Once your long distance movers have departed and you have cardboard boxes strewn around your home, organizing your family's sleeping spaces should be one of your top priorities. Whether your kids are grade-schoolers or entering their teenage years, letting them design their own rooms could be a wonderful way for them to show off their creativity and get started off on the right foot in their new home. Here are a few ways to help your kids put together a delightful new space.

Plan Your Children's Room Layouts

Because you'll be supplying the larger furnishings in the spaces, consider drawing diagrams of the rooms and planning where the bed, desk, bookcase and other items will go in each one. This will help you improve traffic flow and storage space to meet your children's needs.

Pick Paint Colors

The right paint colors could set the atmosphere for your children's bedrooms, so take a visit to your local home improvement store to go over your options. You can even opt for unique paint jobs like sponge painting, accent walls, borders or anything else your kids are interested in.

Choose The Right Lighting

A mixture of task lighting around your children's work or play areas, as well as accent lighting around the rest of the rooms can pull the aesthetics together. Experiment with a variety of light sources to find the ideal mixture of illumination that can suit any time of day.

You're sure to breathe a sigh of relief once your long distance movers have finished helping you unpack, but you should take steps to ensure that the air you inhale in your new home is of good quality. Here are some tips to keep in mind for maintaining your abode's air clean.

Eliminate Toxins

CNAHealth.com recommends getting rid of any chemicals or objects that may emit toxins into the air. These include paint thinner, pesticides and chemical cleaners. As you decorate your interior space, use paints that have low amounts of volatile organic compounds.

Circulate the Air

You should always have good ventilation in your home, notes the source, especially during the winter, because many heating systems recycle the air. To remedy this, the source suggests implementing window fans, attic fans and bathroom exhaust fans. During the summer, install screen doors and keep your doorways open.

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Sometimes the air quality isn't just about breathing comfortably, but it's a safety concern for you and your family. TheDailyGreen.com recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors so you know if you're being exposed to the dangerous, odorless gas.

Repair Leaking Areas

According to the news outlet, dampness in your home, which can come from leaks in the structure, is detrimental to your health and can lead to coughing, wheezing and even asthma. You should do an annual inspection of your roof, basement and crawlspace for any leaks, and fix them as soon as possible.

A jungle gym is the perfect outdoor accessory. It can provide kids with hours of entertainment and encourage them to exercise and play with friends. But purchasing a jungle gym is no inexpensive venture, and you'll want to make sure that your selection is both safe and sensible. Here are some things to consider before picking out your jungle gym after your long distance movers have left.

Corners and Surfaces

PlayMoreSwingSets.com recommends looking at the corners and surfaces of the play set. Rounded corners will reduce the risk of injury and rough surfaces can cause scrapes and slivers. If you opt for a wooden jungle gym, make sure there's a heavy coat of finish on it.

Delivery and Installation

The delivery and installation of your jungle gym should also be a consideration, PlayMoreSwingSets.com notes. If you don't have a truck to transport the pieces, you may need to pay to have the jungle gym delivered. Also, setting up the play set can be time consuming and challenging. Factor in the costs of both of these before you make your decision.

Additional Options

Some swing sets can be added to so they can grow as your kids do. If you plan to expand the play area in the future, you should purchase a jungle gym that has this option.

Soft Surface

It's always a good idea to have a soft surface below the jungle gym, just in case someone takes a tumble. You may want to invest in some wood chips or soft pavement, which are common in many school and public playgrounds.

St. Paul, Minnesota is a hub of culture and activity. You and your family will constantly have new opportunities to experience the Midwestern metropolis vibrant life and engage with community during the many festivals that occur throughout the year. Here are a few that definitely shouldn't be missed.

1. Flint Hills International Children's Festival

Once your long distance movers have left, your kids may be ready for some fun and excitement. The Flint Hills International Children's Festival will teach your little ones an appreciation for different cultures with a series of great indoor and outdoor dance and music performances. They'll also be able to indulge their creative proclivities at one of the activity tents, which are run by local organizations like Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, History Theatre and Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

2. Twin Cities Jazz Festival

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival helps jazz enthusiasts from both St. Paul and Minneapolis come together for three days of bopping, hopping dancing and fun. It features performances from a slew of world-renowned artists. You can get a free ride to the jazz festival via public transit.

3. Highland Fest

Highland Fest is an annual event put on by the Highland Business Association. You and the kids will be able to dance the day away in the outdoor arena as you see great local acts strut their stuff on stage. There are a series of tents from local vendors where you can purchase artwork and decor. If you seek quality libations, you'll love the Summer Beer Dabbler, which includes a Home Brew Contest as well as a Beer Education seminar put on by the Science Museum of Minnesota's Social Science.

Your attic doesn't have to be just a space where you store your old belongings - it can be a place of recreation and relaxation. If you plan to convert that room at the top of your new home into a living space after one of the trusted long distance moving companies has left, then you may want to consider these few tips.

Bottom Support

You should pay extra attention to your attic floor so you know that it can bare the additional weight. FineHomeBuilding.com notes that if the floor joists are springy when you walk on them, you may have to reinforce them. You can do this by adding a ¾-inch plywood subfloor or nail larger joists to the old ones. In this case, it's a good idea to consult a professional contractor.

Weather Control

You'll need to weatherproof your new room as well. Make sure your roof is insulated so none of the heat escapes in the wintertime, and that there are no leaks when it rains. During the warmer months, the attic is bound to heat up, but you can control the climate with additional windows or skylights.

Stairway Access

Before you give your attic project the green light, keep in mind that you'll need to provide a means of access to the attic. Many spaces have fold-down stairs, so you may have to install an additional staircase. Stylish and frugal options that don't take up too much space include a winding staircase or a wooden ladder.

You and your children may be looking forward to enjoying your new backyard once your long distance movers have helped you settle in. However, poison ivy can plunder your plans with irritating rashes. Reclaim your outdoor domain and rid your yard of the pesky plant with these tips.

Cover Up

Before you approach poison ivy make sure all your skin is covered. Any contact with the plant's oils can cause an allergic reaction. Besides gloves and long sleeves, you may want to cover your face with protective glasses and a bandanna.

Go for the Roots

GardeningKnowHow.com notes that the only way to naturally get rid of poison ivy is to kill the whole plant, which means uprooting it. The best time to do this is after it rains because the ground will soften, giving you easy access to the roots. Don't try to burn the poison ivy, the oils can become airborne and you'll risk breathing them in.

Use Chemicals

The most effective way to kill poison ivy is with herbicides like Roundup and Brush-B-Gon, GardeningKnowHow.com reports. It'll take a couple applications to kill the ivy. Once it starts to grow back, spray the poison ivy again. Repeat the cycle until there's no more growth.

Watch What You Touch

Make sure you don't touch any of the clothes you wore while handling the poison ivy - the plant's oils can be transferred from your clothes to your skin. Instantly throw everything in the wash, and wash yourself thoroughly after you're done.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the opportune time to help contribute to the fight against breast cancer through the support of education and effective treatments. Here are a few ways that you can you do your part.

Throw a Fundraising Party

Once all of your belongings are unpacked and your movers have left, you may want to throw a breast cancer fundraising party. Not only will you be raising money for a beneficial cause, but it'll be a great way to meet your neighbors! Put up flyers throughout your neighborhood or post a small advertisement in your local newspaper to get the word out. Ask for donations at the door, have fun outdoor competitions in the backyard like horseshoes, that people pay to play in, or have a raffle with goods donated from local businesses. Give the proceeds to worthwhile cancer organizations like the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Breast Cancer Fund.

One of the best defenses against cancer is knowledge. Keep your party-goers informed by ordering free pamphlets from the American Cancer Society and distributing them to your guests.

Wear Your Pink

Pink is the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and by sporting it you can show your support for the cause and raise awareness. You can get great pink gear like T-shirts, hats and bracelets from websites such as TheBreastCancersite.com.

Once your long distance movers have left you to your own devices, you may want to spruce up the outside of your home as well as the inside. During the autumn season, it's essential to keep those leaves that litter your yard in check. After you and the little ones gather them into piles, you can make great fall decor in the form of scarecrows!

First, you'll want to get a pair of old jeans and a long-sleeve shirt that you no longer use. Stuff them with leaves and seal off the ends by tying string around them. Connect the top and bottom sections of the scarecrow with wire. For hands and feet, Halloween-Website.com recommends using old gloves and socks or a pair of boots. You can attach the feet and the hands to the body with safety pins or bent paper clips.

For a head, stuff a pillowcase full of leaves and draw on a funny face using a black permanent marker. Feel free to get creative with a pair of glued-on glasses or a fake mustache. You can prop the scarecrow up by attaching it to a large stake or your fence using rope. You can also have your scarecrow sitting on a bench or your front steps.

To add more life to your scarecrow, help it weather the elements by putting a poncho or an old coat on it when it rains, or bringing it inside during especially windy days.

After you finish unpacking with the help of your long distance movers, your friends and family are bound to want to visit you. A guest room is a great way to make them feel right at home. Here are four ways to make your guests room a bastion of hospitality.

1. Make the Bed Inviting

The bed will be the main focus of the guest room so you should make sure to put on fresh sheets and a clean comforter. If it's colder outside, try to find flannel sheets and a heavy duvet. Good Housekeeping Magazine recommends putting the pillows (with their cases on them) in the dryer on low for five minutes in order to get rid of any dust and to make them fluffier.

2. Mini Fridge

A mini fridge filled with snacks and water will give your guests a feeling of independence, and they won't have to make a trip to the kitchen if they want a drink of water in the middle of the night. To be extra accommodating, ask them what their beverage of choice is before they come, so you can be prepared.

3. Clear out the Clutter

Guest rooms have tendencies to turn into bona fide closets, so when you do have someone over, make sure to remove any clutter from the floor or bed. Run a vacuum over the floor, and if there's a dresser, make sure the first couple drawers are cleared out.

4. Offer Useful Items

Keep an alarm clock plugged in and make sure there are a couple outlets nearby so your guests can charge their electronics. CBS also suggests having a bench or luggage rack so your guests can sort through their suitcases without having to bend down.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of your family in your new home after your movers have helped you get settled, you may want to note a few of these fire-related precautions.

Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready

It's always vital to have a fire extinguisher on hand so you can prevent fires from spreading. Many fires start in the kitchen due to hot stove tops and other heat-related appliances, so you may want to keep your fire extinguisher in there. Familiarize yourself with how to use it so you can act quickly in the event of an emergency.

Create a Fire Drill

Every household should have a quick and efficient escape plan. Do routine fire drills with your family so you can come up with a flawless routine that will allow all of you to make a safe and quick exit.

Watch for Electrical Problems

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), electrical problems are responsible for more than 26,000 fires every year, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your wires and plugs. Make sure your outlets aren't overloaded, which usually happens when people use adapters that allow more than the standard two plugs.

The USFA also notes that faulty wiring is the culprit most of the time, so if you have old lamps or appliances, check their wires to make sure their protective casing isn't cracked.

Smoke Alarms

Some smoke alarms are wired into the house, while others use a 9-volt battery. The USFA recommends testing them at least once a month and, if they run on batteries, replace them at least once every year.