Most Recent Living Articles
HOW TO PLEASE OVERCRITICAL HOUSE GUESTS
If passive aggressive statements regarding the state of your home is something you’ve come to expect from certain holiday house guests, then you might be in for a few jaw-clenching days this festive season – especially if you’ve invited them to stay for a few nights. To please these overcritical house guests, embody the mindset of a seller by going through your home with a fine-t
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3 STEPS TO BECOMING A ZERO-WASTE HOUSEHOLD
There are so many reasons you should live a greener lifestyle – if not for the benefit of the environment, then at least for the benefit of your own pocket. According to GreenCape’s Waste Economy: Market Intelligence Report 2017, 65% of the waste (around 38 million tonnes) that South Africa creates is recyclable. That amounts to an estimated R17 billion/year worth of resources that cou
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ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES THAT INCREASE HOME VALUE …and those that don’t
Investing in eco-friendly enhancements for your home is not only a way to protect the environment, but it can also help you save on monthly energy costs and increase the value of your home. Energy-efficient features can really set your home apart when it comes time to sell, but certain green features tend to add more value than others. To help you make the change for a greener tomorrow, bel
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4 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
The COVID-19 pandemic has awakened the world to how quickly we can change our behaviours when confronted with a crisis that threatens our very existence. If society can change our ways as quickly as we have in response to this pandemic, then we can hopefully avoid the threat of a global warming apocalypse. If you’re wanting to do your bit to help combat global warming and climate change, bel
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WORKING FROM HOME? YOU COULD QUALIFY FOR TAX DEDUCTIONS
When it comes to tax deductions, homeowners are entitled to certain claims if they are working from home. In these cases, the onus falls on the homeowner to prove that a particular amount is deductible, as well as justify the claim by showing the calculation of how he or she arrived at the deduction figure. Although many homeowners will qualify for a tax deduction, it is sometimes a difficult t
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5 SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING A MOVING COMPANY
Moving homes can be a physically draining task. Deciding to make use of a professional moving service can eliminate a lot of the hassle and make the process much smoother. If you do decide to enlist professional help, below are 5 safety tips to consider when using a moving company: Use a trusted and reputable moving company It’s always best to use a mover that’s been referred to
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CHANGE YOUR BEDROOM DÉCOR TO HELP YOU SLEEP
The countless sleep monitoring and wind down apps currently available paint a worrying picture of the health of our sleeping habits. With our high-powered lifestyles, many of us are battling to switch off at night. Yet, a few simple changes to your bedroom décor and routines can help you sleep peacefully. Change your bedroom routines According to renowned behavioural strategist, Joni Pe
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3 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE MOST EFFECTIVE HOME INSULATION
Considering the current energy crisis and growing environmental concerns, installing effective home insulation ought to be a requirement. Not only is it the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer, but it’ll also save you money in the long run as it’ll reduce your energy consumption. If you want to prepare your home for the warmer spring and summer
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5 AREAS TO SPRING CLEAN THAT WILL REDUCE QUARANTINE STRESS
Your Seattle coffee has been replaced by instant coffee and commuting to work means going from your bedroom to the kitchen. Your time in quarantine may be shedding light on spots around the house prone to disorderly chaos. You’re probably storing more supplies and groceries than usual to avoid frequent trips to the store – and possibly to accommodate more people living under one roof.
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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PETS BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO WORK
The lockdown has been a dream without end for our furry friends who have had us humans work beside them day after day. But, as we slowly return to business as usual, more and more pet owners will have to bid their good boy’s goodbye as they head back into the workplace. For pets with anxiety issues, this can lead to expensive consequences for their owners. To ens
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WHY YOU WON’T SAVE MONEY IN LOCKDOWN BY SWITCHING YOUR HOME LOAN
During the property boom years of 2006 and 2007, switching home loans from one bank to another was a fairly common practice among homeowners in South Africa. Now that interest rates are at a historic low, you might be considering switching your home loan to negotiate a better deal so you can spare some much-needed cash during the lockdown. While you might be able to negotiate a better deal, it
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HOW TO GET YOUR HOME WINTER READY
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder – these are the tell-tale signs that winter is coming. There is no need for frost-phobic homeowners to sound the alarm bells; plenty can be done to prepare for this coming snuggle season. As we’re all homebound due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the frosty weather. Below are a f
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