Published on: 07 January 2019
Last Updated on: 11 January 2019
The process of kiln drying or drying logs in a heated chamber produces high-quality wood for furniture. It is because it results in less moisture in the wood, thus making it better and stronger. Problems such as cracking and warping are also less likely to happen. Proper dryness of wood is important to do furniture making a right.
Types of wood used for furniture:
There are three main types of wood used for furniture, namely hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood.
Hardwood. This wood comes from maple, oak, cherry walnut, and other deciduous trees. It is strong, so it is suitable for making furniture.
Softwoods. They come from pines and other evergreen trees. They can dent or bend easily, so they are not recommendable for use in furniture.
Engineered wood. As the name suggests, this type of wood is engineered to achieve a particular form. Plywood and particleboard are two forms of engineered wood. Plywood is stronger than particleboard and suits weight-bearing furniture.
What is kiln dried wood?
This type of wood undergoes the process of kiln drying, an artificial way to dry wood. A kiln is like a huge oven that controls air circulation, humidity, and temperature and heats the wood directly or indirectly. Direct heating uses natural gas or electricity while indirect heating makes use of heat exchangers and solar energy. This process makes it highly effective for use in furniture. It can remove about 93% of the moisture.
What makes kiln dried wood different?
Kiln drying makes the process of drying faster. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it continually interacts with moisture for balance until it is completely sealed. It is natural for wood to be that way for a living tree has pathways inside to absorb moisture and nutrients from the roots up. The chopped logs lose moisture content as they dry and kiln drying makes that easier.
The significant reduction in the moisture content of wood is essential to avoid warping or shrinkage with changes in temperature and humidity. When used in furniture, it can destabilize or lose shape. Air-drying is also good when done right, but by using kiln dried logs, you can be sure, because the process is highly controlled.
Benefits of using kiln dried wood
Air-dried logs are also good for furniture, but you cannot really be sure if they are dry enough even if a supplier tells you so. With kiln dried logs, variable conditions are controlled, and drying takes place in a shorter time. Additionally, it kills harmful insects, mould, and fungi, making it safer to use. Kiln dried wood makes the best quality furniture. Less moisture makes the furniture stronger and better looking. Problems such as cracking and warping are less likely to happen.
Drying can be difficult when done the natural way, especially in a wet climate. When buying furniture, it is best to know what type of wood they used to have a picture of how long it will last. The use of a moisture meter is important for manufacturers to address moisture-related problems. Modern times have made it possible for mankind to understand nature better, which is why the relationship of wood to moisture can now be understood and measured.
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So you want to downsize to a smaller apartment?
If you’re banging your head against the wall trying to figure out how to make a move go smoothly, you’re not alone. We’ve all been guilty of having too much stuff!
Give yourself a break and start thinking of solutions. Stay inspired by focusing on the many benefits of downsizing!
Moving into a smaller apartment gives you the chance to start over and get rid of things you no longer need. It can also help you to get organized and keep only the essentials.
Even better, you won’t have to clean nearly as much space and can live as a minimalist! That in itself has some serious perks. Your stuff won’t own you and you’ll have more time to enjoy life.
Do you see where we’re going with this?
Get ready, because, in this article, we offer seven expert hacks to help make the process of moving into a smaller apartment easier.
Here are 7 Expert Hacks for Downsizing to a Smaller Apartment:
1. Analyze the space you’ll have
It’s essential to know the total space of your new apartment before you start the downsizing process.
Take a look at your new floor plan and figure out how much room in feet and inches are on each wall. That way you’ll know what will fit in your apartment.
If the measurements aren’t on the floor plan, ask the leasing office to provide you with the details.
But, the floor plan or provided measurements won’t tell you everything. You need to measure the extra spaces as well:
Closets
Space under the bed (more on this later)
Bathroom storage and cabinets
Garage storage (if your apartment includes a separate garage)
Kitchen storage and cabinets
Other spaces where you might add shelving (like the top of the fridge or in a window)
When you’re done with that, measure your current furniture and decide which pieces will fit into your place and which ones you won’t need.
2. Determine your actual needs
An excellent way to figure out what your needs are is by asking yourself if everything was gone, what would you replace?
Jot down some necessary items you can’t live without such as a bed, sofa, coffeemaker, dog bed — whatever is important to you.
You should also ask yourself the following questions:
What sentimental items will I miss the most?
Does this item serve a purpose?
Do I already have something that serves the same purpose?
Can I use this item to accomplish more than one task?
Is this object in good shape, and will it last for a while longer?
This is the point where you’ll be making some headway on knowing what you’re keeping and what you can live without.
If ever in doubt of whether you should keep or donate something, go back to asking yourself these questions.
3. Set some tangible goals
When it’s getting closer to moving time, you need to come up with a game plan.
Best get started with setting some goals before time escapes you!
We’re assuming you want to declutter and possibly redecorate your new place, and if that’s the case, it’s time to set some tangible goals.
Ask yourself these questions:
(Yes, we realize we’re telling you to do this yet again.)
What do I hope to gain by adopting a minimalist lifestyle?
Do I want to keep the furniture I have or get new furniture (#1 and #4 will help with this)
How do I plan to declutter?
How will I maximize my space? (Keep reading because we cover this in #4.)
What will I do if I can’t decide to part with some items?
Should I pay for storage elsewhere to store extra belongings?
Need some help answering those kinds of questions?
Here are some goals you could have:
I want a clutter-free apartment that will give me peace.
Not fixating on my possessions will help me feel free.
I’d like to have a clean slate and keep my belongings organized moving forward.
Being minimalistic will help me put emphasis on the most important emotional and physical items in my life.
Write down a few goals that inspire you so that when you feel like giving up, you’ll be able to remind yourself of your intentions.
4. Be a master organizer by maximizing space
Since you know how much space is in your apartment, as we recommended in #2, you should already have a plan in place as to where everything should go.
With the limited storage space in your new digs, it’ll help to store things vertically.
Vertically aligning hooks and shelves helps you take advantage of every square inch of space.
You might want to use adhesive hooks at first because most are easy to adjust.
We’ll be getting into how to simplify your wardrobe next, but for now, keep in mind that multi-use furniture can solve a lot of storage problems.
Keep reading because we’re about to reveal some killer ideas.
One idea is to maximize space by incorporating storage headboards. These are pieces of furniture such as bookshelves and a hutch that’ll fit over your bed.
Incorporating these types of units will make it easier to store a variety of items from family treasures to books and jewelry.
For example, incorporating a fitted unit in your closet can make it easier to organize.
Beyond that, think of other ways you can make use of storage. Is there any room underneath the bed you’ll be moving into your fancy new apartment?
If there isn’t and you need an upgrade, buy a bed that has drawers underneath. Trust us — those drawers will be your best friend when you need to store extra items of clothing such as blankets or sweatshirts.
Keep your bed if you like it, and it just so happens that you may be able to squeeze in some bins underneath to use as storage. For example, milk crates work well when you want to store books, tee shirts, and keepsakes.
5. Simplify your wardrobe
Seriously, how do you go about simplifying your wardrobe with you have a gazillion t-shirts?
If you think your new closet is small, just think about the people who live in tiny homes. Now those are super tiny!
Don’t worry; you can do this if they can!
Here are some steps to follow that’ll make your wardrobe functional in no time at all.
Step 1: Get all of your clothing out (ALL of it!) and put it somewhere you can sort through it. Whether that’s on the floor or on your bed is entirely up to you.
Step 2: Next, divide those clothes into three different piles and decide to donate, keep, or store them.
Step 3: Ask yourself if the clothing fits you or if it's still in wearable condition. If you haven’t worn jeans, for example, due to a weight gain or loss, donate or store those items.
Don’t keep clothing that’s falling apart. That’s just a waste of precious closet space!
Step 4: Are you done going through your clothing and separating them into three different piles?
Okay good, you’re going to do it again. This time ask yourself if this clothing fits your personality and your current lifestyle.
Step 5: Mission complete! Well, almost. Organize the clothes you’re keeping, store what you plan to wear later (such as seasonal clothing), and drop off clothes you’re donating.
6. Sell or donate what you don’t want
Now that you know how much space you have, and how to simplify your wardrobe, let's dive into why it's so essential to sell or donate belongings. It's time to stop and figure out which items you can and can't part with.
As you know, whether you're moving to a different city or relocating to a separate apartment at the same complex, moving takes a lot of work.
You should do everything in your power to simplify the moving process.
Eager to make some money to help with moving expenses?
One way to do that is by selling belongings and furniture you no longer want.
Try Craigslist, eBay, garage sales, Facebook, consignment stores, and more.
Before you even start packing, you should sell, donate, or recycle stuff you can live without. This will eliminate packing everything up only to decide later that you didn't need that item of clothing or five extra plates.
If you have problems deciding whether you want to keep, sell, or donate an item, take a hard look at everything you own.
Think about whether another person would find use out of that item.
If the item is useful, you can either donate it or sell it, depending on its value.
Who knows, your trash may turn into someone else's treasure.
7. Digitize nonessential media
Next let's dive into how you can digitize and save documents, pictures, videos, cassettes, videos, DVDs, and CDs.
While it's important to keep hard copies of documents such as your social security card and birth certificate, try to save and scan everything else.
Transfer CDs and DVDs to digital files by using free computer programs such as Freemake Video Converter, Movavi, and WinX.
Scan documents to your computer or save them as PDF files. After you're done scanning everything, use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft One Drive.
Online storage sites are lifesavers when your goal is to digitize media.
Think of all of the space you'll free up in your new apartment by getting rid of boxes of videos, paper, and more by going paperless!
It'll take some time, but it'll totally be worth it. And boom! Suddenly you'll realize you're there.
So, do you think it’s time to move? Even though downsizing may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Moving to a smaller apartment has its perks, such as decluttering your life and organizing your new place with fewer belongings.
Simply put, downsizing to a smaller apartment means:
Enjoying lower monthly expenses and living costs
Not having to clean nearly as much since your place is smaller
Living a minimalist lifestyle without meaningless belongings getting in your way
Instead of sweating the small stuff, take the moving process step by step. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your new digs, relieved that you took the time to eliminate the clutter.
Carolina Creek is a great townhouse-style community located about a mile from Eastern Carolina University's campus. The community consists of 2x3 and 3x3 apartments and contains a full amenity suite including a fitness center, pool, business center, and game room. The community is the best value in the Greenville NC student housing market.
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Hoarding too many things in your house can become a serious problem. After some time, you will notice that there is not enough space for new stuff. Not only that, sanitation can become an issue as well. Piles of unused items can cause dirt and dust to settle. And the worst part about piles of junk in your home is the pest infestation. You and your family could get sick from the dust and the insects living in the trash you keep.
What is hoarding?
Your behavior may not be clinically classified as hoarding, but in general, you hoard stuff when you tend to hold on to things even when they are no longer being used. For example, you keep boxes of old clothes, books, and toys your children may have already outgrown. Often the problem is not finding the time to declutter and get rid of junk. Fortunately, there is always a solution. We can provide you with tips on how to prevent hoarding, even before it becomes an issue. Human hoarding may be linked to animal hoarding habits, but firm evidence is requiring.
Individuals who meet symptomatic patterns for hoarding mayhem experience sensations of anxiety or distress about abandoning possessions they do not want. The hoarding effects clinically important trouble or impairment in social, professional, or other significant areas of functioning (including securing a safe atmosphere for oneself and others).
Scaling down your collection
Collecting sentimental items is one common reason why people end up with piles of junk. If you are guilty of doing the same thing, what you can do is scale down. What does scaling down mean? For example, why not frame one of your kid’s artworks and toss the rest? Collectibles can take up a lot of space. Choose pieces with the most meaning and find a way to give away the rest if you can.
Hire a junk removal company
Expert junk removal in Fort Lauderdale can help if you need assistance with hauling and disposing of piles of garbage in your home. Professional waste removal services will not turn away any job. Whether they need to deal with something challenging, they have the workforce, tools, and equipment to get the job done efficiently. Another advantage of hiring professionals is safety. You won’t unnecessarily endanger yourself trying to carry heavy objects and hauling them to the dumpster.
Donate or consign your stuff
It is easier to let go of your things when you know that someone else will benefit. Donating is always an excellent option when you have too many items taking up space in your home. Clothes your children have outgrown and those that no longer fit you can be sent to Goodwill. If you have old books and toys, you can also donate them to a school or a charity.
A consignment is a good option if you have many small items that still have value. You can contact a thrift store and ask about how to consign some of your things. Do you collect designer shoes and bags? Consignment is the best way to sell some of your stuff for extra cash.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid clutter and hoarding, you need to be extra conscious about how much stuff you store at home. Take stock of what you have at least twice a year and box up anything that you no longer use. Make it a yearly habit to do a major clean-up so that the task does not become too overwhelming.
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Sooner or later you are bound to deal with pests in your home. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try to keep them out, they always find a way to sneak in houses. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get rid of them. Pests are not so dangerous, but they can cause problems and be a huge nuisance as well. Some of them even carry diseases, which is not good. That’s why every household needs to eliminate this problem as soon as possible by hiring pest control services.
Moreover, if you don’t have the time to eliminate them on your own, then it is best to hire professional services. Sometimes people don’t know how to deal with this kind of issue. What’s worse, you might think that you’ve eliminated all of them from the house, when in fact they are still present. Some of them hide between walls where no one can see them. This is why it is always a good idea to hire pest control services and have the pests eliminated once and for all. You can really benefit from this type of service. Here are some of the advantages:
4 Benefits of Pest Control Services:
Keeps diseases out
As mentioned above, pests can carry diseases that can easily transmit to humans as well as animals. If you have pets in the house, it is best to keep them away from the pests. This is also advisable for the entire household. Why risk your health? A pest infestation can cause serious issues and they are quite frequent. Cockroaches, for example, can cause asthma. They also carry with them a lot of bacteria and pathogens.
You don’t always have to hire pest control services when there’s an actual problem. Make sure that you do maintenance checks as well. This will prevent an even bigger problem arising in the future. The most important thing in the world is your health and of those around you. If you notice tiny pests invading your home, make sure to deal with them as quickly as possible. The right thing to do is to hire pest control services.
Better sleep
We all need to sleep. During this time, our mind and muscles relax and we always feel better after a good night's sleep. How would you be able to sleep if the house is infested with rodents that constantly run around the rooms? For starters, they can easily damage and destroy a lot of things around the house. They can even ruin the quality of your food. If you have rodents in the attic, then they will constantly make noise. Click on this link for more details.
The best thing to do is to hire pest control services to eliminate the problem thoroughly. No one wants to live in a house filled with pests. They are not good for anybody. Pest infestations are a common thing, but you should act right away. Don’t let the issue become bigger by procrastinating. No more restless nights because of those annoying rodents. You will be able to sleep soundly.
Thorough cleaning
As mentioned above, if you take it upon yourself to clean the house from infestation, you might not do a very good job. After all, not everyone is skilled in eliminating pests from their homes. A pest control service can do a thorough job on the matter. You won’t be able to encounter any more insects or rodents. Professionals that eliminate these types of issues are skilled and experienced.
They will do a much better job than you. Firstly, they will examine the situation and then start working on a solution. Secondly, with the right technique, they will thoroughly clean the entire place. Moreover, you probably won’t even know which product to use to eliminate the infestation once and for all. Also, they will provide you with helpful information on what to do to prevent the problem from ever arising again. Sometimes, these things happen and you need to be prepared for them.
Decrease allergies and itching
A lot of households deal with fleas, bed bugs, spiders and even mosquitos. They can sting you and cause terrible itching on the skin. If you keep on scratching you can easily transform those bites into permanent scars. In addition, if you leave the problem for too long, it can spread and become more difficult to get rid of. For more helpful information, make sure to check out Statewide Pest Control Melbourne, Victoria.
This is because these types of pests can easily make large colonies or nests. If you notice something like this in your home, make sure to hire an exterminator as soon as you can. Only a professional exterminator knows what to do in situations like these. They will eliminate the issue and prevent it from happening again. You no longer have to worry about bites.
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