Published on: 27 June 2019
Last Updated on: 02 November 2022
In most parts of our world, drinking water from the tap can be a hazardous affair. Water filter systems can work well in your favor. The reality is that most of us don’t know much about the water we consume, whether we are bathing in it or drinking it. We are just grateful to open the tap, and there is running water that has been treated to prevent waterborne diseases. But does that make your water safe?
Municipally tested water is generally safe to use and consume once it goes through the vital processes in the treatment plants. However, as it passes through the old pipes that ferry it to your tap, it likely collects some contaminants that end up in your glass. Water filter systems increase the purity of the water you consume. They do this by removing some of the following elements.
What You Should Know about Water Filter Systems:
1. Rust:
Generally, water pipes in cities worldwide have been in operation for many years, and although they may receive regular servicing, they can begin to rust with time. Water filtration systems that contain a white filter demonstrate the amount of rust in the old iron pipework as they turn dark brown from the sediment they pick up from the pipe. While that is disgusting to see, it is also proof that filtration systems help clean water further.
2. Chlorine and Chloramine:
Too much chlorine in water can lead to health issues like poor gut health. While chlorine is used to kill bacteria in the water, it has been proven to worsen the asthma condition and even be the cause of developing asthma. Some companies are opting to use chloramine, a mixture of ammonia and chlorine because unlike chlorine, it does not evaporate during water treatment. However, you also cannot remove it by boiling the water or even distilling it. Water filter systems can get rid of chloramine, ensuring the water is pure and safe for drinking.
3. Plastic:
Plastic particles and fibres can find their way into the water because they come from items in our everyday lives. Plastic is present in the clothes we wear, containers like plastic bottles and even in the air as contaminated synthetic air from air conditioners and fans makes its way into the atmosphere. The most commonly found plastic in the water is polypropylene.
4. Fluoride:
Fluoride is one of the most challenging water contaminants to remove. However, it can be removed using reverse osmosis and distillation water filtration systems. The use of a special arsenic and fluoride reduction medium known as activated alumina is also effective. Both the reverse osmosis and distillation water filter systems remove at least 95% of the fluoride in the water supply.
5. Heavy metals:
The presence of lead and other heavy metals in water posses the threat of possible life-changing conditions like learning difficulties and mental/physical retardation in minors as well as the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes in adults. Water filtration systems can remove up to 93% of the lead that finds its way into the water supply. The systems also eliminate other dangerous metals like copper, aluminum, and mercury.
Conclusion:
Apart from reverse osmosis and the distillation water filtration systems, there are granular activated carbon and IE treatment systems to suit your needs. Regardless of the type of unit you prefer, the best water filter system must have independent quality control approvals from industry standard-bearer organizations. That is to ensure that the resulting water is better, safer and healthier for consumption.
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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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Are you planning on selling your home? There are several ways to make it more appealing to buyers, and this guide looks at some of them. These include adding more plants, repainting your walls, and upgrading your appliances.
Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Checkout Six Easiest Ways To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers:
1. New Paint Job
Paint jobs can make your home more appealing to buyers. However, this trick doesn’t cost a lot of money and is one of the most effective choices on our list.
Although you could go for the same color as you had before, we would advise you to go for a shade that’s in trend.
You could add a bit of value to your home by being wise with the paint type you choose. However, go for energy-efficient options, they would help lower your energy bill by bouncing heat.
2. Indoor Plants
Having plants around the house can make it more appealing. They would give your home a more modern feel, and make it feel green too.
Just be mindful to not go overboard and have too many plants – bugs are a risk. Also, having too many plants in a home can increase its humidity. This is not what you want, unless you live somewhere that’s very dry.
3. Remove Any Carpeting
Do you have wooden floors? If there are carpets on them, go ahead and remove them. Hardwood floors are very popular right now. However, you could especially get a good price for your house if the wood is high-end, like timber or oak. Let it shine.
4. Upgrade Your Appliances
New appliances will not only tempt more buyers but will also increase property value. You are advised to splurge on the appliances to get the most bang for your buck. Be mindful and make purchases that will go with your home’s color palette.
5. New Windows and Doors
Just like adding new appliances will help, so will installing new windows and doors. They can make your home look newer, and completely revamp its style. If you’re looking for Doors or windows in Collingwood, Clearview, Adjala or Bradford, these towns have a lot of sellers to work with, so be wise with who you choose.
As replacing your windows is a more major suggestion, we would advise you to look for sellers that offer cheaper rates. If you’re in Ajax windows company are known to offer cheaper rates. You might benefit from working with a shop in this town.
6. Stage Your House
Hiring a staging company wouldn’t hurt. They would store your furniture away and bring in their own. In addition, they would bring specific pieces to make your home look better and complement its features.
Final Thoughts
Considering all of the points that were run through, what do you think? There are several ways to make your home more appealing to buyers. Some of them include new paint coats and buying new appliances and windows too. Hopefully, you found everything that was discussed useful.
Read Also:
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Sometimes you get sick and tired of the same old walls in your home. The paint has worn off, and they no longer look fresh and pretty. You desire some kind of a change for them, and this is quite normal. You can either change them to a brighter color or decide to go for a much darker shade. This depends on your choice and what kind of story you want your house to tell. A change like this is always a positive thing. It immediately brightens the mood of the entire family and gives the house a new glow. Usually, every new home comes with newly painted walls. That's why it is good to have your house painted once in a while to refresh every room inside. With new color, you can always redecorate certain things in the home so that the area will look even more beautiful. Check out the link for more https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/09/tip-of-the-day-how-to-hire-a-painter/index.htm
Moreover, it doesn't matter if you want to do exterior or interior painting. First, make sure that you decide which walls need painting the most. If you choose to paint the exterior, then make sure that you pick the right paint for the house to look beautiful and leave the rest to the painters. The same goes for the interior of the home. You can select different colors for different rooms, or you can decide to go for one single color for the entire house. This depends on your budget and finances. Do the math before you decide to repaint the house.
To make everything look ideal, you'll need the hands of expert painters. Luckily, they are not so difficult to find. Chances are someone from your family is a painter. If that's not the case, then make sure to ask around or do online research to find the right painters for your home. Here are some of the things you should take into account before you hire painters:
Make sure that they have a legit website:
Every legitimate business will probably have a website. The same goes for painters. Their website needs to have contact information as well as a phone number that you can call to hire them. A lot of times, some sites are scams, but that's not always the case. Make sure that the website has a lot of information about what kind of service they offer, which painters work for the business, how much the whole process will cost you and etc.
It is essential to know these details beforehand because they'll help you make a decision. You don't want just anyone coming in with a paintbrush to paint the walls. You need professional painters that will do the job perfectly. That's why it is crucial that you do research before deciding to hire just anyone.
Make sure that they have recommendations:
Recommendations from people are extremely important for a business to prosper. Therefore, avoid firms or companies that have negative comments and remarks. Suggestions are what helps the business going and provides salaries for everyone employed there. A legitimate website will probably have recommendations on their site so that anyone can read. These remarks will in no doubt convince you to hire the painters. If you live anywhere in Michigan, make sure to check Ann Arbor painters among others to find more information about the service they offer.
Everyone that does a good job deserves praise. If the painters do a great job on the house then surely people will recommend them to others. This helps them satisfy more and more customers in the future. When hiring painters, always have in mind to check for their online recommendations. They can serve as additional help when making a decision. After all, you want your house to look splendid.
Make sure that they are efficient:
Efficiency doesn't just fall from trees. You need to completely dedicate yourself to the job in order to perfect it. The same goes for painters. They are hard-working individuals who trained to be efficient painters. Everything takes practice. Painting is not something hard to do, but there are several techniques that you need to be aware of. Skilled painters know all of them. You can trust them to finish the process quickly and professionally. You can even attend to your daily chores while they do all the work in the house.
Moreover, efficient painters will give you the quality that you deserve. They know precisely which type of paint to use and how to use it. They carry all the necessary equipment with them to start the process immediately. Sometimes painting several rooms can take time, but with an excellent team of efficient painters, time will pass faster. You can enjoy the freshness of the rooms in no time. As mentioned above, make sure that the recommendations they have are positive so that you can count on them to paint the house entirely. Good recommendations are what accounts for their credibility as well.
Make sure that they deliver promising results:
You can always hire painters, but some of them will not do the job correctly. Sometimes websites have pictures of the finished projects from their painters. This will help you to see what kind of work they do. If the walls look splendid, then you know that you can trust them with your home as well. If something doesn't go according to plan, you can always ask the painters to fix it. After all, it's your money, and you deserve to have a beautiful paint job. Click here for more.
Professional painters rarely make mistakes, but nevertheless, these things can sometimes happen. We're all human. It's essential that you understand and don't judge them. They can quickly fix the problem because their job is to satisfy the customer. An unhappy customer is always bad for business. That's why when the entire job is finished, make sure that you’re pleased with it.
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