MOVING?
Tips From the Small Move Experts,
BEFORE You Start Packing
August 19, 2008
Andrew J. MacDonald, President
• Moving?
• Essential Moving Supplies
• Guide To Tile
• How To Clean Grout
• Replacing Grout
• Int'l Assoc. of Certified Indoor Air Consultants
• INFRARED CERTIFIED
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If you plan on moving anytime soon, you won't want to start without these extremely useful supplies that not only save you time and money, but they can also help you to keep from injuring yourself or damaging your property.
Dolly (Hand Truck) - Provides 'leverage on wheels' to move especially heavy and bulky items. Furniture Sliders - Provides 'leverage on wheels' to move especially heavy and bulky items. Motocycle Tie-Down Straps - Extremely strong straps used to keep large items (like refrigerators, dishwashers, sofas) secured and balanced when being transported by hand trucks. Forearm Forklift® Moving Straps - A simple, yet remarkable way to carry bulky items from point A to point B without having to drag them. Just wrap one end of these durable straps around your forearms and the other end under your furniture. Wrapping Film - Often underestimated, a roll of wrapping film helps to protect furniture from stains while also helping to keep multiple items secured together. Moving Pads - Extremely versatile, moving pads can be used under heavy items to reduce friction when pushing them around. They also keep delicate furniture from getting dinged-up. Sharpie® Pens - Use these pens to mark boxes and labels in an instant without worrying about smearing. Peel-n-Stick Labels - Label everything! It makes unpacking so much faster. Cotton Cloth - Keep one in your back packet as they are great for wiping off slippery sweat and annoying dust. Bubble Wrap - For smaller, delicate items (like glassware and dishes), you can't beat these. You can cut them to size, and they really help to keep things from breaking inside of packing boxes. Back to Top |
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Grout can become stained or dirty for various reasons. In the kitchen this is usually due to spills and foot traffic. While in the bathroom, mold and mildew are the most common culprits. Consider the follow tips when cleaning your grout:
1. Avoid harsh cleaning products or those containing bleach. They're bad for the environment and they may discolor the grout. 2. For general cleaning, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grout and scrub with a stiff, plastic-bristled brush- scrub in circles to avoid damaging the grout. Work in small sections until you have cleaned all stained areas, then flush liberally with water. *Mixing equal parts vinegar and water works just as well. 3. Try cleaning your tile with a steam cleaner for stubborn stains. Or you may try oxygen bleach powder or a solution of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water if you don't have access to a steam cleaner. 4. Clean your grout regularly to prevent a build-up of dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. To make the job faster and easier, consider purchasing a powered cleaning tool designed for cleaning grout and tile or a steam cleaner- both can be purchased with several attachments included for under $50. Back to Top |
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Grout between your tile doesn't last forever. If your grout is cracked, chipped, or falling out, it needs to be replaced to prevent water seepage. Usually only a small amount of grout needs to be replaced which you can do yourself with a few tools. The ehow.com website offers great step-by-step instructions for replacing your grout.
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MacDonald Property Inspections offers many environmental-related services, including those for mold, lead and radon. At times, additional screening, sampling or testing services may be needed to help you to get a comprehensive analysis of your home's condition and determine potential environmental issues within a home. These services can be performed in conjunction with a home inspection or as a stand-alone service. Please contact us to find out if these services are available in your area. Specific licensing and state requirements may be applicable. Back to Top This is an infrared view of missing insulation found in a brand new home. We hope it is not yours. But this is just an idea of what can be found with our new technology that has been impossible to find until now. We have found overheated circuit breakers in electrical panels and other very dangerous situations. Make sure your home is safe. Call us now for an Infrared Thermal Diagnostic Inspection at: 847-431-8800 Back to Top |
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for YOUR Protection
MacDonald Property Inspections' Qualifications
• National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
abiding by NACHI's
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• State of Illinois licensed Home Inspector.
License Number: 450.0003089
• Certified Mold Specialist
• We generate comprehensive reports of the
home inspection complete with photographs
and recommendations.
• We own and use a variety of specialized tools
and detection equipment.
• Extensive training and certification through
American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
MacDonald Property Inspections
10N673 Oak Ridge Drive
Elgin, IL 60124
PHONE: (847) 431-8800
Email Us
Visit Our Website
Written by Paul Fleming
If you're preparing to move, whether long or short distances, big or small, doing it right can only mean one thing... preparation.
Moving can be very stressful and as a moving company we have refined our processes for easing a customer's stress levels. We've compiled our top six tips for this article.
1. Start with one room. Do not proceed to the next room until you have determined what you don't need. Decide what you REALLY use and what is just taking up space.
2. Take a good look at those big items. You probably have one or more pieces of furniture cluttering up your rooms. If you're not using it, someone else can. If you don't know anyone local who needs the item(s), you can ship large items to a friend or relative in another state - or make some money by selling on eBay.
3. Don't pay a full-load mover to send large pieces. Instead contact a small move specialist. Small move specialists will move a single sofa or a room full of furniture a lot cheaper than a full-load mover. (They combine pickups from a given area and transport multiple shipments on one truck to reduce your cost). You get full service from a professional mover, including inside pickup and delivery and blanket wrapping, but you pay less.
Back to Top
4. You can box up and ship clothing the same way. Or give it away. Get rid of anything that you have not worn in the last two years. There are many charities that would be more than happy to have them.
5. Clean floors, walls, windows, curtains, blinds and baseboards - now that you can get to them!
6. Clean up and organize your personal and work files. Now that your home is clean, start cleaning up your personal and work paperwork. Remember to organize and clean out your electronic files too - including email.
When your small move is long distance, a full-load moving company charges you for a full truck- regardless of how small your move is. Small move experts will charge only for the room the items in your small move require. Make sure to get an exact small move price quote including inside pickup and delivery. There should be no surprises and no hidden charges for your small move.
Take advantage of the move to declutter. Be ruthless. A change like moving house can also be an opportunity to change other aspects of your life (like the wardrobe you've had since the '80's). Hire some help to decrease the stress levels. Aside from tips they should also help with small moves and can supply anything from boxes to moving quilts.
Back to Top
CERAMIC
Ceramic tiles are made from clay the most adaptable material available to make tiles. They come glazed or unglazed in solid colors, bold patterns, or even hand painted landscapes, in sizes ranging from small accent tiles to large slabs to suit any decor. Ceramic tiles can be used on virtually any surface- walls, floors, or countertops- just be sure that the tile you select is rated for the use you intend.
Machine-made tiles are reasonably priced and are readily available at your local home centers. Art tiles on the other hand are usually available only at specialty tile shops and can be quite costly- many are painted and carved by hand and may feature specialized glazes as well. Art tiles may also be made to order for those seeking a one-of-a-kind look, but expect to pay a premium and a wait of several weeks.
Back to Top
STONE
Stone tiles are available in nearly as many choices as ceramic. There are stones reserved for formal settings (marble and travertine) and those employed for more casual ones (limestone or granite). Stone tiles can be polished to give to a high-gloss for a dramatic effect or left unfinished when a more natural look is wanted. They can also be purchased as mosaics that are preset on mesh backing to dress up a shower or backsplash. Select tiles that have a finish that suit your needs- stone tiles that will be used as flooring should have a matte finish to prevent slips especially in areas that get wet.
Stone tiles carry a higher price tag than the average ceramic and will require some maintenance. In addition to a larger initial price tag, installation is higher for stone because it is hard to cut. Expect to seal your stone tiles at least once a year to prevent staining.
Back to Top
CONCRETE
Today's manufacturers of concrete tiles have added new elements. Pigments in the mix create hints of color and they are also making them in a range of shapes and sizes. To add more visual interest, concrete tiles may be stamped to create simple or complex patterns on their surface. They are still used primarily as flooring, but some manufacturers are now producing concrete tiles for use on walls.
Concrete tiles are priced around that of higher-priced ceramic or stone. Do expect to seal your concrete tiles periodically since they are porous and prone to staining.
Back to Top
GLASS
Glass tiles come in an array of colors and patterns, can be either translucent or opaque, and may have a smooth or rough texture. Since glass reflects light, these tiles create an instant focal point wherever they are used, but they cannot be used on as many surfaces as ceramic or stone- glass is easily scratched and becomes quite slick when wet. Glass tiles are usually used on walls as mosaics on backsplashes, shower walls, and fireplace surrounds.
Glass tiles are pricier than other tiles and can be more difficult to install. Still, glass adds instant drama and individual tiles can be combined to create custom one-of-a-kind mosaics. For those on a budget, add glass accents to ceramic or stone tiles on your walls or floors.
Back to Top
METAL
Metal tiles are a perfect complement to modern spaces. Available in brass, bronze, copper and stainless steel, metal tiles come in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Use them as a mosaic or as an accent on flooring or walls. Some manufactures have now combined metal and concrete for a completely new looking tile. Expect to pay more for metal tiles- about that of glass.
Back to Top
If you're preparing to move, whether long or short distances, big or small, doing it right can only mean one thing... preparation.
Moving can be very stressful and as a moving company we have refined our processes for easing a customer's stress levels. We've compiled our top six tips for this article.
1. Start with one room. Do not proceed to the next room until you have determined what you don't need. Decide what you REALLY use and what is just taking up space.
2. Take a good look at those big items. You probably have one or more pieces of furniture cluttering up your rooms. If you're not using it, someone else can. If you don't know anyone local who needs the item(s), you can ship large items to a friend or relative in another state - or make some money by selling on eBay.
3. Don't pay a full-load mover to send large pieces. Instead contact a small move specialist. Small move specialists will move a single sofa or a room full of furniture a lot cheaper than a full-load mover. (They combine pickups from a given area and transport multiple shipments on one truck to reduce your cost). You get full service from a professional mover, including inside pickup and delivery and blanket wrapping, but you pay less.
Back to Top
4. You can box up and ship clothing the same way. Or give it away. Get rid of anything that you have not worn in the last two years. There are many charities that would be more than happy to have them.
5. Clean floors, walls, windows, curtains, blinds and baseboards - now that you can get to them!
6. Clean up and organize your personal and work files. Now that your home is clean, start cleaning up your personal and work paperwork. Remember to organize and clean out your electronic files too - including email.
When your small move is long distance, a full-load moving company charges you for a full truck- regardless of how small your move is. Small move experts will charge only for the room the items in your small move require. Make sure to get an exact small move price quote including inside pickup and delivery. There should be no surprises and no hidden charges for your small move.
Take advantage of the move to declutter. Be ruthless. A change like moving house can also be an opportunity to change other aspects of your life (like the wardrobe you've had since the '80's). Hire some help to decrease the stress levels. Aside from tips they should also help with small moves and can supply anything from boxes to moving quilts.
Back to Top
GUIDE TO TILE
Tile is one of the most versatile elements available. It can be traditional- ceramic and stone. It can also be sleek and modern- glass, metal or concrete. With a near endless array of sizes, patterns, colors, and textures, there is a tile to fit any bill. Consider the following tiles for your next project.CERAMIC
Ceramic tiles are made from clay the most adaptable material available to make tiles. They come glazed or unglazed in solid colors, bold patterns, or even hand painted landscapes, in sizes ranging from small accent tiles to large slabs to suit any decor. Ceramic tiles can be used on virtually any surface- walls, floors, or countertops- just be sure that the tile you select is rated for the use you intend.Machine-made tiles are reasonably priced and are readily available at your local home centers. Art tiles on the other hand are usually available only at specialty tile shops and can be quite costly- many are painted and carved by hand and may feature specialized glazes as well. Art tiles may also be made to order for those seeking a one-of-a-kind look, but expect to pay a premium and a wait of several weeks.
Back to Top
STONE
Stone tiles are available in nearly as many choices as ceramic. There are stones reserved for formal settings (marble and travertine) and those employed for more casual ones (limestone or granite). Stone tiles can be polished to give to a high-gloss for a dramatic effect or left unfinished when a more natural look is wanted. They can also be purchased as mosaics that are preset on mesh backing to dress up a shower or backsplash. Select tiles that have a finish that suit your needs- stone tiles that will be used as flooring should have a matte finish to prevent slips especially in areas that get wet.
Stone tiles carry a higher price tag than the average ceramic and will require some maintenance. In addition to a larger initial price tag, installation is higher for stone because it is hard to cut. Expect to seal your stone tiles at least once a year to prevent staining.
Back to Top
CONCRETE
Today's manufacturers of concrete tiles have added new elements. Pigments in the mix create hints of color and they are also making them in a range of shapes and sizes. To add more visual interest, concrete tiles may be stamped to create simple or complex patterns on their surface. They are still used primarily as flooring, but some manufacturers are now producing concrete tiles for use on walls.
Concrete tiles are priced around that of higher-priced ceramic or stone. Do expect to seal your concrete tiles periodically since they are porous and prone to staining.
Back to Top
GLASS
Glass tiles come in an array of colors and patterns, can be either translucent or opaque, and may have a smooth or rough texture. Since glass reflects light, these tiles create an instant focal point wherever they are used, but they cannot be used on as many surfaces as ceramic or stone- glass is easily scratched and becomes quite slick when wet. Glass tiles are usually used on walls as mosaics on backsplashes, shower walls, and fireplace surrounds.
Glass tiles are pricier than other tiles and can be more difficult to install. Still, glass adds instant drama and individual tiles can be combined to create custom one-of-a-kind mosaics. For those on a budget, add glass accents to ceramic or stone tiles on your walls or floors.
Back to Top
METAL
Metal tiles are a perfect complement to modern spaces. Available in brass, bronze, copper and stainless steel, metal tiles come in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Use them as a mosaic or as an accent on flooring or walls. Some manufactures have now combined metal and concrete for a completely new looking tile. Expect to pay more for metal tiles- about that of glass.
Back to Top