Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly.

Trash bags are essential for collecting garbage and keeping it contained. They prevent waste from stinking up a place and causing health risks due to the accumulation of bacteria. That said, for trash bags to contain waste and keep it from spilling and leaking through, they must be of the proper size and correctly line the garbage bin. Here are a few mistakes to avoid that can cause trash bags to cave in and cause seepage: 1. Using flimsy trash bags Buying flimsy garbage bags is one of the most common mistakes people make. While these might be more affordable, they can tear at the slightest pressure. If this happens, one will be left with a big mess at the bottom of the bin that they will have to clean up. Instead, one should use heavy-duty alternatives, like thick outdoor trash bags. They can hold more weight, are durable, and will not tear easily. 2. Using small bags Many individuals use small garbage bags that just about fit a trash can. While this ensures a snug fit, the trash bag may not be sufficient to handle all the waste one needs to dispose of. Furthermore, it might be difficult for one to seal the bag when it needs to be disposed of.

Kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect, as it can make the space more functional and visually appealing. The project could involve major changes like knocking down walls, changing countertops, and adding other elements like a breakfast bar and more cabinets. One may also consider changing the backsplash, flooring, and appliances. So, remodeling the kitchen can be a huge undertaking. To ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1. Skipping planning Proper planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home improvement project. But, for a successful renovation, one needs to have a vision and a definite end goal, preferably on paper. The vision needs to go beyond just how the space would look and take into account how the new kitchen will serve the inhabitants. Would the kitchen be only used for cooking, or will it also serve as a hangout spot and a breakfast or dining nook? One should assess their requirements and list them, set a budget, and list goals before purchasing materials, hiring contractors, and knocking down the existing structure. 2. Underestimating costs Another huge mistake is setting the wrong budget. One doesn’t need to know the exact expenses beforehand, but they should have an estimate of the cost and leave a little room for the budget to stretch.

Increasing water pollution levels is a growing concern, especially since it has now hit home for many people. The availability of clean and safe drinking water is a rare privilege. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the drinking water at home is always free of harmful substances. Otherwise, it can lead to several health problems, such as water-borne diseases and infection. A solution to avoid this is to have a water purifier at home. Water purifier – What it is A water purifier works nearly the same as water filters but has some added advantages. Regarding similarities, water purifiers and filters remove impurities from drinking water. Besides this, a water purifier goes a few more steps ahead by removing harmful minerals from water and killing off all biological impurities. Most water purifiers do this using two methods: Reverse osmosis This method works similarly to the normal filtration process. However, it does not use a device to capture all the impurities and pollutants. Instead, the RO process involves using a small, semi-permeable layer through which water is forced to go. Because of the high pressure of the force, particulate matter, impurities, and contaminants present in the water are captured in the membrane.

The doors and windows of a house are considered to be its most integral components. Keeping them in good shape is imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. It is crucial to avoid making mistakes to keep the doors and windows in good condition. Whether to protect their form or function, one must avoid certain pitfalls, such as the following, to properly maintain their doors and windows. Not cleaning regularly Many individuals often overlook the need to clean their doors and windows regularly. These pieces accumulate substantial dirt, dust, and debris daily. If left uncleaned, the dirt can begin damaging the surfaces of doors and windows. It can also significantly damage the glass surfaces of windows by causing scratches. This is why it is essential to regularly clean the doors and windows with a soft cloth and mild cleansers. One must also ensure that the frames and hinges of the doors and windows are cleaned. If too much dirt accumulates in the rollers or hinges, it could lead to windows and doors not operating properly. Using the wrong cleaning products To maintain doors and windows perfectly, using the right products for cleaning is essential. Using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals might end up causing more damage to the surface of the doors and windows.

Carpets are not just great standalone pieces of furnishing, they can also tie a room together. Additionally, they help the space look cozier and softer. However, carpets and rugs tend to attract a lot of dust. So, they must be cleaned every now and then to keep them clean and retain their vibrance and texture in the long run. Further, one must avoid making cleaning mistakes that can make carpets look worn out: 1. Using the wrong products One may fall for tall claims and bring home carpet stain removal products that can instead cause discoloration. This is because some harsh cleaning products do more harm than good, especially when dealing with carpets and rugs. This is why experts often recommend testing a new cleaner or stain removal product on a small portion of the carpet before using it directly on the stain or for the entire carpet. For instance, one can apply the product to a small portion of the carpet that is not too visible, like the portion underneath the couch. If the product does not cause discoloration or other issues on the test patch, then one can continue using it. The test should be a standard practice for all new carpet cleaning products, even DIY homemade cleaning solutions.

If there were no roofs in structures, one would have to directly bear the brunt of harsh sunlight, heavy downpours and snow, rough winds, and extreme weather, not to mention birds, reptiles, and insects, making the place all their own. However, the roof is directly exposed to all such factors, so a fragile roof is subject to continuous wear and tear. To prevent such a scenario, here are some roofing mistakes one should avoid: 1. Not installing a cricket over the chimney Cricket is a tiny ridge placed over a chimney, and its main function is to prevent water from entering the chimney. Usually, it is made of wood and is an important part of the roofing structure, especially if one lives in a rain-prone zone. It helps prevent leakage and shouldn’t be missed while building a roof. 2. Selecting the wrong roofing materials There is no dearth of roofing materials on the market, but not all of these materials may suit all types of structures. For example, asphalt shingles are extremely popular choices for roofs all over the country, but that’s mainly because of the steep pitch that most residential structures in America have. So, if one has a low-lying roof, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice; in such cases, materials like ethylene propylene diene monomer and sheet metal may be better options to prevent leakage.

Almost every homeowner has faced water-caused destruction in their homes at one time or another. A good way to stop water damage is to waterproof areas like the basement. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people unknowingly make mistakes while waterproofing this place, which could be costly in the long run. Read on to learn about 11 such mistakes and how to avoid them. Ignoring the early warning signs of leakages When it comes to water damage, it is very important to catch the early warning signs. One should watch out for any unusual odors, dampness, or visible water stains in the basement. Recognizing these early can prevent excessive damage and mold growth and avoid expensive renovations in the future. Overlooking external drainage issues To keep the home and basement clean and moisture-free, homeowners also need to pay attention to their external drainage systems. Issues here, such as clogged gutters or downspouts, can increase the risk of water seepage and damage in the basement. One should regularly maintain the drainage systems so that the water is directed away from the home’s foundation. Thinking waterproof paint is enough While using waterproof paint is important in closed-off or humid locations like bathrooms and basements, it should not be the only barrier to prevent water from seeping in.