If you have storage needs, chances are you're looking for a facility that has the right amenities, great customer reviews, and is trustworthy. The greater Pittsburgh area has 237 facilities, though, so how do you weed through all of the information to find the right one for you? Look no further!

Storageunits.com, which provides consumers with expertise, data, and research on the storage industry has complied a guide of the top 24 storage unit companies in Pittsburgh! The guide, which was complied using in-depth reviews of each company can be found here. 

The website looked at four specific factors to come up with their list of the best storage facilities in the 'Burgh. 

1. Reputation: Which facilities have a history of great customer reviews as well as outstanding service.
2. Credibility: Storage companies that build customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards. 
3. Experience: Facilities that are masters of their craft, which can only come from years of practical experience and education.
4. Professionalism: Storage companies that provide service with honesty, reliability, and respect to their customers. 

Storageunits.com also has information on what to consider when looking for storage in the Pittsburgh area, as well as helpful moving tips, a packing guide, everything you need to know about car storage, and many other helpful resources. 

Most homeowners have spent a lot more time at home in the past year. Naturally, this has led to many working on home improvement projects. Curious to know how much the average homeowner has reported spending on renovations since March 2020? Read on to find out! 

A survey by Stoneside Blinds & Shades on Return on Investment of Home Improvement Projects found that homeowners have increased their spending on renovations since March. On average, homeowners reported spending $1,031 on renovations. Generation X reported spending the most ($1,178.41), while baby boomers spent an average of $1,099.45 and millennials spent the least ($998.68)

The Stoneside Blinds & Shades survey revealed that the kitchen is the most popular area for people to want to spend time and money renovating, with more than 27% of those surveyed saying that a kitchen repair or remodel is at the top of their list. Bathroom repairs and remodeling came in second, with 24.3% of respondents having it on their list. 

The area with the most perceived return on investment is the kitchen at 50.8%, with the bedroom after it at 17%, and the living room at 10.2%. The majority of consumers who undertook renovations hired a professional for their projects, with 25% or less noting that they did them as a DIY. Those who did the projects themselves estimated they saved over $600, though. For more information on consumer spending during the pandemic, the whole article on the Stoneside Blinds & Shades survey can be found here.

Now that 2020 has officially come to an end, many are wondering what the housing market will hold for 2021. According to realtor.com, the housing market should return to normalcy. 

Unlike 2020, home sales are forecasted to have a strong spring and summer, with a fall and winter that are less busy. Realtor.com predicted home sales to be 7% higher than 2020 as well. One thing that may not be changing much is inventory. It's expected that there will be more properties on the market and the gap between supply and demand may begin to subside.

The website also predicted that single-family housing will rise 9% as compared to last year, which could help the demand we're currently seeing. Affordability might continue to be a problem in 2021. Mortgage rates reached historic lows in 2020 and are now expect to rise, though they will continue to be reasonable. The expected average is 3.2%, with an increase to 3.4% by the end of 2021. Year-to-year home prices will see a jump of about 5.7%. 

Due to the large increase in people working from home, buyers can expect to see home offices displayed more in property listings. In 2020, the ability to work remotely was a factor that prompted many to buy a home. 

Overall, 2021 will continue to be a good market for sellers. Buyers will see better conditions than 2020 due to an increase in available inventory in the market. The whole article on the 2021 housing market by realtor.com can be found here.