How To Make Use Of Your Garage Space Without Creating A Mess

Garages are the perfect space for projects and large items, but they can easily become a cluttered mess. Follow these tips to make use of your garage without creating a mess: turn it into an office or workspace, use it as storage for things you don't want in the house, organize everything so that you know what's there with labels and bins, get rid of junk by giving away what you no longer need on sites like Craigslist or Freecycle. With just a little time and effort, your garage will be transformed from cluttered chaos to an organized refuge.

Why your garage is a great place to store a lot of items

Firstly, garages have a lot of storage and space that can be used in many different ways. They are usually the largest space in the home, making them perfect for storing things such as gardening supplies, tools, and old furniture. Secondly, garages are often neglected spaces so they may not require much work on your part to make them usable. Lastly, because your garage is likely to stay dry most of the time, it's a great place to store not only items that need protection from water but also those that need protection from mold or insects (such as firewood).

Change your garage into a studio for your favorite hobby

Do you do backyard gardening or crafts? Do you like to learn new skills and challenge yourself in the process? Then dedicate an area of your garage to it - it'll give you plenty of storage space, which will make tackling such projects easier. You may even end up enjoying these hobbies more because they take place in a fun, safe, and familiar environment.

To make use of the space, you can create a workbench that will provide useful and convenient storage for all your materials and tools. You could also move some of those unused cabinets from your kitchen to this area. They'll be perfect for storing smaller items that are needed more often when working on these projects.

Supply storage for things such as school/ office supplies, extra paper, magazines...

Garages are usually large enough to hold bags of supplies used at school/ work. It's very convenient to store them in the garage and simply grab them when you leave or need them. You can also keep extra bags from school/ work supplies on hand if those supplied by the school/ workplace are running low. This makes it easy to grab a few extras (especially during winter break!) without leaving the house, instead of having to go out and buy a new supply bag every time your current one runs out.

Setting up a work area for when you need to get stuff done outside of the house

Garages are also great if you like working on things outside the house but with no dedicated space at hand. For example, during the summer months most people like doing some yard work regardless of whether their yards have any actual gardens in them. In these cases, a garage is a perfect place to get your work done without having to worry about getting stuff dirty or breaking it. It's also a great way not to lose any supplies that you might need for other tasks!

Keeping in touch with friends and family

A garage can also be used as a roomier living or dining area by extending the house with an attached deck if needed, or just by opening up the back wall of the garage. This creates flexibility if you have guests which turn into impromptu dinner parties. The same goes for doing arts & crafts together - mix paints and glues inside while working on your latest project out on the deck or porch. If this becomes something you do often when it's warm outside, a garage can also be used to host your guests (not too often, of course - this is still the garage we're talking about!).

Connect with your creative side by setting up an office in your garage

Sometimes you may need to escape the hustle and bustle of home life - especially if you're trying to do something important or focused. If you want some peace and quiet without going very far away, then set up a mini office in your garage (and don't forget to decorate it!). Having an office available at home is very convenient if you really need to get things done - it'll save you the trip of going specifically to a coffee shop or library just because you felt like getting out of the house.

Garages are a great place to store a lot of items and supply storage. They're also good for setting up work areas outside the house or using them as an office space if you need them. Garage makeovers have been popular in recent years, so why not give your garage some love today?

7 Ideas For A Garage Makeover That’ll Totally Transform Its Look

Who says your garage cannot be pretty? Even though you may only use it to park your car and as storage for your lawnmower, it doesn’t need to be boring. Consider giving your Phoenix garage a makeover, and it may soon be the most exciting part of your home. You may even be able to repurpose it for a gym, playroom, or home office. Here are a few ideas to transform the look of your garage completely.

1. Replace the Door

A simple change of the garage door can transform its entire look. While traditional doors are okay, it would be great to bring something with a new aesthetic charm. Roll up doors in Phoenix are popular for their good looks and general functionality. Beautiful doors are a must even if you only plan on using the garage for parking your car. A pretty door will boost your mood and encourage you to put in more effort into making your garage better. Consider using French doors if you wish to allow more light into your home. Paired with some blinds, you get the perfect balance of airiness and privacy. 

2. New Flooring 

If you have a dirty concrete floor, it's time to let it go. Depending on your budget, there are many ways to update your garage flooring. When you are on a strict budget, pointing is your best option. You get a pop of color and also get to hide old stains. An epoxy coat paint will give you a beautiful stain-resistant finish. 

If you want something more interesting, consider going with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. They come in many fun colors and make it easy to customize your garage. If you will be converting your garage into a playroom, rubber tiles would be better options. 

3. Storage On the Ceiling

If you have a lot of clutter in your garage, consider using the ceiling as extra storage. Move as many storage options to the ceiling as you can. Your space will look better when there are fewer items on the floor. Snow tires, bikes, and other large items can occupy a lot of space. If they aren’t used often, it would be best to keep them out of your way. 

Most home improvement stores will have hoist pulley systems. They let you strap large items to your garage ceiling. If you are storing seasonal items in plastic bins, they can go on the ceiling too. Hold them in place with plywood flanges. 

4. Pay Attention to the Walls

No matter how much you do to decorate your wall, unfinished walls will always stand out like a sore thumb. Use bright warm paint to give your garage walls some life. Depending on the effect you want to create, you may also add wall hangings and art pieces to your walls. 

5. Improve Your Lighting

Bright lights will make your garage door feel airy and spacious. They make you want to spend a lot of time there. If the lights are dim, the garage may look and feel dingy. Consider installing motion sensor lights. They automatically turn on when you get into the garage. These lights will make your garage convenient and unique. 

6. Loft Your Garage

Lofting your garage is a fun makeover idea. This way, you get to park your cars while also enjoying storage. It is like having a big attic that you can access whenever you want. A lofted garage is perfect when you are looking for additional storage. It can serve as an extra living space, bedroom, or office. There are no limits. 

7. Build a New One

If your garage is falling apart and difficult to remodel, it may be time to build a new one. Replace your old, outdated garage with a new one that can improve the curb appeal of your property. You also get the chance to customize it to suit your current needs. 

If, for example, you need extra living space for your parties or you have a big family with many cars, you can build a large garage. You get the chance to fix whatever you disliked in your old garage. 

A garage makeover in Phoenix may seem difficult, but it is a lot easier than you imagine. You don’t need to spend too much money or make changes to see results. Simple tips like changing your flooring, replacing your doors, updating your walls, and getting new lighting fixtures can have astonishing results. If your garage is old and outdated, consider building a new one.

The Mini Guide: How To Choose A Perfect Vehicle For You

Choosing a new vehicle can be difficult. There are so many different factors to consider, and each one is important. You want the car to fit your lifestyle, but you also want it to be safe and practical for day-to-day use. This blog post is going to cover some of the most important things you need to know when choosing a perfect car for yourself!

Identify your needs

One of the primary factors in choosing the perfect vehicle is determining your needs. Do you need a car for commuting? Or do you just need something to transport around your family and pets?

Do some research because there are plenty of resources out there with reviews on cars, like Consumer Reports or Edmunds. If you're not sure what type of car would best suit your needs, you can always consult a car dealership for a mini. Explore online sources where you may come across miniofmtlaurel.com. In any case, you can visit their car dealership in Mt Laurel now and ask for more information about the cars. Some of the other questions you need to answer are: Do you need a vehicle for long or short distances? How often will you use your car, and where are these destinations? What is the budget range that you can afford to purchase this new vehicle?

Research the different types of vehicles

Another thing to keep in mind while looking for the perfect car is researching different types of vehicles. You may choose a family vehicle like an SUV or you could choose more of a sporty car instead, or even a mini, depending on your needs and preferences. This will ensure that you get the most out of your new purchase!

Another one of the most important things to take into consideration is how much maintenance each type of vehicle will need. Researching this ahead of time can save you money and reduce any surprises down the line. If you choose a more expensive model, it may cost higher fees for upkeep or repairs in general. On the other hand, a cheaper model may cost less to maintain and repair.

Make a list of all the cars you're considering

As soon as you have your list, rank them in order from best to worst. Your ranking can largely depend on your priorities. For instance, if you're looking for a car that's fuel-efficient and has great safety ratings, rank the ones with good MPG numbers or five stars on the NHTSA website higher. Otherwise, if you really like a mini, then put it on the top of your list.

Test drive each vehicle on your list 

Another thing you should do is take the vehicle for a test drive! You want something that will fit your lifestyle, so choose wisely. If possible, try out different models to get an idea of what's available on the market today, as well as what's the most affordable to choose!

Ask for advice from your network

You can also choose to ask for advice from your network. Getting a second opinion is always helpful, so choose someone who has had experience with purchasing cars and test driving them! In this case, you can ask for recommendations from your friends, family members, or other people who have owned a car before. There is also the option for you to check online reviews and compare prices

Consider how the vehicle will fit into your lifestyle

One of the questions you need to answer includes whether it is easy to park the vehicle in your area. If you choose to drive a truck, make sure that parking is available for you! Your final consideration should be whether or not the price of the car fits within your budget. There are many websites out there that can help you find cars by their cost range, so choose one of these to find the best deals!

Figure out what type of fuel efficiency you want

You should also know which kind of engine might work best with that goal in mind. For example, a hybrid car will usually have better fuel efficiency than an SUV. Conversely, SUVs are usually better if you live in a rural area or choose to go off-road. Consider that you could also make modifications to your car in order to change it's overall output too. One relevant example would be if you were to consider fitting fuel injectors from a company such as Excess Injectors, these could likely change the fuel efficiency of a car in a way that makes it preferable over another model.

The best way to make your decision is by considering the needs you have, researching different vehicle types, making a list of all cars you're considering, test driving each on that list, and asking for advice from those in your network. You should also consider how the car will fit into your lifestyle as well as what type of fuel efficiency you want it to have. The tips above can help figure out which one would be right for you!

Best Family Luxury Cars to Buy Used 2021

There are many family luxury cars available used in 2021 which can make it difficult trying to find the one that’s best for your needs. This post takes you through what three of the best luxury family cars have to offer. 

Cadillac XT5 Luxury

The Cadillac XT5 is the best-selling luxury crossover vehicle due to its connectivity features, spacious cargo room, and safety elements. 

We liked how the XT5 includes a four-cylinder V-6 engine that’s turbocharged. The result is 237 horsepower which provides enough power for many people. Having said that, it may not be the kind of power that some people are looking for, especially when you compare it to other high-performance Cadillacs.

Although, if you were looking for a vehicle that you can use to get around during the day quietly, you may be impressed with how the V-6 engine is surprisingly quiet. This is the case for drivers who aren’t too heavy on the gas. 

There’s enough room on the inside of this car for multiple passengers to sit comfortably. We liked how ergonomic elements and high-quality materials were used to design the interior of this vehicle. 

When the rear seats are folded, you can hold up to 24 carry-on luggage holders. Up to 10 carry-on holders can be stored when the rear seats are up. This is great for people interested in traveling and having lots of space for items. 

For the version of this car without the V-6 engine and front-wheel drive, you’re provided with 21 mpg when driving in the city. Whilst on the highway, you’re able to get 28 mpg. The combined result is 24 mpg. However, the XT5 that comes with a V-6 engine gives you 18 mpg for city driving and 26 mpg for highway driving.

The result is a total of 21 mpg combined. Another important consideration involves whether or not you have the all-wheel-drive feature included. This feature reduces the mpg slightly. Although, having an all-wheel-drive could be worth it if you want to be better prepared for driving in poor weather conditions. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Cadillac XT5 a rating of five stars. Whilst this is pretty impressive, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety didn’t provide as high reviews due to how the headlamps of the vehicle don’t have the highest performance. 

In addition to this, there are driver-assist features that include a blind-spot feature that costs more to have included. 

Some of the main safety features included with the XT5 include lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and an automated braking system. The lane assist can be great for helping to keep you in line when driving on the highway.

Drivers have been impressed with how the XT5 comes with a touchscreen display that’s 8 inches. This enables you to see the screen in clarity whilst driving. The touchscreen is also responsive and easy to use. 

In addition to this, the XT5 is compatible with Android and Apple devices which makes it convenient to connect your devices to the vehicle. This is helpful when it comes to making and receiving hands-free calls, as well as listening to your music. 

You can even have access to Wi-Fi by connecting your device to the built-in 4G Wi-Fi. A phone charging pad has also been implemented in the front of the vehicle. Therefore, people in the front can wirelessly charge their devices whilst on the move. 

Audi A8 

The Audi A8 is another popular contender for being one of the best Luxury cars to purchase used in 2021. We liked how the steering wheel can be adjusted with an electronic system to your preference. Lumbar support is available for the seats and the front seats can either be heated or cooled. 

This vehicle has lots of room for passengers to feel comfortable. Tall passengers in particular like how they’re able to stretch their legs and not feel cramped. Furthermore, you have the option to add massage features to the seats. 

The seats can recline and a footrest can be included for you to lay back and relax after a long drive. The available display lets you control all of these features and it’s easy to use.

This car is available with a 3-liter diesel or petrol option. For long-distance driving, the diesel option is best because it has better fuel economy. However, the petrol version is much quicker and feels sportier to drive. 

If you’re driving long distances with your family, you’ll make use of the AI traffic jam pilot feature. This enables the vehicle to drive by itself at speeds of up to 37 mph. So, during traffic jams, you can relax and let the car drive itself. 

You can also have a smooth driving experience due to the Predictive Active Suspension system that’s available. 

The 2018 model of this vehicle can be purchased used for between $17,000 and $75,000 depending on the model that you’ve chosen. Some providers allow you to easily check the prices for used cars online, Gettacar.com for example.

Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class is available with a 350 D V-6 engine that provides you with 254 horsepower. As a result, drivers are provided with an excellent mix between performance and practicality. 

Passengers can sit comfortably inside this car due to how the overall drive quality is great. There aren’t many bumps or vibrations that passengers can feel whilst you’re driving. 

You can find this car used with either long-wheelbase or standard versions. Most people prefer the long-wheelbase versions because they enable you to have more space for passengers who are sitting in the back. 

The S-Class is available in the AMG Line too which boosts the sporty features of the vehicle. They’re faster and even come with V-8 petrol engines, however, these versions are costlier. 

Conclusion

Be sure to consider the main features of each vehicle and the primary benefits that you want to receive. After reading through our post on what some of the best used luxury vehicles in 2021 are, we hope that you’re able to feel more confident about picking the one that’s best for you.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Home Tidy And Organized

If you are like most people, there’s a big chance you spend a huge chunk of your time at home, especially since covid-19 erupted. Let’s look at it this way. You sleep for eight hours, have dinner at home, spend some time with the kids and perhaps watch a movie or read a book before you sleep each day. Give or take, that’s slightly over twelve hours a day at home for the average family man or woman. Now that most people are working from home, the numbers can amaze you.

Point in case, your home should be neat and well organized at all times regardless of how long you spend indoors. This is because your image, health, wellness, and comfort all depend on it. It may also impact your productivity, efficiency, and sanity. To understand the importance of keeping your home tidy and organized, here are some pointers worth taking a gander at.

1. Boosts Aesthetic Appeal 

The last thing you want as a homeowner is to invite some guests over; only for them to find your space looking cluttered and messed up. This is not to mention that sometimes guests pop by unannounced. By developing a routine to keep your home organized and tidy, you minimize the chances of embarrassment. 

You can create an aesthetically pleasing space that you and your guests find welcoming and comfortable. You also won’t have to lie to a guest by pretending you’re out of town while you are actually indoors. 

2. Save Time 

Regular cleaning is part and parcel of keeping your abode tidy and inviting. If it’s cluttered and disorganized, however, cleaning your home becomes harder and more time-consuming just be aware have you have other options like hiring a cleaning company if you need that extra time for yourself.

If you are like many Singaporeans who value their old stuff, you don’t always have to sell your treasured stuff or donate them to charity. You can consult a reputed service provider for storage in Singapore’s CBD area depending on your needs as self-storage facilities are the best because you can access your belongings whenever you wish. They allow you to declutter your space so you can spend less time cleaning and keeping your house neat. 

3. Allows Better Indoor Health 

A neat and organized space is paramount in ensuring good health and hygiene for you and your family. This is because it is easier to keep dirt, dust, and allergens at bay. Combined with regular cleaning and sanitization, the indoor spread of germs can be combated easily. The air you breathe in a tidy and organized space is also fresher and healthier. 

Additionally, neat spaces are less likely to be infested by pests. This is all the more reason to clean your space regularly and avoid congesting it with unnecessary stuff. For the best results, ensure messes are cleared as soon as they happen. Always maintain discipline when it comes to garbage management and disposal.  

4. Improved Safety in Your Home 

Apart from making your indoor space healthier, tidiness and organization can also make your home safer for you and your family. For instance, removing clutter and obstructions like electrical cords can help minimize the risk of tripping, slipping, and falling in the home. This is more so beneficial to kids, pets, and the elderly in the household.

Apart from preventing injuries, keeping your space neat and orderly can also help reduce risks such as fires to some extent. This is because it involves putting everything neatly in its place, including inflammables, sharp objects, and other potential safety hazards in the home.  

5. Improves Comfort and Alleviates Stress 

It won’t go unmentioned that a clean, tidy, and organized space promotes comfort and relaxation. It helps create an environment where the mind can relax and unwind from the daily pressures of life. It helps you live a less stressful life. 

Moreover, the habit of keeping your space neat minimizes the hustles of daily housekeeping chores, making your life less stressful. A tidy and organized space will also help you stay productive when working from home because distractions are fewer and stress triggers are minimized. To stay energetic and motivated, do not let dirt, clutter, and other messes in your surroundings overwhelm your mind. 

Finally, maintaining a tidy and organized home also gives you a sense of accomplishment. You are confident when inviting guests when you’re happy about the look of your surroundings. Hopefully, these tips will keep you motivated to always ensure neatness in your home and keep it organized.

Common Car AC Compressor Problems That You Need to Be Aware Of

During summer, it becomes extremely hot inside the car, especially if it was parked in the sun for a long time. That is why the car’s AC must be working perfectly to stay cool and comfortable while driving. The compressor is an integral part of the car’s AC system, and any malfunction will considerably affect the AC’s performance. In simple terms, the compressor is responsible for cooling the air that goes out of the vents on the dashboard. The AC has several components that can go bad and affect its performance, but you should know the common problems of the compressor to fix it as soon as possible.

Air Is Cool but Not Cold

When the compressor is not working properly, the air coming out of the vents will not be as cold as you expected. There can be various reasons behind this problem, either the refrigerant level is low, the refrigerant is leaking, or the compressor is damaged or gone bad. If the compressor fails to cool the air, it can’t regulate the refrigerant flow properly in the AC system. The compressor can be fixed, but it will have to be replaced if it has gone completely bad. The guys from Fix My Compressor can help to fix any compressors especially fixing air compressors at home.

No Hot Air Is Being Released Outside the Car

Have you ever stood beside your car while the AC is running? Most probably, you felt heat coming from under the car, and that is what compressors do. They take hot air from inside the car and release it outside to replace it with cool air. A refrigerant leak will cause this problem, as well as a faulty compressor. Feeling no hot air being released outside is an early sign that the compressor has a problem, so check it with your mechanic as it can be fixed if the problem is still in its early stages.

Compressor Clutch Is Not Working

When you turn on the AC, the compressor doesn’t keep working all the time. The part responsible for turning the compressor on and off when needed is the clutch; it connects and disconnects the compressor from the engine power. If you don’t know how to test an AC compressor clutch coil, it is best to go to a mechanic to look at it. The good news is that if the clutch isn’t working properly, it can be replaced without replacing the whole compressor. However, in some cases, the clutch and the compressor will be faulty, and you will need to replace the compressor.

Loud Noises Under the Hood

It is normal to feel the car produce slightly louder noises when you turn on the AC. However, if the noises become much louder and stranger when the AC gets turned on, then there might be a problem with the compressor. The car AC compressor consists of several components, and a sealed bearing allows it to turn. The loud noises start when any of these components or the sealed bearing fail or break. Changing these parts is not the best solution, as they may break again; it is better to change the whole compressor.

Weak Airflow

As discussed before, the compressor lets the cool airflow inside of the car. If you have recently felt that the airflow is getting weaker, it is an early sign that the compressor is going bad. Put your hand in front of the dashboard vents and check if the airflow is like before or is reduced. It might be difficult to notice the difference if you didn’t check the airflow before. The mechanic can tell you if the compressor is not working properly or if there is another problem.

Car AC Compressor Replacement Cost

The compressor is an essential part of any car to make the AC system work seamlessly, and that’s why the cost of replacing it can be quite high. On average, a whole new compressor costs from $800 to $1,200, while the components can range from $650 to $1,000. Keep in mind that you will also add labor costs, around $150-$200. That’s why it is essential to take care of your compressor to avoid any unnecessary costs.

Knowing the common car AC compressor problems allows you to detect them early and fix them timeously to avoid replacing the whole compressor. If you feel the air coming out of the dashboard vent is not cold enough, or the airflow is weak, you should check the compressor at a mechanic. Regularly maintaining your car will reduce the risk that any parts, especially the compressor, will go bad.