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1. Bench or storage ottoman

This is a prime opportunity for multi-purpose furniture. A bench gives everyone a place to sit while they remove their shoes and a surface to set your bags down while you take off your coat. You can also incorporate it into a hall tree with hooks and other storage. This adds convenience, organization and a refined look as if the furniture pieces were made just for that space. Get a DIY hall tree tutorial from Handmade Haven.

2. Hooks

You have coats, bags and keys. Keep them off the floor and easy to find with a variety of hooks. Take it a step further and use some to hang small bins for mail, the kids’ supplies and other get-out-the-door-quick items.

3. Storage

Like it or not, the mudroom can become the home’s dumping ground for odds and ends. If you can’t avoid it, embrace it. Make sure you have shelving, lockers or cubbies to contain the clutter. Built-in organization and storage win every time.

4. Small baskets

When you hit the door, you want somewhere to leave keys, mail and other small items where you’ll be able to find them again later. Keep then contained with a tabletop or hanging basket that’s easily accessed as you come and go.

5. Boot tray

Whether it’s for boots, sandals or football cleats, you’ll want something to contain the dirt and puddles your family tracks in the house. As utilitarian as boot trays are, there is a wide range of styles to choose from to match your taste. Wooden slats, stone-inspired or simple plastic all keep it clean and classy.

6. Easy-to-clean surfaces

Even if you have a doormat or durable indoor/outdoor rug, easy-to clean flooring will add a layer of convenience you’ll never regret. Something with no grout lines where grime can get caught is a bonus. Also consider low-maintenance wall materials like semigloss paint, which is easy to wipe down, or wainscoting. Pet owners who have been splattered by a shaking wet dog know what we’re talking about.

7. Lighting

Because mudrooms tend to be small, extra lighting can make the space feel larger and more open. From a security perspective, a well-lit room can also add peace of mind when you’re walking into an empty home at night.

8. Laundry hamper

Whether you have your washer and dryer in your mudroom or not, you’ll appreciate a laundry basket in this space. Rain-soaked socks, mud-splattered jerseys and sandy beach towels can go straight in the hamper without introducing the mess to the rest of the house.

9. First aid kit

This is about easy access to emergency supplies, especially if your mudroom opens out onto the garage or yard where accidents are prone to happen.

10. Door lock

One thing nearly any mudroom will have is a door. What kind depends on where in your home that mudroom is situated. If you’ve been lucky enough to be able to convert a closet or awkward nook into your mudroom, a pocket door might be an ideal solution for hiding anything unsightly without obstructing a hallway. But if you have an exterior access point for your mudroom, you’ll want something that offers greater security. A traditional deadbolt from Schlage features premium metal construction and is made with durability in mind.

Don’t discount a smart lock, either. Not just for front doors, Schlage smart locks offer keyless convenience and peace of mind no matter where they are. Lock and unlock from anywhere and skip the keys completely for secure yet simple access when coming home with your hands full.

Explore Schlage’s range of deadbolts – mechanical and electronic – and check out our Get Help Deciding Tool to find out which smart lock is right for you. And if you have more questions, reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook.

Every dollar you invest in properly preparing and staging your home for sale adds about $2 to the selling price on average. There are a few simple and affordable DIY projects you can do to add even more value, giving you a better chance to get your asking price – or more. The best part? Most of these will cost you little more than some spare time.

With some prior planning and a little DIY know-how and ingenuity, your home sale can be a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Five steps to selling for more

Here are five simple rules when staging your home to sell. Other handy links throughout, like this one to Realtor Mag, will take you to even more in-depth explorations.

1. Depersonalize:

Potential buyers want to see themselves in your home. Removing photographs and other personal items that reflect specifically on you, your family and your interests allow for buyers to fill in the blanks with imaginings from their own lives. Removing such items, packing them up and investing in a small self-storage unit will pay huge dividends for a relatively small investment.

At the same time, set the dining room table as if you were expecting friends over for dinner, set up your front porch for entertaining and clean off the back patio or deck and stage it for a barbeque or garden party. You want your guests to see themselves living there. And loving it.

2. Maximize:

You’ll want to make your home feel as expansive and livable as possible. Start by decluttering – a self-storage unit can help with this, too. From cleaning out closets, cabinets and drawers (buyers will snoop), to removing throw rugs from your bathroom, living room and kitchen, there are lots of little things you can do to make your space seem larger than life.

Open up the curtains and let the sun shine in. Replace old, worn window treatments with inexpensive yet stylish new shades, curtains or shutters. Get things up and off the floor and out to storage. Remove excess furniture. Add mirrors for style and openness. Make every room big, bright, open and inviting.

3. Sanitize:

Your home can’t be clean enough. A spotlessly clean home tells a bigger story about just how much you cared for and maintained your home. Perception is reality. Scour the bathrooms and the kitchen, using water and bleach to remove mold and mildew. Really work to clean every nook and cranny. Scrub and polish floors, vacuum and shampoo carpets and any rugs you decide to leave about. Wash your windows. Clean and polish appliances (inside and out). Dust and wax furniture and bookcases. We’re talking a deep clean here.

You might consider a bonded and insured professional cleaning service that is experienced in cleaning for home sellers. This is where your realtor can come in, so don’t hesitate to use him or her as a resource for finding anything you might need. Here are some additional suggestions from Angie’s list.

4. Neutralize:

In the continuing effort to let the buyer envision themselves living in your home, think neutral when styling and staging. Repaint key rooms in neutral colors. Decorate with monochromatic hues (for instance, using fresh, white towels in the bathroom instead of bright colors and replacing window treatments with clean, white curtains and shades). Declutter bookcases and replace half of your books with strategically placed pieces of art, vases or other simple, unobtrusive touches. These all serve to invite potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs.

Keeping things simple and clean – and reducing clutter – are among the easiest and least expensive ways to prepare your home for sale.

5. Modernize:

Projects you invest in to modernize your home will more than pay for themselves when you sell it. Don’t be afraid to replace old kitchen appliances. Re-paint or stain old kitchen cabinets. Replace outdated cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures. Replace that old vanity in the bathroom with a new pedestal sink. These kinds of simple upgrades – many of them weekend DIY projects or a short jaunt to Lowe’s away – will work wonders.

Another simple update that pays big dividends is replacing your old front door lock with a keyless electronic lock. Instead of having a realtor’s lockbox or spare housekeys floating around out there, you can program up to 30 individual security codes depending up on the lock type you select. Codes can be activated, de-activated and replaced as often as you see fit. And with some of today’s locks, you can program them from anywhere, using your smartphone.

A new lock with a stylish new handleset is the perfect finishing touch to that front-porch refurbishing project. It adds curb appeal, convenience and next-level security – and affordably. It also makes a great first impression when prospective buyers come calling.

Schlage electronic locks

Schlage offers a wide selection of keyless options from which to choose. The Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt allow easier home access using your smartphone all while improving security. These are all reflective of a heritage of innovation and style that dates back to our company’s founding when Walter Schlage first patented a door lock that also turned on a home’s lights.

Schlage electronic locks are the ideal DIY project. They are easy to install, requiring only a screwdriver and a little free time. They’re available in a wide selection of styles and finishes. And they add peace of mind that’s very welcome among the stresses and anxiety that come with selling a home and planning a move.

Is your home ready to sell? Think depersonalize, maximize, sanitize, neutralize and modernize and you’ll be well on your way.

Every dollar you invest in properly preparing and staging your home for sale adds about $2 to the selling price on average. There are a few simple and affordable DIY projects you can do to add even more value, giving you a better chance to get your asking price – or more. The best part? Most of these will cost you little more than some spare time.

With some prior planning and a little DIY know-how and ingenuity, your home sale can be a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Five steps to selling for more

Here are five simple rules when staging your home to sell. Other handy links throughout, like this one to Realtor Mag, will take you to even more in-depth explorations.

1. Depersonalize:

Potential buyers want to see themselves in your home. Removing photographs and other personal items that reflect specifically on you, your family and your interests allow for buyers to fill in the blanks with imaginings from their own lives. Removing such items, packing them up and investing in a small self-storage unit will pay huge dividends for a relatively small investment.

At the same time, set the dining room table as if you were expecting friends over for dinner, set up your front porch for entertaining and clean off the back patio or deck and stage it for a barbeque or garden party. You want your guests to see themselves living there. And loving it.

2. Maximize:

You’ll want to make your home feel as expansive and livable as possible. Start by decluttering – a self-storage unit can help with this, too. From cleaning out closets, cabinets and drawers (buyers will snoop), to removing throw rugs from your bathroom, living room and kitchen, there are lots of little things you can do to make your space seem larger than life.

Open up the curtains and let the sun shine in. Replace old, worn window treatments with inexpensive yet stylish new shades, curtains or shutters. Get things up and off the floor and out to storage. Remove excess furniture. Add mirrors for style and openness. Make every room big, bright, open and inviting.

3. Sanitize:

Your home can’t be clean enough. A spotlessly clean home tells a bigger story about just how much you cared for and maintained your home. Perception is reality. Scour the bathrooms and the kitchen, using water and bleach to remove mold and mildew. Really work to clean every nook and cranny. Scrub and polish floors, vacuum and shampoo carpets and any rugs you decide to leave about. Wash your windows. Clean and polish appliances (inside and out). Dust and wax furniture and bookcases. We’re talking a deep clean here.

You might consider a bonded and insured professional cleaning service that is experienced in cleaning for home sellers. This is where your realtor can come in, so don’t hesitate to use him or her as a resource for finding anything you might need. Here are some additional suggestions from Angie’s list.

4. Neutralize:

In the continuing effort to let the buyer envision themselves living in your home, think neutral when styling and staging. Repaint key rooms in neutral colors. Decorate with monochromatic hues (for instance, using fresh, white towels in the bathroom instead of bright colors and replacing window treatments with clean, white curtains and shades). Declutter bookcases and replace half of your books with strategically placed pieces of art, vases or other simple, unobtrusive touches. These all serve to invite potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs.

Keeping things simple and clean – and reducing clutter – are among the easiest and least expensive ways to prepare your home for sale.

5. Modernize:

Projects you invest in to modernize your home will more than pay for themselves when you sell it. Don’t be afraid to replace old kitchen appliances. Re-paint or stain old kitchen cabinets. Replace outdated cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures. Replace that old vanity in the bathroom with a new pedestal sink. These kinds of simple upgrades – many of them weekend DIY projects or a short jaunt to Lowe’s away – will work wonders.

Another simple update that pays big dividends is replacing your old front door lock with a keyless electronic lock. Instead of having a realtor’s lockbox or spare housekeys floating around out there, you can program up to 30 individual security codes depending up on the lock type you select. Codes can be activated, de-activated and replaced as often as you see fit. And with some of today’s locks, you can program them from anywhere, using your smartphone.

A new lock with a stylish new handleset is the perfect finishing touch to that front-porch refurbishing project. It adds curb appeal, convenience and next-level security – and affordably. It also makes a great first impression when prospective buyers come calling.

Schlage electronic locks

Schlage offers a wide selection of keyless options from which to choose. The Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt allow easier home access using your smartphone all while improving security. These are all reflective of a heritage of innovation and style that dates back to our company’s founding when Walter Schlage first patented a door lock that also turned on a home’s lights.

Schlage electronic locks are the ideal DIY project. They are easy to install, requiring only a screwdriver and a little free time. They’re available in a wide selection of styles and finishes. And they add peace of mind that’s very welcome among the stresses and anxiety that come with selling a home and planning a move.

Is your home ready to sell? Think depersonalize, maximize, sanitize, neutralize and modernize and you’ll be well on your way.

Return

Don’t move what isn’t yours, especially if you could be fined for it. It’s time to give back.

• Library books
  
  
• Items borrowed from friends and family
  
  
• Your kids’ borrowed school supplies like textbooks or science equipment
  
  
• Items that would bring more joy to others if gifted than if you kept them for yourself

Retrieve

Avoid getting to your new home and asking, perhaps months down the road, “Whatever happened to …?”

• Items left at the cleaners, tailors or shoe-repair shops
  
  
• Spare keys you may have handed out to friends and family, or buried in the yard
  
  
• Hidden valuables, either in your home or a safe deposit box
  
  
• Items left in a locker at your gym or yoga studio
  
  
• Items in a storage unit

Organize

In addition to a folder with all your moving documents – agreements with the movers, receipts, the inventory of your belongings – collect these important records. Then keep them with you rather than put them on the truck.

• Health, dental and vision records
  
  
• Prescriptions
  
  
• Vet records and pet medications (Get more tips for moving with pets.)
  
  
• School records
  
  
• Financial and legal records
  
  
• Birth certificates and passports

Leave

Some things are more valuable to the new homeowners than you. Be kind.

• Garage door opener
  
  
• User manuals for appliances you’re leaving behind
  
  
• Smart lock, but complete a Factory Default Reset first

Complete

We don’t know anyone who has forgotten to hire the truck, but these jobs aren’t so obvious … until it’s too late.

• Have your car serviced, especially if you’re moving long distances
  
  
• Take photos of electronics to reference when reconnecting everything in the new home
  
  
• Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscription services
  
  
• Cancel or transfer your gym membership or club fees
  
  
• Create a Pinterest board with ideas to help you get excited about the new place, especially if you’re feeling bittersweet about leaving a home with sentimental value

Discover

You might not need all of these right away, but it’s good to think about them before it becomes an emergency.

• A new doctor, dentist and optometrist
  
  
• A new allergist or other specialist
  
  
• A new hairstylist
  
  
• Snow removal service
  
  
• Landscaper
  
  
• Plumber, electrician and pest control professional

Need more tips to help you during your move? Try Schlage’s checklist for before, during and after the big transition. Share your own tips with us on Facebook and Twitter.

When you spend a lot of time at home, you quickly learn what features of your house work for your lifestyle … and which ones don’t. Is your open-plan kitchen perfect for simultaneous meal-prep and e-learning with your kids? Do you wish you’d opted for the oversized tub so you could luxuriate in your own at-home spa? For some of us, our homes and lifestyles will never be the same after quarantine.

Architects, designers and other experts have been predicting an increased appreciation for entryways in post-COVID housing. Mudrooms and foyers will be expected to pull extra duty. It won’t just be about looking nice and keeping us organized. Our entryways should also reduce the spread of infection. Here are 8 ideas for a healthier home.

Rethink your point of entry

Where does your family usually enter the house? Does this make sense? Many people begun to change their habits and enter through a side or back door that’s closer to a sink. When the need to wash your hands often, especially when you’ve been outside, an alternate entrance with convenient access to a sink is a good way to keep from introducing dirt, germs and more to the home and your family in the first place. This could be an entry by your kitchen, a powder room or a garage or laundry room with a utility sink.

Close the floorplan

Open floorplans can be ideal for entertaining. But as people began working from home and were surrounded by their partners and kids, some began to crave privacy that just couldn’t be found. When family members became sick, having doors to close off areas of the house for quarantining became a necessity. Use this concept for your entryway as well. If you can close off your mudroom where you track in all kinds of dirt and microbes, you can help control its spread.

Create a shoe zone

Some germs, including coronavirus, can live on certain surfaces for several days. That includes clothing. Apartment Therapy suggests creating a “shoe quarantine” area to keep from tracking germs into the rest of the house. If you can leave them outside on a porch or isolated in a mudroom, that’s probably best. A coat closet, boot tray just inside your entryway or even a designated square marked off with painter’s tape are solid alternatives, too.

Choose touchless technology

When trying to slow the spread of contagions, the fewer things you have to touch, the better. The first thing most of us reach for when we come home in the evenings is a light switch. Consider connecting voice control technology like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to your lights instead. For a solution that’s a bit more sophisticated than a single “Turn on the lights” command, try “Alexa, I’m home” to trigger a Routine that illuminates your entry, lets you know if you have any messages and, if you have multiple Echo speakers, announces to your family that you’ve returned, without you having to touch a thing.

Get smart about your locks

A smart lock also fits in the touchless category. Don’t dig around in your bag for keys – when was the last time you disinfected those, by the way – or fumble around at the door trying to limit how many things you touch. Use the Schlage Home app to lock or unlock your Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt and Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt without touching the lock.

And although we hate to even think about it, in the event that someone in your home does get sick, you can give a unique access code to trusted individuals. There’s no exchanging keys or having to answer the door in person for a caretaker to drop off groceries or check on you.

Opt for easy-to-clean surfaces

If you have the opportunity for a bigger remodel, include easy-to-clean surfaces in your new entryway. This isn’t a new idea. Victorian bathrooms of the 1800s featured heavy curtains and ornate woodwork, which eventually phased out because they were so difficult to sanitize, according to NPR’s Short Wave. In its place, we saw white tiled bathrooms. The materials were easy to clean and the color made people actually feel cleaner. Not everything needs to be sterile and wipeable – you still want your home to be comfortable – but choose your materials wisely.

Reduce clutter

No matter what kind of surfaces you have, they won’t be easy to clean if they’re covered in clutter. Streamline your entryway with just the essentials to make disinfecting quick and simple.

Make cleaning convenient

You might like to have cleaning supplies close at hand when you get home. Consider a basket or cute caddy stocked with disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and anything else you might need the minute you walk in the door.

It’s the first thing a guest sees when they come to your home – your front door. Make the right kind of first impression when you upgrade your curb appeal with a Schlage entry door handleset. This guide can help you pick the perfect Schlage handleset to meet your security and style needs.

We know you want to get right to picking the fun part – that stylish handle for your front door. But let’s start with how you’re going to secure your home. Just as there are four common functions for interior door hardware, there are four main types of entry door handlesets.

Handle + Mechanical Deadbolt

When you pair your front door handle with a mechanical deadbolt, you can choose between a single-cylinder or a double-cylinder deadbolt. How do you know what’s right for you? Here are the highlights:

• A single-cylinder deadbolt requires a key to lock or unlock your door from the outside only. You’ll use a thumbturn on the interior.
  
  
• A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Check your local building requirements if you’re interested in a double cylinder. While they are more secure, they can make it more difficult to exit the house quickly in an emergency, so some areas restrict these.
  
  
• Both single- and double-cylinder deadbolts have a BHMA rating of AAA, meaning they’re graded Best in residential Security, Durability and Finish.
  
  
• We also offer the Schlage Custom™ Single Cylinder Handleset. Choose between a two-piece decorative trim or a 3/4 trim, which includes the lock on the same piece as the grip. A Schlage Custom handleset also makes it even easier to match the style to your interior door hardware, giving you a cohesive look from the front door to back porch and everywhere in between.
   

Front Entry Handle Only

Maybe you already have a deadbolt that works great. Or maybe you want the flexibility to create your own unique look for your entry lockset. Then you might choose just a front entry handle.

• This piece does not include a deadbolt. You will want to purchase one separately depending on your family’s needs and style preferences.
  
  
• Make a statement that’s all your own by choosing from an assortment of interior door knob and lever styles. Schlage Custom Door Hardware gives you the flexibility and options to create the perfect look to go along with your new handleset.
  
  

Front entry handle.

Front Entry Handle + Electronic or Smart Lock

You love the look of a handleset and you want keyless convenience? We have the style and security solution for you. You can pair your front door handles with any Schlage electronic or smart deadbolt. Ready for the highlights?

• For remote access from anywhere, add a front entry handle to any of our smart locks – the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, the Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt with either Z-Wave Plus or Zigbee technology, or the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. The Schlage Encode, Schlage Connect with Z-Wave Plus and Schlage Sense smart deadbolts all have top AAA ratings from BHMA.
  
  
• Add a handle to either of our electronic locks – the Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt or keypad deadbolt – which feature a AAA Best rating in residential Security, Durability and Finish from the BHMA.
  
  
• Installation is simple, even with the technology. Because all our electronic and smart locks are battery operated, there’s no hardwiring necessary and no need to call an electrician or handyman.
  
  
• Schlage is proud of our ability to combine innovative technology with superior aesthetics. Like all our door hardware, smart locks come in a variety of styles and finishes so you’ll be sure your front door continues to make a beautiful statement without sacrificing security.
   

Front entry handle + smart lock.

Inactive Handleset

Just like inactive interior knobs and levers, inactive handlesets are used as decorative door pulls. You see these most often when you have a double entry door with one locking door and the other primarily for show. When you shop for inactive handlesets, don’t be fooled. It often looks like a deadbolt is included, but that piece is just for aesthetics and is not actually a working lock. For full locking capabilities, you’ll choose one of the options above for the active door.

Because the main appeal of an inactive handleset is its style, it should come as no surprise that we offer Schlage Custom inactive handlesets. These come in extended 3/4 trim from grip to deadbolt to create a high-style look, and you can pair your style and finish with Schlage Custom interior hardware to coordinate your home’s hardware inside and out.

Inactive handleset.

Style. Simplicity. Schlage.

Now that you know which kind of exterior door hardware you need, you’re ready to choose the style that best fits your home. Schlage offers a variety of designs and finishes, from angular to flowing and classic to contemporary. They’re all designed to ensure that your front door is the perfect introduction to your home. Use this guide to handleset styles to create a perfect match.

Once you’ve brought everything home, installation is easy. All you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes of effort. Check out our installation guide and How-To Center to make adding it to your home as simple as ever.

Taliesin Virtual Tour

Mark Twain House Virtual Tour

Monticello Virtual Tour

Neuschwanstein Castle Panoramic Video

Royal British Homes Virtual Tours

Georgia O’Keeffe Videos and Webcam

Celebrity Home Photos

Puppy Webcam

If looking at other homes and locations ends up making you feel melancholy instead of refreshed, try a puppy cam instead. Because puppies make everything better.

Looking for more ideas to keep you and the family busy? Schlage can help. Try one of our home improvement projects for kids, consider a quick renovation for relaxation using materials you probably already own or tackle some outdoor projects so you can enjoy the great outdoors right at home.

1. People in and out of your home

When you’re selling a home, people are coming and going constantly. Whether it is the realtor showing prospective buyers around or service providers coming to make repairs or clean, it’s impossible for you to be home every time someone needs to get in. Instead of leaving your door unlocked or leaving a key under a plant, a smart lock can keep your house secure while still allowing access to those you trust. You can use an app to program new access codes into the lock, even setting schedules for when those codes can be used. And because you’re notified when they are used, you can keep a better eye on who is in your house and when.

2. What buyers look for

Smart home devices are becoming more in demand and expected for buyers. In a 2018 survey, Coldwell Banker Real Estate found that smart home devices and other technology are integral to helping homes sell faster and for more money. A vast majority of the survey’s respondents said they expect certain smart devices to be pre-installed before even moving in. Topping the list were smart thermostats (77%) and fire detectors (75%). Sixty-three percent of respondents expected smart locks to be pre-installed.

And by the way, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found in 2018 that three out of four millennials – the largest generational group of home buyers – were willing to pay $1,500 to $4,000 to make their homes smarter. Think how that investment can pay off for you.

Finally, as we move forward through 2020 and beyond, consider the idea that many people may be looking for touchless technology in greater numbers. Not only is it convenient for those times when your hands are full, but it can also be more sanitary when you’re trying to keep hands clean and germ-free.

3. Curb appeal

The first impression is sometimes the only impression when it comes to a potential buyer. While there are plenty of major upgrades that will increase your curb appeal, updating front door hardware is one of the easiest and most noticeable improvements you can make. Use the product selector to find the perfect door hardware for your home and refresh the front of your house in minutes.

Have you already gone keyless or are ready to make the switch? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook why you are going keyless with Schlage or check out our Get Help Deciding Tool to see which smart lock works best for your home.

Go native

When you’re planning your garden this spring, include plants found naturally in your area. Why is it so important to plant native species in your yard? Native plants typically require less fertilizer, pesticides and water as they’re adapted to thrive in your environment. They also help reduce soil erosion and flooding. In addition to looking lovely, native plants provide plenty of food, seeds and shelter for pollinators, insects, birds and other local wildlife.

Find inspiration for your DIY and upcycled planters on our blog, nine budget-friendly spring porch décor ideas.

“Bee” friendly

When bees are in danger, it puts our whole ecosystem at risk. We need these pollinators to keep plant populations, especially food crops, varied and strong. You can make your garden bee-friendly in a number of ways beyond simply planting flowering vegetables and fruits, which are especially attractive to our little honey producers. It turns out that bees can get dehydrated, so place small dishes of water around your garden or add stones to a bird bath for them to land on while they sip. Go the extra step with a DIY bee house with this step-by-step guide from Dukes & Duchesses. Happy bees lead to happy gardens.

Chase the rain

An excellent way of reducing your environmental footprint is by using less water, and being smart about water conservation in the garden can make a monumental difference. Those native plant species we talked about often require less irrigation. Even so, our gardens might need a bit of extra help. That’s where you can use a rain barrel to collect rain runoff for future use. DIY options can be as simple as a plastic garbage can, but that won’t do much for your spring curb appeal. For a rain barrel that actually contributes to your outdoor décor, try HGTV’s tutorial for a rain barrel that uses wood slats.

Let it soak in

When we cover the ground in concrete, we limit the amount of water that can reach the soil. We also redirect the natural flow of water, possibly leading to erosion. Spread gravel, smaller stones or decomposed granite between garden pavers to limit damage from rain runoff. If it makes sense for your home, you might choose these materials for your driveway as well. Learn how to install a beautiful stone path from HGTV.

Break it down

Whether you use it for yard waste or kitchen scraps, a home compost bin has many benefits. But compost for curb appeal? With time, you’ll get a natural fertilizer and mulch that make for healthy plants and a vibrant garden. Compost bins also attract local wildlife –earthworms, frogs, lizards – that add to your garden ecosystem. Plus, just think of all the waste that won’t go in the landfill.

Like rain barrels, there’s a wide range of options for DIY compost bins. You can call that 32-gallon trash can into service again use these instructions for a wooden compost bin that looks more sophisticated.

You don’t have to design a passive house or convert your car to run on cooking grease to positively impact the environment. Any small step, like upcycling old door locks or reducing food waste with better storage, helps. Follow us on Pinterest for more green DIY ideas.

1. Safety glasses

Eyes are fragile, so protect them from flying debris, dust and splashing liquids. Saw Dust Girl suggests getting a neck strap for convenience and investing in goggles that won’t fog, perfect for working on any sweaty project. You might also like safety glasses with LED lights in the frames.

2. Ear protection

Ear muffs are a power tool’s best friend. If you’re going to be working with loud machinery for any length of time, your ears will thank you. Ear muffs or plugs will work just fine.

3. Gloves

Hand protection is no joke, and with all the different tools you’re likely to use, it’s important to have the right gear. Cloth and leather gloves are good options for reducing injuries from splinters, nails and sharp equipment. Rubber or latex are good for handling stain, paint and other liquids. Also consider anti-vibration gloves if you plan on using power tools frequently.

4. Leather thumb and finger guards

For those times you don’t need whole-hand protection, thumb and finger guards are ideal for carving projects. It seems minor until you nick yourself during what seems like a small job.

5. Push sticks and blocks

If you’re doing any woodworking or breaking out the power saw, invest in some push sticks or a block that can feed your materials into the blade while keeping your fingers out of harm’s way.

6. Mask and respirator

Protect your lungs when doing anything with drywall or sanding. Masks are also advisable when painting, especially if you choose paints with stronger fumes or if you’re doing a ceiling.

7. Work boots

Never DIY in flip-flops. The last thing you want is to drop something on your toes or puncture your foot on an errant nail, so get some good footwear.

8. Protective clothing

Whether you’re working with carving equipment, caustic materials that may splatter or flammable liquids, invest in clothing that can protect your body head to toe. Face masks, leather aprons and flame-retardant fabrics are a good start.

9. Knee pads

This is a must if you’re replacing flooring. Your joints will thank you. But you might also appreciate it for smaller jobs like painting a series of cabinet doors or gardening projects where you might end up kneeling.

10. Hard hat

If you’re tackling a larger project or one that takes place overhead – a kitchen gut job or replacing a chandelier – protect your noggin.

11. Back support

Lift with your legs, and even then, wear some kind of back support when lifting or transporting heavy items.

12. Safe disposal containers

Protect curious kids and pets, and do your part for the environment, by knowing how to properly dispose of toxic chemicals, paints, aerosol cans and other items that can’t simply go in the trash. Then get the right equipment to seal it up safely.

13. First aid kit

Accidents happen, and when they do, you should be prepared. Bandages, antiseptic and gloves are among the supplies you should have on hand until you can seek more extensive medical attention, if necessary. Find a complete list of first aid supplies at RedCross.org.

14. Fire extinguisher

You might be working with electrical equipment, power tools or flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher on hand and check it regularly to make sure it is in good working condition. The garage is a prime location for an extinguisher whether or not that’s where you tackle your DIY projects.

15. Flashlight

Good lighting makes any job easier, but if you’re going to be in a tight crawl space, a proper flashlight can help you spot protruding nails or cut risks before they happen.

16. Ladder

Instead of tip-toeing and losing your balance, get a ladder. Then learn how to use it. Set it on stable ground, recruit a spotter to help hold it steady and only use it for its intended purpose.

17. Sunscreen

Outdoor projects tend to take place in warmer months and when it’s not going to rain on your new paint job. Protect your skin if you’re going to be outside for an extended time.

18. Hair ties

This is where hair improvement meets home improvement. Tie back hair to keep it out of your face so you can see what you’re doing and keep strands from getting caught in equipment.

19. Phone number for the pros

We can’t all be experts at everything and it’s good to know your limitations. Recognize when it’s time to call an electrician, plumber or other professional to handle something that’s dangerously outside your skillset.

20. Situational awareness

Sometimes the best safety tip has nothing to do with your gear. Be aware of what’s happening around you, including kids and pets playing nearby, standing water that might conduct electricity and power cords so you don’t inadvertently cut through them.

Now that you’re properly outfitted for any home improvement project, get inspired to tackle your next DIY effort. Explore ideas from Schlage on Pinterest and Instagram.