Your home should be your haven, not a source of stress. Unfortunately, it can be tough to keep everything about your home running smoothly. Between maintenance, energy usage, and cleaning, home care is no easy feat. Thankfully, there are a few ways to combat out-of-control upkeep. A few of these options can save you money, too!
1. Utilize a self-storage unit for your occasionally used belongings
One common issue that homeowners and renters alike experience is a cluttered space. For example, skiing, hiking, and camping are all incredible hobbies to help you get outdoors and active. However, you would likely prefer not to be lugging around heavy ski gear or clunky tent poles when you are not preparing for an outdoor adventure. Most people only use these items a few times a year, yet they are stuck with maintenance and storage of the equipment year-round.
Similarly, annual-use things like Christmas ornaments or Halloween decorations may be creating unnecessary crowding in the storage spaces of your home. A cluttered space can promote disorganization and make it hard for you to concentrate. Consider placing your items in a self-storage facility. If you are a new self-storage renter, there are a few fast facts you should be aware of.
First, you can use a climate-controlled storage facility for your possessions. This practice ensures that your items are not at risk of moisture damage like they would be in the garage of a household in a high-humidity environment. Storage units are also pest-controlled, so you won’t need to worry about cardboard boxes attracting a cockroach infestation or moths eating away at your wool or cashmere clothing.
2. Invest in a new thermometer
A smart thermostat is an excellent way to conserve energy and be mindful of the electricity usage in your household. For those who struggle with high utility bills, smart thermostats are an effective solution. Your HVAC system goes through cycles each day. For example, when you get ready for bed at night, you may turn on the air conditioner to enjoy a cool night’s rest. During the winter months, you likely crank up the heating system when you get home from work.
The best way to track your energy usage and use it to save electricity is through a smart device, like a Nest thermostat. It predicts your habits, like when you use your HVAC system the most. Then, it goes into energy conservation mode when you are not likely to use it, like when no one is home during the day. If you don’t want a smart thermostat, there are still five reasons a new thermostat is a wise investment in general, smart or not:
- A faulty thermostat may struggle to keep up with temperature settings or give incorrect readings.
- An old thermostat may be lacking the proper programming for optimum functionality.
- An outdated or damaged thermostat may not be responsive to control settings.
- Your HVAC system may suffer from short-cycling or shut-offs before the heating or cooling cycle is finished due to a faulty thermostat.
- Thermostats are only meant to last about ten years.
3. Lighten your grocery load with a meal kit subscription service
Sometimes, trips to the grocery store can get in the way of your daily life. Everyone is familiar with the struggle of pouring a bowl of cereal only to realize the milk has run out. Thankfully, COVID-19 has created a thoroughly saturated market of meal kit subscription services to choose from. You can pick one that delivers ready-made meals that require heating or opt for portioned ingredients to cook it yourself. If you prefer just the ingredients and want to select your groceries yourself, there are options for that too! Diets that subscription services cater to include omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, and those following keto guidelines.
Setting your house up for success can allow it to run like a well-oiled machine. It can be tough to keep up with home maintenance when juggling responsibilities like work, school, or family. Automate some of that responsibility with a smart thermostat or a grocery delivery service. Utilizing the extra space and security a self-storage unit provides is an excellent way to eliminate clutter and reduce the amount of cleaning and upkeep your possessions require.
