Phoenix is found right in the heart of Arizona, one of the most enriching regions of the United States. This makes it a pretty splendid gateway to explore a ton of amazing destinations around the state.
If you’re currently itching to get away from the city if only for a day, Phoenix’s privileged location makes it a perfect hub for wonderful day trips no matter the adventure you’re after. You can drive just a little north of Phoenix to visit the Tonto National Forest or drive to Apache Junction and visit the infamous Superstition Mountains.
From striking desert landscapes that come in all shades of colors to experiencing millions of years worth of geological history and encountering the luxury of the wild west at its finest, here are 10 amazing day trips from Phoenix you’ve got to consider for your next escapade!
10 Incredible Day Trips From Phoenix
1. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Interested in learning more about the people who have called Arizona their home throughout time? Montezuma Castle National Monument is a mecca for archeological goodness. Especially if you’re keen to take a step back in time to the era of the Sinagua people.
As you explore the monument, you’ll get to glimpse into the past and get a pretty good picture of how the Sinagua Native Americans once lived by checking out some of the best-conserved cliff dwellings on the continent, which you’ll find high up on a 15,000- feet cliff!
2. Prescott
Located only a two-hour drive away from Phoenix, Prescott is where Western culture and modern living meet.
Famous for its live music venues, its historic Whiskey Row, and its lively bars, the nightlife in Prescott is renowned for being seriously epic. If you’re into history, you’ll find yourself in heaven here. As the entire place is dotted with museums and historic buildings that tell the stories of the area’s past.
Outdoor escapades are also a staple of Prescott thanks to the fact that its outskirts brim with amazing hiking trails, horseback riding adventures, lakeside outings, and other wonderful destinations you can pair with your visit. Including Granite Dells, Watson Lake, and Granite Basin!
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Hundreds of millions of years ago, heavy floods brought logs into the area. Volcanic activity later buried the dead logs underground. And as time went by, they were crystallized by ash and re-exposed over the ground.
Today, colorful sparkly logs make the landscape at Petrified Forest National Park look like a glittering rainbow. A scenery you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world. And will make you feel as though you were transported to another planet.
Petrified Forest is relatively small. This means you can easily explore its highlights on a day trip from Phoenix. A few can’t-miss activities include checking out the colorful landscape at Painted Desert, hiking the Giant Logs Trail to see the largest logs in the park, and visiting Crystal Forest.
4. Scottsdale
In the mood for a luxurious outing? Located in the heart of the desert, Scottsdale is a picture-perfect town renowned for its fine restaurants, gulf courses, exclusive art galleries, and wonderful boutique shops.
After strolling the town’s quaint streets, you can also head out in search of activities in nature. Which range from hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning. For some serious desert goodness, make sure you plan a small detour to McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Where you’ll get the chance to explore the forefront of the Sonoran Desert!
Make sure to explore North Scottsdale, not just Old Town as there’s a whole different experience up north than where all the party people want to spend their time going out at night. If you are a family or have a family you want to take places north of Phoenix, Scottsdale will be the best use of time and ability to spread out or go altogether.
5. Tucson
Tucson is one of the most emblematic cities in Arizona. And a wonderful destination for a mix of authentic Southwestern culture, desert goodness, and modern amenities.
Thanks to the fact that Tucson is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the entire city is dotted with saguaro cacti, making its streets look incredibly photogenic. You can visit the Saguaro National Park to see more of the natural beauty that only seeps into Tuscon. During your time in Tucson, you can take a trip back in time to the Old West by visiting museums, like Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Check out tons of historical sites. And get the chance to explore further afield by heading to the outskirts in search of desert adventures!
6. Tombstone
Tombstone, Arizona: the perfect destination for your next wild west adventure.
From the gunfight at the O.K. Corral to the historic Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone has been a fixture of American history since 1879. The town was originally founded by prospectors seeking gold and silver in the area’s hills—but it was also home to one of the most notorious shootouts in U.S. history. In 1881, two feuding groups faced off over a disagreement about water rights at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone’s main street—and it didn’t end well for any of them!
Tombstone is located in Cochise County, just north of Tucson and south of Bisbee on Highway 80 between Benson and Willcox. It’s only about an hour from both Tucson International Airport (TIA) and Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
7. Winslow
Winslow was put on the map for its feature on the Eagles’ ‘Take It Easy’ song. Which made it a famous stop on Arizona’s Route 66.
Winslow’s days of glory may be in the past now. But visiting it for a day is still a pretty charming experience. The entire town is dotted with historical sites and its outskirts are lined by pretty interesting attractions. Including various petroglyph sites and the best-conserved meteor crater in the world!
Moreover, if you’re a fan of rock’n’roll, make sure to also check out the town’s most iconic corner. The exact one mentioned in the Eagles song! Here, you can also see the Glenn Frey statue. Which was placed right there for visitors to come and pay tribute.
8. Sedona
Sedona is your go-to for all things desert magic, making it a wonderful day trip to take from Phoenix if you want to get away from the bustle and hustle of the city and surround yourself with striking landscapes of towering desert spires, mazes of red rock formations, and sweeping river canyons.
While visiting, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking what to see and do. Activities in Sedona range from hiking in the desert to exploring ancient cultures, and checking out the town’s art scene. Or taking part in tons of outdoorsy activities that provide a perfect blend of nature and cultural heritage. Of all the must-see spots in Sedona, I highly recommend checking out Oak Creek Canyon and Cathedral Rock. The natural beauty is truly breathtaking.
9. Grand Canyon National Park
There are many ways to describe the Grand Canyon. Some might call it a natural wonder of the world—and they’d be right. Others might call it a must-see attraction if you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. But I think the best way to describe this iconic landmark is as an experience that’s worth every second of your time.
This national park attracts 4 million visitors every year, so you can expect a crowd. But when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking views, even the crowds won’t bother you.
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, I recommend heading for the South Rim. Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular spot in the park because it offers the iconic views that most people will only ever see in a photograph. From the South Rim you can take in the incredible scenery from nearly two dozen viewpoints, including a couple with views all the way down into the heart of the canyon.
The South Rim is great for first time visitors because it has several services and activities available. You’ll have easy access to the museum, the Grand Canyon IMAX Experience, shops, Grand Canyon Railway, and a ton of information at the visitor center.
If you’re interested in hiking, be sure to check out Bright Angle Trail and Horseshoe Mesa Trail. These two trails are short and easy—perfect for first-time hikers.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both—you’ll find it at the Grand Canyon National Park!
10. Tortilla Flat
If you are looking for a scenic drive where you can take a dip in the lake, enjoy a picnic by the water. And even check out the coolest little self-sustaining town, look no further than Tortilla Flat. Tucked away in the mountains passed Superstition Springs Mountains, after 146 turns, you will find Tortilla Flat.
On your way to Tortilla Flat, be sure to stop in and check out Goldfield, an old mining ghost town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Superstition Springs Mountain for hiking and to also give your legs a little stretch.
Apache Junction has so many cute stops along the way as well if you want to see things from yesteryear. Not to mention the views are so incredible! Apache Junction is also the starting point of the Apache Trail scenic drive. While taking the 42 mile drive down the Apache Trail you’ll pass Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a stunning desert lake with multiple marinas, beach areas, and RV parks.
During the busy season, Tortilla Flat is really busy during 12-3. So come between 10-12 and after 3 until the town closes at 6 so there’s less waiting.
When you first arrive in Tortilla Flat, you will find yourself with a row of building on the right side of the road.
If you are coming during the slower or less busy times, between the end of April and to the beginning of October, you will see the Mercantile first. Then you will see the post office. You can send letters and packages as it is an actual working post office. Next, be sure you stop in the bathrooms, even if you don’t need to. The bathrooms have been updated and have special characters hand-painted you don’t want to miss.
Next, when you are ready to nosh, head into the restaurant.
And during the nicer times of the year, you can order your food and enjoy a local band on the patio. You can also find dollar bills people have left as part of a travel memory so you can also leave your mark inside the restaurant or the gelato shop right next to the patio. If you have your four-legged friends traveling with you, order from the patio and sit on the picnic tables with umbrellas.
All around the town, you will find picture opportunities and items that have been donated to the town for display.
Moving on down the way, you will find a shop filled with gelato made in-house, local food items, and travel souvenirs. I highly recommend the Prickly Pear, it’s delicious!
Right past the gelato shop, you will find a replica of the schoolhouse that existed in 1920 where the museum is now housed.
Make sure to sign the guest book as you never know when they will make the next wallpaper and display your name on the wall! Learn about the flood which washed out the town and caused a rebuild where it is located today. You can also find out which building burnt and had to be rebuilt and which president visited the town inside the museum.
And just as you are at the edge of town, be sure to hop in the jail and figure out the puzzle to escape!
It will be the first time you are encouraged to escape! Feel free to let your kids also try and run off some energy in town.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During spring and fall, the temperatures are mild. It can get extremely hot during the summer and it tends to rain the most during the winter. That said, there’s really no bad time to visit Phoenix as long as you are prepared.
Have you ever taken any of these amazing day trips from Phoenix? If so, I’d love to know what your experience was like, so feel free to tell me all about it in the comment section below!
I often think about how so many of us wait for happiness to find us. We spend so much time worrying about things that may or may not happen that it can feel like problems are never-ending. We assume (and hope) that something good will come along and make us happy while we worry our life away. Does this sound familiar? Do you wake up, go about house chores, work tasks, obligations, and responsibilities in relationships like a robot, without feeling any sense of joy? Like you’re rushing to get through each thing so that you can move onto the next, just to continue the cycle? Maybe you’re easily swayed by disappointments and self-doubts, which often leaves you feeling overwhelmed with stress and worries.
Knowing this, you might have taken precious time to pause, relax, and take a break in hopes of sparking joy. You allow yourself to feel unadulterated true happiness. You try to hold on to it and find ways to sustain it. But it doesn’t last and you’re once again trying to figure out what makes people happy so that you can experience it for longer than a moment. Trying to find what makes you happy can be frustrating and confusing. The idea of happiness is different for everyone, so you have to forge your path and define what it takes to be satisfied. So, today I’m sharing some tips and tricks to find what makes you happy.
How to Find What Makes You Happy
Happiness comes in many forms and many ways. It could be a memory of past summers, a good book, a fantastic pair of jeans, that red pumps you’ve been eyeing since winter, a decadent chocolate cake, clean bedsheets, the laughter of your kids, finishing a presentation, spending time with friends and family, your spouse, your life, etc. It is a tailored fit for every person. HOWEVER, I’m sharing ways to help you find what makes you happy in life.
Thinking About What Happiness Means to You
Sometimes, it’s easy to mold your goals with what you see from other people, especially with social media, where almost everyone projects their lives in terms of images and videos. There’s always the tendency to compare who has more, who has less, and you get caught in the middle of showing your own life. It can be dangerous at times, especially if comparing yourself to others becomes a threat to your mental health. But I challenge you to pay attention to the less obvious things. Ask yourself if what you see is their source of happiness? Are they genuinely delighted? Is that what happiness means to them? Comparison is the thief of joy, and I’m pretty guilty of that sometimes. It’s inevitable, I believe. But, there are ways to go around that.
Think of what happiness means to you. Is it something you get when buying new clothes, shoes, bags? Assess yourself if it’s something you get from being of service to other people to the community or spending time with your loved ones. I suggest that you write it down. Listen to some music and get into making a list of memories that bring you joy. From there, find a pattern. What’s important in life for you? What does your happiness look like based on what you listed? From there, think about what changes you can make in your schedule, lifestyle so you can easily tap your happy thoughts when things are getting rough and tough.
Be your authentic self when doing this. True happiness will only come when you sincerely understand how it truly moves you. Not what other people feel. Just you.
Take Detailed Notes When You Feel Happy
It involves another journalling, but this time, you don’t write anything from the past. You take note of moments you encounter at present. For example, you discovered a new ice cream flavor, and it makes you smile genuinely, or perhaps a scenic photo of the French Riviera you’ve seen while having coffee. Get your journal or your notes app on your phone and write them down.
I also suggest that you create a rating system. How does that particular moment fare in your happy scale? Is it relaxed, kind of content, or incandescently happy?
Do this, and believe me that your future self will thank you for making a happy map for yourself.
Remember What Made You Happy as a Child
Let’s go back to your childhood. Some of the things that make us happy now as adults are somehow related to a memory of when we were kids. Do you enjoy strawberry milkshakes? Maybe because it reminded you about your ninth birthday when your mom took you to a diner where you both enjoyed a strawberry milkshake and some pancakes. As an adult, if that memory creates visceral happy feelings, then you can recreate that: a milkshake day with your mom again, or your spouse, or your kids.
We must tap our childhood memories to fill our happy tanks as adults. Kids can be easy to please, so looking back to what makes you happy as a child will remind you that sometimes, true happiness comes in the simplest of things, and most of the time, they make the most impact on your adult life.
Create your Happiness Plan
A theory in Psychology called the set-point theory of happiness says that the level at which we look at our wellbeing is based on the heredity and personality we developed as kids. However, another research suggests we can control and set our happiness the way we want it. So there’s no clear-cut scientific law. There are things we can take reign of, and there are those that we can never.
So, it’s time to bring in the planning part. Focus on what you can control and what feels good. Get your happiness plan started. Set up dinner dates with your favorite people, plan for a monthly getaway, schedule visits to a museum or a zoo, or save for a dress you’ve been eyeing for months.
Make Your Goals Realistic
Disappointments and frustrations can get the better of you sometimes. It usually happens when you’ve got no clue what you want to do and achieve, but this also occurs when you have a loaded to-do list, but it’s so long it overwhelms you instead of bringing clarity.
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term goal, build that from what sparks joy in you. What makes you feel happier? When you do it that way, your dreams become more meaningful. It brings out positive emotions such as contentment and a sense of achievement.
Questions to Discover What Makes You Happy
You can use some questions for a happiness journal prompt to help you understand yourself better and find what makes you happy.
What is your biggest motivation for getting up in the morning?
What are the three things you love about yourself?
What is the one place you have always wanted to travel to?
If you could do one thing without worrying about the cost or practicality, what would it be?
What is the best gift that you have ever received?
What is the best reaction you received after you gave them a gift?
Name someone from ten years ago that makes you smile.
What are the top three things that make you laugh out loud?
What are your goals for the next 20 days?
What are two movies that you never get tired of watching?
Answer these questions that will give you insights into how you view happiness. It’s unique, so there’s no right or wrong answer.
Is Happiness More Important Than Success?
Tricky question, right? There’s no doubt that the two are connected, but does happiness take precedence over success? Consider this: happy people tend to be more successful, whereas success doesn’t guarantee happiness. Happiness comes from finding joy in the everyday things. Success can certainly make you feel happy, but it’s only a matter of time until you’re back to your baseline and working toward your next achievement. All of this supports the idea that yes, happiness is more important than success, but the two are inextricably linked.
We can get so caught up in the daily stresses of life that we often forget to take a pause and think about what matters. With the tips above and these questions, you can start mapping out your ultimate happiness mission.
Whether it’s a job interview, launching your business, meeting someone on a date for the first time, or raising kids, we’ve all been there. We questioned our ability to make the right decision. Self-doubt usually floods our thoughts when we’re in a challenging or new situation. In my experience, it manifests through worrying, panicking, and selling myself short.
When you’re feeling like me and doubting your capabilities, it can feel like you’re in a battle with yourself. Sometimes you might have a voice in your head telling you that an opportunity is too good to be true, or that it’s something that doesn’t happen to the likes of you. You might hear yourself thinking:
“You’re just going to embarrass yourself.”
“You are not good enough.”
“You are bound to fail because you are not that smart.”
When you frequently deal with self doubt, leaving it unrealized and unchecked can be harrowing and dangerous. Cautiousness is not bad, but just like everything else, it can be harmful if overdone. When feelings of uncertainty are holding you hostage, you can miss opportunities by letting doubt overpower you. Even if you prefer your comfort zone, staying there will prevent you from reaching your full potential. So, this has to stop as early as possible. It will keep you stuck, with your time wasted and your chances possibly gone.
How to Stop Self-Doubt
So what causes it? Why is self-doubt a common occurrence?
Feelings of self doubt develop for a lot of reasons. One of the most common causes is past mistakes. Heartbreaks and work-related disappointments are an example of this. Somehow, when you experience frustrations, you try to build a wall to forestall future pains. Another cause is your upbringing which shaped your point-of-view, beliefs, habits, and personality. Fear of failure or success is a reason that is connected to comparing your life or performance with others. New challenges keep you on your toes in both your professional and personal life.
Even most experts experience self-doubt. The famous painter Vincent Van Gogh is said to be the epitome of self-doubt. He was posthumously recognized. I’ve read this quote by him “If you hear a voice within you say ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” His self-doubt is apparent in his works that show angst. It is often called the Imposter Syndrome, which is known to affect newbies and professionals alike. The internalized fear of not having the right skillsets and talents can make or break opportunities. I had my fair share of stories about this, and I’ll share with you some tips on how to stop self-doubt.
Stay in the Present
As I mentioned above, one possible cause of self-doubt is past experiences. When you’re in a relatively similar situation, an opportunity comes around, and your mind goes back to the past with apprehensions. What you can do is muster the courage to tell yourself STOP. Ground yourself and focus on what’s in the present moment. It is challenging but doable. You can save affirmations on your laptop or phone. It can be something you find on Pinterest or something you’ve written yourself. Examples of these are:
I am worthy.
I am enough.
I’ll start appreciating myself.
I’ll find prosperous ideas and efficiently act on them.
Aside from this, you can set up an inspiration board with photos of things and people that make you smile. Prepare your favorite snacks and play the music that makes you excited.
Change your Perspective about Mistakes
Mistakes are part and parcel of being human. We doubt our capabilities because we want to give our best, and we don’t leave any room for mistakes. What you need to remember is that it’s a solid ground for improvement and growth. Learning curves is essential in understanding life better. Everyone’s authentic self comes with unpopular decisions and wrong choices made.
Call Out Your Inner Critic
Your doubt is not the absolute truth. Challenge your reasons, practice self compassion, and be your good friend. If your inner critic is rearing its not-so-pretty head, write it a letter. Tell that voice that you’re in control and you are taking the reigns.
Embrace Discomfort
New things, new situations, new people can make you feel weird and uncomfortable. It’s part of growth. So, use that feeling as a gauge of your improvement. Maybe keep a journal where you list down what you’re feeling, then check your progress at the end of the week or month. Adjust your standard. Embrace learning. If you’re new to the position, then strive to be the best newbie there is. Spend time to set a timetable, then adjust your following goals.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others is inevitable at times. It’s part of human nature to take a peek at what other people have accomplished, what they gained, what they’re doing. Often, you forget that everyone has their path, and you can’t control some things. However, you can control what you feel and how you will act on something. It won’t change overnight, but as soon as you begin consciously trying to stop comparing yourself to others, you’ll begin to see that it is possible to overcome self doubt.
Try Journaling
Journaling is an under-utilized practice that is proven to improve your well-being. When you think of ways to practice self-care, journaling isn’t probably something you thought of right away, if even at all. But there are too many benefits to not at least give it a chance. As you work on overcoming self-doubt, try incorporating journaling into your daily routine. It can be as simple as writing down a few things you’re thankful for as soon as you wake up. You can also use it to gain a better understanding of where your feelings of self doubt stem from by writing down the situations that cause you to doubt yourself the most and identifying a potential pattern.
Remember That Progress is Not Linear
Some days, you ran out of creative ideas and plateau, and there are days when it’s abundant. Progress is the same, highs and lows, and often, this is not what you see on social media. It’s the winning seasons that take over almost everyone’s news feed, but it’s an open secret that life is not without bumps and humps. So, yes, it’s okay to be frustrated but always remember to pick your thoughts up. Accept that progress is complex. There are things about it that you can work on, and there are those that you can’t. Just keep on putting yourself out there. And embrace the imperfections of progress. Look at it as an adventure.
Seek Help if Needed
If you think working on your own is no longer cutting it, don’t hesitate to ask for support from a family member, friends, mentors, coaches, or a mental health specialist. Self-doubt can sometimes get the better of you, but that can be addressed.
However, for all the negative connotations linked to self-doubt, it also serves its purpose in self-actualization. When you doubt your abilities, you can turn that struggle into an opportunity to learn. When there’s a job opening that you’ve been eyeing for years, self-doubt motivates you to prepare. It keeps you learning because it opens your mind to possible vulnerabilities. Humility is another positive outcome of healthy self-doubt. It keeps you grounded and more attuned to situations and the people around you. In a turnabout way, it helps you build confidence.
Doubt is an essential part of living but don’t give it power. It’s in taking courage, in believing yourself, in stepping out of your comfort zone that you are truly living deeply.
Whenever we have too many things, clutter starts to show up. The fewer things we own, the easier it is to keep clutter to a minimum. The first step in managing your home to be clutter-free is to get rid of the extra items that have never been used and are not being used anymore.
Simply sitting in a cluttered environment can be stressful. You probably felt before that seeing an untidy environment can radiate stress, in Oriental beliefs they think of it (feng shui) words as “stagnant chi” in real-world terms cluttered space, room, or home is a visual reminder of how much work is still left to make your house tidy.
Our homes become cleaner when they are clutter-free. This, in turn, relieves us of all the anxiety that goes with home maintenance. People can then direct their energies toward more vital tasks.
Making a choice in sticking to a minimalist lifestyle is making a conscious decision to live a life that is meaningful. A minimalist lifestyle entails having fewer resources or possessions. It has become a part of one’s cognitive process to choose how to live with the bare necessities of life while remaining content.
You might have come across this post as you looked for ways to simplify your life. Or maybe you’re here in hopes of finding ways to reduce visual clutter in your home. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing my best minimalist organization tips and storage ideas that will benefit your home just as much as your well-being.
This lift-top coffee table has everything you would expect from a coffee table with storage: a lifting top, various drawers, and a durable structure that can be used as a coffee table or a seat. Comes with a distressed finish and is available in three colors.
2. Drawers
Under The Stairs | Cost: $200 to $500 do it yourself; $2,000 to $5,000 if built by a carpenter
– Kitchen Cabinet
Instead of making a pantry under the stairs, you may utilize it as a kitchen cupboard to keep your dinnerware, cutlery, and food trays! This under-the-stairs storage is especially ideal for storing Asian dinnerware or dishes that are only used on special events or for entertaining guests. In fact, this bookshelf works wonders if you don’t want to put them in drawers.
– Under Stair Pantry
Do you have a tiny kitchen with a limited amount of storage space? Creating a staircase pantry is an excellent way to make use of the idle storage under the stairs. One can store dry items of all kinds and sizes with a few rolling drawers, storage boxes, and floating shelves. This staircase pantry will give you more space in the kitchen.
– Under Stairs Storage Drawers
Sliding drawers are a simple and efficient method to make the most of unused stair storage space. They also serve as a means of concealing undesirable items, which makes them ideal for homes with limited closet space.
3. Under bed Storage
| $14 – $50
Under bed storage might be an excellent solution if you don’t have enough space in your bedroom. It enables you to make the most of every inch of available floor space. It’s also less expensive than other storage options, including wardrobes.
If you want to use under bed storage, ensure your bed is high off the ground. If you know you’ll be moving stuff in and out of your under bed storage on a recurring basis, consider storage with wheels on the bottom which can be rapidly removed and afterward pushed back when not being used.
Beds with built-in storage are also available. It can be in the guise of built-in drawers or storage within the bed which you can reach by pulling up the mattress’s foundation.
4. A Place For Every Item In Your Home
Every object needs to have a home if you want to be organized. One can’t just put something away unless it has a place to go. You’re just storing things and won’t be able to locate it again if you need to. When an item has a home, there should be just one reasonable area to check for it.
5. Drop Zone
The entry hall leading from your driveway or front door is a great place to establish a drop zone in your property that will help manage your household. Install Wall Hooks – Wall hooks are a great way to keep your bags, coats, hats, and keys off the countertop.
Whenever you would not want to wear shoes in your house, designate a space for them. A waterproof shoe rack is an excellent option. Install wall hooks to hang jackets and bags. If you have out-of-season things in your drop zone, relocate them to storage in another part of the house to free up room.
6. Take Advantage Of Vertical Space
| Can be included during a home renovation
Shelving is by far the most visible use of vertical space in your home. You just need a deeper shelf for a table, a stool, and you’re good to go. The usage of vertical space is excellent. Hanging your belongings vertically is also an alternative.
Hanging shelves help you make the most out of your vertical space. Hooks are excellent ways to utilize underutilized vertical space. Each square inch represents a new option for storage.
In the bathroom, racks are a must-have for maximizing vertical space. There are many gorgeous options available, ranging from simple to elaborate to stylish, depending on your personal preference. Racks can also help you save space on your vanity and in the shower by freeing up counter space.
7. Floating Shelves
| $20 to $80
A floating shelf is one with the wall fasteners hidden within the shelf board and no apparent support brackets. Floating shelves can be decorated in a variety of ways, making your area appear more formal and sophisticated or enhancing a more informal setting.
Floating shelves are an effective way of making use of vertical space in any room at home. And they can be adaptable based on the style of the shelf you select. Floating shelves that are thinner and lighter are ideal for displaying photographs. Candleholders, lamps, and little plants are all great suggestions to display on floating shelves too.
When determining where to put your shelves, think about your reach. Don’t put common goods out of reach, and make absolutely sure you have a strategy in place for getting to additional items, such as keeping a step stool handy. Don’t overdo it with the decorations on your floating shelves. Provide some room in between pieces so they can “breathe.”
8. Pegboards Wall
| $20 to $100
Pegboard is a toughened hardboard with pre-drilled holes that can handle most common home hand tools. In addition, pegboards in garages are a great way to keep your gears organized and visible.
Pegboard is easy to install and can also be done over drywall. It’s important to leave a 1/2-inch or bigger gap in between the wall and the rear of the pegboard while mounting it.
9. Storage Boxes
| $5 to $100
Plastic bins make excellent storage boxes since they’re easy to pile and secure your possessions from humidity, warmth, and everything else that could try to sneak inside. Plastic containers are also self-sealable, so you won’t have to use adhesive tapes. Be sure to get sturdy ones as the cheaper ones tend to be a bit more flimsy and break easier, especially when stacking. The clear bins are the best especially if you are trying to keep things organized and don’t want to put labels. You can easily see inside for the contents and not have to go through each bin. We love the ones from The Container Store pictured here. –>
Looking at the floor space of your home is the most straightforward technique to figure out how many storage boxes you’ll need. Because a larger home normally contains more belongings, floor area is a key element in calculating how many storage boxes you’ll be needing.
Remember to load heavy items such as textbooks, appliances, and grocery items in as tiny a box as possible to avoid making the storage boxes excessively heavy. Larger boxes can accommodate lightweight things. Comforters, plush animals, or garments should never be placed in larger boxes.
10. Hidden Multi-Use Storage Solutions
There are a ton of multi-use storage solutions that don’t actually look like storage. These items are great for someone adopting a more minimalist lifestyle and they’re super helpful with keeping things organized for day-to-day use.
This mirror with storage from IKEA is a great example of multi-use hidden storage. You can use it as a bathroom vanity or hang it in your bedroom or even your front hallway and use it to store everything from toiletries to your keys and mail.
You can also swap out some of your current furniture for pieces with hidden storage. From storage ottomans to a lift bed with storage underneath, there are numerous options to consider.
More posts to check out if you are new to the Minimalist space:
Real estate investment has long been touted as a lucrative avenue for financial growth. From single-family homes to commercial spaces, the options are diverse and enticing. Today, we’re diving into the often-stressful world of real estate investment, specifically focusing on short-term rentals. So, are short-term rentals a good investment? Let’s unravel this complex query.
Are Short-Term Rentals A Good Investment?
Real estate investment has numerous facets, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Short-term rentals, often referred to as vacation rentals, cater to a different market compared to long-term rentals. They involve renting out a property for short periods, usually by the night, making them an alternative to traditional hotels. This flexibility can be both a blessing and a challenge for investors.
What Are Short-Term Rentals?
Short-term rentals, commonly known as vacation rentals, encompass properties rented out for brief periods, differing from the more traditional long-term rentals. These rentals could range from apartments and condos to single-family homes, often managed directly by property owners or through property management companies. Their allure lies in providing a personalized experience for guests while offering property owners a chance to earn higher nightly rates.
What To Know Before Buying A Short-Term Rental Property
Before delving into short-term rental investments, it’s crucial to understand the nuances. Factors like location, local regulations, property management, and market demand heavily influence the success of these investments. Prospective investors must weigh these considerations to make informed decisions.
Benefits Of Short-Term Rentals
1. Higher Income Potential: Short-term rentals often yield higher nightly rates compared to long-term rentals, boosting overall income for property owners.
2. Flexibility for Owners: Property owners can use the property themselves during vacant periods, allowing personal use alongside rental income.
3. Catering to a Niche Market: Short-term rentals offer a personalized experience, appealing to travelers seeking a unique stay, thus attracting higher-paying guests.
Disadvantages of Short-Term Rentals
1. Occupancy Fluctuations: Seasonal demand or market fluctuations can lead to irregular occupancy rates, impacting consistent income.
2. Maintenance and Management: Managing a short-term rental property requires constant upkeep, including cleaning, maintenance, and guest communications.
3. Regulatory Challenges: Local regulations and restrictions may limit the operation of short-term rentals in certain areas, affecting profitability.
For those venturing into the short-term rental market, understanding these pros and cons is vital to navigate the intricate landscape of real estate investment.
Investing in short-term rental properties offers enticing prospects but requires a meticulous approach. It’s crucial to research the local market, understand the dynamics of the vacation rental sector, and calculate potential cash flow against expenses such as property management fees and maintenance costs.
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of short-term rentals, resources like How to become a co-host on Airbnb and Crafting the ultimate Airbnb guidebook can provide valuable insights into property management and maximizing rental income. If you are looking to book an Airbnb, please take a look at my properties here.
In conclusion, short-term rentals can be a lucrative investment for those willing to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. With careful planning, understanding the local market trends, and leveraging the benefits while mitigating the challenges, investing in short-term rentals can indeed be a rewarding endeavor in the realm of real estate investment.
logs underground. And as time went by, they were crystallized by ash and re-exposed over the ground.
renowned for its fine restaurants, gulf courses, exclusive art galleries, and wonderful boutique shops.
Southwestern culture, desert goodness, and modern amenities.
Arizona’s Route 66.
get away from the bustle and hustle of the city and surround yourself with striking landscapes of towering desert spires, mazes of red rock formations, and sweeping river canyons.
passed Superstition Springs Mountains, after 146 turns, you will find Tortilla Flat.
closes at 6 so there’s less waiting.
your food and enjoy a local band on the patio. You can also find dollar bills people have left as part of a travel memory so you can also leave your mark inside the restaurant or the gelato shop right next to the patio. If you have your four-legged friends traveling with you, order from the patio and sit on the picnic tables with umbrellas.
museum is now housed.
book, a fantastic pair of jeans, that red pumps you’ve been eyeing since winter, a decadent chocolate cake, clean bedsheets, the laughter of your kids, finishing a presentation, spending time with friends and family, your spouse, your life, etc. It is a tailored fit for every person. HOWEVER, I’m sharing ways to help you find what makes you happy in life.
of moments you encounter at present. For example, you discovered a new ice cream flavor, and it makes you smile genuinely, or perhaps a scenic photo of the French Riviera you’ve seen while having coffee. Get your journal or your notes app on your phone and write them down. 
please, so looking back to what makes you happy as a child will remind you that sometimes, true happiness comes in the simplest of things, and most of the time, they make the most impact on your adult life.
It can be something you find on Pinterest or something you’ve written yourself. Examples of these are:
vacation rentals, cater to a different market compared to long-term rentals. They involve renting out a property for short periods, usually by the night, making them an alternative to traditional hotels. This flexibility can be both a blessing and a challenge for investors.
attracting higher-paying guests.
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