News Shorts

Keep Valuables Close

During Move

Let's be real. Every aspect of preparing to move can be stressful - but nothing causes more stress than losing something valuable during the moving process.

Before you begin packing financial documents such as tax records, bank statements, stocks, bonds, and deeds, the experts at United Van Lines suggest you scan any documents you need a copy of but don't need the physical document, then shred the original and securely back up your computer. This will not only cut down on the number of boxes you'll need to transport in your personal vehicle on moving day but also result in fewer things to keep track of.

Place important items like birth certificates, passports, legal paperwork, financial statements, login and password information, and warranty documents in a secure place. Whether you're using professional moving services or having friends help you, don't put those items in a moving van or someone else's vehicle. Keep these items with you or in your vehicle on moving day.

Additional items you'll want to keep close to you may include items such as cash, credit cards, cell phones, computers, chargers, treasured photos, insurance policies, jewelry, keys, medical records, and prescription medications.

For added protection, be discrete when labeling moving boxes. Don't list what's inside a box, Instead, write the name of the room that box will be going into (e.g., “master bedroom”). If you think you won't remember what is packed in each box, number each box and keep a list for yourself with what valuables are in each box.

Home Remodeling Spending Growing But Slowing

Following another red hot year, annual growth in homeowner spending for improvements and repairs is expected to soften during the first half of 2023, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity. According to GoBankingRates contributor, They are projecting year-over-year gains in remodeling expenditures to owner-occupied homes will decelerate from 17.4 percent this year to 10.1 percent by the second quarter of 2023.

“Slowing sales of existing homes, rising mortgage interest rates, and moderating house price appreciation are expected to dampen owners’ investments in home improvements and maintenance over the coming year,” says Carlos Martín, Project Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Center. “Steep slowdowns in homebuilding, retail sales of building materials, and renovation permits all also point to a cooling environment for residential remodeling.”

“While beginning to soften, growth in spending for home improvements and repairs is expected to remain well above the market’s historical average of 5 percent,” says Abbe Will, Associate Project Director of the Remodeling Futures Program. “In the first half of 2023, annual remodeling expenditures are still set to expand to nearly $450 billion.” (jchs.harvard.edu)

Interior Paint

That Kills Viruses? It's A Thing

First there were bacteria-killing sprays and wipes - now bacteria-killing paint has joined the party.

Behr Paint Company recently introduced BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ Interior Paint, which give homeowners, residents, and building occupants an extra layer of protection against bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This new product, powered by Corning® Guardiant® antimicrobial technology, is reported to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria within two hours of exposure on the painted surface for a period of six years, all while beautifying walls and other interior surfaces. The paint is designed for use on hard, non-porous surfaces (properly prepared drywall, wood, concrete, masonry, metal, etc.) found in residential and commercial settings, transforming them into surfaces that work as part of a comprehensive infection control program/protocol for homes, hospitals, schools, and more.

BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ Interior Paint is available in 2,000+ colors at select home improvement stores. For more information, visit Behr.com/consumer/ copper-force. (prnewswire.com)