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How to Spot the Best Carpet Cleaning Services

How to Spot the Best Carpet Cleaning Services

Even if you turn into "that host" who makes everyone leave their shoes inside the front door, there's no way to avoid it: You'll eventually need to have your carpet and rugs cleaned.

How to Save Money on Carpet Cleaning

How to Save Money on Carpet Cleaning

Along with high-quality work, pay close attention to what services cost. Some companies push unneeded add-ons. And prices for identical services can vary from company to company by more than 100 percent.

In-Plant Rug Cleaning

In-Plant Rug Cleaning

Rugs require expert specialized care to come clean. They can be permanently damaged if cleaned using improper methods or with poorly mixed chemicals. Delicate handmade or antique rugs can be ruined if dyes run, fringes tear, and warpage and shrinkage occurs.

How to Find a Good Housecleaning Service

How to Find a Good Housecleaning Service

The first step in farming out your chores is to decide whether to hire a company or an individual. Hiring a company has one major advantage: You do not assume the responsibilities associated with the role of an employer, such as filling out paperwork and paying various taxes.

How to Hire an Individual Housecleaner

How to Hire an Individual Housecleaner

Many consumers prefer to hire an individual for housecleaning help, rather than a service. But doing your own hiring brings the responsibilities associated with the role of an employer, such as filling out paperwork and paying various taxes.

Guidelines for Managing Household Employees

Guidelines for Managing Household Employees

The National Committee on Household Employment, before it closed its doors, developed a set of standards for employers and their household employees. The guidelines presented here are from its Code of Standards for Household Employment.

Best Places to Buy Carpet

Best Places to Buy Carpet

You’ll want to do your shopping at stores where you can get good advice, good selection, quality installation services, and honest business practices—at reasonable prices.

How to Avoid Getting Floored on Carpet Prices

How to Avoid Getting Floored on Carpet Prices

Comparing carpet prices is not easy, largely because many retailers change carpets’ style names from the names bestowed by the manufacturers. But taking the time to do some shopping will pay off big.

How to Find the Right Carpet for Your Space

How to Find the Right Carpet for Your Space

Because carpeting affects the look of a room, lasts a long time, and can cost thousands of dollars, take time to make good decisions about many issues, including: color, style, pattern, texture, padding, and price range.

Tips for Planning Furniture Purchases

Tips for Planning Furniture Purchases

Start by plotting out various furnishing arrangements. Consider your budget, how you will use the furniture, and how long you expect to keep it.

Where to Buy Furniture

Where to Buy Furniture

At some furniture stores, well-informed helpful staffers make shopping pleasant and guide you to good choices. They quote accurate delivery time frames, and your stuff arrives as promised and as expected. But subscribers send us many, many complaints about abysmal furniture-shopping experiences. Fortunately, you can avoid common pitfalls.

How to Get the Best Furniture Deals

How to Get the Best Furniture Deals

Price comparisons are extraordinarily difficult for furniture. Many products are sold exclusively by a single chain or by only one or a few stores per region. But there are some strategies you can use to save on furniture purchases.