Month: August 2011 - page 4

Wind Damage: Preparing Before A Storm Hits

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You never know when disaster is going to strike your home and family.  Your best bet is to be prepared ahead of time so that if you are affected by a wind that is produced by a storm you are ready for it.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, hail storms all create winds that can damage your home.  Once they are here and affecting your area it is too late to worry about being prepared and more worried about staying safe.  The things we will discuss are the preparations that come before a storm is in your area.

Most things that should be done to protect your home are simple and you can easily do them on your own.  Others will require you working with a contractor to make sure your home is prepared for the wrath a storm can throw at you.  Many factors will affect if your home is already prepared for a storm.  The age of the house and the characteristics of the structural part of your home will all determine how prepared your home is for a storm.  As technology increase the structural soundness of your home will also increase.  As homes are damaged by storms research is done to improve the sturdiness, be it materials or the way they actually put the house together, to better protect the future generation of homes being built.

You will want to first evaluate the risk of your home.  It is important that you look into local agencies such as the American Red Cross for potential hazards in your community.  For instance, when purchasing our home we knew we were buying in a flood plain.  We need more information though on the actual risk versus the implied risk.

We went to our local township offices and spoke with them regarding the actual number of times the river had reached flood level and what the rain levels need to be in the area to have issues.  We found we were in a 500 year flood zone.  There were no reports of incident on record.  We then discussed the flood issue with the neighbors and found that the only issue that was found is dampness under their crawl space.  The fix for this however, was simple for us to solve.  We would just have to add extra ventilation on all sides of the crawl space.

Next evaluate the amount of insurance on your home.  This is particularly important in areas prone to flooding.  You will want to purchase separate flood insurance because most homeowner insurance policies generally do not cover flooding.  The same is true for extreme weather situations.  Make sure you coverage insurance coverage covers all forms of storm damage and natural disasters.  Wind damage, storm damage and lightening damage are all different forms that storm damage can take on make sure your coverage is ample.

Homes need to be properly built.  It is important when evaluating your homes storm worthiness that you look at the sheathing material.  Your roof should have a sheathing material below the plywood and shingles that help properly transfer wind to the ground.  You can inspect the sheathing through the attic by making sure it is properly nailed into the rafters and trusses.  This will help prevent damage to your roof and home if high winds come in.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes you will want to make sure that the gables are securely fastened to the roof and that the roof has been fastened to the house with hurricane straps.  Theses straps are made out of metal that is galvanized and fasten the roof of your home to the walls.  These projects are advisable upon initial building of your home or upon a renovation to the roof.  These projects require extensive work and should be done by a contractor that is licensed in these areas.

When looking at the doors and windows on your home make sure that they are securely set in their frame.  They are the protective barrier of your home.  You want to make sure they stay intact in high winds and heavy rains.  They should be secured at the top and bottom and also sealed correctly to avoid the winds from entering into the home.  This is also important for the garage door installation.

Windows can also be protected by storm shutters.  If you know ahead of time the house is in the path of a storm that will produce high winds you can install storm shutters on all exposed glass with 5/8-inch plywood exterior grade on all exposed glass.  This includes doors, windows, skylights and any other glass surfaces that should be protected during a storm.

Wind can destroy your home which in turn turns your life upside down while you work to get the repairs needed done.  It is easy to avoid major damage to your home by making sure the structure is sound and precautions are done to help avoid damage.  Not all storm damage is avoidable.  No matter what preparations you do if a tornado is coming right at your home most likely it is toast.  It is important that you take necessary precautions and hope for the best in the event of horrific weather.

Go Maher

Engineering Firms: A Look At Engineering As A Major

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So you have just graduated from high school and are wondering what the next step is for you.  Are you going to follow in your parent’s footsteps and head to work in large engineering firms or are you thinking you would like to work more with people in social work?  It is important when looking into universities that you ask if it is necessary to declare a major upon entering.

Often time’s students get into school leaning towards a course of study only to learn after the first semester that really working for an engineering firm no longer sounds of interest.  If you have already declared a major and the courses that you have taken are specific for that particular degree than you have wasted a semester.  It is important to find out ahead of time with the university if this is something that could potentially happen to you.

If possible try to wait to declare a major until you have been in school for a year.  In that time take moments to explore career options that exist and focus your course studies on some basic classes that are not major specific.  In a recent study that was done on college graduates it was found that fifty percent of them had changed their major course of studies at least once.  I did it, I went in for teaching and two years later realized I was far more interested in marketing.

Finding a college that offers the flexibility to change majors is important especially if you are one of the many high school senior graduating with no idea of where you see yourself in the future.  Even though many students think it is ideal to follow in the footstep s of older siblings or parents it is important to remember that your career choice will have to make you happy.  If in the long run you don’t see yourself working in an office involved in science, technology and math than that engineering firm mom and dad work for is not going to be a perfect for you.

Another thing to contemplate is that many adults graduate with a degree that in actuality is not seeing growth in the career world.  What do you do then?  It is important that even though you graduate with a degree it does not necessarily limit what you will do in the future.  I know many people who have degrees that their current jobs do not even relate to.  Employers are looking for a commitment when they hire and train a new employee.   The degree you have studied so d for, no matter what it is shows them that commitment.

One way to really find out if something is going to appeal to you is to look in the books that surround that field of study. A good place to do this is at the campus book store. Then take a class that is relevant to the material that sparked your interest.  That should give you a look into the field and a taste of careers within it.  Talk with professors; they are a wide source of knowledge on career opportunities that follow all different routes of study.

One thing I ask you not to do when looking into a field of study at college is to look at the pay scale for it.  It would be awful sad for you to discover even that the three figured salary you are bringing in does not bring you happiness with it because what you are doing is not in your heart.  Your career is a large part of your life.  It is essentially your first child.  You will nurture it, grow it and live with it so you want to make sure that it brings you happiness and fulfillment.  You will find that if those qualities lay within you the money won’t be anything but a number.

Monument Engineering

Merchant Cash Advances: Not a Business Loan

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What do you do if you are a small business owner looking for some extra money?  Maybe it is around the holiday and you have slowed to a creep but you still need to pay your bills to keep the business running until it picks up again.  The answer could fall into your lap as a merchant cash advance.  It is not a loan from the bank it is a way that business owners receive capital now based on future credit sales.

With merchant cash advances you will find that the requirements to obtain one are not a stringent as if you were applying for a business loan.  Usually merchant cash advances are flexible with easier eligibility requirements than with financial institutions loans.  It is an accessible option to explore because you also don’t have to lay down specifically what the money will be used for within the business.

The cash advances are given based on your future credit business.  This means that in turn for capital now you give the merchant cash advance lender the write to debit you through your credit card processing company a percentage of sales, agreed upon by both parties, until the debt is paid off.  The nice thing about this is that payment is based on money brought in and not predetermined.  If you are having a slow business period it will take longer to pay off the cash advance where as if you are super busy the opposite happens and the advance is paid off sooner.

Often new business owners take out loans which require a set amount each month no matter what the business is bringing in.  It is hard to see a profit in a new business when all of your working capital is already hedged for loans.  Merchant cash advances allow for the great advantage to be paid back as you make the money.   The percentage amount that is determined to be distributed from the credit cards is predetermined and does not change of the course of the advance.

If you are looking for a flexible and easy to access way to get extra working capital for your company a merchant cash advance may be the way to go.  It is necessary with any financial business decision that you seek the advice of business partners as well as financial consultants such as your accountant.  They will help determine if this is a sound financial investment for you to make.

You will find that it has several key benefits over a traditional loan form a bank lender.  It is much quicker and easier to apply for and you are not required to supply the documentation you would have to with a loan.  It is also much easier to qualify for a merchant cash advance it is related more to your credit card processing history than your credit score.  Usually you can have an answer on your advance within three days and the risk is all on the company who advances the money to you.

Ask 4 Funding

Real Estate Signs: Hiring The Right Agent For Your Need

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Everyone wants to know they are getting involved with the right real estate agent which can be difficult because everyone sees what they want a little bit differently.  What real estate signs you look for in an agent and company is up to you.  There are certain things to look for and ask before committing to sign with one agent.  Determining the pros and cons of each agent you interview is up to you personally and what you place higher value on in the long run.

Whether you are looking into purchasing a house or selling an existing home your real estate agent should be able to accommodate your need.  However, some agents are better in one area or another so do not go into the process thinking that your agent will be the best for all circumstances involving your housing needs.  There are many things that can help you make sure you are making a good decision choosing your agent.

When you are begin you search you might be at first attracted to the real estate signs that litter the county.  Be aware that is not always the best option.  You will need to do your own research on the agent and can’t get an accurate opinion on the agents work just because their real estate signs are scattered throughout the county.

The best way to get a feel for an agent is to check them out in action.  Go to an open house they are holding or ask that they meet to show you a house they have listed.  This is a great way to see how they present a home and how they represent themselves.

Ask the agent how many homes they have sold and closed on in the past year.  The more times they have actually gone through closing the more experience they bring to the table.  You want an agent who has had experience on your side to help you negotiate the best possible deal for your side of the offer.

Often referrals are a great way to find an agent.  Finding an agent that has worked closely with a friend, family member or close acquaintance is usually a good sign on if they will work well with you.

Double check the agent’s online presence, the importance of this is monumental because of the important role technology plays in the way people seek out information today. Make sure that your agent lists their homes online, recent statistics show that eighty-five percent of purchases come from buyers who have seen their homes online.

Don’t necessarily settle on the first agent you find.  It is important to interview several agents to find the best fit for your needs.  Build trust with them by spending time looking at several properties and portfolios of homes sold and purchase through them before signing any document that is binding.

Look in the MLS listings and see how the agent’s listings come up.  You should notice professional pictures have been used and that they detail the house and can be viewed in a manner where the details can be seen.

Ask for references from sellers and buyers.  Check the agent’s reputation within the industry also.  How the agent is viewed by their peers is important.  The deal will run smoother if the agent is able to negotiate well with other agents.

Last but not least don’t expect too much.  Remember that although they agent works for you respect is a two way street.  Don’t call the agent after normal business hours with questions that can wait to be answered until the morning, agents can’t always return your call ten minutes after you sent it so set reasonable expectations in regards to this.  When you settle on an agent ask their opinion on mortgage providers, inspectors and contractors.  They should be able to give you an unbiased opinion and will help show the type of people that they associate with giving you a better feel going into the process of buying a home.

Sign Solutions MI

Land Surveyors: What Is In A Career?

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How does the land around us become developed?  Who are the people that help plan how the land is shifted to create subdivisions, roads and business complexes?  Those people are land surveyors.  They are responsible for working with engineers, architects and builders to map out in detail the land surfaces.  Maps and surveys come from land surveyor’s detailed work in defining boundaries based on the Earths physical features and as they change it is up to the land surveyor to adjust their work.

The history of a profession is always something of great interest to me.  Did you know that three of the Mount Rushmore presidents started their careers in the field as surveyors?  That must say something about what the field of surveying teaches a person.  You must be detailed, math and technologically orientated and enjoy the outside.

The westward settlement of our great nation was due to the surveying and exploration that was documented and given to President Jefferson by Lewis and Clark.  The Louisiana Purchase came about because of the detailed documentation through reports, maps and data collection, otherwise land surveying that early explorers completed.  This is also how the creation of our first railway system came about.  Can you imagine building a railway through undefined territory?  It would be like a blind poker match where you are just hoping the land features play in to your design.  With land surveyors you don’t have to worry about luck.

Not only do land surveyors work in the field to take measurements of the land they also can work in offices drawing up maps, interpreting data and offering professional unbiased opinions about land boundaries. When in the field surveyors surround themselves with technology such as GPS systems, three d scanners and digital media to help define the land in terms that can then be put in to document form for real estate, builders and all types of clients who will use their expertise. Gauging and plotting the Earth and its surface through current technology and software is the main objective for land surveyors.

What are the benefits of a career within this field?  First in an economy that people are scavenging for reliable jobs careers in land surveying are thriving.    Not only are they needed in the public and private sectors of life but our government also hold these positions in top regards.  The advantages for individuals working as a professional land surveyor range from the credit that you receive to the fact you are working with updated technology, in a career that pays well and is never the same.  You also get the advantages of working in environments that are every changing.  It is an exciting career that has multiple benefits for those who pursue it.

SRCMI

Mold Restoration: Look Out Mold!

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When someone mentions the word mold what images come to mind?  Initially you see green, brown, black furry fungus right growing?  The clusters vary in size and can spread quickly taking over an entire surface fast.  It is never a pretty image.  Mold is very serious especially when it invades your home.  Mold is not only unsightly but can also be incredibly harmful to the heath of the occupants of the home.

Mold grows in environments that allow it to grow.  If you have an area that is dark, damp than mold will be attracted to it.  Places such as basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms are the number one areas that attract mold growth.  Mold can grow anywhere though with a little bit of humidity and moisture.  I have seen mold in attics, gym bags, underneath carpet and outside on areas the sun does not reach the siding.

Mold restoration is the next step once you have mold.  It consists of mold killer, hard work and lots of circulating dry air.  If you know any area in your home is more susceptible to mold growth it is best to take necessary precautions to make sure an infestation does not occur.  For instance, basements should have a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in check.  Fresh air is important also especially during seasons that keep your house closed up often.  Open the windows just a crack and turn on fans during the winter and summer seasons to make sure your home does not become susceptible to mold.  Also, make sure you clean regularly using anti-bacterial products.  They will likely kill spores, if present, before you even see them.

What happens if you are too late and mold has already found its way into your home?  For instance, we purchased a home in which the toilet leaked and mold had started to grow behind the toilet and on the carpet in the next room.  First we made sure that the leak was fixed and then decided that our mold issue was both major and minor.  The mold in the bathroom on the ceramic tile and wood molding was easily removed using a mold killer solution and thoroughly cleaning the area and then allowing it to dry using oscillating fans to keep the flow of air going to help the drying process. We then determined it would be best to remove the carpet and apply mold killer to the subflooring and allowing the area to dry.  It was best to replace the carpet because carpet is one area that it is tough to clean good enough to prevent the mold growth from returning.

Mold restoration is not anything to mess around with. It is best to find a mold remediation company if mold is in sensitive places such as attics where both wood and insulation is involved.  Mold removal companies have special products and equipment to handle situations that normal homeowners can occur.  It is especially important to have the number of a professional on hand that works with mold and water extraction after a disaster such as a flood or fire.  This will help alleviate long term issues your home could end up with.

TCI Restoration

Monument Signs: How Does Your Business Sign Represent You?

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  That saying is not only true in life but also for your business.  When you are trying to attract clients in this all too competitive economy your first impression means everything.  Look out side, what does your monument sign say about your business?  Did you spare no expensive when opening and have a business sign created with your company’s logo complete with a messaging board to update clients and advertise specials?  Or did you go the opposite direction and buy the cheapest business sign you could find with the old adage in mind that your clients won’t judge a book by its cover?

It is obvious that a well designed sign is what you really want to consider when picking a monument sign to represent your company.  Whether we want to believe it or not people do settle on their opinion of a business within seconds so you want to give them a lasting first impression of quality and commitment.  Now that I have your attention and you are realizing the business sign that you have up is not a true representation of your firm you are asking yourself about locating a firm that can help you change that.

Picking a monument sign supplier does not have to be a headache.  You must look for certain qualities when picking out any business that is going to help you create a better image for your firm. What are the things you should look for when looking for solutions for your company’s signage?

First look into the quality of the products they offer.  When looking at different companies that offer monument sign services ask to see examples of their work up within the community.  Seeing the work on a website is nice and can give you a general feel for the work the company does.   Actually going and seeing the signs in person and talking to the company’s representative that dealt with the sign company will give you a better feel for what you can expect.

Next you must determine how easy the sign will be for you to use.  Messaging boards are often a bit tricky for people to use.  If the new business sign offers a messaging board feature that can be used to advertise specials and promotions.  Make sure that you are given detailed instructions on how to change the messages that are displayed and that the company you are purchasing it from is also the company that will attend to is servicing needs.

Don’t assume that the most expensive sign is the best and likewise that going with the least expensive is a good thing either.  Truly look into the quality of the products that warranty’s and the guarantees the company offers on their product.  You want the sign to last without falling apart for an eternity so inspect the signs that the company offers and look for wear and tear signs.

When purchasing the monument sign for your company remember that it is what will be the draw of your company.  Make sure that you choose a business sign that represent the image you want to share with the world.  It is important that the colors and logo are in line with that of the firm so that people can tell it is you.  If there is a certain logo that is used on your business cards and flyers than makes sure it is evident within your sign.  It is so important that the writing is visually pleasing and able to be read without trouble as people driving by will be reading the sign in a matter of seconds.

Sign Solutions MI

Loan Company: What To Look For

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Loans are so tricky.  Whether you are looking for a mortgage loan, a car loan, a business loan or a boat it can be hard to find a lender who has your best intentions at heart.  Often lenders lure consumers in with low annual percentage rate better known as APR and the promise of a loan quickly.  Most of the time when we are in the need for a loan we don’t have time on our side, perhaps a car died or you are in need of capital for a business debt.  It is usually under circumstances that you would jump to have the money fast and hassle free without really looking into the finer details.

This is of course not the suggested method of acquiring a loan.  You want to be cautious and perhaps a bit conservative when it comes to your loan company options.  It is best to be knowledgeable about the lingo the loan officer will use.  It is often a large commitment taking on a loan and often loans, like in the case of a mortgage, will be with you for an extended period of time.  It is imperative that you get the best deal for your financial situation.

How do you go about finding this mystery loan company you ask?  I would start first by doing internet research.  It is a great place to see what other consumers are saying about lenders and to get yourself a base knowledge about loan options related to your need.  Next I would talk to friends and family who may have recently been in your situation.  You can also contact the local business associations in your area for references.  It is a good place to see who has been around in the community awhile and how involved the company is with the patrons of the community.

I would not take a realtors advice on a mortgage lender only for the simple fact that they might be working together getting a cut of one another’s business.  It is hard to be impartial in a case where money is involved.  I would also look for car loans before you go to the dealership.  Don’t get caught up in the moment with an auto loan.  Often people can better interest rates when dealing with their own bank verse one supplied by an auto dealership.  Looking online is another method but I personally like the idea of sitting down face to face with someone to let my gut help guide me in big decisions such as a loan.

There are things you will want to investigate and compare before you sign on the dotted line.  Make sure all the options line up with your expectations always leaving yourself room to negotiate terms.  Look into the interest rate, loan repayment options, fees for processing your application and what the company’s policies are for early payoff and convenience fees in regards to how you repay the loan.  When all the start align and you are pleased with the deal that you have been offered than you will feel confident not only in your purchase but the loan that you have secured to make the purchase.

Ask 4 Funding

Mold Removal: Removing Mold From Anywhere

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Mold is a huge health issue.  Mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions and asthma.  It is imperative to the health of your family to eliminate mold spores form your home properly.  Improper removal of mold can cause the mold to actually spread.  Different surfaces require various cleaning techniques to make sure the mold is completely removed.

A home remedy of mold killer will work just as well as anything store bought for mold removal.  This works well on multiple surfaces.  You will mix 1/3 C powdered soap, 1 qt chlorine bleach,  and  3 qt hot water (not boiling).  Add the bleach to the water and then the detergent mixing this all together you will create your mold cleanser.

A natural cleanser can be made using lemon juice and salt.  The paste can be used almost anywhere that can be laundered.  This is a great concentrate to use on clothes, towels, pillows and blankets.

Concrete

Of course prevention is the key.  With concrete surfaces make sure bushes and trees are trimmed allowing sunlight to dry up excess water that could provide the right environment for mold and mildew to fester.  Prevent standing water on the concrete to prevent initial mold growth.

Using safety precautions such as goggles, gloves and ventilation you will take your mold killer and using a stiff bristle brush scrub the mixture covering the mold and surrounding areas.  Let the mixture concentrate on the area for five to ten minutes and spray off the area with a hose.  If the mold is still visible you will want to repeat the mold removal process until the area is free of mold residue.

Wood

Wood is a tricky surface to clean in general let alone when dealing with mold.  The best solution of mold remover to use is five tablespoons of baking soda with one gallon of warm water.  Carefully soak a white cloth with the combination.  You will want to remove only some of the water.  Do not ring the cloth out completely, you want the mixture to penetrate the wood surface a little.  Rub the wood surface until the mold and mildew is gone.  If there are grooves in the surface you may want to use Q-tips to get in them. You will then want to take a clean moist cloth to wipe over the surface and a clean dry one to wipe down the air.  It is best to use an oscillating fan to circulate the air to optimize drying.

Household Surfaces

This includes vinyl wall paper, linoleum and cork along with several other surfaces found in the house.  You will want to mix five drops of ammonia into a bowl of warm water. Taking a clean rag with the mixture on it you will want to wipe over the surface until the mold is removed rinse with clean water and wipe dry.  If the stain is stubborn you can use mildew killer with the above recipe just use extreme caution indoors.

Ceramic Tile/Grout

Take a bar of soap, any kid will do, along with water and rub the stained area.  Make sure the soap is not a type with added deodorants of any kind.    Rinse with clean water and blot dry.  The area will then need to have a fan placed by it to circulate the air to allow for more thorough drying.

Leather

You can use petroleum jelly and rub it on the stained area.  If after you try this gentle technique first without result you can use equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, be careful on colors.  This should remove the stain.  You will need to gently wipe the area down with a clean damp towel and then a dry one to prevent further mold growth.

Mold can grow anywhere. Prevention is the key as mold removal is not always easy and guaranteed.  Harsh chemicals will not always necessarily kill and remove the mold.  Diligence and prevention will help maintain a mold free environment that your family can live in without health issue related to mold infestations.

TCI Restoration

Personalized Kid’s Toys: Toy Boxes

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When you first see the double lines show up on the pregnancy test you start to think about all the goods you need to support your new little being.  Toys, clothes, furniture, bottles, and all that stuff babies absolutely need to survive all runs through your head in that moment.  What expectant parents fail to realize is that really so long as the baby can eat and has a place to rest its head it will thrive with a parents love alone.  However, as indulgent parents we feel the need to purchase and store goods that we think baby might need as it grows.

That is where toy boxes come into the picture.  Toy boxes are really one of the best gifts a new parent can receive.  My father has made a toy box for each new arrival in our family and all of our friends.  We used ours from the day we received it before baby was born to now as they have grown out of the toy stage of life.  It started out storing the new purchases until babies arrival, then moved on to the storage of toys and it now is used as game storage plus a really nice coffee table for our sitting room.  My father is really great at making these personalized kids toys boxes. He adds little features that make them uniquely each individually perfect.

If you aren’t as lucky as we have been to have someone make our children a personalized kid’s toy box I recommend you look into ordering one right away.  It helps to keep all of baby’s things in place before their arrival and helps create a space for their extra things as they begin to accumulate and take over your home.  You will want to make sure you look for a quality personalized kid’s toy box.

What To Look For

  • Safety: You really want to find a toy box that has a controlled hinge.  This will help ensure that no one gets their fingers shut in the box.  You will also want to make sure that the toy box does not lock latch.  Children love to sit in their special toy boxes and it would be incredibly dangerous if the box latched and locked them in.
  • Practical verse Decorative:  Are you looking for a toy box that also combines as a book shelf for a child’s bedroom or are you looking for something that is strictly functional for toys in the main space where a child plays?  This will be a living room or area where mom and dad can keep an eye on them for quite awhile as they play.
  • Material:  Are you looking for a personalized toy box that is made out of plastic or wood.  The benefit of wooden toy boxes is that they last forever and can be passed down as an heirloom.  Plastic ones however are less expensive, light weight and can easily be maneuvered by little ones.

Benefits Of The Toy Box

  • Quick Cleanup:  Toy boxes are perfect places to throw toys in a jiffy.  Larger toys are easily stored for use later.  Smaller toys can be placed in bins that can then be stored inside the larger toy box so that little pieces don’t get lost at the bottom of the box.
  • Easy Access:  Toys boxes are a great independent play parenting tool.  The toys inside are easily accessed and children can spend hours emptying and filling the box with their personal belongings.  Whether it is dress up clothes, teddy bears, match box cars or Lego’s kids can entertain themselves without needing to much parental interaction when toys are stored in toy boxes.

Drawbacks Of The Toy Box

  • Broken Toys: If toys are thrown in to the toy box overtime the more fragile toys will eventually be broken.
  • Forgotten Toys: Toys that are stashed at the bottom might become lost or forgotten about for the child.  Rotating toys in and out every few weeks will prevent this from happening and prevent toy boredom.
  • Potential Mess:  Isn’t this why we have kids though.  Yes, toy boxes can solve and create the same problem.  Toys get thrown in and out of the toy box.  That is what having children is all about – hiding messes.

My Favorite Kids Toys