Looking for a roommate online can sometimes feel like looking for the hay in the needle stack. Lots of potentially threatening options and just a few good ones. We’ve all heard the horror stories of friends and families drawing the short straw when it comes to bad roommates—dirty, messy, rude, [fill in the blank].

And, while the chances of a legitimate horror story are slim, the chances of you rooming with a below-average roommate are pretty high. Have you ever looked at the YouTube comment section? It’s a nasty world out there! Those people could be your future roommates if you’re not careful. So, in this post, we’re going to help you improve your chances by explaining all of our tips for finding a roommate on Craigslist. We’ll also highlight four other sites that are great places to find a roommate online.

When you and your new roommate are ready to move, just answer a few simple questions and we can build you a custom moving plan in minutes.

How to Find a Roommate on Craigslist

Start by posting an ad for a roommate.

Not everyone knows how to post on Craigslist, and some find it a bit intimidating. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy.

Start by Visiting the Craigslist home page and click “Post to Classifieds” in the top left corner of the page. You will be asked which category you want to post in –– choose either “housing offered” or “housing wanted”.

From there, enter all the details for your post and hit “Continue”.

You will then need to upload photos from your mobile phone or computer. Once you are happy with the images that you’ve uploaded, hit “Done with images”. And, then hit “Publish”.

Lastly, you will receive an email with a confirmation link from Craigslist… click the confirmation link or copy and paste it into your browser. You should expect your Craigslist ad to go live about 15 minutes after confirmation.

Sweat the small stuff.

When looking for a roommate, make sure you are paying attention to the details. How much time and care have they put into their ad? Are the pictures crisp? Are there a bunch of typos? Have they been specific about what they want in a roommate?

Someone who has put a lot of time and energy into constructing their ad is more likely to make a solid roommate than someone who hasn’t. Don’t allow the pressure to find a roommate cause you to make a bad roommate decision.

Look for shared interests.

This may seem like a no-brainer. But your roommate doesn’t just have to be the tolerable guy/girl that you share a space with and that’s it. If you’re willing to be choosy and take your time, you could end up making a great friend in your roommate. Sharing a space together is, after all, sharing a pretty big part of your life. Why not make sure that you will actually have some things to talk about and do with your roommate?

Ask if you can use the bathroom.

If you find a place and a person that you mesh well with, take an hour to meet up and see their place. When you do, ask if you can use the bathroom. While this may sound odd, the bathroom is a great peek into how clean and tidy they keep their apartment. If the bathroom is disgusting, chances are, they don’t do much tidying up.

If you want to quickly gauge how clean your potential roommate is, always check the bathroom(s).

How to Find a Roommate on Craigslist Safely

It’s important  to touch on how to find a roommate on Craigslist safely. While Craigslist is a great tool, like any roommate finder, you need to be careful and you need be safe.

Never meet up at someone’s apartment alone. Always take a friend and always have your phone fully charged before heading over. Also, a good rule of thumb is to always meet at a public place first. Grab a cup of coffee and feel out the person before you agree to see their place. If you don’t like the person, there is no reason to see their apartment anyways.

Lastly, always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about a place or person… it’s not… plain and simple.

As long as you use common sense and are safe about looking for a roommate on Craigslist, it can be one of the best tools out there.

Where to Find Roommates Online (Besides Craigslist)

We’ve already given you our tips for finding a roommate on Craigslist, and we think it may be the best way to find a roommate, but we want to share with you a few other options where you can find a roommate besides Craigslist. There are a ton of great roommate finder sites out there and you honestly can’t go wrong with any of them. Here are four other sites that can be a great place to find a roommate.

4 Great Sites (besides Craigslist) to Find Roommates Online

1. Roomie Match

Unfortunately, a lot of the roommate finders out there get littered with spammers. Roomie Match does a great job of eliminating this so that their users can easily find a real genuine person to room with. They have actual humans that review all roommate profiles and work to eliminate anyone that raises red flags.

2. Roomi

For the younger professional between the ages of 23 to 35, Roomi is a great option. It concentrates on finding its users roommates “who get you”. Their mission is to find flexible affordable housing in bigger cities along with great roommates their users can easily connect with.

3. Roomster

Roomster is the best option for roommate finders who are looking to do some additional research when it comes to finding a roommate –– like checking them out on Facebook and LinkedIn. Roomster demands that all of its users pay to use the app –– which is a double edge sword. You will be exposed to higher quality roommate options, being that the paywall will eliminate scammers. But, you will have to pay a little more than usual to find a roommate.

4. Padmapper

If you are looking for a roommate in a specific area, like a block or even a neighborhood, Padmapper is a great option for you. It allows its users to be very specific about their searches. It could be a great tool for someone wanting to live close to work or in a particular part of town.

The post How To Find a Roommate on Craigslist (And Other Sites) appeared first on Bellhop.

Like most of us, you probably don’t have a celebrity designer. So how do you do it yourself? 

Bellhop is here to help! This article gives you the information you need to furnish your new place for cheap! You will learn how to budget for furniture, which basic furniture pieces to account for, and where to find affordable pieces of furniture, including some of today’s low-priced furniture stores and secondhand furniture sources. We provide all the information you need to meet any apartment or home budget. 

As you might guess, our local movers spend a lot of time talking to people about furniture. We’ve picked up some great ideas about how to find inexpensive furnishings. We’re sharing what we know in this article; from planning and budgeting tips to strategies for finding great, affordable furniture, plus how to figure out what’s worth buying at what price – even how to maintain stuff once you’ve acquired it. With a little planning, patience and the tips from Bellhop in this article, you’ll end up with a fully-furnished home without draining your bank account.

Let’s start shopping!

Furnishing a home on a budget

Impulse shopping is never a good idea when you’re sticking to a budget. Before you begin shopping, ask yourself these questions:

• How long do I plan to live here?
• Do I want to keep this furniture, or will I leave it behind/try to sell it when I move?
• Do I have family or friends who might have furniture they want to donate to me? (hint: landlords and property managers may have access to left-behind furniture that they need to get rid of ASAP.)
• What do I really want? You might want a great dining table and chairs more than a couch if you love to entertain. If you work at home, a good desk and chair may be more important than a chest of drawers for your clothes. Figure out what you matters the most to you, and prioritize these items.

Now you’re ready to make a list of what you need to get, and figure out how much you can afford to pay for each piece, based on your budget. Don’t expect to be able to afford everything all at once. Think about the one thing that would really enhance your life at home, and put it on top of your prioritized list and so on. Then work your way through the list, keeping an eye out for surprise bargains that might pop up. 

Remember to Include Tax and Delivery!

Buying furniture from a store may require sales tax. Account for delivery costs from a furniture provider or for renting a truck and buying tasty pizza for friends who help you move. 

OK, so what furniture do I really need for my first home? 

While we do advise prioritizing the things that you need, here’s a short list of things that many people find essential for a comfortable and functional home.

A Mattress

A good night’s sleep is essential, but a new mattress can be really pricey. On average, a basic twin-sized innerspring mattress might cost around $200 to $400, while a high-end king-sized memory foam mattress could cost $2,000 or more. The good news is that there always seems to be a sale on mattresses, especially around holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and President’s Day. Look for “end of season” sales in the spring and fall, when dealers want to clear out older models to make room for new inventory. 

You can consider a used mattress if you’re confident it’s not a breeding ground for dust mites, bed bugs, and other allergens. Some companies do professional mattress cleanings and resell used ones at a lower price – this can be an option worth exploring. The cleaning process typically involves steam cleaning or using special chemicals to kill bacteria, viruses, and allergens, and the mattresses are often disinfected and encased in protective covers to help maintain their cleanliness. The cost of a used twin mattress starts at around $150, a top-of-the-line used king can be found for around $1500. Check any used mattress carefully, beyond sanitation concerns it may no longer provide the support and comfort you need, or a warranty if you find you can’t sleep well on it.  

Once you’ve got your mattress, keep it in good shape by using a mattress protector to keep it clean and/or vacuuming it regularly. Rotating your mattress every three to six months can help distribute wear evenly. Using a box spring or supportive platform is also a good way to reduce sagging and extend your mattresses’ life.

Bed Sheets

You’ll need sheets to keep your new bed clean and comfortable. When buying sheets, you have a lot of materials to choose from, including cotton, linen, silk, bamboo and flannel. Best way to choose is to feel some samples and figure out what you like. Linen and silk sheets are pretty pricey ($100-$300+ for a twin) but are great if you get warm when you sleep. Flannel is affordable ($30 to $75 for twin), and will keep you *very* cozy. Cotton is always a popular choice for sheets. Budget cotton sheets can be had for $20 and up, medium-range cotton sheets will run from $50-$100. Fancy sheets can cost hundreds, but seem to last forever and get softer with each wash. Microfiber is a synthetic material that is soft, durable, hypoallergenic and easy to care for, a solid budget-friendly alternative to cotton or silk. You can find microfiber sheets starting at $10 for a twin bed, good quality ones for between $30-$50, and high-end for $50+.. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing your sheets.

A Shower Curtain

This seems pretty trivial, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to put a shower curtain on their shopping list. Unless you only take baths, you’ll need one – a shower curtain prevents water damage that can cost more than any items on your list. Basic vinyl shower curtains can cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Fabric shower curtains run from $20 to $100+, and you may want a plastic liner (about $5) behind them to help protect it from water and stains. Wash your fabric curtain every three to six months to remove soap scum, mildew, and bacteria. In theory, you should wipe down your vinyl shower curtain after each use with a damp cloth – we don’t know anyone who does this. Spritzing it every three or so months with a mild soap and water solution and wiping it down may be enough. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of the vinyl. 

Sofa or Accent Chair

A brand-new sofa may be the goal, but living room furniture is pricey! Budget sofas, typically made with low-quality materials, can cost anywhere from $300 to $800. Mid-range sofas, made with higher quality materials and more durable construction, are usually $800 to $2,000. High-end sofas are $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Yikes.

A used sofa may be the answer. A couch is a pain for an owner to move and throw away. Budget used sofas can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Mid-range used sofas tend to be priced at $200 to $800. High-end ones go from $800-$2,000+. You can also skip the sofa and go for a comfy chair – a budget quality, new chair can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. A mid-range chair is usually priced from $200 to $800. Used budget and mid-range chairs can be discounted by up to 50%. Watch for sales around the holidays, and in fall/spring especially. 

Keep your couch and/or chairs in good shape by regularly vacuuming them to remove dirt and debris. For spills or stains, clean the affected area as soon as possible with a mild detergent and warm water, then blot it dry. If your couch/chair has removable cushions, rotate them every few months to ensure even wear and prevent permanent indentations

Dining Table / Kitchen Table

You can find basic kitchen tables for as little as $50 to $100. These tables are usually made from laminate or particleboard. Kitchen tables that are made from higher quality materials, such as solid wood or metal, can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. These tables are more durable and are designed for more frequent use. For a high-end kitchen table you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 or more. 

Used tables are often a great buy, with none of the sanitary worries of used mattresses, couches, etc. Look for gently used kitchen tables at garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also save by buying multipurpose furniture; a kitchen table that also doubles as a work desk, or a dining table with storage underneath.

Lighting: A Floor Lamp and Bedside Table Lamp

If your new place doesn’t have ceiling lights, include lamps in your budget for furniture. Consider a small light next to your bed and a larger floor lamp for your living room and dining room.

Kitchenware

Cooking at home will save you lots of money, but that requires kitchenware. Your cooking skills and interest in cooking will guide you in what you need, but here’s a general list of the most essential kitchenware items:

Pots and pans: a small saucepan, a medium saucepan, a large stockpot, and a skillet – or just a medium saucepan and skillet if you’re not really into cooking stuff like homemade soups.

Cutting boards: Wood ($15 to $100) is durable, more hygienic and better for the environment but requires regular care to avoid warping. Plastic ($5 to $30) is more affordable and convenient. Bamboo ($10 to $50) offers the best of both wood and plastic, but like wooden cutting boards need to be oiled regularly to keep them in good condition.

Knives: You’ll want at least a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife, these are often sold as a set. Leaving aside professional quality knives, which are extremely costly and totally worth it if you enjoy cooking, you can get a very basic set of kitchen knives for $30 to $100+. Don’t expect them to hold an edge as well or feel as comfortable in the hand as more expensive sets. Mid-range knife sets can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. These sets often feature higher-quality steel, better balance, and more comfortable handles. High-end knife sets, which can cost $300 or more, are typically made from premium materials, such as high-carbon stainless steel, and feature precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. Care for them based on the manufacturer’s guidance. 

Baking sheets and roasting pans: you can probably get away with cheap foil ones if you don’t cook often (double them up so they don’t buckle when you pull them out of the oven, and use a layer of aluminum foil so that you can reuse the sheets/pans a few times). Otherwise, check out restaurant supply store for solid, affordable versions – figure on spending $20-30+. 

Other basics: Measuring cups and spoons, a set of mixing bowls, spatula, kitchen spoons and tongs, can opener, colander for draining pasta and other foods, and a basic set of dishes, glasses, cups/mugs and utensils. All of these can be purchased at your local big box store for under $100.

Coffee Table 

A coffee table can work as a dining table or as a place to place snacks and drinks when hanging out with friends. And without it, a home can look pretty sparse. The good news is a coffee table can be unconventional and still get the job done. A basic, functional coffee table costs anywhere from $50 to $100, and you can find something a little more snazzy for $150-$200. 

Dresser

Leaving your clothing in boxes will get old pretty quickly. Basic dressers are pretty cheap ($100-$200), and nice ones can often be found used for even less. Check that drawers slide out smoothly, or you’ll be annoyed at your dresser within a month of purchasing it. 

A Nightstand (or Two!)

You will want a convenient place to keep your phone, bed light, water, etc. You can find a decent nightstand for $50-$100, or DYI it – a few sturdy boxes piled up bedside may be all you need right now. Toss a tablecloth over the boxes to make it look nice. 

Bed Frame

You can sleep with a mattress on the floor, but getting in and out is uncomfortable while making you look like a squatter, not a renter. Plus, you can increase storage by stashing items under the bed.

Sheets

You’ll need sheets to keep your bed clean, warm, and comfortable. Mattresses may be soft to lay on, but they can still feel scratchy without soft sheets.

Bedroom curtain

Unless you like the world looking in on you, invest in a bedroom curtain. Cheap curtains will do ($10-$20), or opt for decorative curtains ($30-$50+) to add to your home’s design. Remember that sheer curtains may prevent you from seeing out, but they don’t keep people from seeing in.

Do Some Prep Work Before You Shop

Now that you have your list of furniture pieces ready, you still have a few steps to do before heading out the door. 

Create a Floorplan with a Few Design Options

Draw a floorplan that includes basic ideas of furniture placement and measurements of each room and locations of wall outlets, doorways, and windows. Keep a few copies so you can sketch 2-3 design options for potential furniture layouts – especially for your couch design. Having a collection of design ideas increases the chances of finding items you need.

Write Down the Size of Every Item

Get deets on items and make sure they all fit in the rooms and through hallways and elevators. 

Where to find the best budget furniture

Shop secondhand: Secondhand furniture and home goods can be a great way to save money. Check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp, as well as local consignment shops and thrift stores.

Repurpose items: You can also repurpose items you already have, such as using a bookshelf as a TV stand or using a trunk as a coffee table.

Wait for sales: Furniture stores often have sales around holidays, so keep an eye out for promotions and deals.

DIY: If you’re handy, you can try to build some of the furniture yourself, such as a bookshelf or a coffee table, which can be both budget-friendly and rewarding.

Upcycle: If you, your family, or your friends have furniture they don’t need, find ways to freshen things up by repainting or re-staining them. You can reference YouTube, design shows, Facebook groups, and unlimited websites for the best ways to recycle and refurbish furniture. 

Garage sales, flea markets and yard sales: You save colossal money buying used furniture, and garage sales and yard sales are some of the cheapest sources. Some items can be very good, too. Owners may be desperate to get rid of them for many reasons. As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Charity organizations: Check out the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and local charity thrift stores. These organizations receive donations of furniture and do a pretty good job of ensuring each furniture item is in decent shape. Habitat for Humanity stores may have newer, more gently used furniture than other charity shops. 

Shop budget-friendly stores: Ikea, CB2, Big Lots, Ashley Furniture, and discount furniture stores. Ross and Target are also great for furniture and other basic items like kitchenware,  linens, and drapery. Also, try popular online stores like Overstock, Wayfair, AllModern, and eBay.

Furniture rentals and lease-to-own furniture: For a basic living room setup, which might include a sofa, a loveseat, and a coffee table, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per month. Renting a bedroom set, which could include a bed, dresser, and nightstand, could cost anywhere from $100 to $400 or more per month. Keep in mind that if you damage furniture rentals, you may be responsible for the value of the piece in addition to your rental amount. You need to decide if renting/leasing makes financial sense for you.

Neighbors: some places, especially college towns, have specific days when people put used furniture out for pickup. Check the city/town website for information on bulk pickup days and cruise the streets late night before to see what’s salvageable.

When You are Ready for the Big Move, Use Bellhop

Bellhop specializes in offering delivery assistance for any level of move. You can order a truck, hire a few extra men if needed, or get full, white-glove delivery. We want to help you make that new home a reality at a budget you can handle. Also, if you’d like, check out this guide for comparing moving company quotes to ensure that we’re the best movers for you!

Contact us to find out more!

The post How to Furnish an Apartment Cheap (Updated 2023) appeared first on Bellhop.

Best Washington, DC Cleaners Near You

To take a bit of the guesswork out of this process, we researched and reviewed SIX home cleaners in the greater Washington, DC area.  As you look to begin your hunt for a home cleaner in Washington, DC, this is a great place to start.

NextDay Cleaning

Established in 2009, NextDay Cleaning is a bonded & insured cleaning company  has 225 reviews on Google, with an average 4.7 rating. They offer services in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, providing house cleaning, disinfection services, and carpet/upholstery cleaning services.

Maids2Mop

With a service area encompassing the greater Washington DC region, Maids2Mop offers an easy online booking/payment platform, and a variety of different cleaning services, including post-event cleaning. Licensed and insured, Maids2Mop offers a satisfaction guarantee that if the clean wasn’t fully satisfactory, a team will be out within three days to perform a complimentary re-clean.

Think Maids

Think Maids boasts of a 9-step hiring process for new employees, starting off with an initial application review, including two background checks, and ending with a trial cleaning. According to Think Maids, 20 people are interviewed for each team member they eventually bring on.

In addition to Standard cleans, Deep cleans and move in/out cleans, Think Maids offers a cleaning service designed specifically for Airbnb owners and vacation rental properties.

Capital Maid Service

Started in 2013, Capital Maid Service is a family-owned business located in upper NW Washington, DC, and serving the District of Columbia as well as some of Washington’s Maryland suburbs. They offer Recurring, one-time, and move in/out cleaning, and can add carpet cleaning as an add-on service. Bonded and insured, they offer online booking, as well as quotes over the phone. Their background-checked cleaners also keep 80% of sales, so you’ll know that your cleaners are making a fair wage.

Well-Paid Maids

Founded in 2017, Well-Paid Maids offers a living wage as well as a benefits package to all of their cleaners. They also take pains to use ecologically friendly and safe cleaning products. They have a liability policy to ensure compensation if any items are broken, and all employees are background-checked to ensure you’ll feel safe about them being in your home. They offer an easy and convenient online booking system that allows you to add additional services as well, such as refrigerator/microwave cleaning, or a deep clean for homes that haven’t been cleaned recently.

Whether you’ve just moved to Washington, DC or are looking to make the move, we hope that this guide helps you find a cleaner that is perfect for you. Just as a reminder, we’re Washington DC movers – so if you’re looking to move, let us help you get to your new home.

Other Washington DC Guides

The post Best Home Cleaners in Washington, DC appeared first on Bellhop.

There’s only one problem: how do you throw a great housewarming party? The last one you went to, it was just six people standing around awkwardly, dipping vegetables in that weirdly thick ranch dressing that comes in a plastic tub while they quickly ran out of things to talk about. Yeah, no thanks. You want a party that will create good vibes in your new home, delight your friends and family, and act as a foundation for all the great times to come. 

Sounds like a lot, huh? But here at Bellhop, we believe in you. (OK, we don’t know you, but we believe that if you’re going through the trouble to research housewarming parties, you are likely to throw a great party). We know your housewarming party won’t be a dud-with-ranch-dressing. And you can count on us to help. In this article, we’ll share everything we know about housewarming party themes, etiquette, decorations, food, and even the history of the tradition of the housewarming party. 

Let’s get to warming that house of yours!

The Origins of the Housewarming Party

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of a housewarming party started? If not, then feel free to skip this section to get to the more practical bits. But if you enjoy knowing random fun facts, read on.

As you might have suspected, the term “housewarming” literally means to “warm a house.” Centuries ago, to celebrate moving into a new home, residents threw a literal housewarming party. Their friends and family would come over and light fires in the various fireplaces in the new home and offer firewood as a gift to keep the home warm.

Besides physically warming the house, this practice was also believed to banish and repel any evil spirits who might be lurking around. It was thought that if a house sat unoccupied and cold for a while, roving ghosts without a home of their own to haunt would move in. Therefore, it was only natural to drive out those ghosts when someone moved into a new home by throwing a – you guessed it – housewarming party. Feel free to call your party a “Ghosts-be-Gone” bash, if you like.

In French-speaking countries, residents moving into a new home would throw what was called a pendaison de crémaillère, which literally translates to ““hanging of the chimney hook.” It was customary to invite all who had a part in building the home over for a dinner party as a way of saying thanks. Dinner would likely include a large pot of soup or stew, which would be hung over the fire on the chimney hook. 

Over the years, ghost banishing rituals and French dinner parties along with an assortment of other house-blessing traditions from around the world, have transformed into what is today referred to as a housewarming party.

So how do you do a housewarming?

Choose a Party Theme

First things first, you might want to come up with a theme for your housewarming party. A theme is not a requirement for a good party, but we have found that lots of new homeowners like to spice up their housewarming parties with a theme. Oftentimes a theme can provide conversation fodder, music ideas, and food ideas that will make the rest of your planning easier. Your call.

If you do pick a theme, the key is to come up with one that is fun but not obnoxious. A good theme that is not overdone can make it easy for new acquaintances to talk to one another. A bad theme can kill a party – particularly a theme that requires guests to do things they might find awkward or annoying.

For example, while a costume party might sound like fun, could it be awkward for people to attend whom you have never met before? Maybe. Also, imagine being that one guest who shows up without a costume to the costume party? Or worse… the one guest who shows up wearing a costume while everyone else is not.

Here are a few theme ideas:

Housewarming Party Themes

Around-the-world

Have all your guests bring a covered dish from another country –– sushi, lasagna, goulash, gyros, etc. Put together a playlist of world music. 

Year-Round Secret Santa

Have all your guests bring a $10 – $15 gift that they can exchange with someone else at the party. Since everyone likes receiving gifts, this theme works year-round. 

Help Me Out

This is where you pick a particular project and center the party around it. It could be unpacking some boxes, painting a particular room, planting spring bulbs, or figuring out the layout of your living room. Have an assortment of refreshing beverages on hand and snacks, play some upbeat music, then have dinner together afterward. You’ll have to know everyone on your guest list pretty well to pull off this theme, though. Inviting your new neighbor over to help you paint is probably not their idea of a “party.”

Just remember, make the theme fun and comfortable. It should add to the ambiance of the party… not take away from your mission, which is to show off your new home to the folks in your life and get to know your new neighbors.

Housewarming Party Food Ideas

If you decide to throw a housewarming party where the food isn’t dictated by the theme, you’ll have to come up with a menu.

You know the age-old saying— the closest way to a person’s heart is through his or her stomach. So yes, if you want a good party, you need good food and drink.

We’ll go out on a limb here: we recommend home cooked food for your housewarming party. The whole point of the party is a celebration of the new space that you call “home,” right? And what says “home” more than a home-cooked meal? It lends the party a level of authenticity that just feels right. That being said, obviously, having some sort of catering is always an option if you’d prefer not to cook. Maybe you want to cook a part of the meal and have the rest catered. Or you can have a potluck party and ask everyone to bring a dish. 

Lastly, here’s one safe bet, throw a make your own pizza party. Buy a bunch of fresh ingredients, pizza sauce, and dough (ask the local pizza shop if they sell dough)… then let everyone make their own pizza and… BAM! You’ve got yourself a good time. Just add some cold beers and soda – and you’ve made a grand housewarming party.

Housewarming Party Decorations

When it comes to housewarming party décor, here’s the key thing to remember: your guests are going to want to see the home and not the 50+ balloons you bought from Party City. Keep it simple, unless you are a dedicated party-giver with an exuberant sense of style (if so, please invite us to your next party!).

With that said, we do recommend investing in something that spruces up your home to make it feel like a celebration: a carefully curated playlist. You’ll want to play music the entire night. No, it doesn’t have to be blaring throughout the house, but good music sets the scene and keeps the energy high. 

Have you ever walked into a restaurant where there is absolutely no music playing and everyone is talking quietly? It lacks energy. It feels dead. Maybe even a little creepy. Those are not words you want describing your housewarming party. 

Housewarming Party Etiquette

Now, for the housewarming party etiquette. While we’re sure you are super polite, everybody can use a little refreshing when it comes to etiquette.

One of the biggest questions we get when it comes to housewarming party etiquette is — should I register my housewarming party? Everyone’s answer to this is a little different, but our answer is no. Registering for your house party may come off a little pushy… like you are just throwing the house party to snag some free gifts. 

Put yourself in your neighbor’s shoes. If someone were to send you an invitation to a housewarming party and then say, “Oh yeah, I am registered at Amazon. So, don’t feel obligated, but if you do want to bring something…” It puts a bad taste in your mouth. Guests will or won’t naturally bring housewarming gifts, as they choose, either way you don’t have to remind them or get all specific about your needs.

Invitations and your Housewarming Guest List

The next piece of housewarming etiquette we wanted to cover was the invitation and the guest list. We recommend always giving your invites a 2-3 week heads up so they can plan in advance. Also, it doesn’t hurt to send out a reminder a few days before the party.

Who should you include on your guest list? Your friends, family and potentially your new neighbors. This depends on where you live, community expectations and whether you want to be buddies with the folks who live close by. It’s nice to meet and mingle with your new neighbors, and in some places it would be odd if you don’t invite everyone in your close vicinity over. In other places, like a building of small apartments in the heart of a big city, you might just invite the folks who are likely to have to deal with your noisy party – the people on your floor, and perhaps those who live directly above and below your apartment. If in doubt, invite all your new neighbors (assuming you feel safe in doing so, and have the room to entertain them). People are more likely to be hurt if they don’t get an invite then if they do. 

Final Thoughts on How to Throw a Housewarming Party

The last thing we are going to say is this: stop overthinking it. Sometimes people new to a neighborhood feel overly inclined to impress their neighbors and become the most popular kid in the cul-de-sac. But remember, your neighbors will like you for you (assuming you are a good, courteous neighbor). Relax and remember to have fun. Happy new home!

(And if you haven’t moved in quite yet, we’re happy to help you get settled into your new place. We offer moving services nationwide – whether you’re relocating cross-country or across the street, a Bellhop mover will be happy to assist you. We make moving as hassle-free as humanly possible, so unless you’re into stress, contact us before you make a move! 

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Whether you’re cleaning up your basement to get ready to move, to get your basement clear for a sale or move-out, or are simply cleaning a basement for a property you’ve just purchased, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s dive in and talk more about the steps in a basement cleanout and what you need to know.

Your basement’s a mess – here’s how to clean it

Basement cleanouts aren’t for the faint of heart. They can expose you to harmful chemicals, mold, mildew, sewage, standing water, and numerous other hazards. 

However, rest assured that if you’re looking to DIY water cleanup or handle minor flooding, as long as you have the correct tools and take precautions, you should be just fine. All it takes is some research and a little elbow grease to get your basement looking good as new and get your house ready for moving in or for sale in no time. 

As always, if you’re not sure if you want to take on the task of cleaning up water damage in your basement, the professionals are just a phone call away.

Tips for cleaning a basement

Here are some tips for your basement cleanout: 

#1: Flip the breaker

Water and electricity don’t mix. That’s why switching off the electricity and gas should be the first thing on your basement cleaning checklist. If you don’t know the location of the breaker, get in touch with your electrician right away. 

Generally, they can give you a few ideas on where to look, and if you still can’t find it, they can come to your home to turn off the power for you. 

#2: Let it dry before cleaning

Mold grows in less than two days, so drying out the basement should be a top priority after a flood or leak. 

You can utilize a wet/dry shop vacuum or a water pump if you have experience in how to use that. Fans and a dehumidifier will help it dry the rest of the way after the water is gone. 

#3: Clear out any damaged items

Flooding (whether it’s from sewage or another source) can be toxic and contaminate those cans of peaches, corn, and baked beans in your basement. There isn’t a safe way to clean them, so it’s best to discard them. 

You’ll also want to throw away any carpeting, flooring, wall materials, insulation, beds, and furniture immersed in water. (If there was only minor water damage, some of these items could be cleaned.)

#4: Disinfect – don’t just sanitize

Sanitizing your basement with an antibacterial spray can help kill harmful bacteria, but it won’t stop all organisms from growing after a flooding incident. Bleach can, though. 

It’s important to disinfect your basement thoroughly for your family and home’s safety (more on how to disinfect a basement below).  

#5: Don’t forget to scrub the walls

When you think about cleaning a basement, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the cement floor. However, you don’t want to overlook the walls. 

Like the floors, the walls can get affected by water. That’s why it’s important to clean nearly two feet up the wall from the floor and wherever there is damage to ensure that the walls are no longer contaminated. 

#6: Add a waterproof stain

Once the water is gone, consider a waterproof stain to help fight back against water damage in the future. This is extra beneficial if you live in an area at risk for flooding or have an older home that’s known for leaks. 

To apply the stain, you’ll first need to give the floor a good scrub using an alkaline cleaner and degreaser. Next, you’ll want to wash away the cleaner, add phosphoric acid, and scrub the floor once again for about 60 minutes. Leave the solution there for 20 minutes. Then, rinse the floor three times over. Finally, after it’s dry, you can apply the stain, which takes about a day to dry. 

#7: Take care of any necessary repairs

It’ll be easier to see the damage the water left behind after the basement is clean. That is your chance to schedule repairs or DIY the repairs yourself. 

These repairs may include tearing off the carpeting, painting the walls, or putting in new walls and insulation. No matter what the job entails, make sure to wear the proper gear to keep yourself safe.

How do I disinfect my basement?

First, you’ll need the right supplies. That includes chlorine bleach, scrubbers with long handles, washcloths, one or two buckets, a mop, latex or vinyl gloves, and safety goggles.

Next, you’ll want to make sure the basement floor, walls, and anywhere else affected are completely dry. If they’re not, you can move this process along by plugging in a handful of dehumidifiers and fans. 

After the area is dry, you’ll want to open the windows to help with the airflow. Then, add a tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water. Dip your mop inside of the bucket until it’s fully wet. Then, mop the floors and walls until everything is covered. Wait for the area to dry, and mop it again. Use your scrubbers for more difficult areas. 

Tip: If the solution is not properly cleaning the floor after a flooring or sewage incident, up the bleach quantity to ¼ cup. 

How do I clean up water in the basement?

As we mentioned above, you can do one of two methods: vacuum the area with a wet/dry vacuum, such as this one by DEWALT. You can also use a water pump or sump pump to get the water out. Again, it is vital to dry the area before starting the cleaning process. 

What do you do with junk in the basement?

First, you’ll want to assess the water damage. If an item is beyond repair, you can throw it away or recycle it in some cases. If there are items you want to get rid of that were not affected by the water, you can sell, donate, or recycle these as well. (You can also have a company that offers basement cleaning and junk removal pick up your items for you.)

Ultimately, it comes down to how much time you have and whether the items are salvageable. Find more junk removal tips here. 

What if you can’t clean your basement alone?

Basement cleanouts are no easy task, and it gets even harder when there’s water damage. If you don’t have the right tools or time to clean your basement by yourself, contact a flooded basement cleanup company for assistance. 

They can ensure the job is handled professionally from square one, dry everything out, and limit the chance of mold and mildew growth. All you’ll have to do is show them where to go.

Best of luck with your basement cleanout

Once your basement cleanout is complete, it’s a great time to contact movers (such as your friends at Bellhop). We can help coordinate your move from start to finish, deliver your items to your new home, help you carry your items inside, and much more. Here is a bit more information on comparing moving company quotes as well.
Find movers near you today.

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Change your air filters

It can be easy to forget about your air filters: that is, until your home is covered in dust. It’s important to change those filters (or at least check them) every month to ensure clean air is circulating through your home. The longer the filter is in, the more allergens and dust accumulate inside of it, which decreases the efficiency of the filter. If you can’t tell whether it needs to be replaced or not, a good rule of thumb is to hold it up towards a light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it! 

Descale your coffee maker

Gross as it may be, a coffee maker can acquire residue that can make your morning coffee taste not-so-good. Though they’re often overlooked, coffee makers should be cleaned once a month. No, we’re not talking about wiping down the exterior, we’re talking about descaling the interior! To extend your coffee brewer’s life (and to enjoy better-tasting coffee), try a cleansing kit compatible with your coffee maker that can clean and restore your machine. We’re fans of both the Keurig Descale Starter Kit and the Affresh Coffee Maker Cleaner.  

Deep clean your garbage disposal 

If you’re holding your nose while walking past your sink, it’s probably a good time to address your garbage disposal. The good news is that they are very easy to clean (and should be cleaned monthly to prevent any lingering scents). A little bit of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can do the trick. Even grinding up citrus peels in the disposal can help eliminate odors. If you want to go the extra mile, check out Home Depot’s tips for additional cleaning instructions. 

Tend to your washer and dryer 

Washers and dryers are some of the most-used appliances in a home. It’s time we start showing them some love once a month to keep our clothes smelling fresh and clean, rather than musty and mildewed. For washers, simply pop in a cleaning tablet and run a “tub clean” cycle (or run your washer on the hottest setting). This will strip any built-up mold or mildew inside the washer, leaving it bright, shiny, and fresh again. For dryers, try using a dryer lint vacuum attachment to suck out any dirt or lint stuck inside. This will get rid of all that lint stuck at the bottom of your dryer that can be dangerous (i.e. a fire hazard) if left unattended. 

Rinse your dishwasher out

Dishwashers need to be cleaned on a monthly basis, too. Food and grease particles build up inside a dishwasher over time. (And if you’re washing your dishes in a dirty dishwasher, you’re not really cleaning them.) The easy part is, most dishwashers have a mechanism to self-clean! Try putting a mug full of vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and running it on the hottest setting to clean. This will strip all of the grease and food particles left over from previous cycles. Don’t forget to clean that dishwasher filter, too. Check out these tips from The Spruce on cleaning a dishwasher filter. 

Test your smoke detector

This is probably the most overlooked maintenance task: checking (or changing) your smoke detector batteries. It’s a tiny chore that can have major implications for the safety of your family and your home. Smoke detector batteries should be replaced once a year, but you should be pressing the button on each of your smoke detectors to test them every month. 

Doing these basic tasks every month will save you time and stress down the road. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to make your home a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live. For more home maintenance tips and tricks, check out our posts on Decluttering Your Home and Making Your Home a Smart Home. 

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Tech upgrades will not only make simple tasks easier, but will also make your space feel a little bit more livable. Even if you’re new to the “smart home” phenomenon, we came up with a few easy switches that can help you save time, energy, and money. 

Start with something basic, like a smart plug. 

There’s nothing like trimming your energy bills with a smart device that can turn your appliances off and on for you. For as little as $15, smart plugs enable you to control your appliances with your phone. You can even set a schedule to turn off your appliances when they’re not in use, which can reduce energy consumption and save you money. Talk about budget luxury. Some of our favorite smart plugs: 

• Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 
• Nooie Smart Plug  

Rake in the savings with a smart thermostat. 

If you don’t have a smart thermostat yet, you’re missing out. It’s an easy upgrade with a major return on investment, as smart thermostats can substantially reduce your heating and cooling bills. They have the ability to adapt to a household’s temperature pattern, when you’re home and when you’re away. Not to mention that some insurances even offer rebates when you switch to a smart thermostat. Some of our favorite smart thermostats: 

• Amazon Smart Thermostat 
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat 
• Ecobee Smart Thermostat   

Level up your home security with a doorbell camera. 

Much like smart thermostats, doorbell cameras can add a lot of value to your home. If you have a smart doorbell, you can easily see who’s knocking without having to go to the door, all from your phone. A safety measure like this will surely keep the package thieves away (not to mention the convenience of knowing – and seeing! – your packages when they are delivered). In addition to being an asset, doorbell cameras provide safety and security for your home, especially if you aren’t there. Some of our favorite doorbell cameras: 

• Ring Doorbell 
• Arlo Video Doorbell   
• Eufy Security Doorbell  

Smart home technology is becoming an integral part of home design, and familiarizing yourself with the basics can pay major dividends in the long run. For more budget-friendly home upgrades, check out our post on Furnishing Your Apartment for Cheap. 

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Fast forward a couple of years later, and you may have noticed that the clutter has returned with a vengeance! If that’s the case, you’re not alone. But knowing that you may not have as much time on your hands to tackle the mess, we came up with three easy strategies to win your clutter battle one step at a time; better yet, each takes just 10 minutes or less.

Put a donation bag or basket in every space that needs an “edit”

Rather than facing the overwhelming task of making lots of choices at once, this strategy helps you pare down your stuff over time. Now, when you come across that ill-fitting sweater or uncover your collection of CDs from high school, you can simply toss them in the nearest donation pile.

Find a “home” for five things at a time

We often accumulate clutter because we don’t have designated places to store various items. Choose a problem area – e.g. your nightstand, kitchen surface, or entryway – and pick up five things. Rather than simply moving these items, think about where they can live permanently–and put them there. If you complete this exercise every day for a week, you might be surprised at the progress you can make in just a few minutes.

Create a basic filing system for papers.

It can be overwhelming and time consuming to sort through mail, mementos, and other documents. Instead of organizing your papers all at once, commit instead to three piles: trash, action, and save. The “action” pile is for papers like bills and RSVPs; the “save” pile is for things that need to be organized later, such as photos or letters you want to keep.

Finally, remember that it’s okay to ask for (or hire) help! Organizing and junk-hauling services are available virtually everywhere. And if you need a hand with some heavy lifting, Bellhop has you covered––check out our labor only service offering.

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