Tips for moving on a budget

Many people hate moving because it means investing a lot of time and effort into the process. You need to pack all your belongings and unpack them when you reach your new home. This process will take a lot of time, which is why some people prefer to hire movers to help them with the move. This is the best approach because you will have someone experienced helping you with the move. You will have peace of mind knowing your move is going to be stress-free.

Moving tends to be expensive, but the good thing is there are tips you can do to make it a little bit cheaper. Below are some great tips for moving on a budget.

Getting a moving cost estimate

Before you can start preparing for your move and start packing, you should have a rough idea of how much the move will cost you. It is hard to know the exact cost upfront, but you need to have a rough idea of how much the move costs. The costs are calculated by looking at the moving expenses you are going to incur.

Some of the costs are not that obvious, which is why you will do a little research on your part. Make sure you factor in these hidden costs because they can add up pretty quickly.

Comparing moving estimates

It is a good idea to hire a moving company when moving because they have the experience and you don’t have that much time to do all the work involved when moving. Make sure you get a couple of moving estimates, then choose one that works best for you, this will help you to save on moving costs. This doesn’t mean choosing the one offering the lowest price. See the services offered and reviews too. Some movers usually offer additional services like disassembly, packing, unpacking, and re-assembly. Some will even offer temporary storage. You also need to find out whether there are any extra charges involved.

Be careful when you get an offer that is too good to be true. Find out why the company is offering its services at such a price. There are many scams out there, don’t fall for them.

Consider DIY

When you have an estimated cost, you can decide to move yourself if you think it is too much.  When you have a limited budget, you are forced to look for ways of cutting down costs. You do things in a way that fits your budget. If it is a local move, you can ask your family and friends to help you move. You can hire a moving truck and do it on your own. 

There are expenses you are going to incur even if you are making a move. The good thing is you are going to spend less. If you choose this option, then it is very important to start early. There is a lot of work to be done, and if it is all up to you, start early. You will have enough time to do the work. You can start packing a month or two before the move. Careful planning will make the process stress free.

Choose your moving date wisely

If you are moving on a budget, then you need to know the right date to move. There are times when it costs more to move than other times. Most people move from May-September, and this is when there is a high demand for relocation services. This means most of the moving companies will be booked, and it is hard to get their services at a discounted price.

You should choose the off-peak season because it is going to save you on moving costs. Weekend moves tend to be more expensive compare to weekdays move. Choose the middle of the month because most people move at the end or start of the month. Being flexible will save you a lot of money because you can choose a date that works for you while not spending a lot.

Taking only what you need

The more stuff you move, the more you can expect to spend. There are three main factors used when calculating the costs of your move. The three are the overall weight, the total distance, and extra services. You cannot change the move distance because it is a constant value. A good way of reducing your moving cost is by reducing the weight of your stuff. 

Decluttering will save you a lot because you will move with less stuff. There are many things in your home that you have not used in the past year, and there is a good chance you are not going to use them in the future. Get rid of such items because they are going to cost you when moving.

Guest Contributor: Komal Shah

Best 2021 Plumbing Tips from Experts

Most buildings will need to have the necessary systems to ensure it functions well. One specific system that needs to operate without any complications is the plumbing system. Some building owners might think that they don't necessarily need to check on their plumbing system from time to time, but that's where they're wrong. 

In most cases, these building owners who don't take proper care of their plumbing systems tend to get different issues. However, some professional plumbers are here to give you the best plumbing tips and tricks to ensure that your building's plumbing system functions correctly. Here are some of the many expert plumbing tips you need to know about in 2021. 

Removing Mineral Deposits

Buildings will have bathrooms where people can usually take a bath and freshen up whenever they want to. Examples of these buildings are gyms, hotels, etc. When guests and other people frequently use the showers, the building owners need to inspect the heads and faucets in the bathrooms for any mineral deposits. 

These mineral deposits usually happen because of the high calcium and other minerals found in your water. If your bathroom faucets and showerheads are currently experiencing mineral deposits, that means you have hard water running around your water pipes. If you do not want to waste money on hiring plumbers to remove the mineral deposits, you can do it by yourself by removing the showerhead or faucet and placing it in a Ziploc bag with vinegar. Doing so will help break down the mineral deposits faster and ensure you clean the faucet and showerhead. 

Fixing Leaking Faucets

Do you notice a sudden spike in your water bill? Dripping faucets in kitchens, bathrooms, and powder rooms will increase your water bill. The best way you can fix this problem is to inspect them periodically. You don't have to hire a plumber to do this job unless you don't have time to do it. Make sure that the faucet knob is completely shut. And if it's dripping even the tiniest bit of water, you need to have it replaced or fixed at once. 

Inspecting the Plumbing Pipes

Even if you have a newly built building, you should contact a professional plumber so that they can inspect your plumbing system. You'll never know what type of damage it has because you usually find them behind surfaces such as ceilings, floors, and walls. You can also ensure that your plumbers gain easy access to the different parts of the plumbing system by adding a louvered access door. Since they are usually exposed, you can expect the pipes to rust or leak that can cause you more problems. 

Replacing the Water Heater

During cold weather, your building will need a water heater so that people can take a hot shower. If you have a water heater that's been running for more than 15 years, you should consider replacing it right away. Even if your water heater is running efficiently, it's only a matter of time before it breaks and you have to buy a new one. You should have the water heater replaced after 15 years because there are more modern and energy-efficient water heaters in the market. 

Avoid Throwing Garbage in the Toilet

Your drainage pipes need to stay clean all the time to prevent them from clogging up. One way is by preventing people from throwing their garbage and other substances that can clog up the toilet drain. If this happens, you need to hire plumbers to have it unclog, and that makes you waste more of your budget. It would help if you imposed strict rules by preventing people from throwing anything else aside from human waste. 

As mentioned a while ago, your plumbers will need access doors so that they can gain convenient access to the plumbing system. If you're not convinced enough, visit Access Doors and Panels' website and read our access doors and panel reviews.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

My Taco in Frankfort

Are you looking for a new local taco place with flavorful, authentic tacos? My Taco, located at 7940 Lincoln Highway, Frankfort IL 60423 is the place to go. Our plumbers love stopping here for a quick bite in between jobs. They have a great variety of food to choose from, and great prices. The workers make it even better, they are very nice and always helpful. This place will definitely become a favorite for you, hands down.

Noteworthy food:

• Guacamole

• Tamales

• Steak Taco

• Salsa

“This authentic taco place is not one you want to pass up ! I got a chicken taco , el pastor taco , and guacamole and all were fantastic ! The prices are fair and the workers are friendly ! We did ours to go and it made for a great taco night” - Paige N. via Yelp.com

“I've had many steak tacos in the area. By far My Taco has the best steak tacos, the tamales are excellent too! Friendly people and great service.” - Kelly G. via Yelp.com

“I woke up this morning and had such a taste for Mexican food. Unfortunately for me there really aren't any great Mexican restaurants. I'm talking about authentic Mexican food, not Americanized Mexican food. Well, oh my gosh I think I found my new Mexican restaurant. This place is fantastic! The owner and workers are pleasant and professional. My wife and I had 4 different tacos and a tamale. All were absolutely delicious! It's a little ride from where I live but it is definitely worth the trip. Please patronize this place because they definitely deserve it! Thank you!” - Nick M. via Yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

Eggsperts Cafe in Orland Park

If you haven’t been to Eggsperts Cafe by now… You’re totally missing out. Located at 9218 W 159th St, Orland Park IL 60462, you won’t be disappointed. We recently did an episode of Blue Collar Eats on this restaurant, where Kevin himself, with the help of his buddy Gerald, they did a huge taste test and gave their honest review of this place. They source their ingredients from local farms, so the quality of the food is never compromised. This place isn’t some average pancake house with the very few selection of pancakes, this restaurant takes it to a new level. They have a wide selection of pancakes, such as Oreo Red Velvet, Taffy Apple, Banana Pecan, Pancake Tacos, German Pancake, Baked Apple Pancake, etc. You won’t regret coming here to see the other things they offer!

Noteworthy food:

• Breakfast Pizza

• Pancake Tacos

• Oreo Red Velvet Pancakes

• Steak Skillet

“Eggspert's offers a mix of classic and unique breakfast items with a full barista station and smoothie bar. Hubby and I are huge fans of the baked apple cinnamon pancake and their breakfast egg rolls (and that dipping sauce!!)!! The breakfast burrito is HUGE and soo good. It's served with your choice of classic, cheddar bacon or parmesan garlic hash browns. Talk about DEELISH! We ordered a breakfast pizza to share, and it was truly the star of our table. The cinnamon rolls pancakes look yummy--- hoping to try those next time! Oh--- and that churro waffle!!” - Sana H. via Yelp.com

“Great food options! From the steak breakfast rolls to the churros french toast- I would highly recommend this cafe. Theres Something here for everyone! The food was great! Very nice atmosphere.” - Wendy B. via Yelp.com

“I would have to say there really isn't anything wrong with this business from the food coming out hot and prepared good up to the place being very clean and abiding by all the new covid rules we have now.

We went and tried a few things it was very well priced. We went with the breakfast eggrolls which were very good and came with a good portion size. The breakfast tacos not what you think they are pancakes wrapped up and tasted amazing and really fresh fruit inside! The hashbrowns covered in bacon and cheese are amazing id suggest those without a doubt.

Last but not least the breakfast pizza get one they are so so good about 20 minutes for it to be done they are beyond worth it and again priced great for what you get. I would highly suggest this place. The owner/manager was very nice came around and really just made us feel at home hanging out talking.” - Sean L. via Yelp.com

Tandoori House in Tinley Park

Are you looking for a new Indian restaurant to try? Look no further than Tandoori House in Tinley Park! Located at 7982 167th St. Tinley Park IL 60477, this is one of the best Indian cuisines around. They have a variety for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free or vegan. They have freshly baked tandoori bread, curry, tandoori style meat and vegetables and to top off the meal, traditional Indian deserts. These four brothers created a menu full of rich, flavorful, traditional Indian food, and it’s a must try.

Noteworthy food:

• Chicken Tikka Masala

• Saag Paneer

• Garlic Naan

• Chicken Biryani

“Indian food is my favorite and this place is seriously some of the best Indian food I've had! I got my family to try Indian food for the first time and they wanted it twice in one week after trying Tandoori House lol
The paneer tikka masala and shrimp masala are delicious- amazing flavor!
I'm so impressed with this place and so glad to have a gem like this in the south suburbs!”- Kate Z. via Yelp.com

“All I can say is WOW! Now this being my 4th/5th getting food from here you would think I would be upset about something or have something to complain about. Nope! The food here is extremely consistent and delicious. If you are interested in trying Indian Cuisine I would suggest this place in a heartbeat.” - Ryan M. via Yelp.com

"Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala and goat biryani is to die for. Authentic Indian taste and they know how to use the right amount of spices. Chicken is always extremely tender and flavorful.
Staff is very courteous and always greet you with a big smile.
If you want authentic tasty Indian food in the area then this is your spot!” - Julian C. via yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

What To Look For Before Hiring Any Electrician

Guest Contributor: gainesville-electricians.com

Fratello's Deli & Café in Tinley Park

Craving to go to a new deli but don’t know where to go? Our plumbers love to stop at Fratello’s located at 7101 West 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60487! They are committed to sustainability and running a “green business”, meaning they use only the freshest and all natural herbs, spices, vegetables and proteins! They offer gourmet coffee, teas, meals and sandwiches! They have delicious dishes that can be found all over Italy, but their menu is expanding and includes hundreds of other dishes. Marco Caso and Adriano Martino are the owners, and have been cooking together for over 30 years. “Fratello’s” actually means brothers! These fratello’s are determined to prepare the tastiest dishes for everyone to enjoy.

Noteworthy food:

• Jam Burger

• Homemade Alfredo Sauce

• Chicken Salad Sandwich

“This place has something for everyone. Their home made soups are so delicious, as well as every sandwich, salad, and wrap I've tried! They use the freshest ingredients and you can tell. We have also picked up large trays of home made spinach and sausage lasagna that is amazing and keeps well in the freezer to enjoy whenever you get a craving. Every time I pick up food there there are busy with phone orders and people dining in, yet they are quick and efficient. I recommend this place to all my family and friends. It's a must try!!” - Haley D. via Yelp.com

“Great little Italian deli, everything has been really good. Beef sandwich is loaded, chicken parm is really good, and so are there deli sandwiches.” - Joel J. via Yelp.com

“The aroma as you walk in says it all. I didn't have an Italian Grandma, but if I had, this is exactly how I imagine her kitchen would have smelled. Whether dining in, carrying out, choosing from the deli or take-home sauces and pastas, or catering for a crowd, you cannot go wrong at Fratelllo's.” - Pamela K. via Yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

5 Common Water Heater Problems to be dealt by Professionals

Whenever your water heater gets disrupted, most of the chores come to a standstill. Washing clothes, showering, cleaning dishes, bathing, and other minuscule tasks become cumbersome. Being the most commonly used electric appliance, your water heater needs regular maintenance. This doesn’t infer that you will stop confronting water heater problems. It will occur, but it might happen very rarely. There are some reliable water heater brands whose problems can easily be resolved by professionals, whereas some call for the entire water heater replacement. So before buying you should always go for the brand who have brand value, great customer support etc. For more such factors visit Stephenkale. 

Below are some common water heater problems that you may experience from time to time. All that is required on your part is to respond promptly and troubleshoot the problem by calling the professionals. 

Inadequate Or No Hot Water 

If your water heater is producing no or very minimal hot water, this can be quite frustrating. The reason behind this issue can be poor functioning of the water heater’s thermostat. Secondly, inadequate production of hot water can arise due to the small size of the water heater. 

To overcome this problem, you can check if the pilot light is on or not. If it is not working, you need to contact an expert. Else, you can even consider installing a tankless water heater. Though it carries a pretty hefty price tag, however, they are undoubtedly worth the money spent. 

Colored and Smelly Water 

Sometimes you may experience colored and smelly hot water. The colored water implies that water is rusting and corroding. This can be rectified if you replace your anode rod which prevents rust from collecting. 

The smelly hot water can be due to the accumulation of bacteria which exudes a rotten egg-type smell. You can overcome this problem by flushing the tank and filling it with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide and allowing it to sit in the tank for two hours. After that flush it with clean water. In case this doesn’t work, you can call a professional or get your water heater replaced. 

Noisy Water Heater 

Does your water heater make a strange noise? If yes, this indicates a major issue in your water heater. The eruption of noise can be due to the accumulation of sediment in the tank. If the heating element is burning the sediment, this can even worsen the situation. Secondly, it can also arise due to excess building of scale. 

Sometimes, it could be resolved through the DIY process if you identify the noise early. However, if the heating element has failed, you need to immediately call the expert and get your water heater repaired. 

Water Is Too Hot Or Too Cold 

Experiencing too hot or too cold water is yet another common water heater problem that you can confront. Usually, this occurs if the thermostat is set too high or too low. To get this corrected yourself, you can adjust the thermostat to the position of the desired temperature. If you end up failing in this, there can be a fault in the thermostat or large sediment build up in the tank. 

To get rid of this situation, you can try draining the water heater, cleaning it, and then filling it with new water. If this too doesn’t work, it’s high time to call a licensed plumbing professional. 

Leaking Water Tank 

If you notice a leaking water tank, don’t ignore it and get it replaced as soon as possible. There can be a multitude of reasons for water leakage. It can be due to a broken drain valve, a high-pressure build-up in the tank, corrosion, condensation, and rust. Some people think to resolve the problem by applying the tape. However, this is not a recommended solution. 

To prevent the tank from bursting, it is quintessential to immediately call a professional. After proper assessment and diagnosis, he will fix the problem. 

Bottom Line 

As long as the water heater is functioning well, it is one of the most neglected electric appliances of the home. Once it stops working, it becomes a major cause of concern as most of the household errands come to a halt. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that the aforementioned water heater problems can arise anytime. To ensure the long life span of your water heater, carry out its regular maintenance. If any major problem arises, prefer calling a proficient plumbing expert who after carefully diagnosing the issue, troubleshoot it. 

Are Self Cleaning Water Heaters Worth It?

Water heaters require proper care and maintenance. Many people being busy in the daily rut of life don't find time maintaining their water heaters. As a result, they end up facing a myriad of water heater problems. For such people, technology has brought a self-cleaning water heater that doesn’t require much effort on the part of the user. They function effectively, save time and money, and conserve valuable energy resources. 

How Self-Cleaning Water Heaters Work? 

Powered by electricity or gas, every self-cleaning water heater is designed and built to function in the same manner. As you know with the passage of time, water-sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment even accumulates in the heating element thus causing a problem in the functioning of the water heater. 

The self-cleaning water heater automatically circulates the water to reduce the sediment build-up. It is equipped with a fitting on a curved dip tube that swirls the water at the bottom of the tank. This stirs the sediments in the water that come out through a hot water outlet whenever you use hot water. 

Here are some components of self-cleaning water heaters that ensure its effective functioning. 

• Self-cleaning system 

• Drain Valve 

• Anode Rod 

• Heat Trap Nipples 

Why Self-Cleaning water heaters worth the money spent? 

Before buying a self-cleaning water heater model, you need to consider whether it is worth your money spent. If yes, then how? 

Energy-Efficient 

Though the self-cleaning water heaters are valued at a hefty price tag as compared to standard water heaters, however, this cost is worth the benefits it offers. Such water heaters are highly energy-efficient and lead to greater energy savings. In addition to this, you don’t need to indulge in flushing the water heater as you used to do in standard models. 

Effectiveness 

Earlier, you have to clean the water heater after 6 months-1 year approximately. Once you invest in a self-cleaning water heater, you might not have to indulge in the cleaning process as these water heaters automatically circulate the water to reduce the sediment build-up. In the extreme case, the cleaning requires to be done after 3 years. 

Some arguments against self-cleaning water heaters 

• Self-cleaning water heaters are pricier than the standard water heaters. Therefore, they are not meant to cater to the needs of a budget-friendly person. 

• Though these water heaters automatically reduce the sediment, still you can’t sit back and enjoy peace of mind. The cleaning is required once in 3 months. 

• Sediments which are mostly calcium carbonate will be flushed out through the hot water tap thus making the water harsher on your skin.

Bottom Line 

Before investing your hard-earned money in the self-cleaning water heaters, it would be excellent to take into account numerable factors such as cost, the water holding capacity, energy efficiency, type of model type, warranty, and additional features. Though, these water heaters reduce the sediment build-up and require less maintenance, however they come with a high price tag. But, you can expect a notable cut-off in your energy bills. 

Inexpensive Ways to Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Many homeowners are looking to have the most beautiful home on the block, but there are plenty of other reasons why it’s time to enhance your curb appeal. If you’re considering selling your home quickly or just want to put some time and effort into your home’s exterior, there are plenty of options that don’t cost a small fortune. Regardless of your reasoning, here are some inexpensive ways you can make a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal. 

You could spend a lot of money to renovate your home, but the exterior is the first impression. The star of the show is your lawn. It’s the first thing interested buyers notice, and having a nice lawn can really make all the difference. If you only had to choose one instant curb appeal enhancer, making sure your lawn is well-maintained and healthy should be your first choice. Patchy grass, dead shrubs, or grass that hasn’t been mowed in ages will reflect poorly on your property, and interested buyers may be immediately put off. Fixing your lawn can be inexpensive, but it will take time, effort, and commitment from you to fix. Picking up some lawn care products from your local home and garden store, doing some research, and spending time fertilizing and watering will have your lawn in the best shape of its life. Your home’s appearance will be instantly improved when you spend some time on your lawn.

Along with lawn care, keeping the exterior of your home clean is another instant and easy way to boost your curb appeal. Depending on where you live, you may see a diverse range of weather conditions. If you have a lot of wind, the siding can become filthy, you may have garbage blown into your bushes, and excess leaves and debris could find their way onto your lawn. Keeping your lawn raked and mowed will allow you to see any debris as you’re working, and you can clean it up as you go. Pressure washing your home can improve the look of your home immediately. It also allows you to check for any damage along the exterior, so you can repair small cracks before they become significant issues. 

After a thorough pressure wash, if you’re still not satisfied with how your home looks, you can give your paint a refresh. You can get a can of exterior paint for relatively cheap if you’re on a budget, or you can opt for a more expensive option. If you have painting experience, you can tackle the job yourself. Otherwise, it might be best to consider investing in a professional. There will be plenty of time spent on the ladder, so if you’re not comfortable, hire a reputable, local contractor. 

Beyond these big jobs, there are plenty of little details you can take care of that make a huge difference. You want your home to feel welcoming to interested buyers, so painting your front door can be a great way to stand out from other homes and add a little fun. Upgrading your door’s hardware, mailbox, window sills, and adding a fun welcome mat are great options as well. Investing in some lovely outdoor furniture or spending time planting some stunning flowers can be an excellent addition. 

Whether you’re wanting to spend a little time improving the overall look of your home or you’re ready to put your home on the market, these inexpensive ways to enhance your curb appeal can make a huge difference. You can also check with your realtor to see what other improvements they recommend. Even the smallest changes can make a big difference during the sale of your home.