2021 Consumer News and Alerts

The following company participates in our Authorized Partner Program: Audicus, Candid, Choice Home Warranty, Colonial Van Lines, DreamCloud, Eargo, Embrace Hearing, Endurance, Identity Guard, Kohler Walk-In Bath, Renewal by Andersen, Saatva and Tuft & Needle.

It’s that time of the year again — are you prepared for the holiday (shopping) season? Black Friday is upon us, so don’t sleep on these online deals, even if you’re full of tryptophan from those Thanksgiving leftovers.

Mattresses

A new mattress is a great way to treat yourself this holiday season. A better mattress can help you sleep better, which improves your overall quality of life by helping you feel better rested — and it may help you sleep in during cold December mornings.

Saatva

Saatva's mattresses come in three different firmness levels and are available in multiple styles, including hybrid and memory foam. The company offers a 180-night sleep trial and a 15-year, nonprorated warranty.

DreamCloud

DreamCloud specializes in hybrid mattresses made with innerspring coils and memory foam. It offers a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty. The mattresses are environmentally friendly and built to keep sleepers cool at night.

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle’s mattresses feature cooling polyfoam and graphite materials. The company offers a 100-day trial period and a 10-year limited warranty on its mattresses. Its twin mattresses start as low as $645.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids may not be the first thing people think of when shopping Black Friday deals, but this is a great time to get discounts on new devices to make sure you don't miss a word of conversation this holiday season.

Embrace Hearing

Embrace Hearing sells hearing devices directly from a European manufacturer, which means it can offer affordable options for those with hearing issues. You can order Embrace hearing aids online, and its customer hotline is available 24/7.

Eargo

Eargo sells discreet hearing devices that adapt to the sound levels around you. You can customize your devices through Eargo’s mobile app, and the company has licensed professionals that provide lifetime support to customers.

Audicus

Audicus has brick-and-mortar stores as well as a full host of services online (including its own hearing tests if you don’t have a hearing clinic near home you prefer). The company offers a 45-day risk-free trial on its hearing devices.

Home and auto warranties

Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing expensive home or vehicle repairs won't drain your savings account. Endurance and Choice Home Warranty are both offering deals to help you feel financially prepared this week.

Endurance Auto Warranty

Endurance offers several auto warranty plans, providing coverage even for older vehicles. Some of its plans are transferable, and it has a 30-day refund policy for its extended auto warranty contracts.

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty’s service contracts are available in all states except Washington and California. It offers two home warranty plans — Basic and Total — and customers can make claims and contact customer service 24/7.

Other deals you shouldn't miss

Other companies are offering great deals this week as well. If you're looking for invisible braces, identity protection or a walk-in bathtub this year, now is a good time to take advantage of these offers.

Candid

Candid makes invisible aligners for those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. The company works with orthodontists rather than general dentists, and they track changes in your smile through scans on your mobile phone.

Identity Guard

Identity Guard offers ID protection services, including monitoring and cybersecurity software. It has several plan options that vary in cost, and you can use a mobile app to stay in the know about what’s going on with your accounts.

Kohler Walk-In Bath

Kohler manufactures all kinds of furniture and plumbing products, including walk-in tubs. The company offers free consultations and quotes for potential walk-in tub customers, and it can install your tub in a single day.

Colonial Van Lines

Relocating this holiday season? Colonial Van Lines offers a full suite of moving services for those moving over long distances. It provides free, instant quotes, and its services include packing and storage options.

Renewal by Andersen

Treat yourself to lower energy bills and a better-looking home with replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen. The company guides you through every step of the process, from helping you choose the right windows for your home to installing them.

If you're like me, emails, advertisements, direct mail and social media posts that refer to terms like interest, finance, mortgage and rates tend to go right over your head. And if you're not like me, all the better! I'm talking, of course, about mortgage refinance.

I feel I'm a reasonably smart person, but when it came to this one life event, I tuned all of it out because it sounded really complicated. Between having a full-time job, raising two young kids and a disobedient beagle, coaching a Little League team and other responsibilities, I simply didn't feel like I had the time or patience to think about something that sounded as daunting as mortgage refinance. Surely it'd be super complicated and time-consuming!

But putting it off for another day is a really bad idea — we are right now experiencing some of the lowest rates in history. It finally hit me while creating a mortgage-related email for ConsumerAffairs recently: There will probably never be a better time (like, ever) to refinance a mortgage.

I thought, "Yeah, OK, now is clearly a good time to refinance, but should we? What would it solve?" We could either save a lot of money on our monthly mortgage payments or take out some cash to fund some much-needed home improvements. It was the cheapest way we could borrow money.

So, here's what my wife and I did.

1. We used ConsumerAffairs to find the right lender for our needs. Working here, I knew firsthand it would be a great place to start my search because we have real experts who've done the research and chosen great lenders. It really took the worry and stress out of the equation.
2. The lender contacted us and we chatted for about 15 minutes.
3. We reached an agreement and went into a local office here in Austin to sign some paperwork.
4. We switched from a fixed-rate, 30-year loan to a fixed-rate, 15-year loan.
5. We locked in a rate of 2.625% (we couldn't get nearly that good of a rate on a 30-year loan while taking out cash).
6. We took out some cash to pay for some home improvements, including a kitchen remodel (and maybe more).

I'm not exaggerating when I say it was super easy.

If you're interested in refinancing and want more info, here are some great resources the experts at ConsumerAffairs have written on the topic:

• How to refinance a mortgage
• Refinance rates today
• Pros and cons of a cash-out refinance
• How soon can you refinance a mortgage?
• Consolidating debt with a mortgage refinance
• How a no-closing-cost mortgage refinance works
• Can you refinance a reverse mortgage?

The following companies participate in our Authorized Partner Program: Audicus, Casper, Eargo, Embrace Hearing, Nectar Sleep, Nest Bedding, Saatva and Tuft & Needle.

Labor Day is always a great time to shop sales, and this year is no different. We've collected the best deals on mattresses and hearing aids this year — whether you're looking to improve your quality of life with a better night of rest or improved hearing, we have the best offers for this three-day weekend. All prices and deals are accurate as of the time of publication.

Mattresses

Labor Day began as a way to honor workers, and what better way to reward yourself for all your hard work than a new mattress and better sleep? Check out deals on some of our favorite mattress brands and treat yourself to a more comfortable rest.

Saatva

Saatva offers hybrid mattresses with an innerspring base to provide more support. The company’s mattresses come in three firmness levels: plush soft (soft), luxury firm (medium) and firm. All mattresses come with free white-glove delivery service.

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle sells three different mattress models: a one-layer memory foam mattress, a two-layer memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress with memory foam and two layers of springs. The company offers a 100-night trial with free shipping and returns.

Casper

Casper sells four different mattresses, including memory foam and hybrid options. The company offers free delivery and a 100-night guarantee.

Nectar Sleep

Nectar offers three mattress models, and all mattresses come with a 365-night home trial, free shipping and returns and a forever warranty.

DreamCloud

DreamCloud's three mattress models come with a 365-night trial and free shipping and returns. The mattresses are all hybrid mattresses with memory foam topping an innerspring foundation, and the DreamCloud Premier Rest adds a pillow top.

Nest Bedding

Nest Bedding offers a variety of mattresses at firmness levels ranging from plush to firm. The company also has a custom mattress builder to ensure you get a mattress that fits your needs perfectly.

Hearing aids

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your quality of life, making it difficult to understand conversations or hear your favorite movies and TV shows. If you're experiencing hearing issues, this three-day weekend is the perfect time to talk to an expert and get a new hearing aid or upgrade to a more advanced device.

Eargo

Eargo recently introduced the Eargo 5, the company's smallest hearing aid. It includes Sound Match technology, and you can also choose one of four presets or completely customize the sound settings.

Embrace Hearing

Embrace Hearing sells three series of hearing aid models to help guarantee you'll find one that's right for you. All the company's hearing aids automatically adjust to your environment and have the option to add tinnitus management software.

Audicus

The Audicus Wave hearing aid is the company's most popular device. It lets you stream directly from your Apple or Android smartphone and can be customized with an app. The company also has a 45-day money-back trial.

The following companies participate in our Authorized Partner Program: ADT, byte, Candid, Eargo, Embrace Hearing, Frontpoint, Saatva, SmileDirectClub and Tuft & Needle

The Fourth of July is better known for barbecues and fireworks than for shopping, but smart shoppers can find bargains on multiple products this holiday weekend. We’ve collected some of our favorite deals for you.

Invisible Braces

If you’ve been considering trying invisible braces, this Fourth of July holiday could be the perfect time to make the jump for a better smile. Candid, byte and SmileDirectClub are all offering deals this weekend. With Candid, you can get $200 off your aligner purchase or a starter kit for $20.

Candid

byte

SmileDirectClub

Home security

Though home security systems grow more affordable and accessible each day, they can still get pricey, especially when you factor in monitoring costs. Good news, though: A couple of trusty security companies have some savings opportunities this weekend. ADT is offering professional monitoring for just $28.99 per month, and Frontpoint will provide a free doorbell camera with your security system purchase.

ADT

Frontpoint

Mattresses

There’s no need to wait for Labor Day or Black Friday sales if you want to buy a new mattress — several companies are running deals this weekend. Saatva, known for its hybrid luxury-firm mattresses, is offering a $200 savings on mattress purchases of more than $975, and Tuft & Needle is giving a site-wide 20% discount.

Saatva

Tuft & Needle

Hearing aids

If you want to take the initiative and buy the hearing aids you’ve been needing, this holiday might be a good time. Embrace Hearing and Eargo both have deals running for the Fourth — Embrace is offering $400 off a pair of rechargeable X-Series though July 6, and Eargo has a deal for $450 off its Neo Hifi until 7/12. With these savings opportunities, you can be sure you don’t miss a word of gossip at the next neighborhood barbecue.

Embrace Hearing

Eargo

Bringing home a new kitten can be super exciting, but it also comes with lots of responsibility. Here are six things to consider and do to prepare for your new feline friend’s arrival.

1. Decide where to adopt

You can find kittens for adoption all over the place — the newspaper, social media, local bulletins. Kittens are easy to find, but adopting from an animal shelter is often the best choice — they typically do full checkups and provide any necessary shots. If you go this route, you can be more confident you’re getting a healthy kitten. Otherwise, it can be hard to know.

Bottom line

Adopting a new kitten can be exciting for you and your entire family. If you’re ready for the commitment, considering the tips above can lead to successful adoption and a well-adjusted kitten.

There is a commonly held perception that previously owned vehicles are of lesser quality than new vehicles. However, getting a used car doesn’t mean you have to accept the possibility of acquiring a clunker. With in-depth research and inspection of a used car, you can be the owner of a highly functioning automobile. But you must know what to look for to judge whether a previously owned vehicle is a reliable option.

When arriving at a car dealership or an independent seller’s lot, you’ll find a car salesperson to persuade you to purchase a vehicle. The salesperson’s goal is to turn a customer into a buyer to meet sales quotas. That's why it's essential, as a potential buyer, to know the standard of quality you want your vehicle to meet — you don't want to be talked into the wrong match. Below is a series of signs to look for to ensure your used car will have a long life without frequent breakdowns.

The exterior

It's often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, the physical appearance can indicate the overall functioning of the car. Some of the features you should check on the exterior of the car include the following:

• Headlights: Check the brightness and clearness of the front lights to ensure there's no damage.
• Taillights: Check to make sure that the turning signals are working properly.
• Body: Look for any nicks, dents and cracks on the surface of the car, and check for fading in the paint.
• Bumper (front and back): Check for any signs of past collisions.
• Tires: Check the condition and tread of all tires so you know how much life they have left.
• Windshield wipers: Ensure that the windshield wipers on the front (and rear, if necessary) are functioning properly.

So you’ve joined the dog lovers’ club and are thinking about adopting a puppy. Congratulations! It’s no secret, though, that puppies come with tons of responsibilities, so it’s important to really think about the specifics of raising one. Before welcoming the newest furry addition to your family, bear in mind these tips — and we’ve gathered info about a few products we recommend grabbing before the adoption is finalized.

1. Kong Teething Toys

It’s likely you’ve already heard of these toys. Kong is a dog enrichment brand that’s especially perfect for puppies. The durable rubber helps encourage appropriate chewing behavior and keeps your puppy occupied. There are multiple products from Kong to choose from, but a great starter toy for your new puppy is this natural teething toy that’s perfect for both chewing and playing.

2. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate

It’s best to crate-train your puppy as soon as possible — this can prevent recklessness and separation anxiety in your new fur baby. MidWest dog crates, also known as iCrates, are relatively affordable and are constructed from heavy-gauge powder-coated steel wire. These are some of the hottest products for new dog owners.

3. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags

Earth Rated makes lavender-scented poop bags for when you’re out and about with your new pup. The last thing anyone wants is to step into a pile of dog poop — that’s why it’s best to keep waste bags on you at all times. These bags from Earth Rated make dog walks more odor-, risk- and stress-free. And there’s an environmental perk: The packaging and roll centers are made from recycled materials.

4. Glad for Pets Jumbo-Size Charcoal Puppy Pads

These pads are perfect for potty-training your new pup. Some puppies pee practically anywhere, so it’s crucial for them to learn early about places that are OK for them to do their business. Glad has long been a trusted brand for both humans and pets. With these puppy pads, you can protect your flooring and other furniture from pet stains. And they come in different sizes to suit your needs.

5. Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness

Last but not least: Voyager harnesses. Voyager is well-loved by those with small- and medium-size dogs. When starting with a puppy, Voyager is ideal if you need a harness — the Step-In Air Dog Harness is versatile and flexible enough for your pup to move around when out on walks, and it comes in lots of color options.

Quick tips for taking care of new puppies

Now, some quick pieces of advice for living with a new puppy. Some of this might sound like common sense, but a reminder never hurts:

1. Visit the vet.
   Take precautions: Make sure your puppy gets its vaccinations, and be mindful of boosters once they complete their initial series of shots. And get them fixed! Remember, it’s spaying for females and neutering for males. Just in case, you know, you forgot which one was which.
2. Explore the backyard or city block.
   It’s a big world out there for a puppy. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, so let your puppy out to explore its surroundings (even if that means walking them around your apartment building). This way, they can get to know their environment and learn about their new home. Don’t forget to stimulate your pup with enriching toys once they get to know the area, too.
3. Introduce your family.
   One by one, have your puppy meet each member of the family for more human exposure and social interaction. This can determine how your puppy will react to other people outside your household and can also decrease the chances of separation anxiety for your puppy over time.
4. Create a safe space.
   Always make space in your home before adopting a new animal. Since your puppy will be part of the family, you’ll want to give them a safe and cozy environment — they deserve to feel comfortable in their new home. Pro tip: Use baby-proof gates or barriers, pillows, blankets or a dog bed to create a den-like area for them.

Proper maintenance is key to preserving your vehicle’s value. Oil changes, tire rotations and fluid refills are mandatory if you want to keep your car in good shape, but the cost and hassle of these services lead many people to delay critical car care.

Prepaid car maintenance plans cover the costs of vehicle upkeep, helping you avoid future malfunctions and breakdowns. Keep reading to learn about vehicle maintenance plans, how they work and how to choose one.

How does a car maintenance plan work?

You can generally purchase a maintenance plan from your local car dealership or the automaker itself. If you get a maintenance plan from your local dealership, expect your plan to only pay for service from that particular dealership. However, when you get a plan from the automaker, you can usually take your car to any dealership for that brand.

When you purchase a prepaid car maintenance plan, the cost is usually added onto your monthly loan payment, assuming you have one. The cost of a maintenance plan often depends on its duration, given in terms of time and mileage. For instance, a plan might cover scheduled maintenance costs for up to two years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Prepaid car maintenance plans are often confused with extended car warranties, but there are significant differences. Although both types of coverage are usually limited by time and mileage, they cover different things:

• Prepaid car maintenance plans generally only cover services and parts that are part of your vehicle’s factory maintenance schedule, like oil changes, filter replacements and inspections.
• On the other hand, warranties cover vehicle repairs necessary due to malfunctioning or broken parts, such as engine work or transmission fixes.

What you should know before purchasing a car maintenance plan

Before committing to a maintenance plan, weigh the pros and cons of a maintenance plan and ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have room in your monthly budget?
• Do you like the idea of paying a little every month to make maintenance more convenient or can you handle paying out-of-pocket?
• Do you want a plan through your local dealership or do you need to have service available at multiple locations?
• Do you plan on keeping your car long enough to enjoy your maintenance plan?
• How long do you need your maintenance plan to last?

Once you know what you want, it’s easier to eliminate bad options and find a maintenance plan that’s right for you.

What does a car maintenance plan cover?

Proper maintenance should protect you against many significant car problems, and prepaid maintenance plans help cover the cost of keeping up with your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including:

• Oil changes
• Filter changes
• Tire rotations
• Fluid replacement

Note that this doesn’t cover repairs due to malfunctions (that’s what a warranty is for), accident damage (that’s what car insurance is for) or wear and tear. Components that wear down with regular use include tires, windshield wipers and brake pads, and replacing these components isn’t covered under most prepaid maintenance plans.

Bottom line: Are car maintenance plans worth it?

It’s up to you to weigh the cost of a prepaid maintenance plan versus the convenience it adds. Just keep in mind that the value of maintenance isn’t always immediately apparent. The point of a prepaid plan is that it makes maintenance more accessible and convenient, which, in turn, should lead to extended vehicle life down the road.

Who’s excited to get back out there and play in the sun? With longer days on the horizon, check out our top picks to keep you and your pup comfortable and stylish.

Fun ways to spoil your pup this season

What better way to spoil your pup than with dog-friendly ice cream, gourmet pastries, frozen chew toys and treats?

Ice cream mix for dogs

Frozen chew toy

Freezable pup-sicles

Luxury handmade macarons

COVID-19 brought remote working setups into the spotlight this year, and as the first regular tax season of the pandemic rolls around, you may be wondering if and how working from home might affect your 2020 taxes.

While transitioning to working from home was necessary, it was also pricey for some people. High-speed internet, printers, ergonomic chairs and quality desks were just a few of the items that flew off warehouse shelves last March and well into the summer. Some companies subsidized these costs for employees, but many people took responsibility for their home office expenses in order to create a more productive space at home.

Deducting some of these home office purchases from your taxes sounds great, but your eligibility hinges on your answer to one question: What’s your tax filing status?

Home office deductions for independent contractors and the self-employed

You can claim home office deductions on your 2020 tax returns if you are self-employed or an independent contractor and you meet IRS requirements, such as:

• Using part of your residence regularly and exclusively as a place of business
• Using part of your residence regularly and exclusively to meet with clients or customers

The home office deduction is available for both renters and homeowners, but the part of your residence in question also has to be the principal place of business.

So, while the home office deduction tax can help, the above requirements make it hard to qualify for, especially since the lines between home and work are so blurred for many people these days.

If you have a workshop attached to your home that’s used exclusively for work purposes, though, we definitely recommend visiting the IRS’s website to see if you qualify for home office deduction.

Tax deductions for employees

If you’re an employee, you aren’t eligible for home office deductions. While this may be disappointing, there are other tax deductions you might qualify for. We’ve listed a few deductions worth looking into below:

• Student loan interest deduction: You could receive a credit of up to $2,500 for qualifying interest on student loans.
• American opportunity tax credit: The AOTC could give qualifying students in their first four years of higher education up to $2,500.
• Child and dependent care credit: You may qualify for this deduction if you had to pay for child care in order for you or your spouse to return to work. While some other deductions have specific dollar amounts attached to them, the child and dependent care credit is based on the amount you spent on care.
• Medical expenses deductions: Medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible, including inpatient care costs, alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility costs, costs associated with false teeth or glasses and other medical expenses.
• IRA and 401(k) contribution deductions: If you made contributions to your IRA or 401(k), you might be eligible for a deduction.

Here at ConsumerAffairs, our passion is to provide you with important information so you can be a smarter, savvier and more confident consumer. So it should come as no surprise that we’re all-in when it comes to celebrating the annual World Consumer Rights Day.

In addition to raising consumer awareness and advocacy, the consumer world is focusing on tackling plastic pollution as part of its 2021 goal. Consumers International, a not-for-profit charity and consumer advocacy organization, wants to encourage consumers around the world to make a concerted effort to adopt more sustainable behaviors to help preserve the planet.

"Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet," said Helena Leurent, director general of Consumers International. "Consumer awareness of the plastics crisis is growing around the world. Consumers have a critical role in shaping the marketplace, and we must support them to mobilize businesses and governments to ensure sustainable consumption is accessible to all."

Being more eco-conscious by practicing the 7 R’s

If you want to help reduce the extraordinary amount of plastic pollution the planet is dealing with and be a more eco-conscious consumer, Consumers International says you should focus on practicing these “7 R’s” of waste management:

• Replace: Consider replacing some of the single-use plastic products you use on a day-to-day basis with reusable products that can be cleaned and maintained. For example, you might replace plastic straws with metal or glass straws to help cut down on waste.
• Rethink: Even if you’re buying sustainable products, the packaging they come in could be a major source of plastic pollution. Buying “naked” or unpackaged goods helps eliminate that problem — and you even get to cut out the extra step of opening up boxes or bags.
• Refuse: Saying no to single-use plastic products at restaurants and other retailers is a simple way to cut down on excessive plastic use. It also forces you to think of more sustainable solutions in some cases, like bringing reusable bags to the grocery store.
• Reduce: Cutting all of the plastic out of your life is a tough thing to do, so you can start by reducing your plastic footprint in small ways. Taking the process in steps can help alter your mindset and make adopting bigger changes down the road a little easier.
• Reuse: In cases where you can’t avoid using a single-use plastic item, don’t settle for just throwing it out. If you can save it and repurpose it for something else, then you’re doing your part as a sustainable consumer.
• Recycle: Recycling products is one of the best ways to ensure plastic isn’t needlessly making its way into the ecosystem. You can do your part by making sure you have proper access to waste infrastructure and collection.
• Repair: Plastic pollution isn’t all about bottles and packaging. Often, we think we have to throw products’ hard plastic pieces and broken parts out. But going the extra mile by repairing them can make a world of difference.

Putting in new flooring is a huge home renovation project, but choosing the floors for your home can feel like a whole other battle. Because the popularity of specific styles ebbs and flows, there are a few flooring styles that match this year’s aesthetic more than the rest. If you’re getting ready to renovate and want some on-trend design inspiration, check out our favorite flooring trends for 2021.

Wood alternatives

It’s hard to beat a classic wood floor, but true hardwood isn’t always practical (parents with young kids and dog owners — we see you). If you want the look of hardwood but don’t want to fear spills, scratches and water damage, you’re in luck. Flooring options that only look like hardwood are on point in 2021.

Wood-look vinyl

Vinyl flooring that looks like wood used to be easy to spot, but in the past few years it’s grown more realistic — some manufacturers are offering wood-look vinyl planks with grain and texture. Wood-look vinyl has a leg up on hardwood in performance, too. It’s waterproof, and there are scratch-resistant varieties available that make it a great option for high-traffic areas.

Wood-look tile

Wood-look tile burst onto the scene a few years ago, and we’ve loved it ever since. It’s extremely durable and moisture-resistant, so you can get the look of hardwood in every room of your house, including bathrooms and laundry rooms where water damage would normally be a concern. Typically, wood-look tile is made from porcelain, which is a bit more expensive than ceramic, but the extra investment is worth it if you want a sturdy alternative to hardwood.

Wood-look laminate

Wood-look laminate is similar to wood-look vinyl but at a potentially lower cost. Like wood-look vinyl, there are waterproof versions of laminate, making it a great flooring option if you’re sticking to a budget and want to invest in something durable. Wood-look laminate comes in a variety of styles, so you shouldn’t have to compromise your vision or aesthetic if you choose it.

Patterned flooring

Patterned floors are contemporary, fun and, surprisingly enough, very versatile. From Tuscan-style tiles that warm up a room to black-and-white hexagon tiles that create a clean, sharp aesthetic, 2021’s tile options have so much more to offer than basic 12-by-12 beige squares.

Patterned tile

If the phrase “patterned tile” automatically conjures images of black-and-white Mission-style squares, you’re not wrong — but you’re not completely right, either. Mission-style tile is still very popular, but the tile trend we’re excited about in 2021 doesn’t have as much to do with how the tile looks as the pattern in which it’s laid. So, rather than choosing a tile with a pattern, opt for two colors of tile arranged in a cool pattern or interesting shape and let them do the talking. If you’re daring, bring extra light into your space by combining tiles in Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year — “Ultimate Grey” and “Illuminating” (a bright yellow shade).

Patterned carpet

This year’s flooring trends are averse to one thing: beige. So, if you love the coziness of carpet but don’t want the traditional tan look, check out the soft, light patterns now available on low-pile carpet. If a pattern seems too daunting, you can always opt for a textured carpet that’s more subtle.

Pattern-laid wood

Parquet and herringbone wood floors have exited the '60s and entered the 21st century. Once the staple flooring choice of the midcentury modern movement, parquet flooring involves creating a design or mosaic out of wood pieces. Herringbone floors, also referred to as chevron parquet, involve laying wood planks in a repeating chevron pattern. Both of these pattern-laid flooring options bring a level of depth and interest to a space.

Stone flooring

Stone floors bring an earthy presence to your home. They’re easy to clean and fairly low-maintenance, so they're definitely worth considering for your next project.

Imitation stone

Natural stone flooring is beautiful but pricey, making imitation stone flooring a more practical, affordable option for homeowners who want the look of natural stone flooring without the high price tag. Consider dodging the beige tile squares in favor of a warm rust color in a funky shape.

Natural stone

While imitation stone and tile have a uniform appearance, each piece of natural stone is unique. This material is available in a range of colors and textures to suit your home.

Concrete

Cement isn’t relegated to the garage anymore. It’s a minimalist’s dream flooring because it’s easy to maintain and extremely affordable to install. If laying a slab of concrete isn’t feasible but you love the look, don’t worry! Some manufacturers make tiles to mimic the look of concrete.

Popular flooring features in 2021

Your floor's features and characteristics are just as important as its overall appearance. Some popular flooring features worth noting in 2021 include:

Waterproofing

Possibly the most useful feature to watch for when choosing a flooring type is whether or not it’s waterproof. Waterproofing improves both your flooring’s longevity and its appearance over time.

Scratch resistance

Scratches can seem inevitable, but they’re less likely if you install scratch-resistant flooring. Harder floor types, like tile, are less likely to scratch in the first place, and there are multiple styles of scratch-resistant vinyl flooring as well.

Eco-friendliness

As millennial homeownership numbers rise, so does interest in environmentally friendly flooring. There are some sustainable flooring options, like cork and wool carpet, but many flooring materials are less eco-friendly. If environmental impact is important to you, keep an eye out for green practices and materials when you’re comparing flooring options.

It’s estimated that 80% of moves each year occur between April and September. So, with moving season nearly here, we decided to put together a quick list of our favorite moving hacks to make your next move easier than ever. Whether you’re handling your move DIY-style or hiring professional movers, these tips are designed to keep your move organized, cut down costs and make moving day as stress-free as possible.

With so much of the country getting hit with late-season winter weather, it’s hard to believe spring is just around the corner. Spring brings (hopefully) warmer temperatures, and with those temperatures comes the need to prepare your home for increased air conditioning use, spring showers and warm-weather pests. Use our maintenance checklist below to kick off your spring house prep.

Pet lovers across the world know you don’t need any special reason to spoil your beloved companion, but Love Your Pet Day certainly does present a great excuse to splurge a little on our furry friends.

For the dog in your life

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, and with their unconditional love, stalwart protection and affable nature, there’s no doubt they make the world a better place. What better way to return all the love they’ve given you than by spoiling them with a few new toys and treats? Here are some gift ideas for the dog in your life.

Add to their toy collection

Consider upgrading their tennis balls to a tougher alternative, grabbing a classic treat-hiding toy to bust their boredom or, for the hyperactive dog, finally splurging on that automatic tennis ball launcher.

Splurge on some bestselling treats

From peanut butter treats to bully stick chews, we found some of the bestselling dog treats on Chewy. Don’t forget to throw in some Greenies dental treats for good measure.

Help them sleep in style with a bed upgrade

From steel-framed, cooling riser beds to calming, fluffy donut beds, you can’t go wrong with any of these top picks.

Or just make it easier for them to hop into your bed or on the couch with some pet stairs

Pet owners may be split on the issue of allowing dogs on the furniture, but if you’re in favor of co-sleeping, these lightweight foam stairs make it easy for small and older pets to get up and down from tall furniture without getting hurt.

Take them with you with an upgraded pet carrier

For most dogs, nothing makes them happier than simply being with their human. Make travel easier than ever with a car seat, an airline-approved pet carrier or even a rolling carrier.

For the cat in your life

Cats have a reputation for being smart, independent and aloof — and cat lovers wouldn’t have it any other way. Cats can also be incredibly loving, communicative and playful. We’ve picked out some bestselling treats, toys and accessories sure to please even the pickiest of cats.

Upgrade their scratching post

We love this fun take on the classic scratching post. Its unique design lets you add to kitty’s playtime while also offering a stylish pop to your decor.

Move them on up to a high-rise cat condo

Ditch the worn-out cat tree in favor of this upgraded cat condo complete with dangling toys, scratch posts, ramps, perches and two private kitty apartments for naptime.

Give them a warm place to sleep — or survey their territory

No matter your cat’s sleeping style, we’ve got you covered with everything from elevated beds to sleep sacks to window mounts.

Give them some privacy with a full-fledged washroom

If an exposed litter box isn’t quite your style, this seriously elevated bench-style “washroom” may be just what the interior designer ordered.

Keep them entertained with some new interactive toys

We found a few of the bestselling cat toys on Chewy. From bouncy springs to batting butterflies to a classic catnip combo, there’s something here any cat should be sure to love.

Treats for the pet owner

This list wouldn’t be complete without a few items for you. Being a pet parent is rewarding, but it can also be hard work — treat yourself to a few pet-centric gifts.

Grab a nice-looking throw to protect your couch

The best part about this throw? It’s waterproof. Your couch will be protected from muddy paws and any accidents with this cozy blanket.

Keep your home tidy with a pet hair vacuum

These top sellers on Amazon are designed with pet hair in mind. Whether a handheld will do or an upright is what you need, these top picks will have your carpet and upholstery spotless in no time.

Get to know your favorite mutt with a DNA test

If you have a mixed-breed pet on your hands, you may find yourself curious about where their features and personality traits come from. The Wisdom Panel dog DNA test is the top-rated DNA kit on Chewy and can give you insight into your dog’s breed heritage (all the way back to their great-great-grandparents).

Stay in touch no matter where you are with a pet camera

The Furbo camera is a pet lover’s dream come true. Keep a watchful eye on your pet all day long and see what they really get up to when you’re gone. The Furbo is also interactive and lets you talk to your pet and throw treats.

Go all in with a personalized blanket

Embrace the crazy cat or dog person role and go all in on a personalized blanket featuring a larger-than-life photo of your favorite furry friend.

Another great way to protect your pet is with pet insurance. If your pet isn’t covered yet, take a simple quiz to get matched with a provider.

Better sleep means better waking hours and general health. If you’ve made it a goal to improve your sleep this year, a new mattress might be a good start. Here we have several deals from Saatva, Puffy, Cocoon by Sealy, Serta and Dreamcloud this Presidents’ Day — now’s a good opportunity to upgrade your mattress for years of better sleep.

Saatva

Saatva offers multiple mattresses types, including hybrid innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses and organic latex mattresses. The company offers a 180-day trial and free white-glove delivery, and most mattresses have multiple firmness level choices.

Puffy

Puffy sells three different memory foam mattress models: the Puffy Mattress, the Puffy Lux and the Puffy Royal. All Puffy mattress models are medium-firm and come with a 101-night trial and free shipping and returns.

Cocoon by Sealy

The Cocoon by Sealy Chill memory foam mattress is designed to help keep you cool while you sleep. The medium-firm mattress is designed to be supportive but not too firm and suits most sleep styles. The company provides free shipping and returns, a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty.

Serta

Serta makes innerspring, memory foam and hybrid mattresses, all of which come with a 120-day trial period and 10-year warranty. The company offers plush, medium, firm and extra-firm models and has various upgrade options, including Max Cold Cover and Air Support Foam.

Dreamcloud

Dreamcloud offers luxury mattresses featuring hybrid construction with eight layers of memory foam. These layers are made with a cooling gel to keep you from getting too hot in the middle of the night. Dreamcloud mattresses also come with a lifetime warranty.

The right mattress can help you get better rest, be more alert during the day and improve your overall quality of life. For more information, check out our guide on how to find the best mattress.

The following companies participate in our Authorized Partner Program: The Bouqs Company and LoveandMatchmaking.com

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you already have a sweetie you want to spoil or you’re looking for the one, we’ve got deals for you. Surprise your partner with a beautiful bouquet or find your soulmate with a little help from matchmaking professionals.

Flower delivery

Flowers are a classic Valentine’s Day gift — the right arrangement shows your love and appreciation while adding helping your sweetheart make their space more special. From You Flowers, The Bouqs and 1-800-Flowers all have deals and discounts on bouquets sure to put a smile on your Valentine’s face.

From You Flowers

The Bouqs

1-800-Flowers

Matchmaking services

Single and looking for a partner? Dating can be a drag, so don’t be afraid to ask for help — a matchmaking service might be the way to go, no matter your age or preferences. These companies are focused on finding the right one for you through personalized dating coaching and professional pairing services.

LoveandMatchmaking

SilverSingles

The following companies participate in our Authorized Partner Program: Orgain

Maybe you’re looking to shed some pounds, or maybe you just want to feel better about your diet this year. Either way, check out the six diet-plan deals below for an added incentive to change up your nutritional habits.

Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem delivers nutritious meals and diet plans directly to you. It focuses on portion control and offers four different diet plans with vegetarian and diabetic-friendly options. Deliveries come every four to 10 days.

Noom

Noom is an app designed by dietitians and nutritionists to help individuals with weight loss. The app provides personalized health coaching and support from community members. Its diet plans don’t require giving up any particular foods and instead focus on your particular nutrition goals.

bistroMD

bistroMD provides meal plans developed by dietitians. It has programs for men and women, including plans designed for heart health, gluten-free diets and those with diabetes. Its plans are flexible, and it provides a wide variety of meal options.

Aaptiv

Aaptiv provides voice-guided workouts for weight loss, strength training and relaxation. Workouts are available for beginner, intermediate or advanced users. Some of the company’s workouts include “Intro to Weight Loss” and “Walk to Run 1 Mile.”

Orgain

Orgain sells a variety of protein powders, shakes and bars designed to replace meals, lose weight and gain muscle. The products are developed by doctors, and the company has plant-based and dairy-based products.

Medifast

Medifast has three different plans designed to help you lose weight at a steady, reasonable place. The company’s plans provide multiple benefits, including a free meal planner, access to a support coach and an online weight tracker.