Are you considering moving to a new home? Perhaps, you think a change will make everyone happier and help you keep up with the cost and upkeep of homeownership. "Right-sizing" is a common term used to describe the process of choosing a home to fit your current needs. Here are four ways to tell that it's time to make the switch and look into purchasing a home that's better suited to your current situation:

More Cleaning Than You Have Time For

No one wants to spend a ton of free time scrubbing, sweeping, mopping and caring for a home. Consider how and where you're comfortable at home. According to Quicken Loans, many people spend most of their time in a few key spaces like the bedroom and kitchen. If you’re spending more time cleaning than living,

It takes just 26 seconds for a guest to form an opinion of your home when they walk through the front door. What does your space say about you? While we try to resist the urge to judge, there's no doubt that first impressions count.

Whether you're expecting guests or you're hoping to transform your spare room into a rental, experts agree there are five key areas that friends notice first about your house. Thankfully, it takes minutes to correct them. Here, Miranda Cresswell, brand director at OneFineStay, and Ariel Kaye, CEO of Parachute and the newly opened Parachute Hotel, explain the most effective ways to update your home before guests arrive. Got five minutes to spare? Make these simple changes for a home that makes a lasting impression.

Focus On The Curb Appeal
The first thing that potential buyers will see is the outside of your house. The lawn, landscaping, front porch, front door, and driveway are the first impression your home is going to make, so spruce up the lawn, plant some flowers, paint the front door, reseal the driveway, whatever it takes to make a good first impression. 

Time For Some Deep Cleaning
This is crucial in home staging and is more than just picking up and vacuuming. Clean the spaces in the home that haven’t been cleaned for a very long time (or ever), including baseboards, vent covers, ceiling fans, and the fireplace.

Brush On A Fresh Coat Of Paint
A fresh coat of paint in main rooms or throughout the house can bring a home back to life. Renew the space

One of the most stressful changes for people is moving, and for animals, it is no different. According to statistics published by the Humane Society of the United States, 79.7 million households have at least one pet. This is a survival guide for some of the most common stress-induced issues furry family members may face during a move.

Canines

According to the vets at Pet MD, dogs generally tend to internalize their emotional pain, and stress reactions usually manifest in tummy troubles and/or a decrease in appetite. They may also become isolated and sleep more than usual.

To help relieve some of the stress associated with an impending move, Jodi Frediani, wrote in her article that the key to managing a dog in a stressful situation is balance

Allergy season is upon us. Here are a few ideas to reduce the negative effects and stay healthier.

1. Wipe surfaces. Use a damp cloth to dust window sills, bookshelves and knickknacks. Any allergens will cling to the moist rag instead of spreading into the air.

2. Vacuum this. When you strip your bed, run the vacuum over the top and sides of your mattress to remove any dust mites.

3. Check the dryer vent. The dryer produces moist air that can cause mold to form. Make sure the vent is securely attached, sending the air outside and away from the house.

4. Shift furniture. Moving furniture just an inch away from air vents will allow air to flow freely, stopping the buildup of dust particles.