How can people have the F1 experience without having to go to the race?”
Formula One racing is expected to return to Austin, Texas in 2015.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Austin Attractions, In the News
How To Prepare For a Major Home Renovation Project
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Major home renovation projects can create a wide range of unforeseen problems that are both costly and time-consuming.
Whether you’re looking to install new flooring, move non-supporting walls and beams, or add a new room to your property, you should take the time to properly prepare. This will ensure your renovation runs smoothly while reducing the chance of serious problems.
To learn more about ways to prepare for a major home renovation project, keep reading.
Identify Your Goals and Objectives
One of the first steps in preparing for a major home renovation project is identifying your goals and objectives. Ask yourself – what do you hope to accomplish by renovating your home.
Blindly jumping head-first into a major renovation project will only lead to confusion later down the road. Perhaps you want to tear down a wall, essentially combining two rooms into one, or maybe your goal is to create a more energy-efficient home.
The bottom line is that you need to have a clear objective in mind before starting any major renovation project.
Is Lead Paint a Hazard?
Lead paint is a real threat that homeowners need to be aware of when performing major renovations. When you start knocking down walls, beams and structures with lead-based paint, this toxic chemical gets knocked around in the air where it’s easily breathed in by anyone living or working inside the home.
So, how do you know whether or not lead-based paint was used in your home? Lead paint was banned back in 1978, so it’s safe to assume that homes built in 1977 or earlier contain at least some lead paint.
If your home was built in 1978 or later, but you still want the peace of mind knowing that it doesn’t contain lead paint, you can hire a contractor to come out and test for it.
Lead-based paint will undoubtedly create a whole net set of hurdles for your home renovation project. If there is in fact lead-based paint present in your home, you’ll need to hire a professional removal company to take care of it.
This is something that you should leave up to the professionals and not attempt to do yourself.
Move Out Furniture and Furnishings
Another critical step in preparing for a major home renovation is moving your furniture and furnishings out of the way. Some homeowners may attempt to perform renovations with all of their furnishings still in place, but taking the time to remove them will help prevent damage.
Assuming you already identified the goals for your renovation project, you should move the furniture and furnishings out of the rooms being renovated.
Once you’ve moved all of the furniture and furnishings out of the room, go ahead and lay down drop cloths to protect the floor.
Whether your home features carpet, hardwood or laminate flooring, a couple of drop cloths will offer a valuable layer of protection from falling debris and other damage during a major renovation.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Home Remodeling
Start Your Moving Day On The Right Foot
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The sound of the alarm buzzing in the early morning hours can make it difficult to get out of bed. But when you have a busy day of moving planned, you must will yourself to get up and going.
Thankfully, there are some quick and easy ways to start your moving day on the right foot. So if you’re planning to relocate in near future, keep reading for some helpful tips to make the experience a little easier.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Lack of sleep affects the body in a number of different, including slowing down the body’s metabolism, reducing reaction times, lowering energy levels, increasing stress, and even increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is why it’s critical that you get a good night’s rest prior to moving.
So, how much sleep do you need at night? Contrary to what some people may believe, there’s no magic number, as each and every person is different.
However, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 10 hours per day for “school-aged children,” 9-10 hours for teens, and 7-8 hours for adults and the elderly.
Coffee
There’s no better way to start you moving day than with a fresh cup of coffee. The aroma alone is enough to pull you out of bed, but there are actually some surprising benefits associated with coffee.
Studies have shown that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are less likely to develop kidney stones. There’s also some belief that a cup of hot Joe can protect against depression and other forms of mental illness.
Let’s face it, the real benefit of coffee is its powerful kick of caffeine, which is particularly helpful when you’re beginning a long day of moving. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that provides energy and mental clarity, making it an invaluable tool on the day of your move.
Breakfast
Don’t underestimate the importance of eating a hearty breakfast on the day of your move. Since you’ll likely burn hundreds if not thousands of calories carrying boxes back and forth, your body needs the right nutrition to maintain its energy levels.
A couple scrambled eggs with a side of fruit is a great choice, as it provides protein, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Just remember to make enough for any friends or family members whom you expect to show up and help.
These are just a few ways to get your moving day started on the right foot. Above all else, though, remember to plan ahead by following the tips outlined here on the mmmoving.com blog.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
How To Easily Move Books
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They may not weigh as much as large furniture pieces, nor do they have awkward shapes, but moving books can still prove challenging.
If certain precautions are not taken, moisture may enter the container, damaging or even ruining them. There’s also an inherit risk of damage from the bottom of boxes giving out, sending your books crashing to the ground below.
Whether you have an entire library worth of books or just a couple classic novels, you should follow the tips listed here to ensure they arrive at your destination safely and without damage.
Donate
You can make the task of moving a little easier by donating some of your books beforehand. If you have school textbooks or other books that aren’t being used (and probably never will), take them to your local library.
Most libraries will gladly accept book donations, making the load a little lighter. Alternatively, you can perform a Google search for “donate books” to find several online companies that accept book donations.
Choose Heavy-Duty Boxes
If you’re going to move your books by placing them in cardboard boxes, choose boxes that have reinforced bottoms so they won’t fall out. There’s nothing more frustrating than having the bottom give out when you’re carrying a book-filled box.
And if you don’t have access to heavy-duty cardboard boxes, lighten the load by filling it half with books and the other half with pillows, blankets, comforters, or other light items.
Plastic Containers
It’s generally best to move books via plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. While they cost a bit more than traditional cardboard boxes, plastic containers are stronger, more durable, and they offer protection from moisture and water – a huge benefit when moving books.
Media Mail
The United States Parcel Service (USPS) offers a special shipping option designed specifically for books and educational materials. Known as Media Mail, it’s cheaper than priority and first-class, so you may want to ship your books to your new home rather than moving them yourself.
There are some stipulations to Media Mail, one of which being that any shipped items must not contain advertising, video games, USB flash drives, or computer drives of any kind.
Assuming the books are ad-free, however, you can ship them via Media Mail without worry. The USPS also places a 70-pound limit on all Media Mail packages, so double-check your boxes before taking them to the local post office.
Check out https://www.usps.com/ship/media-mail.htm to learn more about USPS Media Mail.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
University of Texas To Conduct Methane Study
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Researchers at the University of Texas Austin were recently awarded $58 million by the Department of Energy and several other industry/research partners to conduct a study on methane gas buried deep in the Gulf of Mexico. The team hopes to gain a greater understanding of this naturally occurring gas, including deposit locations, its impact on the environment, and the best method of extraction.
According to the UT’s website, the upcoming methane study will include experts, researchers and professors from Ohio State University, Columbia University, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Methane is often called “fire and ice” due to its orange-and-blue colors when burned. When exposed to freezing-cold temperatures, however, it turns into a solid, ice-like composition. The arctic is believed to hold a substantial amount of methane in the form of frozen pockets. When frozen methane melts, it transforms into a gas state, dispersing into the atmosphere.
Many environmental experts tout methane as being a clean-burning gas that emits 50% less carbon dioxide than coal.. This is in stark contrast to traditional coal-burning power plants, which are viewed as one of the biggest contributors to global climate change by the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous other scientific organizations.
It’s unknown exactly how much methane remains trapped in the Gulf of Mexico, but researchers estimate the number to be around 7,000 trillion cubic feet. To put that number into perspective, 7,000 trillion TCF is more than 250 times more than the amount of natural gas used in the U.S. last year. If we were somehow able to harvest this gas, the U.S. would have more than enough energy to operate for decades or even centuries.
Of course, there are some major hurdles presented by the team. Whether it’s harvested from the arctic or deep under the Gulf of Mexico, it must be carefully extracted in a way that doesn’t release the trapped gas into the atmosphere. Several ideas are currently being considered, including pressure-core sampling.
Georgia Institute of Technology professor Carlos Santamarina described the importance of pressure-core sampling for this study. “The technique is like taking a specimen inside a pressure cooker from thousands of feet below sea level, and bringing it to the surface without ever depressurizing the pressure cooker. With this technology, the sediment preserves its structure and allows us to determine all the engineering properties needed for design,” said Carlos Santamarina.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Published in categories: Austin Texas, Community News
Tips For a Smooth Move During The Winter Season
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There are several advantages to moving during the winter – moving companies typically charge less, you don’t have to battle the heat, and most people can get off work during this time of year.
However, the cool winter temperatures add a new dynamic to the otherwise simple task of moving. If you’re planning to move this winter or the next, we have some tips to make the process a little easier.
Set Up Utilities Beforehand
This may sound like common sense to some people, but it’s crucial that you have power and gas (if applicable) activated in your new home before you move.
You don’t want to be stuck without heat for days on end, so contact the respective companies that service your area to ensure it’s activated.
Assuming your new home is close, it’s not a bad idea to personally check and see if the utilities are activated several days before you move.
Prepare For The Worst
As the saying goes, hope for the best but prepare for the worst, holds true when moving during the winter. Hopefully, you’ll have mild, sunny weather, but if the roads are iced over, you’ll need some supplies to clear your driveway. Keep several bags of road salt on hand, as well as snow shovel.
Stay Warm
Staying comfortable when moving during the winter can be tricky. If you wear too many clothes, or the wrong type of clothes, you will begin to sweat. This trapped moisture will then lower your body temperature even further.
So, what should you wear on the big moving day? Try dressing in layers, with a thick outer coat for maximum thermal protection. As the day progresses and mercury rises, you can strip the jacket in favor of a sweater and/or light coat.
A cup of coffee, hot tea or hot cocoa is the perfect way to begin your moving day. It will give you a boost of energy while subsequently raising your body temperature. Just remember to brew enough for everyone to enjoy.
Protect Against Freezing Pipes
If you live in a region that experiences exceptionally cold winters, you may want to turn on the faucets in both your previous and new home. Allowing the faucets to drip. Even a slight trickle will discourage the pipes from freezing and bursting.
If there’s water dripping from a faucet, there’s little-to-no risk of pressure building up, which subsequently prevents the pipes from bursting.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
Austin Residents To Vote on $1 Billion Rail Line and Road Improvement Package
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Austin residents are heading to the voting booths to voice their opinion on a proposed $1 billion rail line and road improvement package.
Monday was the first day for early voting on the city’s Proposition 1, and residents were out in full force. So, what exactly is at stake for Austin? The proposed package includes a 9-mile rail line with a price tag of $600 million, along with various pot hole fixes and other road improvements priced at $400 million.
The $600 million will come in the form of voter-approved bonds, whereas the $400 million for road improvements will be taken in the form of debt by the city.
According to local news agencies, the nine-and-a-half-mile-long rail line has an estimated capital cost of $1.38 billion, running from East Riverside, going through downtown and the University of Texas campus, and ending at Highland Mall.
The project will only begin, however, if the city of Austin is able to obtain matching federal funds for its $600 million investment.
Of course, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this proposed rail line and road improvement package. If approved, residents can expect higher property taxes, with an average increase of $217 per year on a $200,000 home.
Constructing a new rail line isn’t a quick or easy project by any means. While officials have yet to announce a projected date of completion (assuming voters approve the measure), rail experts say it could take five years to complete.
On the other hand, the new rail line would certainly stimulate Austin’s already thriving economy. By allowing tourists and workers to commute via rail line, it would generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city while subsequently freeing up traffic congestion.
“City of Austin voters will consider a $600 million general obligation bond proposition. If approved, the bonds would pay a portion of the cost of a fixed-rail transit system known as “Urban Rail” that would service the East Riverside Corridor, downtown Austin, the State Capitol Complex, Medical School complex, the University of Texas, Hancock Center, Austin Community College Highland Campus and surrounding neighborhoods,” wrote the official AustinTexas.gov website in its description of Proposition 1.
Early voting for Austin’s Proposition 1 began October 1 and will continue through November. So, do you think Austin should approve the $1 billion rail line and road improvement package? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Image Credit: Austin Capital Metro
Published in categories: Austin Texas, Community News
5 Ways To Reduce Waste When Moving
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The moving process can typically generate quite a bit of waste in the form of boxes, packing supplies, plastic furniture wrap and more. Here are 5 ways to help you reduce waste when moving.
#1) Green Boxes
Rather than transporting your belongings in cardboard boxes, you should consider using “green” boxes. If this is your first time hearing about them, let me explain: green boxes are an Eco-friendly alternative to traditional cardboard boxes.
They are constructed of thick PVC/plastic materials and are completely reusable. Dozens of companies now offer them at little-to-no cost, so check before you buy dozens of cardboard boxes.
#2) Recycle
Even if you decide to use green boxes during your move, you’ll probably need at least some cardboard boxes to transport various items, not to mention all of the paper you might use to wrap fragile items. When you are finished moving, break down any used cardboard boxes and set them aside for recycling along with any other recyclable materials.
Depending on just how much cardboard you have left over, a local recycling company may be willing to come pick it up for free. Call around to see if there are any recycling companies that offer free pickups.
#3) Larger Truck
Why should you use a larger moving truck as opposed to a smaller one? Rental companies charge based on the size of the truck, with larger trucks costing more. Spending the extra money, however, will reduce the number of trips required to move your belongings, saving you time, energy and fuel.
Compare the different truck options and their respective size capacity to determine which one will prove most efficient for your move.
#4) Compost
You might be surprised to learn that cardboard boxes can be broken down and used as material for a compost bin. Compost consists of two key elements: greens and browns. Greens are fresh organic items such as fruit peelings, vegetables and eggshells, whereas browns consist of items like pine straw, bark and cardboard.
If you have some extra boxes laying around, cut them up and place them inside a compost bin. Doing so will promote healthy, nutrient-rich soil that’s perfect for a vegetable garden.
#5) Energy-Efficient Lighting
After you’re finished moving, check the light fixtures in your new home to determine what type of bulb they are using. Incandescent bulbs are by far the most popular (and cheapest), but they also use the most energy.
A smarter and more efficient option is compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), which uses just a fraction of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. Installing CFL bulbs will reduce your energy usage while saving you money each month in the form of a lower electricity bill.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
5 Fun Tips For Hosting a Moving Party
Hosting a moving party is a great way to meet new people while offering an incentive for people to help you move. Moving by yourself is not only difficult; it’s also boring. You can make the experience easier and more enjoyable, however, by convincing some of your friends and family members to pitch in, which is where a moving party comes into play. This week, we’re going to share 5 important tips on how to host the perfect moving party.
#1) Host After You Move
It’s recommended that you host the moving party after you move and not before. This will give everyone something to look forward to at the end of a long, hard day of moving. Hosting it beforehand could result in some people ditching out early, leaving you to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Wait until you’ve finished moving all of your items to your new home before you officially start the party.
#2) Invite The Neighbors
Don’t be afraid to invite your new neighbors to the moving party. Parties are a great way to break the ice and see first-hand who’s living next door. Some of your neighbors may even bring a housewarming gift, which is another reason why you should include them in your moving party.
#3) Offer Food and Beverages
No moving party is complete without plenty of food and beverages. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive catering services, but you should set up some basic snacks and sodas for guests. Assuming you host the party at the end of your moving day, you should choose “hearty” snacks, such as sandwich bites, to satisfy those hunger cravings.
#4) Decorate It
Another element of a moving party that shouldn’t be overlooked is the décor. Something as simple as a couple streamers and balloons can make a world of difference at your party, and it’s easy to clean up. Run some streamers across your home’s ceiling and tie some balloons to the furniture and you have an instant party environment.
#5) Give Thanks
Make it a point to express your gratitude to everyone who helped you move at the party. Moving isn’t an easy task, and most people would probably prefer to do other activities on their day off work. A verbal “thanks for the help” goes a long way in expressing your gratitude to friends, family members and acquaintances who helped you move.
Our team of moving professionals specialize in making your move as easy and stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
Read more home moving tips here.
Published in categories: Home Moving Tips
