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4 Tips for Cleaning Your Home on a Budget

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It’s essential to clean your home.  This is because it’s one of the things that can help you to keep it comfortable and safe. While maintaining a pristine home under various circumstances may cost a lot of money, you could cut these costs if you try. Please have a look at the four tips below that stand to help you clean your home on a budget. They will also help you to enjoy a space that feels every bit as fresh and unique as it looks.

1. Invest in Quality Cleaning Supplies

The first thing that you need to do is to invest in quality cleaning supplies. Get your cleaning supplies from a janitorial supply store or a local hardware shop to have an easier time. They’ll have much better quality items in stock that you won’t keep breaking. Buying flimsy, cheap supplies several times will likely cost you a considerably higher amount of money than you’d have to spend on getting quality items once. When you get the supplies you need, remember to clean your entire house and the various elements as often as they need to be cleaned. For instance, manufacturers suggest you clean heat exchangers at least once every five years.

2. Shop Around for the Right Cleaning Service

When you need to pay for a cleaning service to get your home in better shape, it’s a good idea to shop around for one. This is because various cleaning services will have different pricing options. They may also offer differing cleaning solutions, so it’s best to find a company that can give you the specific service you need. While shopping around, you may be interested to learn that many cleaning services, according to Thimble, cost $100 to $150 for each job that they do. This should give you a good idea of the costs that you’re likely to encounter. This way, you’ll not be likely to get overcharged and should be on high alert if a cleaning service asks for a lot less.

3. Clean Regularly

If you want to lower your expenses on cleaning your home, it’s best to clean often. Doing this can help you keep the amount of cleaning needed each time to a minimum. You’ll also spend less time cleaning your home to get more done quickly. While doing this, ensure to dispose of waste safely and responsibly, recycling and composting as necessary. Paper is one of the most recycled materials, according to Reader’s Digest. This means that you can live more sustainably if you clean frequently and eliminate waste correctly.

4. Declutter Religiously

Last but not least, you should declutter your home regularly for the best outcome. Doing this will make it easier to clean and keep your home tidy. To have an easier time once you declutter and get rid of everything you don’t use, ensure that everything has its spot in the house. You could donate or sell unnecessary items around your home so that you don’t have to pay to keep them in storage when you may never use them again. Practice getting things back to where they need to be once you’re done using them, and there will be less that needs to be done to get the home in good shape.

These four tips should help you clean your home on a budget and enjoy living in a clean and beautiful space. While it may be hard to form the habits you need to practice to keep your home clean, it’s worth the effort. Teach your family the same habits, and they could benefit from them for the rest of their lives as they’ll know what to do to keep their homes clean on a budget.

Tips for Finding a Nursing Home to Meet Your Budget

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Finding a nursing home to meet your budget can be a difficult process. However, it’s vital to ensure that the facility you choose is one that can meet your care needs, while also being affordable. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care, here are some tips to help you find a nursing home that fits within your budget.

Research Your Options

According to data from the Payroll-Based Journal, nearly three in four nursing homes did not meet the expected registered nurse staffing levels recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2017 and 2018. Low staffing levels are just one factor to consider when researching nursing homes. You’ll also want to look for facilities that offer activities, recreational options, and other amenities that fit your needs. Research nursing homes in your area and compare their services, pricing, and quality ratings.

To make your research easier, consider using an online database such as the Medicare Nursing Home Compare tool to access information on quality ratings, staffing levels, and other data points.

Consider Veterans Benefits

For those who are eligible, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several benefits for veterans and their spouses who require long-term care. The VA operates several nursing home facilities nationwide and provides financial assistance in the form of pension aid payments to cover some or all of a veteran’s nursing home costs. Eligibility requirements vary based on service history, disability rating, and income.

Compare Prices

Comparing prices for your budget is an important step in the process. Nursing homes can widely differ in costs, sometimes even for facilities that are fairly close to each other. Make sure to get quotes from several different nursing homes before making a decision.

Most nursing homes also have different payment plans and discounts available, so be sure to ask about any possible discounts or incentives you qualify for. For example, some nursing homes offer discounted rates for residents who need less care than other residents.

Check for Payment Assistance

You may be able to receive financial assistance from your state or local government, insurance companies, or other organizations to help pay for nursing home care. Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are some of the most common options for payment. In addition, you might be able to receive Medicaid benefits even if you don’t meet the poverty guidelines. With one in nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer and some of those cases being terminal, you might want to check for any help that’s available when looking for long-term care.

Visit the Facility

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the potential nursing homes and get a feel for the atmosphere. Speak with administrators and staff members to learn more about their policies and the quality of care they provide. Ask questions about staff qualifications, medical services, and other aspects of resident care.

Finally, put yourself in the shoes of your loved one. For instance, 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. If your loved one were to need dental care, how easy would it be to access that care? If the answer is not very easy, you may want to look at other options.

Check Out the Quality Ratings

Reviews, ratings, and feedback from other families are important indicators of quality. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide a star rating system to help you easily compare facilities based on their overall performance. When looking at the ratings, make sure to pay attention to the staffing level scores as well as any complaints or citations that have been lodged against the home.

By taking your time and researching all of your options, you can find a nursing home that fits both your needs and your budget. Knowing what services each facility provides and how much they cost will help ensure that you find the right place for yourself or a loved one. Ultimately, finding an affordable yet quality nursing home is possible with some diligent research and patience. If you need help finding a nursing home that fits your budget, call us today!

How to Revamp Your Living Room on a Budget

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Revamping your living room at home can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a tight budget. Whether you want to give the space an entirely new look or just change a few key elements, these tips can help you make a big impact without breaking the bank.

Find Used Furniture

Used furniture is often a great option for budget-friendly living room makeovers. Check websites such as Craigslist, OfferUp, and eBay for gently used furniture that could be incorporated into your new look. If you plan to paint the piece, look for solid wood items with minimal damage that can be easily transformed with a coat of paint and some sanding. In addition to used furniture, you can also shop for hand-crafted furniture, like 100% of Amish furniture is hand-crafted. Shopping at local antique stores, flea markets, or consignment shops is also a good option for finding furniture that fits your aesthetic and budget.

Do DIY Projects

DIY projects are another great way to revamp your living room on a budget. There are many tutorials available online to help you give old furniture, or even everyday items, a new look. You can also customize furniture with stencils or fabric to make a unique piece that fits in perfectly with your decor. Additionally, many projects are inexpensive enough that you can do them yourself without breaking the bank.

For instance, something as simple as covering one wall with a mirror will instantly make the room appear twice as deep. In addition, adding new accessories such as lamps, throw pillows, and rugs can also bring a room together and add character.

Update Lighting

Lighting is an important element in any living room, and it can often be overlooked. Installing dimmers or adding light fixtures can drastically change the mood of your space. You don’t have to invest in expensive fixtures; look for options at thrift stores or yard sales. If you’re feeling creative, create your own light fixture with items such as mason jars, branches, and twine.

Don’t forget to consider natural lighting in the room as well. Open up curtains and blinds to let more light into the room, and use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight.

Invest in Home Automation

While many people think adding home automation is expensive and only for the wealthy, that’s not necessarily true. There are many affordable home automation systems that can help you control your lighting, security, temperature, and more with just a few taps of your smartphone. Investing in a home automation system can save you money on electricity bills in the long run and give your living room a modern touch.

Look for modern automated devices such as automated blinds or switches that can be controlled from your smartphone or voice-activated speakers. You can also invest in Alexa, Google Home, or a similar device to automate tasks like adjusting the thermostat and controlling your lights. Home automation not only adds a layer of luxury to your home and living room but also adds convenience and functionality.

Consider New Accents

New accents can give your living room a facelift without draining your wallet. Swap out old pillows, blankets, and throws to incorporate new colors or textures into the space. Additionally, you can add artwork or wall decals to brighten up the walls and make them feel more inviting.

Keep in mind more modern accents to help decorate your home and, possibly, improve its resale value! Around half of the homes listed in the DC Metro market did not sell the first time they were listed, so it’s best to take your time to stage your home and create a unique living room that prospective buyers will be drawn to.

By following these tips, you can revamp your living room on a budget and create a space you love. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your living room into an area that reflects your personal style.