DIY Backyard Fun

One clear sign that fall has returned is the sound of clashing helmets and referee whistles. Yes, football is back—on TV, in stadiums, at local high schools, and maybe even in your own backyard. There’s nothing like watching sports to bring out our inner competitor, and when we start to feel the urge, we dig out the old sports equipment and head outside. And with the fall temperatures cooling things down, it’s truly the perfect time of year to get your game on.

At Weisemann Rental Properties, we know that a home includes more than just its roof and walls. It includes the space around the home, which can be every bit as enjoyable as the inside itself. That’s why this month we want to help you maximize the outdoor space and good weather by offering a few easy game ideas for you and your family and friends to enjoy. No expensive equipment required. All are easy DIY projects that can be completed with a few materials that you may already have on hand!

1. Create a soccer goal. It doesn’t take more than a few pieces of PVC pipe and some deer netting, and you’ve got fun for the whole family. The assembly of the goal can be completed in a couple of hours, and the results will last well beyond.
2. Make a Cornhole Toss board. This game has become a favorite at many a backyard barbeque. All it entails is creating a slanted board with a hold in the center and rounding up a few beanbags to use as ammo. The board can be made with a couple of 2X4s and a piece of plywood and can be as plain or as decorated as you want it to be. Either way, it’s an easy project that can be a hit at any party or family function.
3. Try Pipe Lawn Ball. This easy game will take you back to the carnival. Part Cornhole Toss, part Skeeball, part basketball, all this involves is taking a few pipes of different heights and grouping them together in an area of your lawn. Then, stand back and lob objects of any size—from golf balls to tennis balls, depending on the size of the pipes—and award different points for landing the object in each pipe.
4. Design a mini golf course. Instead of traveling to the putt-putt course, make your own! Just create a few panels and some obstacles and carve out some holes. Then, have hours of fun arranging and rearranging your own custom course and trying your hand at the different levels of difficulty. Of course you’ll need a putter and a few balls, but those could already be gathering dust in your garage. If not, we bet your neighbor has one you can borrow. And don’t be afraid to be creative in your obstacles. Use anything you want from old tires to carpet squares to garden tools!
5. Give Kubb (Viking Chess) a try. This one can be as easy or as hard to make as you want. In what is a hit game in Sweden, players throw short dowels at opponents’ standing blocks in an effort to knock them down. You can easily use household objects such as cans or bottles for the pieces, or you can really get adventurous and make them yourself out of wood. Either way, the concept remains the same: knock down your opponent’s pieces before he gets to yours!

With the combined factors of athletic inspiration and favorable weather, we at Weisemann Rental Properties know you’ll be itching to get outside and play a round or two of your favorite game. And even if you just throw around the football, we encourage you to simply relax and have fun enjoying the company of friends and family. After all, that’s what matters most, and we know you won’t regret the time you spend making memories with those you love.

The Art of Picture Hanging

When it comes to decorating our homes, many of us would rather keep blank walls than deal with the headache of hanging art. The whole process can be a hassle as you measure, position, level and hammer, all the while knowing that you could very well be putting the nail in the wrong spot. And grouping objects? How does anyone space them correctly in regards to wall space and furniture location? It’s no wonder professional home decorators are so in-demand!

But the truth is that, with a little education and a few tips and tricks, any of us can master the art of it. It can be both easy and fun as we enjoy enhancing the beauty of our surroundings and creating a personal atmosphere of home.

The first step is, of course, to select your art. With today’s unlimited options from DIY projects to personal photos to painted masterpieces, you can choose whatever makes you happy and helps you enjoy your room. Select a piece that coordinates with the color of your wall and know that sometimes the obvious color choice isn’t the best. Try visiting an online color schemer that allows you to select your base color and then gives you an assortment of complimentary colors for your art.

Regarding art size, take a look at your wall space. If you have a huge open wall, you will want to work around your furniture using the general rule of covering 2/3 to 3/4 of that area with your artwork. If you have a small bare wall (like in a hallway or between two windows), you can keep the space a little more open.

Once you’ve selected your art, it’s time to get to work! Before you get out the hammer and nails (or complete hanging kit from the hardware store), you’ll want to position the art. Keep in mind that in most open spaces the center of your art should be approximately eye-level, except in the dining room where the art should be a little lower, still keeping the bottom edge of the frame 6-12 inches above a tabletop or chair rail.

The best way to make sure you’re going to be putting the art in the right spot is to make paper templates of each piece and start fixing them to the wallswith removable adhesive, making a small mark when you have found the precise location. On your template, also mark where the hanger is located so that you can mark the spot for the nail as well. (Don’t forget to leave room for the drop in the wire if one is being used!)

Next, determine the proper hanger for the piece depending on its weight and size. You can greatly simplify the process by using the hanging hardware that comes with your picture or by, as we hinted above, looking for a picture-hanging kit at a hardware store. Check with the store’s staff to find hooks or specialized drywall hangers rated for the weight of your piece. Heavy art is most secure when mounted to wall studs, which can be located either with an electronic stud finder or by rapping your knuckles on the wall until you hear a solid sound.

After that, the rest should be a piece of cake! Use your markings to place the hanging devices and mount your picture. Then, sit back and enjoy the accomplishment!

Like we said, hanging pictures doesn’t have to be a pain. It certainly won’t be the easiest project, but it doesn’t have to be miserable, either. Simply knowing what you’re doing before you start will go a long way in easing the difficulty. And, in the end, know that the results will be well work the headache. Better to have beautiful walls than blank ones any day. Even if you have to make a few holes in the process.

Running out of room? Think Creative Storage

There’s a reason there are so many garage sales this time of year. As folks begin to do their annual spring cleaning, they discover that they have so much stuff that they’re starting to run out of actual living space. So, they round up the sale flyers, tiny price stickers and all the change they can find, and start clearing out whatever isn’t absolutely necessary.

But what happens when you don’t really want or need to get rid of the things that are taking up so much room? What if you are just simply expanding beyond your current living area? It does happen. And while it would be nice to buy a bigger house, the reality is that it may not be an option.

Instead of forcing yourself to get rid of things you really do need or want, why not consider some unique storage options? True, you may not need your grandmother’s handmade quilt for daily use, but that doesn’t mean you need to give it away in order to save space. Let us offer four tips to help you take back some space without sacrificing your stuff.

1. Think vertically. Take a look at all that wonderful space that is above your cabinets, at the higher levels of your living rooms and offices, and even the top spaces of your closets and pantries. There’s plenty of room at the top! And with a little ingenuity and creativity, you can leverage that to your advantage.
2. Put it in hiding. Nowadays, many furniture items come with hidden storage compartments that are perfect for blankets, books, clothes, toys and more. We recommend storage ottomans, which can be purchased at any number of everyday stores like Target and Walmart.
3. Hang it up. Beyond just adding higher shelves, consider all that your ceiling has to offer, especially in kitchens and garages. In your kitchen, you can store pots and pans on hanging racks in a way that not only adds extra space, but also creates a charming atmosphere. In the garage, specialty storage designers can actually create a storage unit for your entire space that includes the ceiling. Contact your local cabinetry company for ideas and options.
4. Rent it out. If all else fails, don’t give up hope! There are many affordable rental storage options to choose from that are both safe and easy to access. From small PODs to entire storage units, you can safely tuck away your items until the day when you are able to afford that move to a bigger place. Don’t trust the rental companies? Ask a friend with an unfinished basement if you can rent a room for a small fee and keep your extra boxes in a familiar space.

While purging your house of unnecessary clutter is usually a good idea, forcing yourself to get rid of important items is not. Your family will treasure your grandma’s quilt for generations, and you’ll be so glad you created the space for it in your home. So, don’t get packin, get crackin! Find the hidden storage options in your home that are just waiting to be put to good use. We’re betting you probably won’t have to look far at all.

Kansas City Revelations

Sing along if you know it! “Welcome to a show about things you can see without going far, and a lot of them are free…” Just a few lines from the opening of PBS’ “Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations” say it all. Especially for folks in Kansas City—home to some of the most family-friendly, affordable attractions in the country!

Now that the weather is warm again, it’s time to get the kids buckled up for some spring and summer adventures. And as a resident of one of the Midwest’s greatest cities, you don’t have to travel miles and miles to find a variety of entertaining and educational “roadside revelations.” You have plenty of choices right in your own backyard. And the best part is that, just like the song says, a lot of them are free!

For starters, when was the last time you visited Crown Center? On hot days, you can let your kids play in the outdoor fountains while you read a book in the shade. Then, when evening rolls around, you can stay for one of the free outdoor concerts or movies they offer throughout the summer. Bring your own snacks, and the entire trip will cost you nothing!

Do your kids love animals? Try a visit to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. With a variety of activities, attractions and programs, kids and adults alike can learn about Kansas heritage, farm living and wildlife in a fun and educational atmosphere. Admission is free Monday through
Thursday, so hit the trail for a weekday of fun!

If rain is in the forecast, try indoor creativity and education at Kaleidoscope, Hallmark’s unique art studio also located in Crown Center. Here kids can create unique art pieces, make puzzles or paint with melted crayons free of charge!

With the number of available options for family fun in Kansas City, there’s no reason to either be bored at home or going broke on travel expenses. Check out the “rare visions” of your own city, and enjoy coming back to your own home at the end of the adventure.

Finding Good Neighbors

Let’s face it, the average renter doesn’t stay in their rental home forever, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some friendships that might last forever. While some renters shy away from getting too close to those around them, making friends with your neighbors is not as hard as it seems. Plus you never know when you just may need a spare cup of sugar!

Finding a good neighbor starts with being a good neighbor.

Why is it that when the words rentals and neighbors go together they are usually followed by something negative? Having good neighbors and being a good neighbor is actually more attainable than you might think.

Finding a rental in an area that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle will most likely give you neighbors who share common interest. The key is finding a quality rental property in a good community.

Drive-by

To find out what type of community is in the area you are interested in, try driving by the rental property during the day and during the night. Driving by the property will give you a feel for what the neighbors are like when the sun is up and down. Are there a lot of people outside? Is it noisy at night? These are the types of questions you will want to ask as you observe the people next door to the possible rental.

Research

A good property manager will fill their rentals with people who are reliable. The easiest way to research a rental property and property manager is to go online and look for reviews on your potential living space.

If you do a drive-by look at the rental you can also try talking to some of the neighbors if they are out and about. Don’t be shy, ask about the area, the schools and even ask if the street is heavily trafficked. Introducing yourself to a potential neighbor can help you get a jump-start on a quality friendship.

Move-In Manners

Once you have decided on the perfect rental property take the time to get to meet your neighbors. Meeting your neighbors, even if you find you don’t have a lot in common, can help you better communicate with them if they do turn into the feared noisy neighbors.

Be Considerate

When you move in try to be conscious of not becoming the noisy neighbor yourself. To find good neighbors, you first have to become one. Before blaring your music or vacuuming out your car at midnight, think about those around you. Remember that when it comes to meeting new people, often times your actions speak louder than words.

Getting to Know You

After you have settled in start making an effort to get to know your neighbors. Getting to know your neighbors can be as easy as talking to them when they are outside, bringing cookies (or other tasty baked goods) to their door and introducing yourself or even just a friendly wave and smile when they pass by. How you choose to interact with them is all about your comfort level, but the key is making some sort of effort. Your little bit of effort can go a long way in establishing a healthy neighbor-to-neighbor relationship.

As you are looking for your ideal rental property keep in mind who you want living around you. Do your research and make an effort to become a good neighbor even before you move in!

Changing Your Address & Forwarding Your Mail

Moving into a new place is fun! Making plans to arrange the furniture and dreaming about what type of events to host in your new space can get anyone excited. But as you move in (or move out), remembering to do some of the small “have tos” of moving is also a key part of relocating. And one important step to take: changing your address.

Make Sure Your Mail's Not in the Wrong Hands- Change Your Address When Moving!

How To Change Your Address

Step one of changing your address is visiting the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can visit in person, however the USPS also has a very easy online system. Click here for the USPS Movers Guide. The website will ask you if your mail forwarding is permanent or temporary – which is nice for those in short-term housing. Simply visit the website, enter your old address, enter your new address and the date your mail needs to begin forwarding.

Note that when you have mail forwarded, it may take a few extra days to get to you.

Changing Your Address on Your Bills

Your rent payment and utilities will be an easy change since you’ll need to make contact with your landlord and utility providers to get service at your new place. However, your cell phone bill, student loan bills and others that don’t provide service at your home will need to also be updated. Because forwarded mail can be delayed, it’s easier to call these companies directly and make sure they have your updated address so you don’t miss a payment.

Changing Your Address on Magazines

Magazines and other publications that you receive periodically will also need updating. Check the area of the periodical that lists information about the editor and publisher for information on changing your address. You can usually go online and update your address with the magazine, or mail in an updated address request form. Make sure to do this so that whomever moves into the rental house after you doesn’t start getting your subscription instead.

Tell Your Friends & Family You’ve Moved!

Traditionally cards were sent out informing friends and family of a new address. These days, Facebook messages make it even easier to let people know you’ve moved. Make sure to notify those who might send you “snail mail” of your new mailing address. That way you’re sure to receive any important letters, invitations or postcards! Also, if you attend a church or give financial donations to non-profit organizations, make sure they have your updated address so giving records are sent to the right place.

Why Change your Address?

Changing your address is a very important piece of the moving process. For one, it makes sure that you get your mail. (Obviously.) But, for less obvious reasons – it’s an important safety measure to take.

I recommend taking a proactive approach when it comes to changing your address. Collect each piece of mail you receive within a month, and use it to make a list of places that will need your updated address. When you forward your mail, the post office will only forward for a limited amount of time until they expect that everyone who sends you mail knows your new address. So for example, after you’ve lived somewhere 3 years, if someone tries to send you mail at an old address – it won’t be forwarded. Instead, it will be delivered to your previous home and could be in the hands of the new resident.

In a culture of identity theft and security breaches, do whatever you can to prevent your mail from being delivered into another person’s hands. Yes, it’s breaking the law to open mail that’s not addressed to you. But, it’s also against the law to steal someone’s identity. And it happens every day. Don’t take the easy way out and assume that your bills, magazines, cards and other mail pieces will make their way to you. Do whatever you can to ensure they’re not delivered to the wrong home.

Ready, Set, Move!

So you are thinking about moving? Overwhelmed yet? Between packing, finances and finding the ideal place, moving can be quite the task. So, before you take a step forward get an accurate assessment of what it would take to move and then make a plan of action.

Before you prepare for a move, make sure you do your research!

Organize You Home Before a Move

The number one way you can help prepare yourself for a move is to get organized. Getting organized ahead of time will save you from feeling stressed or pressured later in the process.

Information Binder

One tip in staying organized is to keep a note-book or three-ringed binder of all of the information you find and gather during the home-search process.

Keeping all of your information in a note-book allows you to compare and contrast each piece of information you receive, giving you the ability to make wise decisions.

Budget Tracker

Keeping track of your current budget, finances and other expenses is also vital. Paper work can easily get lost once a move begins, so having all of your financial information in a secure place is a great way to maintain organization. One easy way to combine your financial information is to keep all of it stored in an excel spreadsheet.

Finances

Getting your  financial information organized gives you a good start on assessing your budget. Evaluating your current finances and setting up a budget will help you determine what you can actually afford when it comes time to start house shopping.

The first step in putting together a budget is to set a target amount of money that you would like to spend. Coming up with this number ahead of time will help you cut your search down to homes that are in your price range. It may also be a good time to evaluate if a rental property would be a more affordable option, especially if you are a newly wed.

Know Your Options

There are many different reasons people decide to move. Finances, schools or jobs are usually at the top of the list. After assessing your financial situation and deciding on the ideal location don’t be afraid to explore all of your options.

Buying a house is not your only option. Nowadays there are rental properties that can meet all the criteria you are looking for while saving you a good amount of money. Rental homes, duplexes and even apartments may have everything you need. Finding a great rental property can be a reality!

If renting is out of the question, try to connect with a local real estate agent. The agent will be able to do a lot of research, saving you hours of extra work. Whether you are set on owning a home or are open to a rental, knowing your options will help you make the best decision possible.

A Done Deal

Once you have finalized on a property the real fun begins, packing. Packing can be one of the most difficult parts in the moving process. Staying organized and having a packing plan is vital to a successful move. Research your options before packing as well. Compare packing companies by getting quotes and service details. If you are moving yourself be sure everyone who is helping is on the same page.

The excitement of moving can sometimes quickly diminish when the details start spinning out of control. Having a plan before the process begins can save you and your family in the long run. If you are in the market to move, start making a plan today!