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These inexpensive must-haves should be at the top of your shopping list if you want to make your next laundry day a breeze.

Dryer Balls

A more eco-friendly option than dryer sheets, and a less messy option than fabric softener, wool dryer balls keep your clothes from sticking together and allow hot air to circulate more evenly and efficiently, reducing drying time.

Mesh Laundry Bag

If you’re constantly losing your socks or find yourself replacing delicate undergarments after they’ve been destroyed by your washer’s agitator, a mesh laundry bag will be your best friend.

Washing Machine Lint and Hair Catcher

These are truly a must-have if you find that your clothes come out of the dryer covered with more dog or cat hair than your lint catcher could take out.

Dye-Catcher Sheets

Whether you’re washing your new red towels or some brand-new denim jeans, these sheets could be a lifesaver for the first few loads.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Anyone who wants to sell their home should get their mind in the gutter because if a houses gutter system isnt working properly, it can lead to many problems.

Gutters serve an extremely important purpose”directing water away from your house. Without gutters, rainwater can damage roofs, enter homes, flood basements, destroy gardens and even damage the houses foundation.

Savvy homebuyers will know if there are issues with your gutters if, for example, they see water pooled near your home. Taking some time to make sure your gutters are in tip-top condition is the right thing to do.

Keep them clean. This is a very simple process that will keep your gutters flowing. All you have to do is climb a ladder and use your hands to remove leaves, twigs, sticks and other debris from your gutter. Safety is the biggest concern, so be sure someone is holding the ladder, and wear work gloves to protect your hands. Also, be sure the downspout openings are clear.

Make sure theyre secure. Gutters that are separated from your home can lead to all sorts of problems, so do an inspection for loose areas. If you do see troublesome spots, tighten the hangers. Be sure to check downspout brackets. If you dont want to make these repairs yourself, call a professional.

Get on guard. Gutter guards can be effective and are a great selling point because the new owner wont have to clean the gutters. They prevent large items like leaves from entering the gutters while still allowing water to flow. However, not all models are full proof. Be sure to do your homework before investing in them.

Is it time for new gutters? This is a drastic and costly process, but if your gutters are beyond repair, it may be worth it to invest in a new system. There are many options, including the material the gutters are made of and whether to buy seamless or less expensive sectional gutters. And if you do go this route, go all-in and choose a color and style that complements your house and enhances its physical appeal.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

You make a lot of changes when getting a home ready to sell, but one thing that all sellers should consider doing is changing out any antiquated fixtures that might make a room seem old and be a turnoff to a house hunter.

Replacing fixtures is relatively easy and often inexpensive, and can be a great way to add some value to your home in the eyes of a prospective buyer.

Start by going room to room and jotting down a list of the fixtures you have. Include all lighting, faucets, doorknobs and switches. Compile a list of any problems or irregularities, and then think about the best way to replace or fix them.

Once completed, pay a visit to your local home improvement store and buy some updated fixtures that you can use to make things better. And no need to hire a contractor for any of this” these should all be simple DIY projects that you can do by watching a YouTube video or reading a book from the library. If you’re really not handy, ask a friend or relative for help or do hire someone, but these shouldn’t be time-consuming at all.

For example, to replace lights, you can add a dimmer, replace the light plate with something more colorful or shinier and it only takes a little bit of work with a screwdriver. New light fixtures can also change the nuance of a room and brighten up any dark area. You might be worried about “playing” with electricity, but simply cut off the power in your fuse box, and you will be fine.

In the kitchen and bathroom, faucet and drain stopper changes are something that’s easy and can add some shine to the sinks. And if you’re making changes in the bathroom to the faucet, you should also do the shower so that everything matches. Speaking of showers, putting in a new showerhead that offers massage or heavy jets is also something people like.

With doorknobs, shiny is in and can really make a door or closet stand out in a room. Be consistent throughout the house so that you don’t have different doorknobs for different rooms in the same hallway. That look could be unsettling.

Remember, when working with fixtures, there are plenty of low-cost options that look great and will attract buyers in the process. Replacing fixtures is an easy way to spend a relatively small amount and get a big return in the home’s look, which can ultimately lead to a faster sale.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Home is where you spend a great deal of time. You want it to be both smart and comfortable, and to reflect your personal style. But finding the right interior designer isnt always easy, especially if you want someone who will work with you to bring your vision to life.

Spend some time flipping through magazines for design ideas that inspire you”then look for a designer in much the same way as youd look for any other contractor; ask friends for referrals and review their portfolios, and/or call a design school for a list of talented graduates. A qualified interior designer will most likely have a graduate degree in interior design, certification by the Council for Interior Design Qualification, and/or membership in the American Society of Interior Design (ASID).

Then, interview your top three candidates:

Begin by setting your expectations. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to be consulted with every choice, or will the designer have some latitude?

What visuals will he or she provide before the work begins“sketches and drawings, a sample board of colors, finishes, swatches?

Whats the best way for the two of you to communicate? How soon will calls or texts be returned?

How will bills, purchase orders and payments be handled? Is he or she comfortable working within a budget?

Most important, how do you feel you will get along with this person? Do you feel he is likely to listen and respect your ideas, or go off on his own tangent? If she isnt asking questions now”if she doesnt seem truly vested in your ideas”how likely is it that she will listen later?

Like a hair stylist or a personal trainer, a designer should be a good fit. If all goes right, you may have found one who will follow you not just through years of moves or redesigns, but with second or vacation homes and other projects, as well.

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Whether you have an antique farmhouse or a recently built getaway, here are four tips for creating the perfect rustic ambience.

Reclaimed Materials

Its quite common to find homes with reclaimed floors and ceiling beams that had a past life in a barn or mill.

Natural Colors and Textures

An abundance of wood and stone are a hallmark of rustic design. Natural tones are the most common, but that doesnt mean you have to stick to neutrals.

Embrace the Outdoors

Access to nature is perhaps the greatest benefit of having a home far from the city. Take advantage of this with multiple outdoor living spaces.

Keep Tech Discreet

Rustic design is somewhat at odds with smart home technology, but there are smart tech options that won’t compromise the aesthetic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.