Smart Living

Get practical advice and inspiration on organizing, home décor, lifestyle and personal finance for everyday living.

Elf ears and belt costume

From Stage To Storage – The Ultimate Guide To Storing Your Cosplays

If the perfect weekend activity for you entails finding new ways to precisely replicate Gimli’s armor from Lord of the Rings out of Worbla, lots of hot glue, and altogether too much foam dust, then you’re probably a cosplayer. With a growing assortment of costumes and props, finding adequate storage for your cosplay becomes essential, whether it’s at home or through self storage solutions.

Hand holding a DVD, inserting it into a DVD player. DVD collection in the background

How To Store DVDs Like A True Film Buff

As a famous author once said, “Collectors are happy people.” DVD collectors are no different. Think of the gorgeous artwork of Criterion Collection DVDs or the Dolby sound on Blu-rays. You won’t get that with streaming platforms. So, what are the best ways to store DVDs in a way that truly does them credit, both aesthetically and practically? To answer this question, we’ve prepared a quick and breezy guide through the essentials of DVD storage for dedicated collectors.

Top 10 Things To Do In Cincinnati

From lush parks and cheering on local sports teams to enjoying the thriving arts scene and savoring unique culinary delights, Cincy is brimming with things to do. Choosing a hobby is a great way to unwind after a long day at work, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one.

finished basement

From Clutter To Comfort: 5 Ideas To Remodel Your Basement

Is a basement remodel worth it? Depending on your time and willingness to roll up your sleeves, investing in a basement upgrade can be a highly rewarding project. Not only can it boost your home’s value, but it also provides extra living space that can make your life more enjoyable. Think about the possibilities: a cozy guest room, a home office, an entertainment hub or even a personal gym. With some planning and budgeting, you can turn that unused space into something truly special.

Digital Nomading As A Family: Essential Tips For Parents Who Plan To Make The Most Of Remote Working Trends

The remote work trend has created amazing opportunities for those who want to combine work and travel. While digital nomading is more popular for singles and young couples, families can also take advantage of the flexibility that the current working environment offers – with some careful planning.

Boston street from above.

Space-Saving Tips In Boston: How To Maximize Your Home’s Potential

If you live in Boston, then you’re most likely familiar with its vibrant culture, prestigious educational institutions and historic architecture. You are also probably familiar with its compact living spaces and rising home prices that are double the national average. As space has become not just a mere preference but a necessity, making every square foot count is now on everyone’s to-do list.

College students cleaning their dorm room

College Essentials: How To Pack Like A Pro

Congratulations! You got into the college you wanted, and life is good. You’re ready to dive into this new chapter! Going away for college is indeed an exciting experience, but it’s also a big step towards independence. As a young adult, this represents the first milestone on your path to becoming your future self. To make the process of moving less overwhelming, here are a few key things to keep in mind when you start packing, along with some tips and tricks to make it enjoyable.

Closeup of Female gardener's hands putting white peace lily, spathiphyllum houseplant in flowerpot. Caring for home green plants indoors, repotting home garden. Gardening hobby.

Tips And Tricks For Starting An Indoor Garden

Living in a smaller apartment doesn’t have to mean giving up your hobbies because of the limited space. If one of your hobbies is gardening and tending to plants, you’re in luck, as you can do that even when space is in limited supply. Here are a few tips and tricks for starting an indoor garden, even in apartments that aren’t so generously sized.

cityscape and skyline in portland

11 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Space In Portland, OR

A small home can be full of personality, and nowhere does cozy living come more naturally than in Portland, OR. That’s because Portland has the smallest single family homes in the nation, based on a recent study looking at home sizes. You get about 1,000 square feet of living space in a single family home in Portland, about 1,100 square feet fewer than you’d get in the typical American home. If you happen to live in one of these homes where space is not so generous, we’ve got you covered.  Here are 11 ways to make the most of your space in Portland with local resources and creative strategies.

Older woman moving homes with help from daughter

Preparing For A Smooth Transition: Tips For Moving Aging Parents

Assisting aging parents during their move can be very physically and emotionally taxing. In addition to the change of scenery, many older parents have had a long life of experiences, and they’ve likely collected many belongings along the way. You’ll likely need to help them pack and assist them as they get used to the place they’ll now call home. While doing so, keeping them involved and part of the conversation is essential.

5 Places Where You Can Find Free Boxes When Moving on a Budget

The secret for keeping the costs and the chaos of moving under control is good planning, starting the process early on, and a lot of moving boxes. Preferably free moving boxes, to help keep the moving costs under control.

How to Store Your Comic Books Collection Like An Actual Superhero

Whether you’re a casual reader of superhero adventures or a passionate fan and collector, knowing how to store comic books can help you enjoy them for years to come—and maybe even turn a profit. Comic books are more than just stories; as collectibles, they can gain significant value over time. By storing them correctly, you can keep your favorite ones in perfect shape, potentially increasing their worth in the long run.