Lifestyle

Tips to Transform Your Room for Under $20

Home Decorating Tips to Transform Your Room for Under $20

Now that I have successfully moved all my things internationally, I now have the task of settling in to my new home. As a frequent traveler, it is really important for me to personalize my space and make it feel inviting. Unfortunately, this is difficult to do when you are barely making enough to cover your monthly bills. Lucky for me, my friend and new roommate had some home decorating tips to transform your room for under $20. These simple suggestions turned a cluttered guestroom into my new favorite space.

3 Tips to Transform Your Room for Under $20

1. Organize Your Space

The storage spaces are the first project I tackle before any decorating or renovations begin. Sometimes the mental preparation is just as important as the physical.We rarely know just how much stuff has accumulated since we don’t empty or sort these areas often. First, I emptied the closets and drawers to see how much stuff there was. Then, I found new homes for the items I wouldn’t use.

Once I had the blank canvas, the real work began. I started to fill the room with my belongings to make sure it fit the space. After neatly folding and putting away my clothes, I unpacked all my odds and ends. Small baskets or boxes are extremely helpful for organizing beauty products and cosmetics. I also use adhesive hooks to display my favorite pieces of jewelry and hanging decorations. By spending a few hours prepping the room, it made the entire process more simple and streamlined.

2. Rearrange and Repurpose Furniture

I know this next suggestion seems obvious, but moving furniture and using it in new ways can completely transform your room. However, options to do so are limited in smaller spaces. This is when you have to think creatively.

My new bedroom is only 8.5 x 11 feet and included a massive bunk bed with attached dresser. Furthermore, positioning the furniture was further complicated by two large windows. In the end, I broke down the bed set since it was overwhelming the space. I kept the single queen sized bed which is much more suitable to a smaller bedroom.

The last few additions were some small tables and shelves for clothing. These pieces had been tucked away in other rooms, overlooked and under-utilized. The extra shelf space added more storage and places to show off my favorite artwork.

3. Add a Large Focal Point

This last tip can be interpreted in hundreds of ways. However, the goal is the same. You want to introduce a large conversation piece that shifts the focus of your room. The way you achieve this depends on your personal style and tastes.

I chose to use window and wall decals to transform my room. The stained glass pattern gave me privacy from my neighbors while retaining the natural light.  I then chose a large wall decal to mimic the design on the opposite wall. Not only are these decorations cheap, but they are also versatile. They can be easily moved or added to any new space.

If you aren’t a fan of films and decals, there are tons of other home decorating tips to transform your room for under $20. You can paint an accent color on one wall, hang tapestries, use new slip covers, incorporate a rug or create some new artwork. My next project includes some twine, clothes pins, and all the postcards I’ve collected over my years of travel. You don’t need to invest a ton of money or resources in order to transform your room and truly make it your own.

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How to Spot Home Improvement Scams

How to Spot Home Improvement Scams

Hiring a contractor to complete home improvements can be a frustrating and confusing process. While most businesses are comprised of professional, hardworking people, there are plenty of scammers out there trying to make easy money. Home improvement scams are nothing new, but they become more common place during economic downturns. The worst part is they usually prey on the most vulnerable. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and tips to help you avoid them.

5 Common Home Improvement Scams

1. Take the Money and Run

Be wary of any contractor who asks for large cash payments up front. If you receive a request for more than a third of the money upfront, there’s a good chance it is a home improvement scam. Any reputable company will guarantee their work and accept payment in installments. The FTC recommends using credit card or check in case you need to contest charges down the line. Otherwise, scam artists could run off with your money before they even begin or finish the work.

2. The Ol’ Bait and Switch

This is one of the oldest cons in the book because it is one of the most effective. People love to get a great deal so many will respond to local advertisements and mailers. The customer is drawn in by a low starting quote only to have additional services added to the estimate. If you are not cautious, you could lose thousands of dollars to this type of home improvement scam.

3. Passing Off Liability

If someone comes knocking at your door, do your research before you agree to anything. Check for online reviews of their work and official websites to verify they have the proper permits, training and insurance. One common home improvement scam involves traveling contractors who offer cheap labor around the neighborhood. Even if you hire skilled laborers, you – not the contractor – will be liable for any penalties or repairs if they are not licensed. It’s better to stick with certified and transparent companies who guarantee their work.

4. Getting What You Pay For

One cliché that holds true is that you always get what you pay for. If someone is offering ridiculously low prices, then it usually equates to bad or minimal service. Also turn away anyone using substandard or discount products. Trying to save a few bucks now could result in costly repairs. If the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

5. Bullied by Insurance Companies

Even when you have done everything right, insurance companies present another potential source of home improvement scams. Beyond the threat of con artists are the legal ways insurance companies deny valid claims. Be sure to review your policy so you know what to do when contesting it.

How to Spot Home Improvement Scams

The best way to not become a victim is to know how to spot a home improvement scam when you see one. If you have any red flags such as high pressure sales tactics, cash upfront requirements, or no written agreements, run. To help you vet contractors, always ask for references and check reviews online. Lastly, know the laws and terms of any contracts or policies you sign. In today’s digital world, there is a wealth of information online to help you choose the best contractor for your home repairs.

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How to Get Access to Virtual Tours and Events

Free Virtual Tours and Events

Due to the public safety measures in places, many of us have had our summer vacation plans disrupted. Despite the closing of public spaces, some very resourceful and tech-savvy people have found a way for you to still enjoy world class virtual tours and events. This means that we now have access to the most loved galleries and landmarks around the world. The public can now tour some of the most famous sites and museums absolutely free. Here are ten amazing virtual tours and events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

Museums

One major factor in my travel planning is the local museums. I always set aside a few days to immerse myself in the art, history, geography and culture of my destination. I had planned to mark another bucket list item with a visit to the British Museum this summer. Even though my travel itinerary has been indefinitely postponed, I can still peruse their extensive artifact collection. The tour includes photos and an interactive inventory for you to browse without worrying about closing times.

Another benefit of virtual tours and events is that I have the freedom to spend as much time examining the exhibits as I please. When I’m studying the masterpieces in the Louvre, no one is rushing me to the next display. I can also absorb the information and timelines of the fossil records as I explore the archives of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Best of all, there are no lines or crowds to contend with.

Astronomy

For the more scientifically minded crowd, NASA has published all its images online as public domain. You can search images, listen to audio, or watch videos discussing information collected using research satellites. If you decide to take a break from scanning the skies, you can return to Earth with virtual tours and events of NASA Research Center in Langley, Virginia. It’s also an excellent tool if you need resources to supplement you children’s science education.

Cultural Landmarks

As a student of history, cultural landmarks and ancient sites are my top priority when traveling. However, many of these locations are inaccessible until further notice. Thankfully, there are a number of sites that have published free virtual tours and events for these tourist attractions. You can now meander the subterranean tunnels of the Roman Colosseum or stroll along the expanse of the Great Wall with a few clicks. If you have more time to dedicate to the experience, you should consider a virtual reality trek and tour of sites like Petra. Once remote wonders of the ancient world are now at your fingertips.

National Parks and Zoos

Those who lead an active lifestyle and love the outdoors are especially suffering under quarantine. If you are aching to get back to nature, there a few online resources where you can take in the beauty of America’s national parks. Thanks to modern technology you can traverse the sequoia forests and famous peaks of Yosemite National Park. You can then continue on to the craggy canyons and iconic geysers of Yellowstone National Park.

Animal lovers can also enjoy the open-air habitats of the San Diego Zoo with live streams. You can observe the animals without combating weather and large groups of people. While it still remains the most visited zoos in the world, it is now available for people around the globe.

No matter where your interests lie, there are tons of virtual tours and events available online. Check out this complete list of free tours and resources to help you plan your next virtual vacation.

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