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House and Home Matters
Tips that can assist whether you're focused on relaxing at home or in the process of buying, selling or updating your existing home.
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7 Tips for Organizing Your Home
Professional Organizers Share Their Best Tips
It’s easy for clutter to accumulate, especially when cleaning and dusting are put off for too long. Over time, corners get filled with items you don’t need, making it overwhelming to tackle the mess. The good news is that instead of further delay or feeling embarrassed, professional organizers share their best tips and you get declutter secrets that can be used as soon as you get a moment.
Tip#1
Stay Minimalistic
While cleaning your drawers or wardrobe, ask yourself if you will really wear that clothing item. Is that stamp collection benefitting you or your family in any way or just consuming space? Make up your mind, give stuff away, and see how spacious your room will become.
Tip #2
The 20/20 Rule
Have you come across the 20/20 rule? It is another strategy to stay organized. The founders of Minimalists.com, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, came up with this technique. While cleaning your room, you have to ask yourself two major questions: can you replace this item in less than twenty minutes? And can you do the same for less than $20? If your heart and mind are on the same page (assuming your mind is more practical - smile), then discard it. In this way you will be able to clean without holding onto the item, giving you a reality check that some things can be easily replaced.
Organize Your Home
What? Organize the house.
Really? Where would I begin?
Scoop 7 Tips
Tip #3
The KonMari Method Marie Kondo has introduced the KonMari Method. According to Konmari.com, the procedure involves tidying things based on categories. For instance, begin with clothes, then go to your books section, and papers, and after that, organize things that hold emotional value for you. The main concept behind KonMari is to keep only those things that are actually important to you and discard those that you won’t regret losing. Kondo believes that life begins anew once your home is in order.
If you're ready for a fresh start, then begin sorting through your belongings and allow yourself to embrace the transformation that comes with a clutter-free space.
Tip #4
Clean In Specific Areas
Don't try to organize your entire home at one time. In other words, avoid dismantling your house; instead, pick one area and handle that before taking on the next space.
Tip #5
Clean In Specific Time Slots
If you are very busy, clean in specific time slots. Give yourself a timeframe with clear instructions that you should clean this portion within that time. Combine this effort with tip #4. For instance, start with fifteen minutes and remain in that space to organize your stuff. The time window and tactic will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and prevent the clutter from piling in other spaces.
Tip #6
Donate Ahead
Avoid putting everything in trash cans. When possible, try to donate items such as clothes, shoes, or books to charities or consignment shops. Consider contacting a nearby organization. Many people are helped by items no longer needed by someone else.
Tip #7
Celebrate Your Cleaning
After cleaning your major areas, take pictures of the clean spaces and send the scoop to share with your social circle. Be ready to receive many compliments. Then, treat yourself.
Voice Activated Devices: Create Efficiency
Comparative look at Google Nest versus Amazon Echo versus Apple Homekit
The smart home market has been steadily grabbing people's interest. According to Statista, in 2024, the revenue in this market is expected to reach $38.8 billion. You may have come across the sleek designs offered by Google Nest, Apple Homekit, and Amazon Echo. Each competing against one another to take center stage. And, each of them emerges with its share of device compatibility, unique features, and user experience. This article provides a comparison of them by features, strengths, and weaknesses.
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Share your comments about which device you might choose to best suit your home.
Google Nest
Strengths
Voice Assistant
Google Nest’s voice assistant is considered the most capable and intelligent assistant. It can impress you by understanding complicated commands and natural language. Therefore, you will not have to repeat it multiple times.
Device Compatibility
With Google Nest, you can pair several devices, such as displays, thermostats, security cameras, and more.
Weaknesses
Privacy Concerns
However, in Google Nest, you will encounter weaknesses in the form of privacy concerns. How? The way Google collects data has been problematic for some users. Therefore, you need to remain careful.
Sound Quality
While the Google Nest speakers are improving, the technology still lags behind and does not offer clear audio.
Amazon Echo
Strengths
Skills
Amazon Echo offers Alexa, who further amazes you with her skills. She helps you control your home’s environment and entertains you with news, music, games, and more. According to the New York Post, Amazon sold more than 500 million devices in 2023.
Reasonable Cost
If you are on a tight budget, you should seriously consider buying an Amazon Echo. These devices are far more reasonable than Homekit or Nest. Hence, decide accordingly.
Weaknesses
Voice Assistant
Alexa has the potential to understand your instructions; however, at times, she may have difficulty processing what you say.
Sound Quality
Like Google Nest, even Amazon Echo gives more importance to functionality instead of premium sound quality.
Apple Homekit
Strengths
Security and Privacy
Unlike Google Nest, Apple Homekit prioritizes the privacy and security of its home members. End-to-end encryption ensures that data remains safe, so you can stay relaxed.
Easy To Pair
The biggest concern when installing any smart device is whether it will support other devices as well. The Apple Homekit amazes with smooth pairing and user-friendly features, so you will not have trouble using it.
Weaknesses
Device Compatibility Is Limited
Compared to Amazon Echo and Nest, Apple Homekit will let you down in terms of device compatibility. This smart home brand is compatible with only a few devices, so choose wisely.
Apple Ecosystem
The name gives you a hint that it is suitable for Apple devices. So, don’t expect it to work well with Windows or Android users.
Voice Assistant Features Quick View
Device Compatibility, Audio Quality, Video Streaming, Smart Home Control, Ecosystem, Openness, Privacy & Security, User Experience, Price Range
Google Assitant
Alexa
Siri
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Supports over 50,000 devices
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Good but less immersive
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Direct access to YouTube, Chromecast
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Strong in complex commands
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Open to many brands
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Moderate concerns
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Intuitive with conversational commands
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Varies, starting around $99
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Widely compatible with many brands
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Better bass and overall sound quality
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Access to Prime Video
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Excellent for shopping and music
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Flexible but can be clunky
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Some privacy concerns
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User-friendly but can be cumbersome
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Varies, starting around $99
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Limited to Apple devices
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Excellent sound quality (HomePod)
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Limited video streaming options
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Best for security and privacy
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Closed ecosystem
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Strong emphasis on privacy
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Requires iOS devices for full use
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Higher price point for devices
With the right smart home system in place, the relatively small devices can provide comfort, convenience, and security for your living space.