Keeping your lawn, flowerbeds and shrubs looking great enhances the “curb appeal” of your property. However, it can also be a lot of work! Here are some do-it-yourself tips for making these tasks easier and less time-consuming:



- Add mulch around trees and shrubs. That way, you won’t have to cut grass in those areas, plus you’ll avoid the need to use shears or a trimmer to do the job properly.

- Adjust lawnmower blades to the optimal height for short, well-groomed grass. That way, you won’t have to mow as often.

- Use tools that don’t require you to bend over or work on your knees. That will greatly reduce fatigue. (Example: Stand-up grass shears.)

- Consider applying mulch in flower beds. That will reduce weeds. It will also help retain moisture, so you won’t have to water as often.

- Avoid high-maintenance plants that require strict watering and tending regiments. No-fuss plants are ideal. (Talk to your local gard ...

Daydreaming about owning something you can’t afford can be fun. Whether it’s a diamond-encrusted watch from Tiffany & Co., or the latest Lamborghini, even the thought of trying one on or going for a test drive can be exciting.


The problem with daydreaming, however, is that it’s all-too-easy to dismiss it as just that – a dream.

But, what if you daydream about owning a beautiful home in a desirable neighbourhood? Before you dismiss that as just fanciful thinking, it’s worth finding out if that dream could actually be achievable.

You might discover that you do qualify to get into the home of your dreams. It’s relatively easy to figure it out.

First, you need to learn what homes are currently selling for in the neighbourhood you’re targeting. If you’ve been through that exercise already, keep in mind that the market might have changed substantially in the past few months.

The next thing you need to determine is ...

Thinking of having a yard or garage sale? It’s a great way to dispose of unwanted items and other clutter, especially if you’re thinking of moving.

In addition, yard sales have a charm that selling items on the internet can’t match. That’s why they’re still so popular.

If you’re planning a yard or garage sale, here are some helpful tips:


Two-thirds of garage sale shoppers will find you via signage. So, be sure to place plenty of signs around the neighbourhood that clearly point buyers to your location.

Place in-demand items closer to the street so shoppers can see them from a distance. (For example, computers, electronic games, bicycles, exercise equipment, furniture.)

Buyers don’t want to pay a “fair” price at a garage sale. They want a bargain basement deal! So, price items accordingly.

Open early in the day. You’ll find that the biggest shoppers (the deal hunters) will stop by before 9 a.m. Some wil ...

When you plan to take a journey somewhere, you hope it will be smooth sailing all the way. That simply means the trip will be relatively trouble-free, and without stress or hassles.


Well, selling your property is like a journey. So, how do you ensure that adventure will be “smooth sailing” for you?

While no one can guarantee there won’t be a challenge or two to overcome on the road to selling your home, there are proven ways to help ensure everything goes well.

First of all, preparation goes a long way toward having a successful sale. Start early. Make a list of what you need to do around your property to get it ready for buyers. That list will include cleaning and tidying, of course. But, you might also need to get some minor repairs done, and perhaps even a few upgrades (such as painting or a new kitchen sink.)

Don’t wait until the last minute if you’ll need a contractor to do those repairs or upgrades. Find and book a professiona ...

Spring cleaning can seem like a great idea until you actually get started. Then it often turns out to be more work than expected!


The good news is, there are proven techniques to make the job easier so you can get it done faster.

1. Before you begin the project, make sure you have everything you need: hammer, boxes, tape, garbage bags, etc. Think of the supplies you’ll need on hand and the tools that will make tasks easier. You don’t want to have to waste time on frequent trips to the store.
2. Consider renting a small moving trolley (AKA hand truck.) That will make it much easier to move heavy objects, such as furniture, as you’re cleaning. Most local home improvement centres rent these.

3. Plan how you’re going to dispose of waste and unwanted stuff. Find out where you can donate clothes, toys, furniture, and other items. Note the location of your local garbage disposal site and its hours of operation.

4. Divide tasks into “Heavy work&rdqu ...