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Hacks & How-to’s

Woman sitting at desk in a work from home office

How to feng shui your home office for maximum productivity

In your home office, a little feng shui will improve productivity and peace — both of which you won't regret having more of.
Person vacuum sealing clothing

Does vacuum packing clothes really save storage?

When storing clothes, does vacuum sealing help? We discuss the pros and cons to help you decide whether vacuum packing your items is right for you.
Gloved hand holding a pulled weed with roots and soil still attached

9 easy and effective ways to clear a garden full of weeds for good

Lawn or vegetable garden overrun? This is how to clear a garden full of weeds so your outdoor space is beautiful and pristine.
Water trough with plants

Rustic but modern: Why water trough gardening may be right for you

There are many benefits to water trough gardening. Here are the pros and cons of why this popular method might work for your plants and garden.
Person smelling something bad in the kitchen

How to get rid of cooking smells in your home or apartment

Cooking smells are great while you're cooking, but not if they linger after the meal is done. Check out these ideas to get rid of cooking smells.
Water stain on the ceiling

How to get rid of that hideous water stain on the ceiling and beautify your home

Tired of that ugly water stain on your ceiling? This is an easy way to get rid of it for good without a full drywall renovation.
Two people painting an interior wall

Sanding, primer, or both? This is how to prepare a wall for painting

Painting a room is one of the easiest ways to transform its character — here's your guide for all things paint prep so you have professional-looking results.
Person holding two Styrofoam carry-out containers

Can you heat up Styrofoam? What you need to know to keep yourself safe

Can you heat up Styrofoam food storage containers? Read this before you put your Styrofoam takeout containers in the microwave. Trust us, you won't regret it.
Group of white mushroom caps in green grass

How to finally rid your yard of that obnoxious mushroom invasion

Are those pesky little caps ruining your green and pristine lawn? Here's how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard for good.
Balcony garden with watering can

What to grow in your apartment balcony vegetable garden

Vegetable gardens are not just for homeowners with yards — you can plant a wide array of vegetables (and fruits) on your apartment patio or balcony.
Small bathroom with blue tiles and floating sink

Is regrouting your bathroom a wise choice? Here’s what to consider

Are you thinking about regrouting your shower tile, but unsure if regrouting is worth it? Here's what you need to know before you start any project.
Person getting ice and water from fridge ice maker

Disconnect your fridge ice maker in 10 simple steps

Need to repair your fridge or install a new ice maker? Here's how to disconnect the ice maker before you begin.
Modern home office layout

10 amazing ways to hide a clunky printer in your home office

Is a big, ugly printer ruining your office aesthetics? Here's how to hide it with style!
Instant Pot on table

How to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot – every time

Instant Pot rice cooking doesn't have to be difficult. Use these tricks to get the perfect rice dish every time.
Two wooden chairs next to each other: one is painted red and one is natural wood

Follow these tips and tricks to learn how to remove old paint from wood furniture safely and efficiently

Reviving wood furniture is a DIY-friendly project. Follow these steps to give an old piece a fresh coat and a new life in no time.
Dragon tree on a windowsill with copper watering can

How to prune a Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) so your plant stays thriving

Dracaena marginata plants often get too tall for an indoor space. Follow this dragon tree pruning guide so yours stays healthy and manageable.
Interior of a house. Mustard yellow velvet loveseat. Living room with midcentury modern furniture. Concrete floor. Vintage carpet. Eclectic living room.

We found the absolute best places to buy affordable midcentury modern furniture

Midcentury modern furniture is classy and elegant. You can shop for it at these places without breaking the bank.
Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet

Water in your basement? Do these 3 things immediately

Water in your basement is a serious problem. Here's how you can protect your home by acting quickly when your basement floods.
Young woman on stairs in a loft caring for potted plants.

25 stellar staircase ideas to freshen up the look of your home

Changing up your staircase can be one way to upgrade the look of your home. We’ve got 25 ideas ranging from subtle to dramatic to help you figure it out.
Lucky bamboo in small pot on wooden table.

How to propagate lucky bamboo in 5 easy steps so you don’t have to buy it

Lucky bamboo is a popular, unique, and aesthetic indoor plant. Here's how to propagate lucky bamboo so you don't have to buy more.
Vintage chest as a living room coffee table

How to tell if your antique store find is actually vintage

Is your new furniture antique, vintage, or retro? Here's how you can tell whether your vintage store find is truly vintage.
Friends making a toast to celebrate 4th of July holiday

Add some flavor to your Independence Day bash: Our 8 favorite 4th of July drinks

We’re taking the fun up a notch with our pick of the best tasting 4th of July drinks — if you’re into cocktails or just want a refreshing (and festive) drink!
Three cushions on backyard bench

How to clean your patio furniture cushions the right way

Patio furniture cushions endure a lot of heavy use and damage from the elements. This is how to clean outdoor cushions effectively.
Red, white, and blue theme cupcakes with USA flags for Independence Day

8 tasty 4th of July desserts even baking novices can make

Here are eight 4th of July desserts anyone can make. Before the fireworks even start, you’ll have everyone cheering for these red, white, and blue desserts.
Dead bug with pest control sign

11 helpful tips to keep bugs out of your apartment or condo

Our 11 tips don't require an exterminator to keep your home pest-free. This is how to keep bugs out of your apartment or condo the easy way.
Multiple antique mirrors on gallery wall

5 home pieces you should always buy at thrift stores (and 6 you shouldn’t)

Somewhere along the line of the last decade or so, thrift store shopping became cool again. Here are easy rules to follow when shopping at thrift stores.
Cedar siding on a cabom

Can you paint cedar siding? What you need to know

Can cedar be painted? Cedar siding is beautiful on its own, but if you choose to give it a little spruce with some paint, read this first.
Close-up of a woman holding a wicker laundry basket with white clothes

3 things to know about homemade laundry detergent so you don’t ruin your clothes

Does homemade laundry detergent really work? Read on to find out how effective DIY soap is, how to make it, and the pros and cons of using it.
Girl surprising her dad with a Father's Day gift

10 Father’s Day gifts he’ll be proud to display

Give Dad something he'll be proud to call his own — and something he'll never expect. Here are 10 Father's Day gift ideas that he will love.
Three white towels folded in a modern laundry room

Your go-to laundry stripping guide so your towels can actually get clean

Is your laundry looking or feeling dirty, even after a wash cycle? Here's when you should be stripping your laundry (and how to strip towels).
Single-family home with curved walkway and large tree in front yard

10 simple yard cleanup tips that will make your life easier

Discover 10 simple and effective yard cleanup tips to revive your overgrown outdoor space. Learn how to create a beautiful oasis for your family to enjoy.
Man laying sod over dirt

Can you lay sod over existing grass? What you need to know

Laying sod down is a complicated process. Is it worth it to pull up the old stuff or can you lay sod over existing grass? Find out here.
Curtains in large living room

Blinds vs. curtains: Which should you choose?

Can't figure out if your room needs curtains or blinds? This guide will help you decide.
Wicker laundry basket with multi-colored towels in laundry room

The 2 secret ingredients your laundry routine is missing

Want to up your laundry game? Here's everything you need to know about putting baking soda and vinegar in your laundry.
Kitchen with kitchen table

What’s the best paint for a kitchen table? What you need to know

Read this guide before you paint your kitchen table. We'll give you useful tips.
Gloved hand cleaning crayon off wall with a Magic Eraser

Avoid a cleaning disaster: When not to use a Magic Eraser

Magic erasers don't magically erase everything — here's when not to use a magic eraser.
coffee grounds mixed in the garden compost bin

When you should (and shouldn’t) put used coffee grounds in your garden

How do you know if you should put used coffee grounds in your garden? We’ve researched the pros and cons so you can make your own decision.
Bedroom with a black accent wall

Decorating on a budget: 6 inexpensive upgrades designers swear by

If you're decorating on a budget, try these cool hacks designers love (that are totally affordable).
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom

Wish your bathroom felt like you were at the spa? Here's how to plant, care for, harvest, and hang eucalyptus in the shower for a relaxing, fragrant ambiance.
Costco card and receipt

What Costco price tags really mean

Instagrammer The Freebie Guy recently posted an easy way to tell if you are getting the lowest price for an item and what the price tags mean.
the best grill tongs aop

The grilling and backyard cookout essentials you should absolutely get at Costco

One of the best places to do the stocking up is Costco because their prices are generally lower, and you can buy in bulk and never run out.
Woman hugs pillows

Say goodbye to dirt and odor: Learn how to wash pillows like a pro

Are your pillows harboring bacteria and other harmful things? Here's how to wash pillows so they're fresh and sanitary.
Red house with for sale sign in the front yard

Changes coming to mortgage fees could affect new homebuyers

The FHFA has announced an update to mortgage fees that could affect prospective homebuyers. We share what you need to know.
kids at costco in grocery store

This Costco cake order went terribly wrong

It looks like the designer took the instructions a little too literally, making a cake that mirrored what the person ordering wanted the entire cake to be.
Backyard pool with pool house on the side

Keep your pool house tidy with these simple organization ideas

We’re offering some tips for creating clever storage solutions to organize pool toys and chemicals in your pool house.
Person organizing boxes in their finished attic

How to declutter your home this summer: The ultimate checklist

Don’t let your old clutter pile up. Instead, follow this list to stay on top of your organization.
person holding costco receipt

This meal prep pro made 24 dinners and only spent $67 at Costco

If you're looking to eat healthy and want to stick to a budget, this Redditor’s meal prep system just may be for you.
Small red house with blue and white accents

Protect your investment: Everything you need to know about roof cleaning

Here's a simple how-to guide on roof cleaning and what you need to know to protect your investment.
Strawberries in a wooden basket

Strawberries abound at the farmers market: What to do with this tasty fruit

The best part about the farmers market is the freshness — here's why you should pick up a few extra strawberries this weekend.
Person pressing down on a toilet handle

How to fix a toilet handle (and 5 other bathroom fixes homeowners should know)

If this is your first time in a new home, ensure you know how to fix a toilet handle and other simple fixes to common bathroom issues.