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Home Furnishing

Here are some great tips, nifty ideas and interesting news tidbits about "Living The Good Life" with RTO. For starters, check out this informative article from MSNBC on RTO Consumer Tips.

Is your home Fall ready?

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Fall and Winter home maintenance

Prepping your home for Fall

Fall is here and with the changing of seasons come the lush warm hues of leaves, seasonal décor and a reminder of the impending Winter chill. Days are shorter, temps are lower and its due time to prep our homes for the change of weather. Here are some tips to get your home ready for the next six months.

Feel the warmth.

Or at least be sure that you will when the freeze is knocking at your door. Conduct an inspection on your heating system. Your furnace, chimney, fireplace or central heating unit may require an HVAC professional to test for leaks, heating efficiency and carbon monoxide air safety. And since A/C may remain dormant throughout the next couple of seasons it’s best it goes into hibernation altogether. Window units should be removed and stored in a dry and neutral place. Central A/C units should be shut off including safety switches and from your home’s main electrical breaker panel. It is also recommended to partially cover your central A/C unit to protect it from moisture and debris. Try using a tarp and bungee cords. Setting programmable thermostats to lower automatically at night will also greatly save on energy costs.

Seal it.

Air leaks are culprits for chills and higher energy bills and you’ll want to be sure that they’re sealed (caulked) before the temperatures truly drop. If you’ve lived in your home for some time you’re probably familiar as to where you might find some drafts. If not, here are some common places air leaks: entryway door frames, window frames, wiring holes (TV, phones, electrical outlets) and dryer or bathroom vents. After you’ve sealed up all of your drafty areas an additional easy way to retain heat within your home is with window treatments such as shades, drapes or curtains.

Secure the perimeter.

Take a walk around your home and keep an eye out for any cracks or holes that may need repair. Keep in mind that we’re not the only ones wanting to stay warm. Animals and critters will also find any way to get into your home so you’ll want to seal those entryways to keep them at bay.

Try and inspect your roof by looking up or using some binoculars to spot any missing, damaged or loose shingles that may also need repair. Additionally, you’ll want to take this opportunity to prune any trees that may bring additional moisture to your roof or prevent damage during high winds.

Another area that may need some clearing are gutters. Clean out any built up leaves, debris or nests along with checking for leaks. Be sure that downspouts are also cleared of obstructions. Extensions are recommended for the colder months so water is redirected away from the foundation of your home, walkways or driveways.

If you have a pathway, take a walk up and down checking for any cracks along the way that need to be filled. Cracks may fill with water and freeze in cold temperatures and can increase in size causing a bigger crack to deal with later. Sprinkler or irrigation systems and hoses should be drained to prevent from freezing. Disconnect hoses from outside faucets as well as shutting off water valves and store hoses in a dry place until Spring.

Preparing your home for Fall and Winter may call for some professional assistance but when you’re soaking up the heat instead of the cold it will all be well worth it.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers holiday decorating and home living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

It’s football season! The essentials to building your man cave

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Rent to own HD TV

It’s football time!

Hello?! It’s football season which means it’s ‘man cave’ season. If you have not created your testosterone-topia yet or need to update then here are the basics.

1. Ultra HD TV Set. If you haven’t made the leap then now may be the time. The price of 4K Ultra HD TVs are becoming affordable. Programming is catching up more and more especially in the sports arena. So, go man cave-ing for a new 4K TV.

2. More HD TV sets. Use that old HD TV you just replaced as your secondary TV in the man cave. You can watch the big game on 4K then have the other TV on the other games so as not to waste any precious time changing channels. Go the extra man cave extreme and have one TV dedicated to the Internet to monitor your fantasy football players and matches without having to waste energy moving your head to a computer screen.

3. Comfy Couch and Recliner. Again, you may need more than just one of each as you invite your fellow knuckle-dragging pack over to scream at the TV with you. Make sure you test the furniture out first. Remember, these are the items you will be passing out on so make sure it’s the best.

4. Sturdy coffee tables and end tables. You’ll be putting a lot of beer pressure on those and will be the TV remote pedestal. Smart man cavers specifically get coffee tables a different color than the remotes. Again, it’s all about not wasting time moving your neck away from the TV screen. An easily findable remote lessens those precious moments and muscle moving during the game. It also needs to be sturdy to withstand fists slamming into it after your team throws an interception.

5. Refrigerator. One of those mini sized ones are fine but, come on, let’s get real. With a full size, you can stock up on all kinds of beers and wine. Yes. I said it – wine. Wine and football can go together. Even Cro-magnons can have an elevated sense of taste. The rest of the space inside the refrigerator, if there is any, is up to your imagination. And, I will not mention vegetables. I drew the line at wine. It’s still a man cave, dagnabbit!

6. Microwave. Gotta pop some popcorn or microwave some pizza bites. Those are kind of amateur, though. What you really need is a grill where you do it right with burgers, sausage wraps and barbecue.

7. Xbox, PS3 or Wii. Gotta do something when your team has a bye week.  Duh. There’s also the other season known as “off season” where you can fill in by playing a little John Madden football.

8. Soundbar. You gonna want to hear their bones breaking and helmets crashing. Again, if you’re a true man caver then a surround sound system is the way to go.

8. Laptop/tablet/smart phone. Fantasy football updates or, better yet, skyping your friends who couldn’t cave with you because they live in a different town or are married.

9. Lamps. What?!!! You’re kidding, right. It’s called a cave for a reason.

Here are some extras for the man-cave snob.

10. An oven. It’s called Chilli. Gotta have burners to cook that dish.

11. Pool table. That’s for the twitchy guy who can’t just sit down and relax during the game.

I think that’s it. Remember, your local rent to own store fits every man cave item you need. Rent TVs just for football season or for ‘that game’. With rent to own you can try before you buy to make sure that couch is the ‘one’ couch to rule them all. Remember rent to own means rent first then, if you choose, buy so you’re never obligated to buy or make the next payment and no penalty for calling them to come pick it up

Oh! And they deliver. Man caving is about creating a kingdom. With RTO, you have servants. If any of your digital-kabobs are on the fritz during your rental, they’ll come out and fix it or give you a loaner while fixing it for free.

If you want to outright purchase but can’t afford some of these items, you can find the best used deals at rent to own stores. Most men don’t care if things are used or new. They just care they work. Or rent to own them but make sure you use the early purchase option, 90 days same as cash and rent for the least amount of time. The less payments, the less cost. And, again, your credit is never in jeopardy nor debt ever extended. Man cave and RTO can go knuckle in knuckle.

Just another great ShopRTO Home Decorating tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips even for the primitive apes known as ‘men’.

Football: Creating the Perfect Space

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football, gameday, watching football, decorating tips for football party

Football: Creating the perfect space

Whether you’re a football fanatic, a supportive partner or a pigskin naysayer feeling the buzz of the season is nearly impossible to circumvent. With game days outweighing non-game days and multiple games simultaneously aired on end the social gatherings that have cultivated around the sport come as no surprise. Whether you’re in it for the title of “Ultimate Champion” of your Fantasy Football League, to exemplify the culinary art of grilling or for the mere allure to the sport and all its traditions it’s true that finding the best place to hangout is crucial but creating one can be easy too.

Here’s our lineup for making your space game-day headquarters.

The Big Screen.

While a TV is fundamental for any game day space, having a main area of focus is as important with so many games going on at once. With that said, multiple screens in your space will truly make your guests feel like royalty upon crossing the threshold of your entryway. Having a variety of viewing options doesn’t always have to break the bank, keep in mind that streaming or syncing computer screens or tablets work just as well.

The Fridge.

Watching action packed sports definitely works up an appetite. Be sure to have a fully stocked fridge with plenty of room for drinks and snacks that your party goers are surely to bring along. If you’re into draft beer, and let’s be honest, who isn’t? There’s a plethora of knowledge on how to build your very own kegerator out of a mini-fridge with just a few key strokes on the web.

The Kickback.

Have your guests escape the realm of reality the second their tails hit the bench with accommodating and comfy seating. Whether you have a sectional couch, recliners, tufted stools or beanbag chairs we can all agree that having a cozy place to kickback and relax is essential to these, oftentimes, all day events.

The Parlor Games.

Although football takes center stage providing guests with alternative entertainment makes for a lively shindig. Darts, beer pong, poker, pool, etc. are all party favorites and allow for a good stretch of the limbs or some healthy competitive release.

Football enthusiasts and social butterflies will consider your place destination game day. And keep in mind, if you’re preparing for the real big game and want to bring in the big guns, go to your local rent to own store and pickup what you need for the grand event.

Now grab something to nosh or imbibe because it’s game time and there’s no escaping it.

Just another Shop RTO Home Decorating tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Football season and 4K Ultra HD TV are here!

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Ultra HD is lowering prices

Are you ready for some football and 4K TV?

College Football and NFL seasons are here. So, are you ready? Or, I mean, is your HD TV ready or is it time to get a new one?

Football season seems to be one of those times of year when you start thinking of upgrading your HD TV. Whether it’s a bigger one or jumping to the next level, it all depends. But at some point we all have to consider that jump to 4K. Prices have dropped considerably so is it time?

On an average, prices have been reduced to the range $500 and even cheaper. Then there are those that are much more expensive. So, you have choices. Lots of them.

Before you make the big decision, there are a few things you need to know and Shop RTO is here to help.

To get the full 4K experience, you’re gonna have to get a big one or be ready to move your couch and chair closer to the screen. Ultra HD is a great viewing experience but once you get a certain distance away, the distinction loses its luster.

One of the drawbacks is programming. Many shows and video streaming are not 4K produced or in the 4K format. They’re quickly becoming that way but patience is still a virtue in this arena.

But this article is about football season and this Summer’s World Cup has expedited 4K programming for sports broadcast. And, sports programming is always on the forefront of the latest production formats.

We’re getting at the tipping point for getting that 4K TV into our homes. And, this latest quarter sales of 4K TVs shows just that. Maybe everyone was preparing for the football season. Whatever the reasons, 4K and its format are either here for some or just around the corner for others. Who knows what the prices will be in December or January.

This also may be one of those times where renting to own that 4K TV makes perfect sense. Many RTO stores are carrying them now and with the no obligation payment and can have them pick it back up at no penalty are great features. Maybe, you try that 4K out for football season and if you like it, use the early buy out option to save you money and to make sure you’re satisfied before you make that big decision on what you’ll be watching for next several years.

Just another ShopRTO HD TV tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Back to school time – Is your room ready?

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Prepare your home for school

Get ready for school!

It’s back to school time. Whether your preparing for kindergarten or your college dorm room, get it ready for the school year. Here are some Shop RTO tips for doing so.

First, the obvious. Clean it up. When you’re on the go, it’s more difficult to spend a lot of time at once. That’s why clean it up now and make sure each day you clean whatever you messed up that day so all of sudden you’re not in some paper stacked, laundry filled jungle.

Wash everything! Sheets, pillow cases and clothes. Start the school year with everything clean and ready.

Make your study area nice. Get new furniture if need be. Buy some plants. Decorate with paintings, photos or posters. Anything to not make it look like a prison cell.

Studies constantly show your environment shapes your mood. Typically a sterile environment emanates a cold, dark presence that you don’t want to be in. You don’t want to associate studying or homework with a broom closet. Liven it up to your taste. If you have a window, use that as your basis for your room arrangement. It’s a feng shui approach.

Make sure you have plenty of light and the proper type of lighting. Typically, a room needs three tiers of lighting. But in a small bedroom or dorm room, you many only need one lamp then the overhead.

Make sure your computer, laptop and/or tablet is ready. Think about upgrading and getting a new one. Computers are now key in learning so you don’t want to be at a disadvantage from the get-go. Try rent to own stores if you can’t afford one or want the latest for a small rental price. Make sure your programs are installed correctly or updated to the most recent version.

If you need any of these home furnishings and can’t buy it outright or don’t want to own them due to a uncertain future of living arrangements as can be when in College then everything you need to make your room ready for school can happen through your local rent to own store. Rent the furniture for the semester or rent to own it with affordable payments. The rent to own store is responsible for delivery and pick up if you don’t want it anymore or are finished renting.

And, you’re never obligated to own it and can return it at any time for any reason. Who knows? Your aunt may come in and buy you a brand new bed so that bed you just rented can go back to the store and you’re not penalized one bit. And, they’ll come and get it for you.

Just another Shop RTO Home Decorating tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Portable AC/Heating units have come a long way, baby

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Portable AC units have modernized

Portable air conditioners and heaters can help with the bills.

Portable AC and/or heating units or window units have modernized in the past years. Transforming from a bulky, sharp edged, wall anchor into a sleek, smoothed R2D2 device that you can wheel from room to room. If you’re interested or looking for a portable AC and/or heater, here are some tips to consider.

Portable AC units could be a luxury or necessity or a life saver. Literally. CDC cites 700 die from heat exhaustion every year. What’s even worse, CDC cites more than 13,000 deaths from hypothermia. So, what factors do you consider when looking for a portable air conditioner or heater for the home.

Price is always a factor but price is a factor of use. In other words, what do you need it for. One room in your house or apartment? Or, to wheel in from room to room so you can leave the central air off and save energy? Or to rent during the summer because you experience one or two hot months a year? All of the above?

Measure the size of the rooms to gauge the size of the AC unit that will best serve your purpose. Here is a good chart to use as a guide. AC units blow out hot air so you need to have the exhaust system in mind. Portable air conditioners have either one hose or two hose exhaust units that you can install in your window to blow outside.

The current units have clear instructions on how to install and are fairly easy to construct. It’s basically open the window and set it upon the sill and close the window to lock in place. Make sure you look at the instructions and follow closely.

Other interesting things to note is some are portable AC and Heating units that would broaden its use and value. Some have dehumidifiers as part of their use. They’re programmable and have remote controls.

If you need them for a couple of months then rent them from your local rent-to-own store. Or try them out before you buy as their are many brands out there. If you use your local rent-to-own store, have them install the it, as well as, teach you how to install them as part of their package. You’ll need to know how to install it if you’re moving it from room to room. They’ll also deliver and pick up the units for free as well.

Just another Shop RTO home furnishing tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

 

 

Here’s some Summer safety tips

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Summer Safety tips.

Fun and safe in the sun!

For those old enough, you can remember the metal slides that burnt every uncovered part of your skin when playing. Nowadays, these constructions are bit more safe but in regards to playing and having fun in the Summer, need to remember some basic safety tips.

The sun. Much of skin diseases can begin prior to the age of 18 so be liberal with sunscreen for your kids and you too. Make sure to apply every two hours and be sure to get those places where the sun hits the hardest – the nose, back of the neck and even the top of the ears.

If you’re sunbathing or swimming then all of the uncovered parts and don’t forget the top of the feet. For some reason, that is one spot many people forget. Wear a hat and sunglasses. And, if hanging out at the pool all day, spend some time in the shade.

And if swimming in the pool, keep the “arm away” rule with little kids. That means you’re never an arm away from them swimming so you can rescue them if anything happens. And, remember, anyone can drown so keep an eye on everyone to be the safest.

And, water! No matter what you do, especially in the Summer, make sure you drink plenty of water. And make sure the kiddos drink plenty of water. Always ask them and don’t wait until they say they’re thirsty. That usually means they’re already dehydrated.

What about mowing the yard? If you have a riding lawn mower, the general rule of thumb is that no one under 18 is supposed to use one and no one under the age of 12 should use a push mower. For gas powered mowers, don’t touch the engine. Make sure it is off when refilling and always make sure the blades have quit rotating and are completely off when cleaning grass out.

Try not to back pedal when mowing. It’s the easiest way to trip, fall and get hurt. Always wear sturdy shoes and clean up the lawn of big sticks and debris so you’re not shooting off large dangerous chunks to you and others.

Now, back to the playground. Just because they’re not metal, test the slides and seats before the kids play. Plastic can still get dangerously hot. Remove anything that has straps to get caught on the equipment even helmets. Never allow children to attach ropes, leashes or anything that can strangle. Inspect playground equipment for long bolt ends that can make a nasty gash or an S-hook to get caught.

Just another ShopRTO be safe and home lifestyle tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

July is one of the best months to buy home furniture

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July is the best month for rent to own furniture

Look to July for the best furniture deals

The two best months to buy home furniture is January and July. July is coming up so start researching the brands, styles and prices for that new couch, love seat, bedroom suite and whatever home furniture you need or want to replace. Then get your shopping shoes on when July hits.

Why July? Makes sense when you think about it from the store’s point of view. Which shoppers always need to think about when shopping for the home.

Summer months can be the deadest months for furniture stores so they have to make deals to get shoppers in the store.

Dealing with furniture moving and furniture deliveries and decorating is a lot more appealing in good weather than in snowy, cold weather.

New furniture models and designs will be released in August. Furniture stores need to get rid of yesterday’s models to open up showroom floor space for the new sets. That means making good deals and having sales specials.

It’s been awhile since Christmas season and awhile to next Christmas so money could be burning in the pockets of shoppers without the guilt or fear.

When it comes to home furniture shopping and purchasing, the options can be endless which is why it’s good to start the research now. Look up styles on the web then go to the varying stores to actually sit, touch and look up close to them. Oh, and make sure you measure the space you want to fill first. If it don’t fit then you need to quit. At least for that particular item.

How about payments? You have four choices in how you want to pay. You can go cash, credit, rent to own or used. If you can’t go cash outright then look at your payment options to consider credit or rent to own stores.

There is a time where credit is the way to go then there’s the time when rent to own is the way to go. Both have the same premise – the less payments, the less the cost so do the math on both transactions. Be wary of those stores that offer the 0% interest for the first year or you don’t have start making payments for a year or two. Because when that offer is up or payments begin, the interest rates most likely will be very expensive.

If you go used, then make sure you test that furniture out really well. And, rent to own stores can be great for used deals. They need to have new furniture on the showroom floor so getting rid of used furniture is a priority.

There’s also the showroom models. That exact furniture that customers have been testing out for the past month(s) in the store can be a steal of a deal especially during, well, you guessed it, July.

Just another Shop RTO home furniture tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

 

Rent the Summer life

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rent to own grills, furniture

Rent summer gear to be debt and clutter free.

In many parts of the country summer living is only three to four months thus needing certain items only for that part of the year. Just a quick few are lawn mowers, air conditioners, power washers, BBQ grills and outdoor furniture.

Rent to own stores are the best location for renting ACs, riding lawn mowers, outdoor furniture and BBQ pits but power washers are best to find at a local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Make sure to check your local rent to own stores prior as every rent to own store rents different items. You’ll be surprised at some of the items they rent on a seasonal basis.

The beauty of renting these seasonal items is that you pay for their use and that’s it. So much of these items are left unused, further damaged or broken after harsh winters especially this one. If you rent them then when Summer’s over, your garage and home is clutter free and the next summer you get new rented items that are debt and worry free. The rent to own store will deliver, set up and come and get it when the cold winds come back and need to return to the inside.

With renting outdoor furniture for several months, you know it’ll be nice because you picked it out. If you have a good enclosed porch then you can rent higher end furniture since it will be only used for several months. But, if you like what you rented then buy them outright with rent to own’s early purchase option that include previous rental payments going towards ownership.

So many Americans are having to live in smaller homes and yards but still want to have the family barbecue, get together or enjoy the outside. Renting those key summer items means you get the full summer experience without so much of the headache. It all depends on the circumstances. Renting works perfect for some. Owning for others. And, again, rent to own stores give you both options.

Just another ShopRTO Outdoor Decorating and Lifestyle Tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Give your home some new flare at little cost

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cheap home decorating ideas

New flare for little cost.

It’s important to change things up in your home on a regular basis. A new flare for the home can be simple and inexpensive and help keep things fresh. So here’s some tips.

The easiest is greenery. Get a new plant. They’re cheap, easy and healthy for you.

Use knick-knacks. Go to any flea market, garage sale or trinket shop and find some eclectic accessories to place on shelves, desks and counters. Get creative and subtle and watch how they will catch the eye and a smile from your guests. A Jack Skellington figurine sitting on the kitchen window sill is a good example.

How about a frame job. Find something unique and frame it. Especially if it’s personal. Get that favorite rock t-shirt and stretch it over a canvass. Get the pre-made canvasses at Hobby Lobby. They’re cheap and easy and frame it. Or use a burlap sack and paint upon it or have your kids paint on it to personalize further.

Use some wallpaper. It’s in vogue and is cheap especially if you use it as a discreet background of some of your enclosed shelves.

Skirt a table. There are all sorts of possibilities in what patterns and textures you can find then place it over you end tables and it’s a whole new look.

Wrap it up. Take a vase, lamp post, chair legs, etc. and wrap it with some yarn, rope, paper or anything that looks nice and is durable.

Stairway to haven. Add some paint or prints to your stairs and it’s instant and stylish.

Check out wall decals. Just slap them on and it’s instant art and very different.

And for the bathroom? Get a new shower curtain. That is sooo easy but makes all the difference.

These are just a few great and cheap ideas to spruce up the home on the cheap and to keep your home from getting style stale.

Just some more Shop RTO home decorating tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

 

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