Clearing land seems like one of those things you can knock out in a weekend—until you’re knee-deep in tree roots, equipment delays, and unexpected bills. You picture a clean slate, but real life throws a few curveballs. Whether you’re working with heavy machinery or going at it by hand, clearing land comes with a long…
Moving onto land sounds like freedom—and it is—but it takes a lot more than a house and a driveway to actually live out there. If your land doesn’t already have utilities and infrastructure, you’ll be footing the bill for everything from water access to basic trash service. These are the essentials most people don’t think…
Power surges during storms can fry your electronics fast—especially if lightning hits nearby or the grid takes a hit. Even surge protectors don’t always hold up to the kind of spike a direct strike can cause. Unplugging takes a few seconds and can save you thousands in damage. Here’s what to pull the plug on…
Your garage can turn into a fire hazard real quick—especially in summer when heat, gas fumes, and electrical tools all mix in one space. These are the most common (and preventable) risks to keep an eye on. Storing Gasoline or Propane Near a Heat Source If fuel cans are near a water heater, dryer, or…
Lightning doesn’t need a big storm to strike—it just needs the right conditions and a tall or conductive object in the wrong place. These things in your yard can pull a strike fast, especially if they’re not grounded or positioned well. Tall Trees Close to the House Trees near your roofline can pull lightning and…
Keeping food cold without electricity might sound impossible, but people have been doing it for centuries—and still do. Whether your power’s out, you’re living off-grid, or you’re in a setup stage on raw land, there are reliable ways to keep food safe. The trick is combining a few old-school methods with modern workarounds that don’t…
There are a few things that make life run smoother when they live right by the front door. Not clutter—useful stuff. The kind of things you always seem to be looking for after you’ve already got your shoes on. If you’re tired of backtracking or digging through junk drawers, this list will help. A little…
Some stuff feels harmless to leave out on the porch overnight, but it doesn’t take much for the weather—or critters—to mess things up. Heat, humidity, raccoons, wind, nosy neighbors—there’s always something. If you tend to set things down and forget them, it might be time to break that habit. A little cleanup at night keeps…