Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

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January 6, 2021

Looking to buy a Toyota RAV4 but wondering if it can handle all the demands of your everyday life? The only way to get to know your dream car is to compare it to its competition. And when it comes to the compact SUV segment, the path often leads to just either of the two superlative bestsellers: the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V.

Both SUVs have proven popular for various reasons, and in many ways, you’ll find that they are quite similar. They both have an elevated ride height and can both fit five people and still carry a lot of cargo. All-wheel drive is also an option for both!

But how do they differ in the way they go about their business? We partnered with Car Expert to take a closer look at the latest generations of these vehicles and see how the SUVs stack up in this Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V comparison. At the end of the day, we hope you figure out which SUV is the better choice for you.

Interior

If you’re buying an SUV for your family adventures, then you probably want one that can give you the ultimate entertainment during long drives. Luckily, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with an infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Conversely, the Honda CR-V only includes a 5-inch display, Bluetooth, and a USB port. If you want to upgrade your car with the same features that the RAV4 comes with, you’ll need to shell more money out of your pocket, which you probably don’t like, right?

Cargo space

So you’re going on a weeklong trip with your family and you need ample space for all your stuff. Does your SUV have enough cargo space to accommodate all that? Well, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V offer above-average cargo space, but the latter takes the win here. The Honda CR-V comes with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row and 75.8 cubic feet with its rear seats folded down, making it far more spacious than the Toyota RAV4 that only offers 37.6 cubic feet and 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space, respectively.

Fuel economy

We’re pretty sure that fuel economy plays a huge factor in your buying decision, and in this match, we must say it’s really close call. But while the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V both have great fuel economy for their segment, the Toyota RAV4 edges out its competition. The SUV is rated for 28 mpg city and 35 highway, whereas the CR-V is rated for 28 mpg city and 34 highway. You may think that’s only one mpg short on the highway rating, but hey, one mpg is still one mpg.

Safety

You’re probably willing to trade all the other fantastic features of your SUV for safety. Unfortunately though, we can’t declare a winner in this aspect just yet because the Honda CR-V has yet to secure an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) scoring, which the Toyota RAV4 effortlessly aced by the way. However, we can assure you that both vehicles have good safety credentials, with both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V having a five-star overall crash testing rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2024 RAV4 also earned the top rating of Good in all of the IIHS’s crashworthiness tests. Will the Honda CR-V keep up? We’ll find that out soon.

Ride and Handling

We must say this is another close call, but it’s the Honda CR-V that takes the win. If you drive them both, you’ll find that both are capable of providing smooth rides, but the RAV4’s ride feels a bit firmer so the match ends in Honda CR-V’s favor. You’ll be glad to know though that the RAV4 is also available in a TRD off-road trim, so it’s a trusty SUV to go for if you’re looking for one that can work well across all types of terrain.

Acceleration

Since you’re buying an SUV, you might also want to know the time it takes for the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V to achieve your desired speed. Well, both SUVs come with just one engine but one of them can deliver a more decent performance than the other in terms of horsepower rating. The Toyota RAV4’s 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is rated for 203 horsepower, making it a real winner when we talk about acceleration. Its competition, on the other hand, features a 1.5-liter turbo-four that’s rated for 190 horsepower. Not bad for an SUV, but still a long way to go to keep up with the RAV4.

Price

Now let’s talk about the price. While both are slightly expensive for the class in their base trims, the Honda CR-V undercuts its Toyota counterpart across the board with its cheaper price tag. The top-tier Toyota RAV-4 Limited can reach up to $35,780, while Honda CR-V’s loaded Touring is only pegged at $33,650.

Honda CR-V Summary

Some of our key takeaways of the Honda CR-V…

Spacious and comfortable – perfect for the family
Easy to drive
Affordable option – great value
Lacks safety technology of the RAV4

Toyota RAV4 Summary

Some of our key takeaways of the RAV4…

Five star safety and driver assistance features
Plenty of storage, with easy to fold seats – perfect for creating extra space at the last minute
Excellent fuel economy
The more pricey option – but we think the extra dollars are money well spent!

Verdict

Since both SUVs are good and no slouch, the answer to the question of which between the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V is better comes down to your personal needs and preferences. With more wins overall, however, we can say that the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for an outdoor-ready, off-road vehicle for your family—but only if you’re ready to spend a little bit more on your vehicle. But as you can see above both are an excellent choice.

How to Start Inventing Things and Get to Market – 2024 Guide

By

Billy Voss

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January 6, 2021

You probably believe that not everyone can be an inventor. After all, you know about the people who created products that changed the world completely. It doesn’t only seem like a lot of work, which it is, but you might also think that designing something new is impossible.

Well, you are wrong. Nothing is impossible. Yes, it will take you a lot of time, but in the end, if you are persistent, we are confident that you can do it. All you need is an idea and a plan on how to make it real. Well, we have come up with a short guide that will help you on this adventure.

Brainstorm ideas

First things first, you need an idea. However small that is, you can probably do something about it. If you don’t already have one, then it is the time for brainstorming. The most important thing is to stay in your lane. What do we mean by this? Well, you probably won’t be able to successfully invent something from the area of knowledge you know little or nothing about.

Due to this reason, think about your area of expertise or something that interests you and that you are passionate about. Make a list of hobbies or jobs you have had in the past, something you are familiar with. Even if you know only the basics, you have all the time in the world to learn more details.

Our advice is to list everything that comes to your mind. It is always a better option to cross off some of the items than to later remember something that could’ve been useful.

Find a problem

The whole point of inventing a new product is to resolve some problem that has been annoying you, and well, the rest of the people. Once you have a list of possibilities, you should try to think of a problem for each item that you could solve. You know, in the past, people weren’t able to work at night, so they came up with candles, and later light bulbs, or they couldn’t communicate with people at distances, so they invented the telephone. Do you see where we are going? Your invention doesn’t have to be some major breakthrough, but simply something that will make everyone’s life a little bit easier.

Furthermore, you can think about some already available products that don’t have a feature that you require, and that would take the item to a whole new level. As you can see, there is always an issue to be found, and guess what, every problem comes with a solution, and you just have to think of it.

Market research

Now that you have the exact idea of what you want to design, it is time to conduct research. There are multiple reasons why this step is crucial. First of all, you have to learn if a similar product already exists. You have to ensure that your future invention is unique, so go online and even visit some stores to see if they offer something similar.

Moreover, you have to learn whether people are actually interested in buying the item. Our advice is to find a third-party, someone who will be objective and able to provide you with feedback. You can do surveys or simply go out and ask the customers. However, be careful. When it comes to online questionnaires, to protect your idea, you should be vague, and if you want to talk with people in person and provide them with more details, you can ask them to sign an NDA, which will ensure that all data stays confidential.

Present the idea

The next step is to find a professional who will help you on this journey. You will need someone who can present your idea to companies that can be potential partners, introduce it to people, and so on. As you can assume, this is a long journey, and you will need all the help you can get. If you want to learn more about this aspect of the process, you can read more about how Invent Help can assist you in starting from the idea to a patent.

Build a prototype

Finally, the time has come to turn your invention into a real product. The first thing that you should do is come up with a budget. Yes, this can be quite costly, and we are not only talking about making a 3D design, but you will have to build a fully functional item.

Up to this point, every detail has been theoretical, but you cannot find all the pros and cons of it unless you have it in your hands. Maybe you will discover that some features do not work the way you want them to, or you might come up with some additional ideas on how to further upgrade it.

Plus, you will need to present it to potential clients and partners. They need to see it first hand to decide whether or not they will invest in it.

Protect the product

Without a doubt, this is something that you should do as soon as you come up with the entire prospect, and this is especially significant if there isn’t a similar product on the market. We have already mentioned the non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This document will prevent other people from sharing any details about your invention, so you can rest assured that no one will try to copy it.

In addition, you should also apply for a provisional patent application (PPA). This document signifies that you are in the process of getting a patent for the product. As you can imagine, this can take some time, so you will be able to continue working on it without having to worry about someone stealing your idea.

If you have come up with a one-of-a-kind name for your invention and want to prevent others from using it, you should file for trademark protection. This can include the name, logo, and a phrase regarding the product.

Finally, you should apply for a full patent. When you reach this step, it might be a good idea to hire an attorney. Yes, their fee can be quite costly, but it is the best way to protect yourself from any legal issue that can arise on the way.

How to Find the Best Student Storage Deals

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 5, 2021

Student storage has become increasingly popular with the hike in rent prices. A storage unit can come in handy whether or not you’re a student, but the real problem arises when the time comes to pick and pay for one.

There are some secrets by STORED to getting the best bang for your buck, though. It just requires a little extra effort on your part.

Off-Peak Seasons

Everyone’s aware that universities and colleges start their semesters in the first week of September, or at least they do in most parts of the world. This means, you are looking at much higher pricing during the summer and fall months, the most expensive being September.

If you begin your search a bit earlier than needed, or slightly later, you could potentially save hundreds of pounds in the long run. Try living with your clutter until December.

Besides, before renting a storage unit, you should move into your new living space, whether it’s a dormitory or a shared house, and assess what you own and how much you need with you. Start decluttering! This way, you can save money when it comes to the size too.

Many student storage facilities have discounts during breaks, such as winter or summer holidays. These extend over onto the peak seasons as well, which saves you a ton of money.

Long Term Contracts

In the real world, rent agreements are more affordable the longer you require the space. The same goes for student storage.

If anything, you are going to be attending classes for at least nine months, so why even bother going for short term contracts? Your storage unit will be useful until you’re back home or off-campus on a more permanent basis, which you will not be for at least two semesters.

The most expensive rates will be daily ones. Even though it may seem low at only four pounds, it accumulates to over a hundred pounds at the end of one month. Instead, you could have just had a monthly rental plan for about ninety pounds.

Some storage unit facilities actually give discounts on longer stays. A few of these have up to fifteen per cent off your entire payment if you rent for over six months. Perfect for students!

Minimize Transport Costs

The only money that will go into your student storage isn’t just the rent. You have to understand how you’re going to get to the storage unit and how frequently you’ll need to. Additionally, if your items are large or bulky, how will you get them there in the first place?

In the rare chance that you need to visit the unit numerous times a week, you want to make sure it’s near where you’re living, studying or working. This will save gas money or train fare.

Prices of student storage run greater in more accessible areas, such as in the walking distance of large universities. So, if you don’t think you’ll have to visit the storage unit often, you may be better off renting a unit in a more remote location. This will require long commutes.

Use Incognito Mode

The internet knows everything about everyone. If you’ve even searched ‘student storage near so-and-so university’, that information is backed up in your cookies.

When you search for rentals online using your regular browser, the computer will give you more expensive options because it knows what dates you’re most likely to need it on, as well as how desperate you are for a quick find.

To protect yourself against this, use the ‘Incognito Mode’ on Google Chrome, or any kind of private browsing feature. You’ll be able to see the same storage unit for a little bit cheaper.

Websites That Do the Work for You

Technology has made everything easier. Now, instead of spending hours going through student storage listings, you can input your details onto a website!

There are many ways to go about this, but they all run in similar ways. They’ll filter all the options they have on their site to help you find the best student storage in your budget and your desired location.

Using these methods, you’ll definitely be able to find the perfect storage unit at an affordable price.

Student Storage Is Cheaper Than Moving House

Here are some real life facts.

Getting Roommates

One way to get a more expensive home is by renting it with some roommates. In this way, two or more people can divide the rent of a larger home amongst themselves.

Roommate horror stories are available in abundance online, so there’s definitely risk involved with who you get paired up with. You could either be very different and not get along, or they could be the leader of some cult. It may be rare, but still possible.

But to live alone would mean paying more than necessary, so there’s a chance of either situation going horribly wrong or going great! Unfortunately, you won’t know how things will go until your lease is signed. Regardless of the outcome, you’re stuck with your fate.

Temporary Fixes

Be honest with yourself. Do you truly believe the hoarding needs a temporary fix or will it be permanent? Don’t try moving house if you think you can utilize the space you have later.

Hiring student storage is the best short-term way to keep things you don’t want to part with. They have plans where you can pay by the day, the week, the month or the year. If you’re waiting to send some things to your parents’ house or elsewhere, student storage will do.

Transport Costs

Moving house does not mean picking up everything you own into your arms and walking across the street. It requires moving trucks and some way to get to and from the two places.

Moving trucks can cost quite a bit for the day, especially if you need movers as well as a driver. However, many student storage facilities offer pickup and delivery with their plans, which would save you so much money in the long term!

It is much more cost-effective in most cases to rent out a student storage unit than it is to completely move to a new house, especially if you are still only a student.

Essentials You Need to Bring for Your First RV Camping Trip

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 5, 2021

Have you decided to go on your first ever RV camping trip finally? Are you excited yet nervous since you are a newbie camper? You may lack enough knowledge considering that it is your first RV camping trip, so let us fill you with the basics.

First things first, your RV won’t start without its RV battery. This particular battery supplies power to your electronics even when the engine is off. And to protect the RV battery and prolong its life, purchasing a battery box is a must. You can check here for more information about battery boxes and decide the best choice since it will benefit you in the long run, given that you are interested in RV camping.

Apart from that, this read will provide you with a list of the things you have to bring during your trip that will reduce or even get rid of your pre-camp nerves and anxiety.

Why you should go RV Camping

Going on a camping trip is indeed fun and exciting. It makes you worry less about your day to day life and situations while enjoying more of your life, well, at least for a couple of days. You get to learn new things and open up yourself to more life possibilities in the comfort of your motorhome. RV camping gives you the ultimate experience of a camping trip like no other.

List of things to bring during your first RV camping trip

Sure, camping is full of thrill and excitement, but it is only like that when you have all the essential things you need throughout your trip.

Most of us might tend to be forgetful and fail to recall all the important stuff we have to bring in our trips. And because there are so many things to take note of since it is your very first RV trip, here is a list of must-haves to carry out a relaxing, successful, and fulfilling vacation.

Emergency road kit

Since you will be on the road first before you can be at your desired camping destination, it is indeed a must to have your vehicle emergency road kit. An emergency road supply kit includes spare tires, flashlight, jumper cables, car oils and fluids, screwdrivers, pliers, wrench, and jack for flat tires. This stuff will help you when there is an unfortunate event that will get you out of any jams.

Fire extinguisher

You are not always sure what could happen during your vacation. It is still better safe than sorry, so take note of bringing a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency. Also, see to it that you are familiar with it and know how to use it properly to avoid further damage.

Food and drinks supply

Your list is not complete without including food and drinks supply in it. Make sure that it will suffice you and your companions for the duration of the whole trip. You can also consider creating a meal plan ahead with viands that are healthy and easy to prepare. This way, you will not spend time idly thinking about what you should cook for the next meal. You will also have an idea of how much of each ingredient and condiment you should bring.

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Cash or credit/debit cards

Bringing cash is a must in everyday life, most especially if you travel. And if your chosen camping site is a little near a convenience store, and you realize that there are items that you lack, your cash will be a great help. But if you are the type of person who is afraid of carrying cash with you, credit or debit cards will also do. It is safer and more convenient; however, it will be big trouble if the proximate stores do not accept cards.

Hygiene kit

Keeping your hygiene should not be forgotten even if you are camping outdoors; that is why a hygiene kit must be an adjunct of our list. You will be exposed and be dirty during your outdoor activities, so a refreshing wash up after it using your hygiene kit is very rewarding. A typical camping hygiene cut must consist of biodegradable soap and tissues, toothbrush, wet wipes, bath essentials, and alcohol-based sanitizers.

First aid kit

Injuries are inevitable when you are camping in the great outdoors, especially if you engage yourself in extreme activities. For that reason, you have to include a First aid kit in your checklist of must-haves. This kit must contain antiseptic gauze, alcohol, betadine, cotton, antibiotic cream, and other critical emergency treatment stuff.

Camera

It is always exciting to go on a trip for the first time, particularly on an RV camping trip. Wouldn’t you want to capture stunning sunset and sunrise photos? Taking photos adds excitement and makes you appreciate nature’s beauty and serenity a whole lot more.

Additionally, you can also take shots of double-tap worthy Instagram photos of yourself. How overwhelming is it to have those striking photographs as memorabilia for your first RV trip!

Hammock

If you decide to have your generator rest for a while from powering up your RV’s air conditioning unit and you also want a breath of fresh air, bringing a hammock is indeed a great idea. While you are lying on your hammock, you can experience the breathtaking nature’s scenery. You can just lay on it comfortably and think about nothing at all.

Book

After you are done with your activities and looking for something less tiring yet worthwhile to do, you can try to read. That is why bringing a book on your trip is a useful and considerable option. Reading by the quiet, peaceful, and scenic views while relaxing enhances your outdoor experience and empowers your soul to a whole new level.

Conclusion

Ideally, people go on a trip at least once a year to free themselves from city life: its noise, never-ending problems, and stressful environment. And since it is your first time going on an RV camping trip, we hope that the list of essential things we have listed above helped you ensure your first trip’s success. Pack these things up, and you’re good to go.

Please have a safe trip, and we are looking forward to seeing you on your next journey. Good luck!

Are Custom Car Door Lights Worth the Cost? – 2024 Guide

By

Anne Kelly

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January 5, 2021

Custom Car Door Lights — img source: pinterest.com

A car door light is a great car accessory, which transforms your vehicle differently. You can upgrade your ride by installing this accessory. You can add different functionality and style to your car. This accessory will help in illuminating the driveaway and sidewalk that is close to your vehicle.

It is possible to lighten up the ground by installing the door paneling. It will make your automobile stylish and attractive. Many people wonder whether door lights look good on your automobile. CarLEDLogo can help you know how this accessory works.

In the following write-up, we will discuss how customized door lights worth the cost or not. If you are spending money on anything, then you must know whether it is worth it or not. When you park your vehicle, the lights will guide your footsteps in the parking zone. Let us discuss this accessory in detail.

Installation Process

If you need to upgrade your ride, then you need to install customized puddle lights. When you open your door, then it will look quite stylish. You must know the installation process to know about this accessory better.

Remove the Door Paneling: You can do this process with the help of a screwdriver. You can get the screws inside the control panel and handle of the door. When you remove the paneling, make sure that you take care of those screws.
Start Drilling: You need to drill the light’s right size with the help of a hole saw. This process may be a bit complicated, but you need to pay attention to it. The size of the hole must be correct, and it should be properly drilled.
Power Connection: After fixing the light in the hole, you need to supply the power. Connect red and black wires for powering up the bulbs. Make sure that you take care of yourself while dealing with wires and electricity. For safety purposes, you can use gloves to protect yourself from shock.
Stylish Ride: When you successfully install the puddle light in the car door, you can enjoy its appearance. This upgrade will look great on your vehicle. If you are stepping out of your automobile, the light will guide you better.

Tips to Buy the Right Door Lights

Many people make the common mistake of choosing the wrong door lights for their vehicles. If you are investing your money, then it is important to do the right thing. Therefore, you must follow some important tips before purchasing an accessory for your car. Let us discuss them in detail.

1. Affordable

You can get this accessory from cheap to high prices. You need to check what is your budget and how much you can spend on it. Every person loves to style their vehicle differently. A door light is a perfect thing for those people.

Make sure that you go for an affordable item. The price may vary as per the design. You can choose anyone that you think is looking good on your automobile. It is fine if you compromise with the price. You cannot spend your money repeatedly on the same thing, and therefore, it is better to invest in it once.

2. Design

You can get plenty of designs in this accessory. You have to check your vehicle properly and suit some of the accessories on it. This process is quite time-consuming, and hence, you need to invest your time to choose the right design. It should match your personality and car design. Everyone must praise you for your choice. Therefore, you have to decide wisely.

3. Installation Process

You may find that many retailers do not provide installation for free. They may ask for separate expenses or do not provide any service. If you are buying this accessory, then you need to make sure that you must know how to install it.

You must go through all the instructions correctly. You can explore guides from the internet that works for you. If possible, you can also take help from other agencies.

4. Brand Reputation

It is important to check the brand of the lights and ensure that it is reputed. You cannot invest your money in any brand. Make sure that you go through the reviews thoroughly and buy products of a good brand. You should avoid local retailers, who claim to give amazing accessory but can give a worse product.

5. Services

You must check the background of the retailer to ensure that it makes good door lights.

You can get plenty of companies, which offer great accessories and services to their customers. If you get any such retailer, then you do not need to go anywhere. When you need to buy an add-on, then you won’t go to another retailer.

Is It Worth to Buy These Lights?

Undoubtedly, buying door lights is quite worth your money because it gives your vehicle a unique style. In your neighborhood, you can see the same car in someone’s garage. This accessory can help in creating a slight change between two similar vehicles.

You can make your ordinary vehicle quite stylish and admirable so that every person appreciates it. Therefore, it is quite worth to buy such an accessory. You won’t regret spending some money on it. Make sure that the design is worth the cost you are spending on it.

The Bottom Line

The customized door lights are worth the cost because you can make your car quite different from others. You can add a unique style and identity to it. Every person that sits in your car will appreciate the appearance of your vehicle. If you are going in the dark, then these lights will help you to guide the way.

It is quite useful to invest your money in it. You should follow the tips as mentioned earlier to buy the right thing. If you are spending your money, then it is important to spend it on the right item. You should never feel regret that you have invested your money in any wrong product.

Where Can I Dump My Old Carpet

By

Billy Voss

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January 5, 2021

Once your carpet has served its role, you’ll have to find a way to dispose of it. Unfortunately, no matter the care and cleaning you give to your carpet, it won’t last forever. There’s a point you’ll have to get the right carpet removal technique and take it away.

If you’re stuck on where to dump your old rug, you’re at the right place. We will show you how you can do it in easy steps. There are several proven methods of carpet disposal. Once you’re done with the carpet removal project, use the following means to dump your old rug:

Ask Retailers to Pick Up the Old Carpet When Bringing the New One

If you’re replacing your carpet, there’s the option to request the retailer to haul away your old carpet. After all, you’re buying a new one from them and will need somewhere to place it. Most retailers won’t have a challenge accepting this, as part of their customer service.

Some retailers also offer carpet removal as an add-on service once you purchase a new carpet from them. They’ll go further and install it for you after getting rid of the old one. Be sure to ask about the pricing beforehand, if any. You don’t want to get the shock of your life after they’re done with the carpet removal.

Carpet Removal Company

This is an ideal place to dump your old carpet. After all, this is what they do best. The best part about hiring a carpet removal company is that you save yourself from the entire hustle. The reality is that carpet removal is a tall order, and you can’t easily do it on your own. At least, you will need help from friends and family.

The other advantage of hiring a carpet removal company is that you erase any worries about disposal. Otherwise, if you remove the carpet with family and friends, you’ll have to find a way of disposing of it.

Visit the website of the company you’ve decided to work with and fill in your zip code for quick assistance. You can equally call them directly and inquire about pricing. They’ll give you a quote based on how detailed you are.

The Curb

For towns and cities where waste management accepts carpets as trash, you could dump your old rug on the curb. Just be sure that it doesn’t inhibit movement or block any essential item.

You’ll need to contact your local council and ask them about this beforehand. Then plan the carpet removal project as you await their disposal schedule. It isn’t great, either, if the carpet stays on the curb for too long without them picking it up. Therefore, only place it outside in the morning or at night for the pickup.

Using a Dumpster

Dumpster rentals are great for carpet removal. All you need to do is call your carpet removal or junk disposal company and rent one. They’ll give you a suitable size, based on how large the carpet is. In some cases, you might have to let them do the estimates for you, as they’re pros in the field. Keep in mind that exact rates varies based on a number of factors, including location, dumpster size and debris type. For a specific rate click here and look for quote request

With a dumpster, you can carry out the carpet removal with ease, as there’ll be no pressure to finish the job in a day or two. Well, this also depends on how long you have rented the dumpster anyway. If you have it for the entire week, then you may not need plenty of labor due to the time allowance.

According to JiffyJunk.com, after you’re done with your carpet removal project, you can dump the debris inside the dumpster. Ensure you don’t fill it to the brim, as this may invite extra fees and penalties. Once completed, call the carpet removal company that rented the dumpster to you so that they can haul it away.

For the Landfill

This is an option you can use after the carpet removal. However, this should only come as a last resort. Most landfills don’t take carpets, but you can confirm with the one closest to you. And even if they do take them in, you’ll need to arrange a way of getting the carpet remains there. In which case you might still have to contact the carpet removal company if you own no truck.

At a Recycling Plant

A recycling plant is ideal for a carpet removal project. Carpets go through recycling to come up with either new items or new carpets. Take your old rug to the nearest recycling facility and have them turn it into something new. They can even recycle the carpets to form door mats and car mats.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of places you can take your carpet after its lifespan is complete. As you can see above, those are just some of the ideal places to dump old carpet. If you feel stuck and confused on how to go through the process, contact your nearest carpet removal company.

Can I Mix Home School Learning Kits and Programs?

By

Billy Voss

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January 5, 2021

For homeschooling parents, the word curriculum takes centre stage. Parents inevitably talk about their curriculum choices to give each other ideas. Because of these interesting conversations, many become inspired to mix curricula. Hence, parents end up using various lesson plans, Canadian curriculum books and teaching their kids more effectively.

If you are new to homeschooling, you may be curious about mixing homeschool learning kits and programs. According to writingjobz.com, the simple answer is yes. However, doing it takes research so you can come up with the best program for your children.

Reasons for Mixing Curriculum Choices

You’ll notice the primary beauty of homeschooling is that it offers tons of flexibility to suit different learning styles. No matter your children’s personalities or temperaments, you can find a program or tweak one to suit their varying needs. If a single boxed curriculum cannot work, then blending several kits and programs will add variety to your kids’ education.

Mixing and matching various curricula with different Canadian curriculum books, activities, and worksheets work well to help your children reach their full potential. If you are interested in mixing, go ahead. Any interested parent will find this task doable. You don’t have to possess a degree in education to make it happen. All you need is the following:

Know your children’s strengths and weaknesses
Do your research by reading up on different programs.
Try things out and tweak as you go.
Ask for advice from veteran homeschooling parents.
The Definition of Boxed Curriculum

You may be wondering what a boxed curriculum is. After all, it was mentioned above. Well, a boxed curriculum proves to be the polar opposite of mixing curriculum choices. Typically, this version adopts full-grade homeschooling kits and programs published by just one company. These learning kits offer convenience because every aspect is pre-set.

Hence, you no longer need to put anything on your own. You don’t need to research at all because everything is laid out for you. All you need to do is follow the schedule and stick to the lesson plans and activities. If you belong to the list of newbie homeschoolers, then you may end up loving it because the structure gives you confidence and guides you. If you don’t know what to do, the daily lesson plans help tremendously.

However, this boxed curriculum doesn’t work for every child. If you stick with this, you may realize that it can backfire and cause your children anxiety, especially if they cannot cope with the lessons. Remember, you begin homeschooling because you want to tailor fit lessons for each of your children’s needs.

Moreover, sticking to a boxed curriculum is akin to following the public school system pattern that uses a strict lesson plan. This one-size fits all model becomes detrimental as every kid possesses a unique personality. A boxed curriculum that doesn’t work defeats the purpose of homeschooling. In your home education setup, you have the freedom to choose various Canadian curriculum books that help your children achieve their optimal potential.

The Benefits of Using a Mixed Program

A mixed homeschooling program provides an excellent learning atmosphere. Most homeschooling parents agree that this avenue provides you with more control over subject areas. If one material is not working, you can try other Canadian curriculum books. You don’t have to stick with kits and materials that don’t work.

Hence, with a mixed program, you can provide a well-spring of knowledge that stimulates your children’s minds. You can lessen the stress by giving your kids materials that spark joy. As such, you ensure they don’t just learn a concept by route but imbibe what they are studying. You will see your children shine in homeschooling as they learn the lifelong skills they need in adulthood. Consider the following benefits of a mixed program:

1. Offers customization for growth

Even if you have many children, each child has a unique personality. With a mixed program, you can customize each subject to address your children’s learning style, special needs, and subject proficiency. For example, your grade 2 kid can already cope with grade 4 level math; then you don’t need to stick with the prescribed plan. Find advanced math Canadian curriculum books to help your child learn even more. By the same token, if your child finds it difficult to cope with some lessons, you can tweak the materials to lessen the burden and frustration. Going with a mixed program assures personalization to harness your children’s strengths and address weaknesses.

2. Accords flexible schedules and subject areas

In a boxed curriculum, you have no choice but to stick with daily lessons. However, your family’s style could be different. A mixed curriculum allows you to adapt the lessons to your schedule. To illustrate, you can make a weekly checklist and move around subjects to accommodate other activities. However, you can also do a daily schedule if you want to hold your children accountable for their lessons. As you can see, a mixed program offers tons of flexibility when it comes to choosing subjects and scheduling.

3. Proffers cost-efficiency

A mixed curriculum can be as costly as you see fit. This offers you control, unlike a boxed curriculum where you have no choice but to buy everything. Here, you can mix and match your books. You can even use preloved books if you want to save money. You will certainly find a homeschooling kit with Canadian curriculum books, lessons, and activities that suits your budget so make sure to check this.

4. Aligns with students’ passions

If your children love certain subject areas, you can use a mixed program with various Canadian curriculum books that help them grow. You can expand your lesson plan to hone and nurture these interests. Through this, you can allow your children to enjoy learning. It will foster a love for knowledge, which they need because there is always room for growth and improvement even when they are already adults.

Minor Caveats

As with everything in life, nothing can ever be truly perfect. You may inevitably face some issues with mixing programs. As such, it is best to be prepared so you can manage your expectations. Consider the following disadvantages of going the mixed curriculum route:

Initial lack of an organized structure which newbies may find hard to grapple with
It is time-consuming to research to see which fits best.
You may experience some trial and error when books and materials don’t work as well as planned.

Wrapping Up

Remember, the burden of homeschooling can be one that is both physically and financially heavy. So, here is a list of great gifts for homeschool moms, so you can help yourself or loved ones who partake in homeschooling.

Finally, don’t forget to check your province’s homeschooling requirements to see if your mixed program aligns with what the board of education mandates. You need a clear understanding of what your government requires to ensure you are covering all areas.

Free Casino Games vs. Games That Pay

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 4, 2021

Playing games at online casinos hold several exciting opportunities. You can get to have fun all day and even win real money in the process. Before you can win real money at online casinos, you need to fund your casino account and play real money games.

If you are not that adventurous or you have cold feet about playing with real money, most gambling platforms offer free online casino games that you can play without depositing.

These free or demo games let you in on the action without risking your money. They share similar graphics and gameplay with paid casino games. The main difference is that you won’t be able to win real money from playing them.

Both free casino games and real money games come with different advantages and disadvantages. Knowing them would help you decide the best option to go for when you visit an online casino. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of playing casino games for free or real money.

Free Casinos

Free casinos are simply casinos that allow you to play casino games without wagering real money. Some of the most common and popular free casino games include Free Slots, Free Roulette, Free Blackjack, Craps, and Bingo.

It would be very rare to find a free live dealer game because the cost of creating and operating live dealer games is too much for casinos to offer them for free. Should you be playing free games? Check out the pros and cons below.

Pros

Learning How to Play

Free games are great for learning the hang of a game before investing real money. Perfect for beginners, free casinos enable them to understand the rules of a game and perfect their strategy without risking their bankroll. Professional gamblers also make use of demo versions to play new casino games free.

Before the establishment of online fun casinos, players are only faced with the option of learning as they play with free money. A lot of players incur big losses before they could understand how a game works. Now, thanks to the advent of free casinos, you can learn how to play without putting your money on the line.

No Money Risked

Many players lose money every day at casinos online; free casinos ensure you are not one of them. Since you can play for free, you won’t have to risk your money. This means that you can experience the thrill, fun, and experience of online casinos, as long as you want, without any financial implication to you.

You don’t have to set a limit, keep an eye on your budget, or carry out other responsibilities that come with playing games for real money.

Cons

No Money Won

No money lost, no money gained, that’s free casinos for you. Since you are playing free and betting no money, you can’t win real money or cash out from the games. Even if luck smiled on you and you win, your chips will only be virtual and can’t be converted to real cash.

Potential Gateway

Free-to-play games often come with little or no age restriction. This has led to an increase in the number of young people gaining knowledge and developing a thirst for gambling before the legalized age. Since the games are free, all they have to do is lie about their age and start playing games. These younger ones often grow up to become gambling addicts defying rules of responsible gambling.

Real Money Casinos

Real money casinos are online casinos that feature games that you play with real-money bets; you can also win real money from them.

They are the online replica of the gambling establishments you will find in cities like Las Vegas and Louisiana. Real money casinos offer their players the frills and thrills of a standard casino like bonuses, payment methods, and customer service.

Here are some merits and demerits of real money casinos.

Pros

Win big

You can win huge sums of money when you play online. Real money casinos feature casino games that pay real money…and some games can really pay! Games like jackpot slots and lottery have huge prizes that could run into millions of dollars. Even if you don’t hit jackpots, constant winnings from games can result in big payouts.

The Offers

Another perk of playing at real money casinos is the offers you stand to get. These offers help you win more real money and contribute to your overall enjoyable experience at the casino. Some of them include free spins, bonus cash, cashback, and several other promotions.

Cons

Security

Security is a paramount issue when playing at real money casinos. Not all online casinos are legitimate and, as such, are threats to your bankroll and positive gambling experience.

That’s why it is very important to research before choosing to play at a particular casino. Make sure the casino is licensed with reputable organizations and has a good reputation online. Looking for trusted and legitimate real money casinos online? Then check this review at LegitimateCasino.com.

Cashing Out

Withdrawing your funds at online casinos becomes a problem when you have to wait for over 24 hours before getting your money. Yet, the reality is that most cash-out methods at real money casinos take at least a business day to receive your winnings.

Some traditional methods can even take up to 3-5 business days. This can be challenging, especially if you need the money urgently.

Conclusion

Free play casinos and real money casinos are both important and needed in the gambling industry. For instance, it is advisable for newbies to play the free version of their favorite games before wagering real money since this would help him/her understand the workings of the game without risking money.

Demo games are also the best option for people who just want to test games, have fun, and experience the thrill of online casinos at no price to their bankroll. However, these games come with several drawbacks like lack of incentives and addiction problems.

On the other hand, real money casinos allow you to win real money and offer you several additional perks like bonuses, cashback, and other promotions. But, you have to bet with real money, and this could open you up to loss and security risks.

Irrespective of the kind of game you are interested in playing, you will find many casinos online. Win real money or play for fun only? The choice is yours to decide.

Take Back Your Home; Bucks in, Squirrels Out

By

Anne Kelly

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January 4, 2021

Every building; that has a personal lawn or any greenery nearby is suffering from the problems caused by the squirrels. They may look cute from a distance, but they carry diseases in their fur. Therefore, it is necessary to be conscious of their existence in your house. They can be identified in several ways. For example, an unfamiliar sound coming from the attic is heard now and then, trash spread over without any reason, scratches found on the walls and the doors caused by their front teeth.

Their litter also helps in identifying their existence. The openings of the houses made for ventilation acts as an entrance point for them. People try to overlook the problem and ignore it to an extent. But later, the problem becomes intolerable, and one starts looking for solutions to get rid of them. In the past, people used different homemade ways for squirrel removal. But now, a team-based on wildlife experts is available for the service. Moreover, the team doesn’t just fix the matter for the time being. Rather the results are long-lasting. Low price packages serve as a cherry on the top. For more details please visit here.

Services Offered

Squirrel control services are offered for both; residential and commercial areas. However, the packages are different for both. Most companies offer control over multiple wildlife creatures in a single package. The common creatures are raccoons, squirrels, cockroaches, bedbugs, and termites. Many companies deal with birds, rats, fleas, mice, and wasps. This is done to find the root cause of the problem. Once the root cause is known, the solution to the problem becomes easy. Multiple techniques are in use for years. Eco-friendly techniques are more likely than others. The reason is that they are both beneficial for property and the environment. Some companies use traps to capture squirrels. Traps are supposed to be set by highly professional people so that they are capable of dealing with any unwanted situation.

Hygiene is of prime importance in the whole procedure. If the company does not take care of the hygiene properly, then the germs present on the squirrels may be transferred to others. Make sure the people of the squirrel control company do not touch squirrels barehanded. After doing their task, they should clean their hands properly. If the team members neglect this part, the company must be informed immediately. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is used now. This approach came into being as a result of combining multiple pest control techniques. It is nature friendly and effective at the same time. The results produced are long-lasting.

Which Company is the Best?

Each company claims to deliver the best service in the world. Making the best choice has become a big problem. The following points will help you to make a good decision:

The company should have at least an experience of fifteen years or more.
The packages should have low prices.
The company should give a written guarantee to its customers. The discount should be offered to the customers coming for the first time and those availing the services for a long time.
The company should be insured. Therefore, the amount invested is secured.
The latest technology should be used.
The chemicals used should be eco-friendly and human friendly.
Emergency services should be available.
The service available should be fast, reliable, and affordable.
Service should be one call away.

Above mentioned points are just guidelines, for the customers looking for a squirrel control company. The preferences may vary from person to person and from company to company. A detailed website survey helps a lot. Some companies offer free quotations. Make sure the company has a good rating. The number of satisfied customers should be touching a figure of a thousand or more.

The company representative should give a call before visiting so that the customers are at home to receive the person. This leads to good communication between the company and the customer. Hence develops a sense of trust between the two. The team on the visit should be hardworking and dedicated. The details of the service provided by the company should be clear. In this way, the customers would know how much time is required for the service to be served. The competition between the companies offering squirrel control is quite high. The reason behind this fact is that the problem is getting intense every day. Therefore, more and more people are investing in the field as a business. Experience always wins in this case. Freshers in this field are likely to fall for more mistakes than professionals.

Your Privacy Matters

When a person contacts and hires a squirrel control company. An exchange of personal and confidential information takes place. Be 100% sure that the website is owned by the squirrel control company directly, and no third party is involved. This kind of information is mostly present on the website if the website is working genuinely. Make sure you read the privacy policy of the company before sharing your information. This information should be used to contact you only and should not be sold to other parties, no matter whatever the reasons may be. Some companies offer cookies based websites. They should be used for better access; to the website and, the data should not be stored for any other purpose.

Most data transactions also takes place over the website. Therefore, the data provided for money transactions must be transmitted in an encrypted manner. If there is a closed lock button at the bottom of your browser, then the website is safe. In other cases, if there’s a closed lock at the beginning of the URL, then that website is safe and encrypted as well. The data shared should be safe both online and offline. In case the privacy policy of the company is changed or updated. The customer should be informed immediately through an email or phone call.

How to Figure Out if you Need a CDN – 2024 Guide

By

Anne Kelly

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January 4, 2021

laptop — img source: comparethecloud.net

The performance of your website is something that you can’t neglect or forget about. The website is basically the face of your company. That’s why it’s vital to make sure that it looks attractive and has individual features.

Also, a website has to be fast and responsive. The statistics show that it takes around 10 seconds for an average web page to load, and over a half of page visitors won’t wait that long and will leave after 3 seconds.

Reasons for a slow website speed

There can be quite a few reasons why your website is performing poorly. Besides external reasons like a bad hosting provider or slow Internet speed, there are internal causes that affect the performance. They include:

‘Unclean’ or redundant code. Sometimes, the code underlying a certain page has a lot of unnecessary elements that decrease the loading speed and add to a waiting time.
Use of unoptimized images. Such an approach to visual content can be bad for a few reasons. It can negatively affect user experience and can also slow down the loading speed;
Server issues. Some websites still utilize one central server and it can be the main reason for their slow speed and poor performance in general.

These issues are really common but two of them can easily be resolved using a CDN. So if you’ve already made sure that the code is clean and concise, you know how to resolve two other problems.

How to figure out if you need a CDN

Modern websites consist of static and dynamic content. The former refers to the content that does not change and may include texts, pictures, video and audio files, scripts. This is ‘heavy’ content that should load quickly, otherwise, users can leave the page. Dynamic files are files that are displayed differently for different users. They include, for example, location, gender, recommendation list, browsing history.

Dynamic and static content create different server load. The first one uses RAM, and the second depends on the network speed. If both types of content run on the same server, this results in a double load on it — hence, the website’s poor performance.

CDN stands for a content delivery network. It’s a geographically distributed network of servers that provides fast delivery of content to users. The servers that make up the CDN system are located worldwide to minimize the response time for users of the site/service. A proper tool can save you a plethora of time. For example, Uploadcare file uploader and CDN image hosting let you upload images and other files automatically and in the snap of a finger. In 2024, CDN traffic is supposed to reach 140 exabytes per month. For reference, 1 exabyte is equal to 1 billion gigabytes!

In most cases, if you have a content-rich website, you will need a CDN. And it’s definitely true for:

Large online stores where customers live in different regions (e.g. Amazon, eBay, AliExpress). That way, the site will not crash under heavy loads during the holiday sales periods like Black Friday or New Year.
Audio and video streaming services. Websites that transmit large volumes of content to different parts of the world (for example, iTunes, Spotify) need a CDN for streaming data fast.
Game portals. Game platforms usually contain a lot of visual content, including pictures, videos, and animations. So they need a CDN to increase their efficiency. Cloud gaming websites or software distribution platforms need it as well.
Companies that have a mobile application. CDN technology is also used to make mobile applications work quickly.

Other important CDN features

Using such a tool is the most effective way to handle the issue of slow performance. It kills two birds with one stone:

Since it’s a network that consists of servers located in different places, the user doesn’t have to wait for data to be transferred from the central server to the local one. Instead, the servers contain cached information, providing a fast and efficient response.
The majority of CDNs have other important functions like image optimization. Instead of storing them on the server, a CDN caches them and modifies their sizes and downloading speed in order to improve the performance.

CDNs can also provide data protection and security. If you store data on a single server, it makes your site less resistant to cyberattacks such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). In this case, attackers will bombard the server with requests/calls in order to cause interruptions in its operation. When the server is down, the site will be unavailable.

When using CDN hosting, requests to your site will be processed by a number of servers at once, depending on the location of the ‘clients’. This means that the load will be evenly distributed, and the site will continue to work, despite attempts to disrupt the resource’s performance.

Conclusion

To summarize, if your site is designed for a wide audience and/or contains a large amount of content (many visuals, video, audio, etc.), then customers may wait longer than usual for it to load. To reduce your website’s loading speed, try fixing the code and server settings. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can use CDN hosting.

CDN hosting allows you to cache part of the content (or entire pages) and load it faster for users regardless of their geographic location. Using a CDN network, you will increase the site’s performance, which translates into a growing number of satisfied users and improved search rankings.