Helpful Tips to Make Moving Easier

You might be a home’s first owner, but maybe you’re the fifth. In any case, moving into a home that’s new to you is exciting but also a time to make many decisions. Get prepared before moving day with these helpful hints. Do you have any moving tips you’d like to share? Share them here.

  1. Start a notebook for the new house. Jot down items to purchase or activities to handle. Include quotes from movers, contact info for your utilities and others, pictures from magazines for decorating/colors, floor plan with where to place what boxes and furniture, etc. Carry your notebook with you to have data handy when you need it.
  2. Sketch a floor plan of your new home when you don’t have blueprints. Record measurements of rooms, windows, closets and doors in your notebook. Include distance of window moldings from corners, floor and ceiling. Use measurements or blueprints to make a “to scale” floor plan and determine your furniture placement for moving day. Your movers will love your organization!
  3. Record your account numbers and contact info for all your utilities, magazine subscriptions, services, banks, government agencies, doctors, insurance companies, voter registration and anyone else who sends you mail. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family (at least the ones you want to know!)
  4. Visit the post office and fill out a mail forwarding and change of address form.Moving Snoopy
  5. Take pictures of each room in your house from multiple angles. This will help you remember placement of items as well as what’s in which room. Take an inventory too.
  6. Paint rooms, closets and ceilings before the move if existing colors don’t suit you. It’s easier when there are no heavy furnishings to move.
  7. Clean and paper the inside of kitchen cupboards and drawers, even closet shelves.
  8. Replace floor coverings or clean carpets before furnishings arrive if a house was previously occupied. Your home will be fresh and new for your family! Call us and we’ll help you with all your flooring needs.
  9. Watch a room’s light. Which window coverings will make the room most usable and comfortable? Check out our selection of Hunter Douglas blinds.
  10. Donate furniture, clothing and accessories that no longer suit you. Why pack and move stuff you don’t need when you’re starting life in a new place?
  11. Pack essentials like toiletries, supplies for cleaning and tools for small repairs in a box or 5 gallon bucket. Separate the human necessities into a different box or bag. Don’t take the whole toolbox – just hammer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, etc. Be sure you have these at least a day or two before you plan to stay overnight at your new place.
  12. Do laundry and clean your old home before you pack up your washing machine and dryer. You and the rest of your family will be glad you did.

Designing a Room With Tile

When planning your tile layout, think color and pattern and coordinate the whole room, floors, furniture, walls, accessories. Consider your whole design scheme at the same time. The more powerful your tiling decor is, the more restrained your other elements should be.

Artigiano from Daltile is a glazed ceramic subway tile.

This is a good time to consider how thick or thin, how dominant or restrained you want your joints and grout lines to be. Unless you want joints to be a dominant part of your pattern, they should be as tight as possible, with no grout lines, or use light-colored grout.

Assess the size and scale of your tile, its individual design and the overall pattern – as well as your layout – within the context of your room.

A busy border around a busy field of tile can be confusing and distracting. However, a strong frame around a plain field makes a more tasteful, significant and chic statement.

Florida Tile Room Sample
Florida Tile

Thick or multiple borders will help reduce the spacious feeling of a large room.

Skip borders around the room if you intend the installation pattern to run through a doorway.

The key to selecting grout color is to determine if you want to match the grout to the tile so it blends and makes the area you’re working in look larger. Light grout colors will help, too.

Article courtesy of the World Floor Covering Association. wfca.org

Vacuum Recommendations for UltraTouch Satin Carpet

What kind of vacuum cleaner should you use on your new UltraTouch® Satin carpet made with super soft Anso® nylon? A good vacuum will be both simple and effortless in operation, and also gentle enough.

What is unique about UltraTouch Satin carpet from CarpetsPlus COLORTILE® that requires special vacuuming considerations?

Soft Anso nylon is the latest in advanced extrusion technology that make these extraordinarily soft carpets possible. Because the fibers are so soft and plush, the total surface density is much higher. This density translates to a more complete seal for a vacuum cleaner head, increasing suction at the point of contact with the carpet surface. The farther the vacuum head sinks into the carpet, the greater the suction and difficulty in maneuvering the machine.

The ultra-soft fibers also require a gentler cleaning action so as to avoid unnecessary wear. Be aware that some vacuums have overly aggressive action which may damage the surface of your carpet.

What makes a vacuum a good fit for UltraTouch Satin carpet?ultratouch-satin-logo-300x111

The following characteristics should be considered to help identify vacuum cleaners that work most effectively on these luxurious, plush carpets:

1. Adjustable height brush roll: A manual height adjustment allows the user to accurately set the height of the brushing action to the proper level for both better cleaning and mobility.

2. Light weight: A lighter weight vacuum will exert less weight in hand, will not sink as deeply into the carpet’s surface, and will thus be easier to maneuver.

3. Adequate wheel size: A large enough wheel size will help the vacuuming head stay at the proper height and not sink into the face fibers.

4. Adjustable motor speed: An adjustable motor will often times lower the speed of the brush roll, allowing both easier operation as well as gentler on the carpet fibers.

5. Optional brush roll control: On loop products, it is recommended to disengage the brush roll action on vacuums with this feature to avoid excessive damage to the fibers. For ultra-high pile carpets, it may also be necessary to disengage the brush roll as the long fibers may entangle in the brush roll, causing damage to both the carpet and the vacuum.

Will I need to purchase a new vacuum for use on my carpet? Many vacuum cleaners perform well on UltraTouch Satin carpet, so it’s possible that you already own such a model. To verify that your vacuum will work well, test it in an inconspicuous area, such as a closet, or on a scrap piece left over from the installation. If the vacuum has any of the features mentioned above, use them as recommended and see if the machine moves easily across the carpet’s surface. Examine the test area carefully to determine if any abrasion of the fibers has occurred. If the vacuum can be maneuvered easily and no abrasive damage is seen, sprinkle some dry dirt or other small pieces of debris and see if they are efficiently removed by your vacuum.

Of course, a quality vacuum cleaner that works effectively on UltraTouch Satin carpet will only benefit you by extending the life of your carpet by keeping it looking newer, longer. Below is a list of recommended vacuum cleaners to fit any budget, and use of such cleaners is highly recommended:

$50 & BelowPanasonic MC-UG725-700

Bissell Powerforce 71Y7-W
Dirt Devil Windtunnel UD70115
Eureka Airspeed AS5203A
Hoover Nano UH70120

$50 – $150

Hoover Windtunnel UH70120
Hoover Windtunnel Plus UH70205
Hoover Windtunnel UH5780-950
Hoover Whole House UH71214
Bissell Total Floors Pet 61C5W

$150 – $250

Hoover Windtunnel Max UH70600
Kenmore Progressive Canister 21514
Kenmore Progressive Canister 21614
Panasonic MC-CG917 Canister
Panasonic MC-UG725
Bissell Healthy Home Vacuum 16N5
Bissell Heavy Duty Vacuum 50C9, 93Z6
Bissell Lift-Off Multi Cyclonic Vacuum 89Q9, 18Z6
Bissell Total Floors Complete 52C2

$250 & Above

Oreck Magnesium LW100
Kenmore Progressive Canister 21714
Electrolux Precision EL8807A
Panasonic MC-UG727
Oreck Quest Pro Canister
Panasonic MC-UG729
Hoover Canister S3855
Panasonic MC-GG523
Oreck Magnesium RS LW100

 

UltraTouch Satin carpet is available only at CarpetsPlus COLORTILE stores.

How to Clean Mud Out of Your Carpet

Water and dirt make mud.

Those April showers that bring May flowers are also bringing mud that could be tracked into your home. Would you be prepared if you saw one of your kids sprint across your carpet with muddy shoes? Here’s some recommendations of what to do from the Carpet and Rug Institute. The key is to BE PATIENT WHILE CLEANING and DO NOT SCRUB! You may have to repeat some steps to fully remove the stain. You may also have to send someone to the store for white paper towels and liquid dish detergent.

Follow the instructions below to clean mud-stained carpet:

Act Quickly! Delaying may cause the spill to become a permanent stain. Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or white paper towels. Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon. Break up solids and vacuum.

Pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select another solution.

Apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth, and work in gently – do not rub — working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient. Blot.

Continue to use the first agent as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Or, you may need to move to the next solution.

When the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry cloth until all moisture is removed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to minimize drying time.

Detergent Solution

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove Liquid Dish Detergentdetergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions below.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water

Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Call a Professional

Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. If you’re not sure you want to tackle the job, you can always call us regarding any spot removal question.

Residue Precautions

Many spot removal solutions leave residues in the carpet that may attract soil. Thoroughly rinse the area several times with lukewarm tap water. A mist type sprayer is recommended to prevent over-wetting. Blot with paper towels and pat dry after each rinse. Several rinses are often necessary to thoroughly remove residues. Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended.

Sizing it Up – How to Choose the Right Size Rug

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a rug is buying one that is too small for the space. Area rugs come in all different sizes – 5′ x 8′, 6′ x 9′, 8′ x 10′, 8′ x 11′, 9′ x 12′ and many more. You can even have a custom rug designed for you in almost any shape or size.

Come in today to see all the stunning options you have. If we don’t have the rug in our showroom, we can usually order it for you. Use the illustrations in this post to help you choose the right size rug for your room. Furniture settings are shown in white.

Living, Family and Great RoomsCarpetsPlus COLORTILE living room rug

Designers suggest that each piece of furniture is placed, in whole or in part, on the rug. To help you visualize just how big your rug will be in your room, try using blue painter’s tape or something similar to mark the edges. This will give you a good idea how the size will work in your room. Suggested sizes are 8′ x 11′ or 9′ x 12′.

Dining or Breakfast RoomsCarpetsPlus COLORTILE dining room rug

Just as in living rooms, be sure each piece of furniture is at least resting partly on the rug. The biggest rule here is to make sure you have enough room to pull a chair from under the table and it still be on the rug. Suggested sizes are 8′ x 11′ or 9′ x 12′ for dining rooms and 6′ x 9′ for breakfast rooms.

BedroomsCarpetsPlus COLORTILE bedroom rug

The area rug should be large enough for you to be able to take a step or two on it when you get out of bed. You don’t want cold feet in the morning! Suggested sizes are 8′ x 11′ or 9′ x 12′.

The most common reason rugs are returned is because the size didn’t work. So to avoid that hassle, be sure to measure your room and distance between your main furniture settings.

Celebrate Earth Day With These Money-Saving Tips

Politics aside, good stewardship is always a good policy. I think playing nice with the green ball we all live on has more to do with being smart than it does with any government agenda.

kids-on-rocks-at-lake-300x242The best thing about practicing green options is that, the majority of the time, they are the more cost-effective option. It seems to me that being eco-friendly will just plain save you money.

Here are a few low-cost or no-cost ideas. I practice many of them and will try to implement others. Let’s all be eco-smart (eco-nomically and eco-logically).

  • Plant a small garden in pots or in a raised bed.
  • Create a compost bin.
  • Cut down on lunch packaging. Avoid “snack size” foods by buying in bulk and filling your own snack containers.
  • Reduce the new toys you buy. Swap toys with other parents as kids outgrow them (cardboard boxes are fun too).
  • Switch to CFL lightbulbs (or at least a few).
  • Use reusable bags at the store – or make your own.
  • Buy a reusable water bottle instead of plastic disposable bottles.
  • Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room. Big one in my house trying to get the kids to do!
  • Save gas by driving the speed limit and check the air pressure in the tires. Combine errands in one trip.
  • Shop at your farmer’s market – support your local farmers.
  • Pay bills online if possible.
  • Stop unsolicited mail — opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.
  • Reuse scrap paper. Good for couponers too. Let your kids use it for crafts or drawing.
  • Before buying new, check Craigslist, Freecycle, thrift stores and yard sales.
  • Donate to – and shop at – thrift stores.
  • Support restaurants that use locally-grown food.
  • Fix leaky faucets.
  • Line dry laundry.
  • Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
  • Repurpose something – like egg cartons for crafts or glass jars for leftovers.
  • Collect rainwater – use it to water your houseplants and garden.
  • Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen. Make rags out of old towels and t-shirts.
  • Carpool. Set up carpools with friends to shop or to take kids to their activities.
  • And now my favorite… Get outside. Many kids spend very little time outdoors each week playing. Maybe go hiking and camping as a family, or simply play in the yard.

How to Select the Right Hard Surface Option for Your Home

Choosing the right selection of hard surface flooring for your home couldn’t be easier than with our professional assistance. Our dedicated team of experts simplify the nuances of flooring, allowing you to make an informed decision about the floor that’s just right for you. This post illustrates what’s available in hard surface flooring. Be sure to drop by if you’re in the area and talk with us about your next project.

SheetVinylRS-150x150Vinyl Flooring is more beautiful and stronger than ever before with a variety of new patterns to choose from. It imitates the aesthetics of both stone and ceramic flooring but without the hardness, coldness and is the least expensive option.

Wood has always been a favorite “natural” selection for homes throughout the years.  It also increases the value of any home.  There are thousands of styles and stains of wood floors, with options of width ranging from 21/2 inch to 7 inch wide planks.  Styling includes traditional oaks to the new Hand-Scraped and Restoration looks.  There is definitely a look for every taste. Cork and Bamboo are the “Green” products available that can make any room look modern and fresh.

Laminate is still a strong option for hard surface in the home. The new styles look even more like wood—it is truly difficult to tell.  The beauty of laminate is its easy maintenance.  It is more scratch resistant than wood, as well as being more inexpensive.  If there are large dogs and small children in the household, laminate tends to be a friendlier option.

LaminateRS-300x240Luxury Vinyl Tile is the new kid on the block.  It is probably a great compromise between ceramic/stone and sheet vinyl.  It comes with or without grout lines, and really mimics the look of more expensive stone/ceramic.  It is very good for any household with animals and children, and is softer and warmer on the feet than some other options.  Even though it is a little more expensive than sheet vinyl, it is less so than stone/ceramic.

WoodTile_RS-300x203Ceramic and Stone add a natural elegance to any room.  Because of their scratch resistance and durability, they can retain their beauty for many years.  There is some periodic maintenance for grout lines, but the treatments have drastically improved.  Ceramic and stone also increase the value of  the home, while being an excellent flooring for homeowners with pets.

Buying Carpet Off the Internet Can Be a Nightmare-In-Waiting

Shoppers buy just about everything from cars to clothes on the internet. You may ask, how does one buy shoes or clothes without first trying them on? Some things don’t seem logical to buy without seeing, touching or trying it on first.

Purchasing Carpet from a Trusted Retailer

Often, people will visit a brick and mortar store, find what looks good and fits right, then try to find the same item online at a discount. Some do the same with carpet. They visit a store to find what they like, then shop the internet for a better deal. The problem is, the installation will probably be your big headache if you buy from an internet retailer.

Three reasons why this is true:

  1. The amount of carpet needed must be determined properly. Measuring carpet yourself isn’t as easy as you might think. You can’t just measure length and width and you’re done. Seaming is required the majority of the time. Where the seams fall and their visibility can present problems.
  2. The carpet must be shipped to someone who not only can receive it, but also can inspect it for manufacturing defects. If there is a problem, there’s no retailer to stand behind what is sold. You are, in essence, the contractor who must handle the many aspects of the job, from measuring to determining the correct cushion to inspection and installation. How will you get the carpet off the truck? Rolls of carpet can weigh over 500 pounds. Do you own a forklift?
  3. Do you have access to a mill rep if there is a problem with the carpet? Retailers do. Many times the measuring and installing is done by their own employees. They know which direction to lay the carpet, how to seam it and can stand behind their work. What happens when the installer takes your money and runs when there’s a problem?

If you do purchase carpet from the internet, you are responsible for anything and everything. For peace of mind (and to avoid a costly headache later), why not purchase from the flooring experts at your local CarpetsPlus COLORTILE store? You’ll be greeted by friendly faces who stand behind their work. You’ll also find them eager to do everything possible to make sure you are happy with your flooring investment.

Laminate Flooring Care and Maintenance

COLORTILE® Laminate Flooring is naturally durable and can stand up to the toughest household conditions. Learn how to keep it looking great.

Follow routine maintenance guidelines to clean your laminate flooring

Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.

For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.

Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care. For optimum results, we recommend Shaw’s R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner.

Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.

Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners.

Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine.

For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

A more frequent dust-mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in very sandy areas such as a beach home.

Protect your laminate flooring to keep it looking like new

Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor. Ask your local CarpetsPlus COLORTILE® retailer about the EcoChoice® Matting System, part of the Metropolitan Collection.

To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.

Use floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.

Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.

a. Heating season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
b. Non-Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier, or periodically turning on your heating will help to maintain humidity levels during summer months.

Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.

Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching your floor.

Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.

A protective mat should be used for furniture or chairs with casters.

How to Choose Carpet

HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Introduction

Deciding on the perfect carpet can be a daunting task with all the choices available but it doesn’t have to be. It’s easy when you visit the clean, well-lit, easy-to-shop showroom of a CarpetsPlus Color Tile design center. Plus, with an expertly trained staff, you’re sure to find what you want at the price you need in a fraction of the time. To find a retailer near you click here.

By reading this short article you will familiarize yourself with common terms and it will save you time when you get to the showroom. Let’s begin with the basic choices you’ll have to make.

STYLE: The carpet you choose for your home reflects your personal style and your practical requirements just as much as the clothes you wear. Choose a style or construction of carpet that appeals to your personal taste and suits your lifestyle.

COLOR: Carpet comes in many colors, from solids and tweeds, to berbers and jewels. Making a selection can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Trust your instincts in coordinating colors that enhance the design of your room.

FIBER: To make the right fiber choice, it’s important to consider some simple questions:  Do you have children or pets? Will your carpet be in a high traffic area? Will it be exposed to direct sunlight? Will it be near an entrance from the outdoors? The ideal carpet for you is one that appeals to you visually, and is also durable enough for your lifestyle.

HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Carpet Stylescarpet style categories

CABLE: Characterized by thicker, heavier yarns, cables make a bold design statement and provide exceptional comfort underfoot. Cables can also combine a variety of yarn thicknesses, twists and textures to produce a shag-like effect. Great for any room where a touch of luxury is desired.

SAXONY: A smooth and luxurious surface with classic styling appropriate for more elegant spaces with less traffic such as a formal living room or dining room.

TEXTURE: The most popular style of carpet. Slightly twisted fibers create a textured surface with traditional styling that’s perfect for any casual room. Textured cut pile carpet performs well in high traffic areas and is available in a wide range of colors.

FRIEZE: Tightly twisted fibers create a curled surface with contemporary styling. Friezes provide resilience and comfort for active spaces and are less likely to show footprints or vacuum marks than any other style of carpet. A distinctive and upscale look for bedrooms and family rooms.

LOOP: Often referred to as “berbers,” loop pile carpets have a continuous, uncut surface that wears well in high traffic areas. Durable yet comfortable, loop piles are perfect for casual spaces with lots of activity like family rooms, dens and play rooms.

PATTERN: Unique and expressive, patterned carpets use cut and lop pile combinations to create a sculpted look. Available in organic, trellis and geometric designs, this carpet can evoke a dramatic style in bedrooms and living rooms.

carpet colorsHOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Color

Neutral colors are the easiest to decorate with and can give a room a spacious, airy look. While beiges are the most popular, neutral colors have expanded into other color families such as pale greens, sun-washed yellows, lilac and sky blue.

If you want a bolder statement, use a more dramatic color to add flair and create an upbeat and sophisticated room. To achieve this look, identify a common accent color in your decor, and then find a coordinating carpet color.

As a basic rule, warm colors can add comfort to a room that lacks light, while cool greens and blues can bring a calming ambiance.

Lighter colors can make a room seem larger, while darker colors can often make it more intimate and cozy. Darker colors, berbers and tweeds also help disguise everyday soiling in high traffic areas.

HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Carpet Fiber Comparison

NYLON: It’s the most versatile of all fibers, providing exceptional softness and excellent flexibility in creating a wide variety of carpet styles. Nylon is also the most durable and resilient carpet fiber available. Though not inherently stain resistant, most nylon carpets include a stain-resistant carpet treatment like R2X or Scotchgard.

TRIEXTA: Combining the resilience of nylon and the stain resistance of polyester, Triexta provides excellent performance and value. It’s also exceptionally soft and offers a wide array of styles and design options.

POLYESTER: While not as durable as nylon, polyester offers exceptional color clarity, and it is also naturally stain and fade resistant. Polyester carpet offers the best value in floor covering.

POLYPROPYLENE: Polypropylene offers excellent resistance to fading and is inherently stain resistant – useful in rooms with direct sunlight.

NATURAL FIBERS: Wall-to-wall carpet and area rugs are also available in a variety of natural fibers. Wool, sisal, sea grass, and jute are all sourced from renewable resources and provide excellent options in sustainable floor covering.