Tips for Keeping Area Rugs from MovingKeeping your rug in place is important to prevent falls. Here are a few options for keeping area rugs in place:
Clip Curtains ClosedOne of my pet peeves with curtains is that when you close them, they do not close seamlessly.
Don't Underestimate Your Car's Trunk CapacityMy fiancé and I learned over the weekend is to not underestimate our trunk, but to work with it. We saved time and money from not renting a truck (or borrowing) to haul this bookcase home - that we got an incredible deal on from Target!
Dollar Store Placemats as Drawer LinersI use plastic place mats from the dollar store for this. They work best in drawers, but I've had success on smaller shelves with them. You could glue them down, but I usually cut them to fit snugly in place so they can be removed and washed.
Think Outside the Box for Project HelpHave a large job, that is too big for you to tackle on your own, and you can't afford a pro to do it? Trade it for a donation.
Tool for Removing Old CaulkingI needed to remove the old caulking between the backsplash and the counter. I found a really neat tool at Lowe's that made this task very quick and easy!
Save on Remodeling With a Commercial AccountMany people do not realize, if your doing a major home remodel/project you can go the commercial desk at Lowes or Home Depot and set up an account as if you were your own commercial contractor.
Save Manuals for Tools and AppliancesThere have been a lot of posts here at ThriftyFun from people asking for manuals. When you buy any product, don't throw the manual away. Keep a large folder strictly for manuals.
Wet Down Sand Before Placing on Icy DrivewayIf your sidewalk or driveway are ice and the sand keeps blowing off, try wetting the sand in a bucket with just enough water to moisten then put down. The sand won't blow away and you've got traction!
Non Adhesive Liner In CabinetsI put non adhesive shelf liner on shelves, especially in medicine cabinet and cabinets where I store kitchen glasses. This helps keep wooden cabinets from bubbling if items are put in with water on them.
Pictures Help When Buying PartsWhen our home electrical box needed repairs - the main breaker was corroded; the system is over 25 years old and we thought we might have difficulty locating parts for repair of the system.
Locally Owned Hardware StoresPrices are usually cheaper at the big box hardware stores but that doesn't mean they save you money. One of the most valuable services any hardware store can offer is advice.
Paying for Home Improvement ProjectsWhenever you hire someone to do a home improvement project or yard work never pay the full amount upfront. Get an estimate in writing and pay no more than half upfront and then half upon completion.
Nails Instead of HooksMy husband has the bachelor habit of putting up nails or screws to hang things on in closets, in the walls of the boat, and on the side of furniture! It seems strange . . .
A To Do List for Major Home ImprovementWe had major work to do to our new home when me moved in. Let me tell you we had our work cut out for us, but we sat down and made a to do list.
Mattress TipsWhen buying a mattress, make your sure to lay down on it. Just sitting on a mattress won't tell you what it's like to sleep on it. Take it for a test drive in the store.
Buying Shelf BracketsIf you need to hang a shelf, weigh it first and then buy brackets that will hold at least twice the weight of that particular shelf to hang it from. You will never have to worry about it falling off the wall.
Caulking TipsTips to help you with your next caulking project. Post your ideas.
Dealing with Tight Electrical PlugsIf you have an electric plug that's too tight and hard to remove from the wall, rub the prongs with a soft lead pencil.
Make Friends with the Maintenance FolksThis sounds weird, but make friends with your work maintenance people. I have gotten two side tables (parts of desks), a four-drawer filing cabinet ...
Always Anchor Your Child's Play SetAlways anchor your child's play set in deep concrete or you might have this problem!
Our neighbor had this beautiful play set & pool for their children. All of the kids in the neighborhood loved to go to their house. One evening after dinner we had a West Virginia wind and this is the result.
- Ellen
Make a Fire Extinguisher CoverIt might not be illegal in your area, but it would certainly be very irresponsible if you don't have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Yes, I know they are ugly dust catchers. However, it's easy to make good looking covers for them.
Save Warranty Information For Home Improvement ProductsWe recently had to redo the plumbing in our bathroom which included replacing leaky fixtures. Unfortunately the faucet in the bathtub began to leak after only 6 months. We discovered the leak was probably due to the contractor soldering a part that wasn't meant to be.
Label Pipes and Wires in Your BasementLabel the parts of the electrical and plumbing systems that lurk in your basement. Identify each fuse or circuit breaker, hot and cold water shutoffs, heating system controls, gas and water meters, and drain clean-out access covers.