Category Archive

Nitty Gritty

This is our category dedicated to the hard topics of occupancy – the realities of having a home. Nitty gritties might involve moving, dealing with appliances, handling passive aggressive landlord notes, or choosing a utility company.

Summer’s ending: what haven’t you accomplished yet?

SUMMER’S GETTING CLOSE TO DONE! Have you begun panicking yet? So many spring dreams left unfinished! So much fun left to be had! How’s your list compare to mine?

The ultimate list of new homeowner “must haves” to launch your fresh life

My dude and I just bought a house, and we’re moving up from only owning what fit in our car. Now: what, exactly, will we need?

How to get a new pre-owned car in your garage — without being an asshole

So… it’s time. The car you’re driving is falling apart or doesn’t have enough room for your growing family, and it’s time to — gasp! — buy a vehicle. I know what you’re already thinking: “I hate shopping for cars. I don’t know the first thing about it. I better figure out how.”

The 5 not-at-all-essential things you should prepare for your home in case of a power outage

There are no-brainer needs when it comes to a power outage: flashlights. Candles. But if you prep these five items you won’t bemoan your lack of Internets the next time your power drops.

I called 911 — and here’s what I learned

I’ve never had to call emergency services before, but when smoke started rolling into our apartment through the vents, I popped my 911 cherry. Everything turned out okay, but I’m so glad I got the chance to learn these important lessons.

Six ways to cool down — without cranking the A/C, getting in the pool, or turning on a fan

What food will help me cool off?! What can I do when it’s too hot to sleep? And how can tea make getting by in the heat easier?

What kind of flooring can stand up to dogs, meet my budget, and fill 900 square feet in my geodesic dome?

My living room is huge and the carpet needs to go. My parents had it installed in 1985. I don’t really want to do more carpet, but I need something affordable and attractive. I’m will to do it myself!

Cloned suburban houses can be sustainable, too: features a lower-energy house must have

You don’t have to live in a haystack house outfitted with solar panels to be eco-conscious in your use of energy. Jess’ tips are helpful. I wish I’d had them when we were house-hunting.