Creating a Drop Zone in Your Home After a long day of work or school or social outings, all we want to do is go home and quite literally drop everything to take a hot shower, enjoy a meal, and, perhaps, dive into the latest binge-worthy show. It’s no surprise that we then find piles of stuff scattered around our home – and, of course, we can never find our keys or that RSVP when we need them! This is why it’s crucial for every home to have a designated drop zone.What IS a drop zone, exactly?A drop zone is a magical remedy so you can rid your home of unnecessary, messy piles and have a clean, organized space where you drop everything before you lose track of it!Okay, okay – it’s not quite magic, but it’ll certainly feel that way once you’ve implemented and made use of a space like this. A drop zone can be located anywhere that’s convenient in your home. Perhaps a front entrance or back hallway, wherever you most often enter your home, is probably the best spot to designate as your drop zone.It may not be a big space, and that’s okay - even better, this will allow your creativity to really shine. Make use of whatever space you have to include some spiffy organization, storage spaces, and unique built-ins. These can include pieces of furniture, a hanging space, or a bench seat with some hidden storage. The idea is that this space will be extremely functional without sacrificing style. And let’s face it, anything is better than messy piles of random bits and bobs around the house!What exactly can I “drop” in this designated zone?Anything goes for a drop zone from your tote bags and backpacks to your keys, wallet, and mail! Think about what you typically take and toss throughout the day as you go to and fro, and then design a space unique to that. Perhaps you’ll want some sturdy hooks and hangers for bags, hats, and coats. Maybe a little cubby for shoes and a storage bench for bulkier items like scarves or roller skates!Other drop zone essentials might include a small, hidden trash can – for that junk mail and those empty coffee cups! – and a bulletin board to quickly tack any invites or reminders you’ll need for the day. A magnetic dry erase board works well, too!Drop zones are great no matter your living situation – if you live with a bunch of roommates or have a big family, it’s a great way to keep everyone’s stuff organized. You can create little bins and nooks with labels if needed. It’s also a great idea if you frequently host guests – we’ve all been to that party with the designated “coat bed.” Don’t make your guests have to dig through a pile or search your house or apartment at the end of a visit for their personal items!Remember your pets, too! This area may include toys, treats, a leash, and anything else you may need to grab quickly on the go. Hooks and baskets are great for these items.Don’t drop the ball on this one! Getting organized doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Chances are, you already have some bins around your home that you can move to your new drop zone to get started. 

Choosing Outdoor Lighting When you own a home, you can do plenty of things to improve the home's value, appearance, and curb appeal. Unless you built your home from the ground up, the property you've purchased would have had at least one other owner, which means that the house may not perfectly match your style and personal preferences. One of the more effective tools you can use to improve your home, and its value is to upgrade your outdoor lighting. The proper outdoor lighting can make a difference to your home's curb appeal and security. Before choosing from your many outdoor lighting options, there are several considerations you should keep in mind. Things to ConsiderBeautiful lighting and light fixtures can add ambiance to a home. Even small landscape lights can provide your home with a more welcoming atmosphere. When the exteriors of your home look better, your home's curb appeal will improve, which can be advantageous if ever you decide to sell your home. Try installing lights in several locations to maximize your property's curb appeal. SecurityIf you want to make sure that you and your family are always safe and secure in your own home, consider installing security lights. These fixtures will light up whenever motion is detected, which is excellent for security.Having Enough Light at Entryways/WalkwaysWhen you arrive home late, and it's already dark outside, having lights around your walkways and entryways ensures that you never trip or have difficulties finding the door. How to Select the Right Outdoor LightingThe types of outdoor lighting you choose for your home depend on where the lights are positioned. Wall LightsWall lights are designed to be placed around porches, entryways, and patios. It's possible to position these lighting fixtures on practically any surface. Wall lights tend to be relatively durable and are a great way to ensure that your home is always lit up when you need it to be. Security LightsAs mentioned previously, security lights will activate whenever motion is detected in the nearby vicinity. These lights are similar to floodlights and should scare most trespassers away when they turn on. Consider selecting a photocell light design, a more modern form of security light that will automatically activate at night and shut off when the sun rises. These lights are best used in garages, walkways, and alleys.Landscape Lights Landscape lights are meant to be installed in gardens or on landscape fixtures. These low-voltage lighting fixtures come in many forms and can add a layered appearance to your property. The various forms of landscape lighting at your disposal include spotlights, floodlights, and path lights. Hanging LightsThese lights can be installed on a covered patio or porch and add a decorative appearance to the area. If you've built a veranda or covered porch around your home, you can use hanging light fixtures to ensure that the site is adequately lit. Hanging lights are built to withstand a certain amount of rain and moisture. Making a Final Outdoor Lighting DecisionThe style of lighting you choose largely depends on what you believe would look best around your home. The proper outdoor lighting can help you create a unique atmosphere or set the mood for guests and visitors to your home. When you install security lights around your landscape, any trespassers would likely be scared away before getting close to your home. Before choosing outdoor light fixtures for your property, try to identify why you want to change your outdoor lighting. Once you know this reason, selecting the right lights should be a much easier decision to make.