Many homeowners take home security for granted. This is a problem that many of us only realize once our home is trespassed or violated. You don’t want to make you and your family’s security for granted, which is why home security should always be a priority.
When planning home improvements projects to tackle this year, make sure to include home security upgrades in your list. When you invest in smart home security systems, you’ll get more peace of mind. You have a reliable system that can help avoid break-ins, prevent theft, and other threats that can cause additional stress.
Good Read: 14 ways to make your home more secure
Investing in smart home security systems are an excellent addition to every home as they can also offer high ROI. The thing is, not everyone can afford such systems whenever they want. Thankfully, homeowners have many financing options to choose from to realize their plans for upgrading their home security systems into better and smarter ones.
Here are some of the ways that can help you fund your smart home security upgrade.
Cash Financing
The cheapest and most common way to finance any home improvement project is by saving enough cash before making the upgrade. The thing is, there are times when you can put your money elsewhere other than for home improvements.
Credit Cards
If you already have credit cards, you can use this to upgrade into a smart home security system. This financing option is usually easy to apply for but can be costly if you fail to pay on time. The interest fees can be higher depending on the type of card you have your credit score.
Home Equity Line Of Credit
If you have enough equity in your home, you can apply for a HELOC. This allows you to draw the funds for home improvement projects such as a smart home security upgrade whenever you need them. One only needs to find the best mortgage companies in Houston and get approved for a HELOC. Take note that you’ll be using your home as collateral, so check the pros and cons before making your final decision.
Good Read: Comparing Home Equity Loans Versus Lines of Credit
Personal Loan
The thing about personal loans is that most homeowners try to shy away from such financing option due to their limited loan amounts and expensive fees. However, if you don’t have enough equity and don’t like the idea of putting up your home as collateral, then consider applying for a personal loan.
Home Equity Loan
Another way to tap on your equity is by applying for a Home Equity Loan. When you get approved for this type of mortgage, you use your home as collateral. You get a lump sum of cash that you can use to upgrade your home security system.
The financing options on the list are only some of the ways that can help finance your smart home security upgrade. Make sure to weigh in your options before making a final decision. For example, you chose to tap on your equity to buy a better home security system. Make sure to do your research and see whether a home equity loan or HELOC will best suit your needs. Shop for lenders to make sure you get to choose among the best mortgage companies in Houston to help you realize your home improvement project.
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Thankfully there are professional moving companies that are experienced and proficient when it comes to packing up a home and shifting it to a new location. You do not have to worry about hours spent emptying closets and cupboards or hurting your back lugging your personal belongings to the moving vehicle. Just keep in mind, there are a few ways to prepare.
- Go Through Your Home First
While the moving company will take care of boxing up your house there is a bit of leg work to do before they arrive. If you have been living in the old home for a number of years it is likely you have accumulated some things you do not want to bring with you to the new one. So spend some time going through your closets and drawers and sell, donate, or recycle everything you have outgrown or are no longer essential to your household. Be ruthless in this endeavour.
- Organize and Clean the House
While you still have to do some serious cleaning after the movers have packed up your belongings you can do some organizing before they arrive. This makes there job much easier as you won’t have clutter and other homeless items laying around your house for them to move around. The house should be very organized and tidy with everything in its proper place. Boxing up your personal items will be a lot faster if they have a proper place prior to the packing.
- Create an Inventory List and Take Some Pictures
While most moves using a professional moving company are smooth and done in an efficient manner this is not always so. Mistakes can happen and loss and damage is possible especially with long distance moves. So it is essential for you to create an inventory list of your important belongings. Also take some pictures of your furniture showing the shape it is in pre-move. You likely will never use them but it is good to have them on hand just in case.
- Label Your Boxes Clearly
If you have made the decision to pack your own belongings it is important to always label each box clearly. Put which room it belongs to and also include what is in it for your sake on the other end. Movers cannot guess which boxes or containers have fragile or delicate items inside so be sure to include this on the outside so they know to handle it with care.
- Keep Valuables on Hand
It is never a good idea to put expensive items such as jewelry or original art into a moving van and so instead keep it with you. Also, any family heirlooms or items with special sentimental value need to be set aside and moved by you. When things are stacked together in a vehicle there is always a change of damage so ensure you keep it separated so it won’t be put into the truck with your other belongings.
- Remember the Refreshments
Moving is a lot of hard work and spending the day lifting heavy items and shifting them in and out of a moving van takes a lot of time and energy. In order to treat your movers right be sure to have some snacks and refreshments on hand. Though they will not expect it, it is a polite and thoughtful thing to do. Even if you just have some water and a couple of sugary drinks it will be much appreciated.
- Don’t Forget the Tip
Make sure you have some cash on hand to tip your movers at the end of a very long day. While it is optional it is customary to tip professional movers. So keep with the times and be someone who shows gratitude for good service. Tip more for difficult moves with lots of stairs and awkward heavy items.
]]>Although it may appear as simple as packing your stuff up and putting it into a storage unit there are some things to consider and organize before you do. It is important to do research as there are some things you should do and others you should not when storing your personal belongings. Professional movers are always there to help you to figure all the ins-and-outs of storage. Here is a list to help you store like a pro.
Do’s
- Research
If you are taking the time to store your belongings this likely means they are important to you and having them get damaged due to things like moisture and mould will certainly be very disappointing. So be sure to make an educated decision and find yourself a reliable and reputable storage company. Also, it is important to be aware that not all units offer climate control and this can impact your stored items.
- Pack Carefully and Strategically
As you are paying for the space you use make sure to pack your boxes carefully without any wasted empty spots in them. Find containers that are easy to fill and that can hold your belongings. Also, when moving your stuff into the unit try to use every inch of it and put harder to store awkwardly shaped items in strategic places so they do not take up too much of the area. If you are aware you will fit more into the unit.
- Make an Inventory and Label Boxes
Once you have stored your belongings you may have to get into the unit every now and then to get something you need. If you have labelled all of the boxes and containers this will be so much easier. Also, if you are storing for a long period of time it is likely you might forget exactly what you have stored and where. If you have an inventory you can refer to it. It is smart to keep one with you and one in the locker.
- Purchase Insurance
Having your personal belongings insured when they are in storage is important in case of things like fire, floods or theft. If you are not insured and something happens there is nothing you can do about it. If your belongings are destroyed or damaged you will not be compensated.
Don’ts
- Store Valuables
A storage unit is not a place for your valuables. If losing it would be devastating to you then it does not belong there. Although loss or damage is not common it can occur so to be safe find an alternative way to keep your original art, jewelry and anything of else of emotional value.
- Give Access to Others
Though it may not seem like a big deal giving access to your storage locker to someone is like giving them a key to your home. Unless it is someone you trust with your belongings like close friends or family it is not a good idea to give anyone the means to get into your unit. It is best to only have one or two trusted people who can get into your storage.
- Keep Unnecessary Items
One common storage mistake is keeping non-essential items you really do not need. Only store the things that are essential to your life and get rid of everything else. Go through your belongings very diligently and donate, sell or recycle all that is unnecessary for you. There is no point in paying to move and store things you will only throw out later.
- Store Perishables or Hazardous Goods
Storage companies have a list of things that are restricted and are not allowed to be kept in their units. Perishable foods or plants can rot and attract pests like mice, rats and bugs. This is definitely not ideal. Also, anything that is flammable or toxic does not belong in a storage unit so be sure you are not putting any of these into your storage space.
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