Tips on how to make sure kids are safe and sound when trick-or-treating at your home this Halloween.

With over half of U.S. households celebrating* Halloween and 66 percent of them planning to participate in trick-or-treating, make sure kids are safe and sound when coming to your door. Here are some tips to make sure this Halloween isn’t physically frightful at your home.

Keep a Clutter-Free Haunted House

Homeowners should remove anything a child can trip over from the front yard, porch and stairs leading to the front door. Make sure all walking paths are clear of lawn decorations, potted plants, extension cords, hoses, gardening equipment, bicycles, barbecue grills and anything else trick-or-treaters might run into, especially when they can’t see at night. And don’t forget to leave the front of the house and exits well-lit and the lawn sprinklers turned off.

Corral Your Pets

Your guests don’t need to feel threatened by a strange dog, or worse yet, knocked over by an excited pet because of unfamiliar visitors. So, make sure all your pets are on a leash, and if your dogs are prone to barking at strangers, put them in an interior room so they won’t see trick-or-treaters at the front door.

Spooky and Safe Decorating

• Decorate outside with ghouls, goblins, mummies and tombstones in a way that they won’t tip over or blow away. When considering props, use fake and safe alternatives – rather than anything sharp or heavy.
• Don’t become Clark Griswold by overloading your electrical outlets with decorations. Instead, follow manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage or injury.
• Make sure decorations are kept from sources of fire. Avoid open flames altogether and consider LED lighting or battery-operated candles for optimal safety. When selecting decorative lights, check for safety certifications such as UL, CSA, ETL or another nationally recognized laboratory. And don’t drape fabric or crepe paper over light bulbs or you might have a fire on your hands.

The trick to making Halloween a treat for those costumed candy collectors is to have a scary, but safe, haunted house for them to visit.

Although spring lawn care gets all the attention, fall lawn care is the make-it or break-it season for grass. “I’m already thinking about next year,” says John Dillon, who takes care of New York City’s Central Park, which features 200 acres of lawn in the middle of Manhattan. “The grass I grow this fall is what will be there next spring.”

Fall lawn care is no walk in the park, though. It’s hard work, and Dillon guides you through the four basic steps.

#1 Aerate
Aeration gives your lawn a breather in autumn and provides room for new grass to spread without competition from spring weeds. Aeration tools pull up plugs of grass and soil, breaking up compacted turf. That allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach roots and gives seeds room to sprout.

If kids frequently play on your lawn, plan to aerate twice a year — fall and spring. If your lawn is just for show, aerate once a year — and maybe even once every other year.

A hand-aerating tool (about $40), which looks like a pitchfork with hollow tines, is labor-intensive and meant for unplugging small sections of grass. Gas-powered aerating machines, which can be rented for $20 per hour, are about the size of a big lawn mower, and suited to working entire lawns. Bring some muscle when you pick up your rental: Aerating machines are heavy and can be hard to lift into your truck or SUV.

Professional aeration costs about $130 for 10,000 square feet.

#2 Seed
Fall, when the soil temperature is about 55 degrees, is the best time to seed your lawn, because turf roots grow vigorously in fall and winter. If you want a lush lawn, don’t cheap out on the seed.

Bags of inexpensive seed ($12 for three pounds) often contain hollow husks, weed seed, and annual rye grass seed, which grows until the first frost, then drops dead. Splurge on the good stuff ($50 for seven pounds of Kentucky Bluegrass seed), which resists drought, disease, and insects.

Water your new seed every day for 10 to 20 days until it germinates.

#3 Fertilize
A late fall fertilization — before the first frost — helps your grass survive a harsh winter and encourages it to grow green and lush in spring. Make your last fertilization of the year count by choosing a product high (10% to 15%) in phosphorous, which is critical for root growth, Dillon says.

Note: Some states have banned phosphorous-rich fertilizers, which are harmful to the watershed. In those places, look for nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which promote shoot and root growth. Check with your local extension service to see which regulations apply in your area.

#4 Mulch
Instead of raking leaves, run over them a couple of times with your mower to grind them into mulch. The shredded leaves protect grass from winter wind and desiccation. A bonus — shredded leaves decompose into yummy organic matter to feed grass roots.

A mulching blade ($16) that attaches to your mower will grind the leaves even finer.

Incorporate some of these must-have details for your half bath to get a gleaming five-star review from your houseguests.

Hosting family or friends is an equally exciting and stressful experience for all. Having a comfortable guest bathroom is key and you’ll want to deck it out with all the necessary supplies to avoid awkward run-ins, like guests asking for more toilet paper. Envision what you expect from hotel bathrooms and incorporate some of these must-have details to get a gleaming five-star review from your houseguests.

All about appearances. The first thing you should establish in your guest bathroom is a good look. Replace flickering and ill-placed lights with new sconces or vanity fixtures to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Since this is also where your guests might be getting ready for the day or touching up in the evening, provide an adequately sized mirror. A full-length mirror is ideal, but if your room or budget doesn’t allow, look for an inexpensive over-the-door option.

Storage and supplies. It’s imperative to provide sufficient storage space and supplies for your houseguests. Load up your vanity with basics such as towels, tissues, soap, lotion, air fresheners, a first-aid kit and feminine supplies. If you’re hosting overnight guests, allow them their own storage space to lay out the toiletries they bring along. Empty a drawer or bring in a freestanding storage unit for their personal belongings.

A tidy toilet. Two of the most important items to include in any bathroom are plungers and toilet paper. Making sure these items are available will reduce potential awkwardness and embarrassment for both parties. There are many discreet plungers for sale today and you can store extra TP rolls in a stylish wire basket for a trendy look.

Tip-top trash. Function is often sacrificed for style, but in the case of wastebaskets, practicality should reign above all. You’ll want to provide a large bin, preferably with a lid and empty it on a consistent basis. Hampers are also a nice touch to keep soiled linens out of sight. Be sure to replace them with new, fluffy towels regularly too.

Open up for overnighters. If you’re hosting long-term or overnight guests, a stock of toothbrushes, toothpaste and face washes will come in handy. Fresh towels and a hamper for dirty linens are also must-haves. For bonus points, pamper your guests with soft robes and slippers. If you have a finicky shower faucet system in your master bathroom that your guests have access to, leave a note explaining how to adjust the dials for a stress-free wash.

Deck out your home for fall with these five easy, creative ways to infuse fall colors and textures into your décor.

Whether your fall interior design aesthetic is spooky, sophisticated or somewhere in between, it’s the ideal moment to implement some fresh ideas to spectacularly enjoy the season. If you’re ready to deck out your home for fall, here are five easy, creative ways to infuse fall colors and textures into your décor:

Add Seasonal Wreaths

Not only do fall wreaths add beauty to your front door, they can also add a touch of the season inside your home. Try a playful twist on the traditional fall palette with unique “statement” fall wreaths, which are a must-have this fall. For the crafty, DIY wreaths are a whimsical way to add some vibrancy to your usual autumn décor. Remember, wreaths are versatile! Display a colorful wreath as a table centerpiece or hang it from a pretty ribbon to enjoy it from a different perspective.

Update Pillows

Switch out summer pillows in lightweight fabrics in your family or living rooms for luxe, velvet ones in rich, fall shades. Think burgundy, cinnamon or caramel velvets and warm brown brocades, or classic fall colors in strong hues like burnt orange or exotic chinoiserie red.

Swap Out Rugs

Change area rugs throughout your home, replacing lightweight summer jute rugs with thick, plush rugs in rustic, autumn colors to make rooms look and feel warmer.

Add Flowers

Create a beautiful fall table with distressed and repurposed containers filled with your favorite fall lowers and dark-hued berries. Or make a cornucopia of fall colors by arranging autumn blooms on a chic serving tray. Mimic nature’s fall transformation by introducing dried floral arrangements into your home – adding a rustic vibe to match the season. Add some beautiful fall-colored flowers, like mums or cockscombs, to your front porch or patio.

Cozy Up Outdoors

Make the most of fall’s cooler evenings by creating a small conversation area around a firepit on the deck or in the backyard. Bring out a few pillows and autumn-inspired throws for the chairs and keep a large basket nearby so you can easily bring the linens indoors if inclement weather threatens.

These are just a few of the many ways to fill your home with autumn beauty without overhauling your holiday décor stash.

Clean your dryer vent annually to prevent fires — and 13 other tips for keeping your washer and dryer in peak condition.

Be good to your washer and dryer and those costly machines will be good to you.

Here’s how to keep your washer and dryer humming along safely and efficiently.

Before/After Every Load

1. Clean out dryer lint filter to maximize efficiency.

2. Dry the washer’s door and gaskets after using, and open the door on top-loaders to foster air circulation and prevent mold.

3. Always ensure that the washing machine is level and on firm footing.

4. Always use the proper type and amount of detergent for the machine and load. You can actually damage some models by using the premeasured pods. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Remove damp clothes from washers immediately to prevent mold or mildew buildup.

Every Month

1. Inspect the dryer exhaust duct for crimps, obstructions, and unnecessary bends.

2. Inspect washing machine hoses for tight fittings, bulges, cracks, and leaks. Burst washing machine hoses could spill hundreds of gallons of water an hour, flooding your home. Tighten loose fittings. Replace hoses every five years; replace immediately if damaged.

3. Clean rubber gaskets and drums on washers and dryers with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.

4. Check and clean drain pump filter on front-loading washers. Consult your owner’s manual for location.

Every Three Months

Wash dryer lint filter with detergent to remove invisible chemical residues that can restrict airflow.

Every Year

Remove and clean out the entire exhaust duct line from dryer to exterior. Clogged ducts cause thousands of house fires every year, with an average of about $10,000 worth of damages per fire.

More Tips

1. Replace vinyl dryer exhaust ducts with metal ductwork to reduce fire hazards.

2. Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided-metal ones to reduce the risk of bursting.

3. To prevent rusting, fill nicks and scratches on the outside of machines with touch-up paint.

The average kitchen remodel costs the same as an Ivy League school. But you don’t have to pay that much.

If you’ve got $68,000 lying around, you could buy a luxury SUV. You could pay for one year at Harvard. Or you could remodel your kitchen. Yup. It typically costs that much.

But unlike fancy new cars and Ivy League experiences, you can opt out of the full retail price of a kitchen remodel. Here are five low-cost ideas so you can remodel your kitchen on a budget.

#1 Keep the Cabinets, But Change the Doors

New cabinets are a big chunk of the average kitchen remodel cost (30%-35%). But most of the time, it’s only the fronts that need updating.

A great low-hassle way to save on pricey new cabinets is to buy only the fronts from a manufacturer, like these gorgeous blue ones that were installed on existing cabinets.

Or, if you’re into DIY, save even more, possibly spending only a few hundred dollars by:

• Repainting or staining
• Adding new trim or molding
• Removing doors for an open-shelf look

Don’t forget new kitchen hardware, a tiny, affordable change — even if you don’t change your cabinet fronts.

#2 Stencil Outdated Tile Instead of Replacing It

Tearing out old tile and replacing it with new can get expensive. To free up some serious room in your budget, just paint it.

Tile stencils are easy to find online, and it only takes a little prep-work to get your tiles ready. You’ll be done in less time than it would take to pry half the old tiles off the wall.

#3 Use DIY Kits to Update the Lighting

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your kitchen is to use a recessed lighting conversion kit — no electrician required.

The kits only cost $15-$20 each and are a cinch to install, even for DIY newbies. The parts screw right into the recessed light, a brace holds the new light fixture in place, and a decorative cover hides the recessed light.

In about 15 minutes, you’ve got dramatic new kitchen lighting.

#4 Paint the Floor Instead of Replacing

If you have an old wood floor or have pulled up your old flooring only to find subflooring (rather than the beautiful hardwoods you were hoping for), try paint.

It might seem a shame to paint wood floors. But professional refinishing can cost as much as $2,000, while painting costs $200 — or less, depending on the size of your floor. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly kitchen updates you can do .

For the most durable results, use polyurethane-based porch and floor enamel.

#5 Keep the Footprint, But Change the Look

Send a dingy or dated kitchen down the disposal with two updates that make a big impact: a new backsplash and countertop.

Together, they cover an awful lot of surface area, setting the stage for a totally new kitchen look.

A little paint on those cabinets, and it’s like a brand new kitchen.

The countertop pictured is quartz, a timeless choice, but if it’s not in your budget, there are plenty of DIY countertop options, too.

A new paint job can refresh your garage, no matter how you use it.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or want to freshen your old one, don’t forget the garage. A new paint job can turn your garage into a comfortable place to work on crafts or projects, work out, or store your overflow from the house or yard.

Beyond getting a more functional space, you can improve the mood and feel of your home. Here are some ideas to help you turn your garage into a space that will make you want to spend time there.

Select Garage Paint Colors That Complement Your Home

Choosing the right color for your garage may be simpler than you think. Look at the color and design scheme in the main rooms of your house; then find a complementary color for the garage.

Another option is to choose a color based on how much natural light the garage gets. If the light is limited, a brighter color like white could be your best bet to make the space feel larger and more welcoming.

Once you’ve picked your color, you’ll want to choose a paint finish. Look for a finish that withstands temperature changes, hides dust and dirt, and cleans up easily. Gloss finishes tend to be the best choice for garages. The high reflectivity works well with rooms with little to no natural light, and the finish is easy to clean.

Tips to Prepare Your Garage for Painting

After you’ve chosen the paint for your garage, you’ll need to do a few things before you can start throwing a fresh coat on the walls. First, you’ll need to plan for supplies and ventilation, then prep your surfaces, and get started painting.

Supplies Needed to Paint a Garage

Besides the paint, you’ll need supplies including:

• Brushes and rollers
• Gloves and goggles
• Tarp
• Primer
• Paint scraper
• Ladder
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper

While other items, like a power washer, might come in handy, these basics should get you off to a smooth start.

Ventilate the Garage

You shouldn’t be working with any toxic materials, but paint fumes may make you dizzy or nauseated if your garage doesn’t have proper airflow.

So, make sure you leave your garage door open when you’re painting and the paint is drying. You may also consider wearing a mask if you’re especially sensitive to paint fumes.

Prep and Clean Surfaces

Always clean your walls before painting them. That way, you’ll avoid grease, dust, or dirt buildups that would make your paint job look uneven or sloppy.

A mild detergent and a sponge should do the trick for most stains, but for larger garages or thicker buildup, consider renting a power washer.

Apply a Primer Coat

The last step to take before painting is applying a primer coat. A primer coat will not only help your finishing paint stick better, but also make the finishing coat look coherent and smooth.

Be sure to let the primer dry completely before applying your finishing coats.

Paint Multiple Coats

Always paint two or three final coats of paint. You may need more coats if you’re making a dramatic color change or painting a textured surface. Applying multiple coats will also help you avoid bare spots and improve your paint’s sheen and thickness.

Paint Your Garage Walls to Fit the Use

If you’re using only a portion of your garage, you may not need to paint every wall. That’s especially true if your garage is on the larger side.

Section off your garage based on how you use those areas. For example, you may not want to paint the walls where you park your car, but you’ll want a modern, painted look for your garage workshop.

Garage Door Paint Ideas That Make a Statement

For remodelers looking to freshen up garage doors, it’s smart to find colors that complement your home’s exterior paint and texture. That will help your garage door pop.

Then, you’ll need to consider if you should match your finish with your house’s exterior. For example, wood works well with semi-transparent oil paint.

You’ll also want to think about the material the garage door is made of. If it’s metal, you’ll be better off with oil-based paint. If it’s vinyl or fiberglass, you’ll want to stick with latex paint.

Protect Garage Floors With Paint

Because the floor will be exposed to the most dirt and traffic, you may want to use a different kind of paint that’s more durable. Specifically, consider epoxy paint or latex acrylic paint that’s designed to adhere to a garage floor.

These types of paint can handle temperature changes and humidity without cracking or drying too much, making them a great choice.

Garage Ceiling Paint Ideas That Pop

Whether you’re coordinating the ceiling color with the garage walls or going for something more distinctive, you’ll want a color that works with the rest of your garage.

Even if you might not look at it as much, the ceiling color can affect your garage’s lighting and feel. So, choose a color that doesn’t clash with your floor or walls.

Paint Your Garage Cabinets to Revive Your Space

Painting your garage cabinets can reinvigorate and refresh your garage, but choose the paint carefully. Oil-based paints will work well for wood and metal, and latex paints are better for vinyl and fiberglass.

You may also want to consider spray-on paint for a cabinet job, because it’s easier for smaller objects. If not, rolling paint will work fine.

Regardless of what you have in mind for your garage, a good paint job with a color that complements your house will set the stage.

There’s a certain sense of calm and satisfaction that comes from keeping your home well-organized.

This can feel downright indulgent in the bathroom, where there’s so much to corral, and function often overrules form.

#1 Keep Things Bright, White, and Open

Space can be tight in the bathroom, but one trick to make it at least feel larger is to keep the color scheme bright and white.

Even better: Install some open shelving. It helps you use — but still see — every extra inch of available space. So things seem extra roomy.

#2 Tame Under-Sink Clutter with Baskets and Bins

To keep the cabinet underneath your sink from becoming a toiletries landfill, use baskets and storage containers to keep the space organized and satisfyingly symmetrical.

Clear containers with drawers make it easy to see (and get a hold of) what’s inside, plus they’re a cinch to stack — a great shortcut to make things look neat and tidy.

And if you’ve got some empty space below the cabinet itself, slide some baskets down there too. It was just a floor. Now, it’s storage space.

#3 Get Creative With Unused Space

Don’t have enough space to stash your unruly cluster of styling tools? Yes, you do. Converting the wasted space under the basin into a sneaky hidey-hole keeps them out of sight but still within easy reach.

No one will suspect a thing.

#4 Create Storage Out of Thin Air

And speaking of unused space . . .

Attach shelving to cabinet and closet doors, space that usually gets overlooked. Hanging wire baskets creates extra storage out of thin air.

Plus, it helps make all those little bathroom items super easy to find.

#5 Make the Tiny Stuff Easy to Find With Labels

A designated medicine bucket or shelf might be good in theory, but when you just need an aspirin, who has time to rifle through cold meds and Band-Aids (and cotton balls and sunscreen, and why are there chopsticks in here)?

Instead, cut down your search time by sorting things into smaller categories so everything is easy to find.

You can even do your future self a favor by labeling your bins.

#6 Spruce Things Up with Symmetry

Ahhh, that tranquil feeling that symmetry can bring. It’s a classy touch that can also be instantly calming and super satisfying.

Achieve that visceral sense of calm by using matching towels (or alternating colors), repeating textures in storage baskets, or arranging ornaments like candles in neat rows.

#7 Splurge on Built-Ins in the Shower

Wading through bottles every time you step into the shower?

Nix the awkward rack hanging from the showerhead and give your feet some breathing room by springing for some built-in shelves (with their own greenery, if you’re really feeling fancy).

You can even make it a double.

#8 Pull It All Together for a Bathroom Worth Spending Time In

A breezy color palette that feels blissfully bright and open? Check.

Peace-inducing symmetry? Check.

Easy-to-find, perfectly arranged essentials? Check.

Yup, storage really can be a work of art. Or at least it can help make your bathroom’s official vibe “serene and satisfying.”