Useful Home Items People Forget on Move-In Day

It is undeniable that move in day is one of the most stressful days after turnover. Packing the home decorations and appliances from your rental or former home takes a lot of effort especially when you have a lot of items to consider. The stress becomes twofold when you have to do it alone. Your partner caught up with the workload is no fun when you are just about to move in together. At the same time, packing children's toys, books, and other sports equipment bought in The District Imus can be an emotional affair once you start recalling the good times you had in the area.

All of these can make you forget what to pack and bring over your new home. Having a moving in together checklist will remind you the things to take with you or purchase once in the new neighborhood. Homeowners and renters tend to forget the necessary and most useful items. To avoid inconvenience or delays in settling in your home, you can consider adding these functional items to your checklist. Sorting the objects by room is one way to maintain organized when packing.

1. Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the rooms that has several essentials attached to it.

Plunger

It is the most unattractive yet significant item to have to lie around the loo. The plunger is the answer to bathroom woes as it unblocks toilets, sinks, and drains. Its rubber flap folds out to fit snugly into the opening at the bottom of the bowl or tap and create suction. There are two kinds of plunger available at home improvement stores or the home cleaning section of supermarkets - the cup and flange. The cup plunger is useful for a blocked sink drain. Meanwhile, a flange plunger on-hand is best for the toilets.

Clothes Bin

The dirty clothes you remove each day needs a place to stay. It doesn't matter if you put your clothes on wash daily. The pile must have a place to stay unless you want them to be a tangled lump on the floor. Thus, you must have storages for the tops, bottoms, and undergarments especially when you schedule your laundry on weekdays.

First Aid Kit

Accidents are unpredictable. You can cut yourself while unpacking your stuff or have a wound that needs attending. A first aid kit nearby easily patches you up. Don't forget to stock it with the necessities and tools to use.

2. Kitchen

Don't forget the plates! It's one of the things guests mind—other than the food.

 A Bottle of Expensive Booze

Stock a bottle of your poison—a champagne, whiskey, scotch—to celebrate any occasion or milestone.

Coasters

Does water stain or rings on surfaces of coffee and dining tables irk you? Then you better not forget to have some coasters with you. Though coasters are widely available in home section and home improvement shops of The District Dasmarinas, being ready with your own set helps you save your furniture from diminishing its value and beauty. You will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea without the pressure or maintain the state of your surfaces.

Fire Extinguisher

It's best to stock it near sources of fire to minimize the damages in case an emergency ensues. Find out how to use it so it won't remain a display.

Food Processor

Those wondering the importance of a food processor should get one. It cuts cooking time in half and limits the mess you create during meal prep. You can shred, slice, mince and puree fruits and vegetables for a short period especially if you have to provide for a large group.

Mixer

A mixer is a must for fanatics of baking. A stand mixer is steady but takes more counter space than a handheld electric mixer.

Oven Mitts

Homeowners and renters with an oven at their place must ensure they have oven mitts. Moving in with a boyfriend is exciting, but it isn't as fun as getting your hands burned. Some may find these unnecessary because they can substitute kitchen towels or any cloth available. Unfortunately, these substitutes can lead to nasty burns on your skin.

Porcelain Flatware

Dinnerware is the best investment when considering kitchen accessories. You will use it to entertain guests and feed your family. Make sure to go for plates, saucers, and serving platter that you will love. You can go for bright colors and bold designs or stick with neutrals, Make sure to choose dishwasher friendly flatware.

Salt Pepper Shakers

Every detail counts once you settle in your new abode. Salt and pepper shakers that aren't plastic adds sophistication to your dining set. The shakers are also handy in times you wish to add flavor to your meals.

3. Bedroom

Lo and behold, your haven. But you can't rest until you have everything you need.

Catchcalls

Your jewelry needs a safe landing after a day of painting the town red. Clumping earrings and ring isn't a pretty sight. It can also scratch surfaces or result in discoloration. The same goes for necklaces and other accessories. Add small trays, tiny bowls, and other decorations that can serve as storages on your list.

Flashlight

The light will guide you during a blackout or power outages. You won't have to stumble on the things in the dark. If you already have one, check if it still works. Replace its batteries and survey its bulbs. Get a new one if there's no hope for your trusty flashlight.

Garment Steamer

It glides over the fabric and easier to use than the traditional iron. People on the go and jet-setter should have one.

4. Living Room

Window coverings

The dusty blinds from your previous address won't work in your new one especially if you plan to change room aesthetic. Secure your privacy by upgrading your window treatment. Adding luxurious drapes on sheer curtains prevents nosy neighbors from peeking into your casa.

Vacuum

Toss the vacuum that doesn't work and get a new one. Purchasing one guarantees results whenever you deep clean.


Both homeowners and renters have several things to manage upon moving in a new place. Therefore, they are likely to miss out on the small appliances and home accessories to include on packing day. You will only realize the value or need for the item once it's missing or out of sight.

Note: This post was first published on January 1, 2016, as "When Moving In: 7 Useful and Important Things Most Renters Forget To Have." It has been updated to be an accurate and comprehensive guide to homeowners.

Low-key Upgrades You Should Do to Increase Home Value

Almost everyone is looking for the cheapest house and lot for sale in the Philippines. However, there’s a connotation that cheap houses are unorganized and under maintained. It is a sentiment that comes with resold homes passed to different owners.

Whether you’re selling or planning to sell your property, you should know how to maintain the value of your house. The simplest solution is by making improvements regarding interiors. There are many aspects of the house that need changes, yet the elements go unnoticed. Thus, it slowly decreases your home value without you knowing. We’ve compiled our notes and found some minor upgrades you can and should do to raise your property’s value.

Kitchen

A kitchen is a busy place. Sometimes, we prepare meals more than three times. We can say it is the most abused room in the house. Check the faucets, lighting fixtures and cabinets. Are they still in good condition? Are they still functioning well? If not, replace them with new ones.

A rusty faucet, dimming lights and squeaky cabinets and doors are signs of an aging home. Get a new faucet and ask help from a plumber or family member who knows how to replace water fixtures. Same with light fixtures. Get them changed as soon as you buy a new one. Replace the bulb while you’re at it. Put some oil on the cabinet and door hinges to remove the squeaking sounds. Give them a fresh look by coating it with a new color. You can also change the handles to make it visually appealing.

The kitchen also has the most appliances. Once in a while, test their condition. Are they still in their top shape? More importantly, do you still use them? Donate or dispose of appliances that no longer serves a purpose. Have broken ones repaired and if it’s not possible anymore, buy a new one.  

Bathroom

There’s nothing more annoying than a toilet bowl without a flush. It may be a small inconvenience for some, but it’s a feature that people expect in a bathroom. You need to get this covered as soon as possible or say goodbye to you prospective buyers.

Upgrade the bathroom by fixing the flush, water sources, and the faucets. Make sure there are no leaks that could cause flooding. If you have a shower, replace the shower head for a better water pressure and surge. A low-key way to change the look of the bathroom is by changing the toilet seat and installing a pedestal sink. A sink would complete the look of a barren bathroom.

Living Room, Bedroom, and Guest Rooms

The signs of wear and tear are reflected on the walls.

White turns to yellow and dark and bright colors fade into its light counterparts. The old paint starts to flake. Bring life to the rooms by painting the walls. You may use the same color on the wall or get a makeover by splashing a different color. Include the ceiling to revive all interiors. You can paint the trim with an eye-catching color contrast to the ceiling and the wall.

Another thing to add to your rooms is storage spaces. Storage can be in the form of shelving units, cabinets, closets, and drawers. A place with an organized storage area and designation is presentable and pleasing to the eye. If you’re feeling cramped with all the stuff you have, consider arranging your house to make space for extra shelves. Although the clutter can also mean purging stuff, it is also a perfect time for you to assess your home when it comes to layout and storage.

Front door and Entryway

A house, no matter the size, needs an entryway.

The entryway separates the front door from the living room or receiving area. It gives the people a moment to pause before taking in the rest of the house. The entrance is the first thing that visitors see. Therefore, their judgment will rest on the appearance of these two. The goal is to have an inviting and enticing front so your house can make a lasting impression.

If the door shows signs of weathering while the knob doesn’t cooperate anymore, it’s time to upgrade. Paint or varnish the door. Install a new doorknob and update the locks. Add some decorations beside the door like potted plants, a welcome mat, and outdoor lighting. The entryway also needs decorations, but it needs more functionality that visuals. Have a repurposed bookshelf as shoe racks or barrel crates for umbrellas and other stuff. Don’t forget to add a hanging rack for your coats.

These upgrades are low-key because these details are often missed out by homeowners. Once buyers notice that you’ve taken extra steps to make the house as welcoming as possible, you will get extra points that may help you close a deal sooner than you have thought.

A Guide To Buying Property in the North’s Posh Community

Vertis North, one of Ayala’s pioneering mixed-use community in the North, should be your next address. The sanctuary of green, rising residential towers, and retail options are all within reach. The development thrives on a self-sustaining model - living, work life, and recreation all in one place.

Vertis North brings luxurious living the Quezon City with its high-rise condominiums. There’s Avida Towers Vita and Sola which has generous space in its units and common areas. Both towers are near the Corporate Center and Vertis North Gardens which allows the residents to relax and pursue leisure activities like running, biking or simply enjoy the free-flowing air and the sun. The highlight of the district’s residential expanse is High Park, an exclusive residential tower by Alveo. High Park has 35-storeys and two towers - Tower One and Two - and offers the opulence of contemporary living. 

With all the development options available, buying a property in Quezon City is a great investment. Thus, here’s a guide on what you should look for in a prime property or a luxury condo.

Consider the architecture

Architecture is what gives the property its value. State-of-the-art condominiums have an air of exclusivity and uniqueness, yet their interiors are practical. The architects and engineer behind well-orchestrated developments should have good track records. The professionals are also credible for they prefer high-grade materials to construct the buildings. Still, look for condos that used natural wood, metals, and stones in its foundations. These materials last longer than unnatural substitutes and replicas.

Go for minimal details

Photo by Naomi Hebert

Most luxury condominiums are fully furnished. The place may resemble a work of art, but the additional fixtures and finishes only add to the cost. These extra “bling” raise expenses once its life cycles come to an end. Besides these touches, make sure that the unit has clear separations for each room. The rooms should have a smart layout meaning the bathroom should be accessible for the guests. Avoid condos with awkward columns and space-wasting hallways.

Ceiling Height and Storage

Photo by Philipp Berndt

When it comes to ceilings, the higher, the better but for condos, it should be 14 feet on average. Ceilings above or below that height aren’t conducive to space.

There should be ample storage areas in the condo, and when additional storage is needed, there should be provisions to build closets. Storage areas should be measured in square footage while ceilings should be in the cubic footage.

Choose the essentials

Photo by Wil Seaman

Living in the city demands time, so dwelling in a residential unit with an in-house laundromat saves the hassle of keeping up with dirty clothes. If a laundromat isn’t available, a laundry area helps. Besides a laundry area, go for a condo with a fitness area. Some residential developments have pools, playing courts or biking and running tracks instead of a gym. These features are more valuable than a pet spa or mini-golf which are exclusive to the affluent. Those amenities also don’t have lasting value. High Park has interactive amenities like its al fresco lounge, fitness gym, pool and play rooms. Their notable feature is the Sky Lounge which is ideal for chilling indoors.

Pick the right view

The view depends on the condo’s location. The best view is a view that gives peace and serenity to the homeowner. Beware of any future developments that may obstruct the view and natural light. 
Vertis North is within the proximity of QC’s central business district. Therefore residents will have a glimpse of the bustling district. Choose a condo unit with an unobstructed view. Tower One has Sky Gardens while Tower Two has Sky Park which are both within the scenic Vertis Park.