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Add Some Curb Appeal by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Here are some great ways to add some Curb Appeal to your home.

Update the Hardware

House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior curb appeal. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.

Dress Up Your Door

Your home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a coat of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home’s interior, so choose a swag, flag, or wreath that reflects your personal style.

Add Furniture

Welcome guests in with comfortable furniture on the porch that beckons visitors to pull up a chair and stay awhile. Rocking chairs that sway in the wind are often a calling card for visitors. Even a small chair or a minuscule table on your porch can serve as a resting station between outside and inside and boost your curb appeal. And because your front porch is the public face of your home, seating can encourage guests to stay outside and engage with neighbors and streetside activity, too.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. For the best landscape lighting, plan to incorporate a variety of fixtures and lighting types. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures (but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable).

Create an Instant Garden

Container gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful curb appeal to any home exterior quickly and affordably. You can buy ready-made containers from garden centers or create your own with your favorite plants. Pots come in a variety of materials, such as terra-cotta, ceramic, wood, and plastic. For most landscapes, a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement works best to create a dynamic setting.

Mailbox Makeover

Mailboxes should complement the home and express the homeowner’s personality. When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that mirrors your home’s trimmings. Dress up mail boxes for curb appeal by painting the wooden post to match the house’s exterior color. Surround your mailbox with a beautiful flowering garden to instantly make your front yard more welcoming and approachable.

Take It to the Next Level

Use these easy curb appeal ideas to take your landscape to the next level. Install a charming and attractive gate to welcome visitors into your yard. An arch marks the entrance to your front yard and offers instant charm with a focal point. Install a small fence at the corner of your yard with perennials and annuals around it to provide an immediate sense of space and welcoming display of color. A small garden with drought-tolerant plants around a mailbox is the most visible way to improve curb appeal. A bench that’s visible and accessible creates a visual point that beckons visitors into your yard. Place containers along paths or steps for a big boost of color.

Renew Planter Beds

Get garden beds into shape by pruning growth, pulling weeds, and planting flowers. Add new mulch to restore color that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather. If stone or brick borders your bed, consider cleaning and resetting any pieces that are soiled or dislodged. If your border is old or tired-looking, try upgrading to stone or a decorative cast-concrete edging system for improved curb appeal.

Make a Grand Entry

Even with a small budget, there are ways to draw attention to your front door and improve curb appeal. Turn your home’s entry into an inviting focal point by adding a few well-chosen and nicely arranged plants on the front porch. Molding also acts as an architectural eyeliner when applied to the sides and top of the doorway. Notice how the white door casing makes this door pop.

Renew Paint, Siding, and Trim

An exterior update (new paint, siding, or trim details) automatically transforms the look of a home. Periodic maintenance of that exterior surface is the surest way to keep your house and its curb appeal looking great. Any obvious defects, such as cracked or rotting material, can downgrade the aesthetic and quickly turn away potential home buyers. Once defects are repaired, look for ways to add personality with color, trim, or shingles.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

How to Correctly Place Rugs by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Whether you’re moving into a new space or going through a renovation, you’re going to need to figure out where all of your furniture is going to go—and one of the most important steps in arranging your furniture is figuring out the correct placement of any area rugs you plan on putting down. Let’s be honest: finding the perfect rug for your space can be quite the challenge, both in style (it’s the base for your whole room, so you need to find one you really love!) and in size, no matter how many times you measure.

The good news? Knowing where it will live in your space and how you plan to arrange your furniture on top of it will help you get the size right every time.

Placing a rug in the dining room is essentially all about the experience of sitting at the dining table. You’ll want to center the rug under your dining table, and then make sure it’s big enough to accommodate all of the chairs. “The key is to make sure the chairs still sit comfortably on the rug when pulled out and away from the table for someone to sit in them,” Loloi says. “You don’t want chairs half on, half off a rug when it’s pulled out.”

If you’re not sure what size to buy, pull out the chairs around your table, then measure the space so you know your rug will fit perfectly underneath.

In the living room, placing a rug gets a little trickier, but it still all depends on the size of your space and your plans for laying out your furniture. According to Loloi, you have three main options for living rooms of various sizes:

For smaller living rooms, you have two options: You can go with a smaller rug (like a 5′ by 8′) that can float in the room in between the furniture, but under the coffee table says Loloi (“A rug that sits six to 12 inches in front of the sofa will anchor your space nicely, and still allows for walking room around the furniture.”) or if you’re trying to make your space feel bigger, you’ll actually want a bigger rug that fits all furniture (like in the larger room section below) to unify the space.
For mid-sized rooms, go with a larger rug (like an 8′ by 10′) and place your large, anchor furniture (i.e. the sofa) around so that only the front legs are on top of it. Loloi notes that you’ll want the rug to extend beyond the sides of the sofa, too.
For larger rooms, Loloi suggests getting a bigger rug (like a 9′ by 13′) and using it to frame your space. Then, place all of the furniture completely on the rug. “Just be sure there is still room around the outside of the rug for walking, so you aren’t partially on and off the rug,” Loloi says. Alternately, if you’re trying to divide the room up into different spaces (like various seating arrangements, or an open concept with dining and seating areas), use different rugs to define each of these spaces.

Even if the suggested rug sizes above don’t quite work with the dimensions of your home, you can still follow the same principles of placement and buy a rug based on the dimensions of your living room and your furniture.

When it comes to the bedroom, sizing really depends on the size of your bed. Loloi explains that the ideal size for a queen bed is an 8′ by 10′, while a king would look better with a 9′ by 12′ rug (and that same size works for two twin beds in a kids’ room). For a full, a 5′ x 8′ rug should suffice.

In terms of placing the rug, you have a lot of options, but the most preferred way is to place the rug partially under the bed. In this case, you’ll want to lay the rug perpendicular to the bed and pull it under, stopping a few inches before your nightstands so it’s around halfway under the bed, with the bed centered on top. “This maximizes the amount of useable rug space, and gives you a soft surface to step onto when getting out of bed,” Loloi says. In a smaller room, you can also try just placing a rug in the middle of the room, or at the foot of the bed to add interest and help pull decor together, Loloi adds.

If you don’t want to place a full area rug under the bed or in the bedroom at all, Annie Selke, founder and CEO of her eponymous rug and decor brand, has an easy hack: Just place runners on either side of the bed. You’ll still have that soft, comfy experience when you step out onto the floor in the morning, no matter what size the room (or bed) is.

One thing to keep in mind no matter what room you’re putting a rug in? “Remember that rugs can create an optical illusion, so make this work in your favor,” Loloi says. “Too small of a rug can make any space look disconnected. When in doubt, go for the bigger rug—it will unify the furniture and make the room look bigger than it is.”

Keeping Mail Clutter at Bay by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Learn how to develop an effective organizing system to handle the daily flow of mail into and out of your home. Stacks of mail arrive daily, often smothering entry tables, burying dining room sideboards, and consuming needed counter space in kitchens. Not sure how to tame the clutter? Here are some ideas for handling the constant barrage of letters, circulars, broadsheets, and publications. The first line of defense against the assault of mail should be near the door you come in with the daily stack. A mudroom offers plenty of space to stow letters along with car keys, coats, hats, and more. A collection of built-in shelves in this mudroom provides a spot to store a couple of days’ mail accumulation before the pile gets moved to a final sorting station.

If it works in the post office, why won’t it work for you? Cubbies take the headache out of sorting and organizing mail and ensure no items get lost in the shuffle. Use bold vinyl stickers or decorative labels to designate a mail cubby for every member of the family. Transform cards — items that often end up stuffed into a drawer or cluttering a desktop — into works of art. Hang strings of twine along a stretch of empty wall space and use tiny clothespins to attach pretty greeting cards and postcards. Switch out certain pieces as the seasons change to create a dynamic display.

Tame clutter-causing mail piles by creating individual cubbies for each family member. Label each cubby with a name or a function (such as “outgoing mail”) to ensure that nothing gets lost in the hectic mudroom shuffle. For little ones who don’t get much mail, use the cubbies as a holding zone for their important school papers. Place any items that need to go back to school into a folder that children can grab on the way out the door.

Create a keepsake box to house important pen pal notes or letters using an old book. Apply crafts glue to the inside back cover and close the book. When dry, apply glue to the book’s edges and let dry. Mark a rectangle on the first page about 1 inch from all sides. Use a crafts knife to cut along the mark and through several pages. Remove cut pages and continue removing pages to the desired depth. Seal the cut pages with glue.

Surprisingly, open storage can often make an entryway feel less cluttered. Oversize wall clips keep important bills and papers visible and within easy reach at all times in this mudroom. Keeping important items on display ensures you won’t wait until the last second to send in that bill or sign that permission slip. Labeling each wall clip ensures items always end up where they belong.

Secrets for Getting Organized by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Organizing your home is a major undertaking that can be tricky to keep up with. It’s an ongoing process that requires focus, creativity, and a defined plan. These nine organizing secrets will help you get your home organized (and keep it that way). Before you start, determine the spots that need organizing the most. Try standing in the center of a room and taking in a 360-degree view. Zero in on the areas where clutter draws your eye and plan to tackle those first.

Turn your organizing task list into a set of written goals. “The act of writing gets the goal into your subconscious,” professional organizer Laura Leist says. “Plus, it’s nice to be able to go back during and after the project to see how you’re progressing.” Check off items on the list as you progress through the space.

To reinforce the goal, Leist suggests assigning a specific due date to each step and an end date for the project. For even more motivation, schedule an important event or party at your house as a deadline for completing the organization project. If you don’t have an upcoming event, Leist recommends you still put a date on your calendar and set up a few key milestones along the way. “You must have something specific out there to work toward,” she says.

Quick fixes work in a pinch, but a bigger organization strategy takes time to implement. To make a big project easier to manage, break it down into mini-projects you can do in 15-60 minutes and keep the list specific. “Having to move around or make lots of different types of decisions will wear you out quickly,” says. She recommends focusing on one small project and consciously reminding yourself with something like, “All I need to do for the next 15 minutes is sort clothing by type.”

Before you go to the trouble of figuring out where to store stuff, decide if you really need it. Declutter rooms in a series of smaller chunks, such as focusing on one desk drawer instead of organizing the entire office. To ensure you make time for organizing, schedule a decluttering session with yourself. “Write it down like an appointment,” professional organizer Donna Smallin Kuper says. Once you’ve decluttered, store your remaining stuff using a strategy like the SIMPLE method developed by . “The SIMPLE method is all about acting rather than overthinking,” Jenkins says. Making dozens of decisions haphazardly about what to keep, where to keep it, and how to label it will wear you out quickly. The SIMPLE method structures the process. The acronym goes like this:

Tackling major reorganization and decluttering is a big accomplishment, and you should feel good about it. Maintain the momentum by making it a habit. “Your routine should be whatever you need to remind you of what you’re suppose to do,” Jenkins says. Successful routines are simple ones, such as having a house rule to put things away after use, or tackling the mail every evening when you come home.

How to Properly Dispose of PPE by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

No, you can’t recycle used masks and gloves.

Five months after the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re finally at a point where it’s a little bit easier to find personal protective equipment (PPE) like disposable masks and gloves in stock. Thank goodness for that! But while the acquisition of these goods is no longer a huge problem, have you ever considered how you should dispose of them? Here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of your PPE.

No! PPE cannot be recycled. “Many types of PPE are flimsy or flexible in design—think gloves and masks—and can clog sorting equipment at the recycling center, making it difficult to sort the right stuff,” says Jeremy Walters, sustainability ambassador and head of community relations for recycling and waste company Republic Services. “The other concern with used PPE is for the health and welfare of workers at the recycling centers that are sorting through the recyclables.”

In fact, prior to the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics deemed recycling and waste collection the fifth most dangerous career in the United States, based on the annual number of fatal incidents. Now with the pandemic, workers in the field are more exposed to risks than ever.

Here’s exactly what PPE and associated materials cannot be recycled:

Disposable masks
Gloves
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels, napkins, and tissues
Medical equipment and supplies

If you’re not thrilled about the ecological impact of single-use PPE, consider buying reusable options, which are far more sustainable. With those items, you’ll want to be sure you are sanitizing them regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest you wash your reusable mask after every use.

While PPE belongs in the trash, you shouldn’t just haphazardly toss your masks and gloves in the bin. The same issue facing workers sorting recyclables also faces waste workers—you don’t want your dirty PPE to get anyone sick. So when you throw away PPE and associated goods like paper towels or tissues, make sure you’re placing items in a garbage bag that can be sealed, lest you end up with used PPE falling out and potentially spreading your germs to others.

While PPE itself can’t be recycled, there’s plenty else that can and should be. “Hand sanitizer, liquid disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, and other cleaning or sanitizing products often come in packaging that is great for recycling,” says Walters. “Rigid plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs are excellent candidates. Just be sure your plastic containers are empty, clean, and dry before tossing them in your recycling bin.”

In general, clean plastic, glass, metal, and paper goods can be recycled, but you should check with your city or town to learn about its specific protocols for recycling, as rules do vary by location. “Right now, there is a critical need for raw materials in the manufacturing supply chain, especially paper and cardboard,” Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement. “Business closures and limited operations means less recycled material for American manufactures, and we all must do our part to recycle more and recycle right to fill this immediate need.”

Set Up a Backyard Movie Theater In Under an Hour by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie outside in your own backyard. Whether you miss going to the movie theater or you’re feeling nostalgic for retro drive-ins, you’ll love taking family movie night outside as the weather gets warmer. And DIY backyard movie theaters are actually pretty easy to set up yourself. You can do the entire thing in about 30 minutes if you have the right equipment (though keep in mind that a permanent installation will require a bit more work). “All you need is a portable projector to turn your own backyard into an outdoor cinema—any backdrop works in the dark… a kid’s tent, hanging a sheet, the wall, or even the ceiling of an overhang, says style and parenting influencer Alicia Lund. Ahead, learn how to ready your yard for movie night in just a few simple steps and watch Lund transform her own backyard into a magical outdoor theater to see how it’s done.

What You’ll Need

Sheet or portable screen

A screen will inherently have less wrinkles in it than a sheet, which is optimal for clear movie-watching. But if you do use a sheet, make sure you pull it super taut when you secure it to either a stand or a vertical flat surface.

Projector

Cinemood 360

amazon.com

$499.95

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You can buy projectors and screens as a pair for what is supposedly optimal pixel quality, but you only really need to do that for a permanent installation or more serious viewing. Otherwise, you just need a good, reliable projector that you can also use indoors. The one Lund used in this set-up is the Cinemood 360, which is great for families since it has built-in access to interactive and educational content for kids (along with all the go-to streaming services, too.)

Sound System

Whether you already have an outdoor speaker system set up or you just want to wing it with a portable bluetooth audio, make sure the speakers are loud enough to compete with the outdoor elements like wind.

Furniture, Table, Tree, Grass, Yard, House, Home, Room, Backyard, Garden,

How to Set It Up

Pick a Location

You could set up a portable screen or sheet in the front or backyard with a stand (many come with them) or against the exterior wall of the home. If you don’t have any yard space, try it in the driveway against your garage door, or strung up between two trees. You could also watch from the pool or hot tub if you have one.

Prep the Sound System

If you don’t already have an outdoor space equipped with speakers, invest in a set of portable speakers that fill the entire area with sound. Harman Kardon has some excellent options.

Get Ready to Stream

You’ll also want to prop your projector up on a little side table or stool if it doesn’t come with a stand. In order to actually watch a movie, you could connect your projector to your Apple TV or hook it up to a Fire Stick, an Amazon Alexa-equipped remote and media streamer.

Be a Good Neighbor

If you live in a super populated area, make sure you aren’t blasting Silence of the Lambs into the wee hours of the morning. And of course, practice crowd control.

Give It a Stylish Spin

Style your outdoor theater with Pendleton blankets and piles of outdoor cushions to give it a retro camp look and feel. Bring out the wine chillers and snacks and hurricane candles for a romantic ambiance. Hanging string lights from a pagoda or trees is also a good call. Just bring any non-waterproof decor inside at the end of the movie, in case it rains.

Easy Ways to Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Did you know that the United States is the global leader in food waste? According to the RTS (Recycle Track Systems, an organization aimed at reducing waste) Food Waste In America 2020 Statistics and Facts report, the average American family of four throws out about $1,600 worth of produce per year. That’s equivalent to 219 lbs per person. And that’s just food waste—according to EPA, in 2017, plastic waste was 35.4 million tons in the United States, which results in an estimated 234lb of plastic waste per person per year.

So how do we tackle this? Households aren’t the only contributors to the problem, of course—restaurants and commercial businesses are also major contributors—but making a change at home is an easy way to start. Changing a few household habits will not only help the environment but also can save you money in the end. Start with reducing waste in your kitchen with these easy steps.

Regrow your vegetables

The next time you think about disposing of your vegetable scraps, think again: Most fruit and vegetables can be regrown. It’s easier than you think and will save you money on your grocery bill. Get the family involved and turn it into a learning experience or fun experiment. All you need are scraps and varying sized, bowls, jars, and pots (take inspiration from these indoor herb gardens). While not all scraps can be regrown—if they can’t, compost them!—here are a few staple vegetables to consider growing in your home.

Scallions

Scallions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow. Cut an inch away from the root and place them upright in a glass of water. Be sure to leave it in a place with adequate sunlight. Change the water once a week until green shoots emerge. Transfer to soil when shoots are four inches long. Now you have an endless supply of scallions, perfect for use as a garnish or in soups. The same method can be used for leeks.

Celery

Celery is another easy vegetable to regrow. Simply cut two inches off the root end of a bunch of celery and place it in a shallow glass bowl with enough water to submerge an inch of the root. Next, watch it grow, after two or three days small leaves will appear, followed by stalks. Transfer to the soil once it starts to brown.

Onions

To regrow an onion, place the bottom of the onion in soil and let the roots grow. Once roots have grown, remove the old onion bottom and watch a new onion grow.

Do away with plastic containers

Most plastic containers are recyclable, but an alternative to storing food is with food-grade silicone containers. Unlike rigid plastic, silicone doesn’t crack, dry out, or rot over time—meaning you won’t have to replace it as often. Plus, it’s lightweight, saves space, and is made from an abundant natural resource. ZipTop makes freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe silicone containers. Their containers are made from 100% Platinum Silicone, the purest Food Grade Silicone available. No need to rummage for lids, the containers stand up, stay open, and zip shut, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic. It’s also lightweight, ideal for taking lunch, snacks, and more on the go.

The Best Way to Fold Towels by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

As with many household tasks, there are many, many ways to fold towels. Bed Bath & Beyond even has its own signature method—which one former employee shared on TikTok recently. But, as a self-admitted neat freak, I’m here to tell you that this is the best way. Why? This tri-fold method is basically a foundation to any type of towel fold. Fold your towels like this and you can roll them, hang them on a towel bar, or fold them in rectangles. Plus, this method ensures that, if you have monogrammed towels (like my Weezie ones shown here!), your monogram won’t get hidden in the fold. Read on to learn the foolproof method. (Oh, and if you’re confused about whether you’re working with bath sheets, bath towels, or hand towels, check our our explanation here—but this method works for every size!).

Step one: Lay flat

You’ll want to lay your towel on a flat, clean surface, with the backside facing up (so any monogram or detailing should not be visible. Smooth out the towel.

Step two: Fold in thirds

Now, bring one long edge of the towel in towards the center so the edge is a little beyond the center of the towel (you can adjust this based on your towel’s monogram or design; fold more or less to make the design visible and centered). Now fold the other side in, too, overlapping about an inch (plus or minus two inches depending on design) at the center.

Step three: Fold in half

Step four: Fold in half again

Now, fold that in half again, with the monogram on top. And voilà! You’ve got a perfectly folded towel. Do the same for your hand towel and washcloth, sans the last half fold.

Step five: Arrange

With your towel folded like this, there are several ways you can store or display it.

Towel bar: Hang your towel from the last fold, so the monogram is visible in the front. Hang hand towels on top of bath towels or sheets.
Guest room: Lay towels out for your guests by placing one bath towel folded like above, topped with one hand towel, folded to step 3, on the guest bed. Top with a soap for an extra touch.
Towel roll: Rolling towels is a great way to store many towels and to ensure they stay crease free. With your towel folded to step two above, grab the end without the monogram or design and roll towards the other end, then store or display with the design on top.
Flat fold: If you want to store your towels in a stack, you can store them folded like above, or, after step two, fold the towel into thirds for a wider, flatter fold (depending on the size of your storage space).

What To Know about Vacuums for Pet Hair by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

9 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2020, According to Cleaning Appliance Pros

You love everything about your pet, but one thing that isn’t so great: Finding his fur all over your house. One of the the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab’s most frequently asked questions is, “What’s the best vacuum to get rid of pet hair?” That’s because removing pet hair is one of the toughest challenges vacuum cleaners face. This is especially true when static electricity makes dog hair and cat hair cling so tightly to fabrics, like carpeting and upholstery, that no amount of brushing or suction power seem to pick it up. In the GH Cleaning Lab, we test all kinds of vacuums to find the best ones, including handheld vacuums, stick vacuums, canister vacuums, HEPA vacuums, and much more. We put our vacuums through rigorous testing that follows ASTM industry standard test methods: We set out a standardized gamut of messes on a range of flooring from hardwood to deep pile carpet to vinyl. In the Lab, each vacuum model is tested exactly the same way, but we also get consumer feedback on each vacuum’s ease of use, including maneuverability, changing the bag (or removing the dust cup), and controls. Perhaps most importantly, every vacuum we evaluate gets tested on “pet hair” — a.k.a. fine rayon fibers that we apply to test carpeting in a uniform way. Here are the best vacuums for picking up pet hair:

Best Bagged Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Miele Dynamic U1 Maverick Vacuum
Best Value Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Eureka FloorRover Upright Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair: Amarey A900 Robot Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair Allergies: Kenmore Pet Friendly Upright Vacuum
Best Bagless Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum
Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair: Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
Best Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Vacuum
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum
Best Vacuum Attachment for Pet Hair: Dyson Groom Tool

How to find the best vacuum for pet hair

To help any vacuum do a better job at removing pet hair, our cleaning pros recommend giving fur-covered carpets and couches a spritz of an anti-static spray, like Static Guard, before vacuuming to help strands come up easier. Then, there are a few features to look for in a vacuum specifically for pet hair:

Rubber trim and raised “fingers” on floor nozzles and attachments that help zap static and break the bonds so fur comes up more easily.
Tangle-free brush rolls put an end to clipping long strands of hair (from pets or humans!) that get twisted around the brush.
Easy-to-empty dust cups for inevitable and frequent dumping as you vacuum. Keep in mind that filters on newer vacuums trap more odors to eliminate smells in the vacuum and the room.

Below are the top-performing vacuuums that performed best on pet hair in Labs tests, plus ones with features perfectly-suited to tackle stubborn fur:

BEST BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Dynamic U1 Maverick Vacuum

MIELE

MIELEamazon.com

$599.00

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This Good Housekeeping Seal star is ideal for pet owners that also suffer from allergies or asthma since its self-sealing bag keeps debris out of the air. It also has a HEPA filter, which traps even the tiniest particles, including pet dander. It received top-scores in our pet hair pick-up test and basically every other test we put it through. Plus, it comes with all the accessories you need to get the whole house spotless, like an upholstery tool, a crevice nozzle, and a dusting brush.

BEST VALUE UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Eureka FloorRover Dash Lightweight Upright Vacuum, NEU526

EUREKA

EUREKAwalmart.com

$159.00

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This affordable champ is an updated version of a previously tested model that had a near-perfect score in our pet hair pick-up tests and it comes with a a Pet Turbo Brush, specifically designed to get rid of pet hair from bedding, floors, stairs, and upholstery — not an attachment you often find at this price point. Our consumer testers loved how easily it was to maneuver in tough-to-reach places.

BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

A900 Robot Vacuum

AMAREY

AMAREYamazon.com

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Robot vacuums often struggle with pet hair, but this budget-friendly Amarey A900 was the top scorer for pet hair pickup among our best performers. What especially impressed us was that any hair that got did get stuck in the brush was easy to remove. Its slim 2.75” design lets it glide under beds and low furniture to clean the hard-to-reach places pet hair seems to settle. And with four different modes, including spot and edge cleaning, you can send the Amarey out to tackle just the problem areas before guests arrive. The auto mode adjusts suction for different floor types, increasing suction when it detects carpet. In our tests, the Amarey was quiet and cleaned for up to two hours before returning to its charging dock.

BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR ALLERGIES

Kenmore Pet Friendly Upright Vacuum

KENMORE

KENMOREamazon.com

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Pet hair is an annoyance for most pet owners, but if you or someone in your family happens to be allergic to pet hair, it can also be a serious health issue. This upright Kenmore has all the extras to keep pet hair where it belongs — inside the vacuum. Certified by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), this Kenmore passed AAFA tests for low emissions both while vacuuming and when changing the bag and while we haven’t tested this specific model, Kenmore vacuums do well in our performance tests, we know and trust the rigid standards of the AAFA, and are impressed with their certification criteria. This vacuum maintains its performance even as the bag fills and clogs with dirt and it’s loaded with features like a powerful motor, a five-position adjustable height nozzle for easier pushing across all carpet styles and an air-powered hand tool with a rotating brush to more easily remove stubborn pet hair from upholstery, bedding, and stairs.

BEST BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum

BISSELL

BISSELLwalmart.com

$299.00

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This Good Housekeeping Seal star is our Lab go-to because it comes fully stocked with features that’ll suck up every last bit of pet hair. A tangle-free brush roll, a light to find hidden messes, and a detachable canister are all included. To minimize the mess when emptying the canister, Bissell has a technology that “spools” the hair inside the canister, so it comes out as one easy-to-remove mass instead of individual strands. We also like that it works great on both carpets and bare floors.

BEST CANISTER VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

MIELE

MIELEamazon.com

$689.00

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Miele vacuums always top our Lab tests for performance and this model is designed for cleaning up after cats and dogs. It’s especially great if you’re worried about pesky smells, since the powerful Good Housekeeping Seal star features an Active AirClean Filter to help neutralize any lingering pet odors. It also comes with a super-useful Flexible Handheld Mini Turbo Brush attachment for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces.

BEST STICK VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Vacuum

DYSON

DYSONamazon.com

$600.00

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Dyson’s super-lightweight model received perfect scores in our pet hair pick-up tests. And since it’s cordless, you’ll never have to worry about you (or your pets!) tripping over a power cord! The cordless stick vacuum was great at picking up pet hair on carpets and floors and it converts into a hand vac allowing you to easily tackle furniture, too.

BEST HANDHELD VACUUM FOR PET HAIR

Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum

BISSELL

BISSELLamazon.com

$36.99

$30.99 (16% off)

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Don’t want to buy a whole new vacuum? This small-but-mighty Bissell (less than four pounds!) is perfect for quick pet-hair fixes. We like that it’s designed with a rubber nozzle to help lift stuck-on hair and that it’s easy to maneuver around chair arms and stair treads to get every last piece.

BEST VACUUM ATTACHMENT FOR PET HAIR

Groom Tool

DYSON

DYSONhomedepot.com

$69.00

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If you’re already a Dyson owner, consider adding this unique grooming tool to your cleaning arsenal to create a next-level hair vacuum. It brushes your pup and removes loose hair, sucking strands right into the vacuum itself. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Creating Privacy in your Yard by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

As the summer of 2020 carries on, families and friends alike are spending more time in their own backyards. From intimate family time to responsible social gatherings, comfortable outdoor spaces with adequate privacy have never been more prevalent. Whether you are looking to block out the neighbors, hide an unappealing view, or chisel out a dedicated space in your backyard, creating privacy can be a challenge. The good news is there are many solutions depending on the space and your needs. From pergolas and freestanding canopies to hedges and privacy fences, discover all the ways to create a secluded hangout space. Here are a few ideas for creating some private spaces in your backyard, rooftop, or balcony.

1. Fence It!

When it comes to outdoor privacy, wood fences are a practical necessity. There are a variety of species to choose from, ranging from light to dark, and just as many style choices. Wooden fencing not only enhances backyard privacy – it also enhances the overall design. Compared to other materials, wooden fencing can be cost-effective and long-lasting with routine maintenance. For additional privacy in their backyard, the homeowners also installed a versatile freestanding canopy.

2. Use a Hedge

A tall hedge provides as much privacy as fences. In fact, it’s known as a living fence. While trees usually create a sense of traditional look to an exterior, hedges are often synonymous with a modern flair. A hedge often reaches higher than a fence for even more screening. This privacy landscaping idea provides year-round screening for homeowners. Where space may be tight, fast-growing evergreens or a sheared private hedge can provide a simple solution for separating joined yards or blocking sight lines out of the kitchen window.

3. Privacy Panels

A short wire fence encloses this backyard and a wooden lattice screen is erected at the back of the pergola, adding architectural interest and creating privacy. Privacy screens are normally made from lattice, shutter-like louvered wood panels or sections of ornamental iron. They have anchoring posts that can be set into the ground, enclosing a cozy corner while preserving desirable views. Wooden screens may not provide complete privacy, however, they add that visual interest to a landscape and allow natural light and breezes in.

4. Draw the Curtains

Just like curtains in your bedroom conceal what’s inside, outdoor curtains will also work like a charm in your backyard. The curtains on this pergola help block the neighbors’ view as well as add to the exterior design of the space. Provided by ShadeFX, these outdoor curtains are available in different styles and colors, which means you can pick ones that blend seamlessly into your outdoor décor, or pick a color with pop as a focal feature.

5. Grow a Garden

Going natural with a mix of ornamental trees and grass is a great alternative to create a bit of privacy while adding a pop of color. If you are lucky enough to have space in your backyard like this residential project, you’re really only limited by your budget. It’s a good idea to check with a nursery or landscape professional to see what combination of trees, grass, and tall-growing flowers might be best to fit your needs. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or plants to easily block off your space.

6. Add Retractable Shade

It may seem farfetched, but retractable canopies provide plenty of privacy from second-story windows, particularly those of neighboring houses. Of course, you also gain protection from sun and rain, as well as an attractive addition to your pergola, trellis or outdoor structure. This backyard has a ShadeFX custom structure and a retractable shade attached to the house. Sunshine and warm temperatures continually invite you and your loved ones to spend entire days outdoors. It is important that you be able to enjoy endless hours in your backyard without worrying about too much exposure to the sun or curious onlookers. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

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Update the Hardware

Dress Up Your Door

What You’ll Need

Sheet or portable screen

Projector

Sound System

How to Set It Up

Pick a Location

Prep the Sound System

Get Ready to Stream

Be a Good Neighbor

Give It a Stylish Spin

Regrow your vegetables

Do away with plastic containers

Step one: Lay flat

Step two: Fold in thirds

Step three: Fold in half

Step four: Fold in half again

Step five: Arrange

9 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2020, According to Cleaning Appliance Pros

How to find the best vacuum for pet hair

1. Fence It!

2. Use a Hedge

3. Privacy Panels

4. Draw the Curtains

5. Grow a Garden

6. Add Retractable Shade

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