There are very few good reasons to rent a storage unit, especially long-term. The monthly cost of $50 to $200 per month ($600 to $2,400 per year!) could remain in your bank account and be used for home repairs, retirement or investing. If you’re paying to store old furniture or things you might use “someday”, ditch it now and save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Have a yard sale, sell it on Craigslist or give it away, your bank account will thank you.
Expensive cleaning products
It’s not necessary to buy name-brand cleaning products when you can easily replace most of them with a bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda. These two products can be used alone, together and mixed with water to clean glass, toilets, tubs, tiles, ovens and drains. Add a little dish soap for degreasing or lemon juice for additional cleaning power. If making your own products isn’t appealing, shop around for the lowest prices on comparable cleaners.
Brand-name single-use items
Single-use items offer convenience, but don’t pay top dollar for a product you’ll literally use once and throw away. Try to find the sweet spot between affordability and function. Don’t buy the cheapest paper towels that tear easily and aren’t as absorbent. Instead, opt for mid-priced paper towels that perform better. “Paper products don’t have to be bought at a premium,” Donikian says. “Store brands are just as good.” The same goes for other single-use items like disinfecting wipes, garbage bags, paper plates and toilet paper.
Too much insurance
One of the fastest-rising costs of homeownership is insurance, but there are ways to lower it. Croak suggests looking at your dwelling coverage for cost savings. “The problem is most home owners insure their house for market-value which includes land. If your land is worth $90,000 of that $400,000 home, then you’re paying monthly premiums to insure land. Lowering that amount as close to rebuilding cost as you comfortably can will reduce your annual premium by $200 to $500,” he says. Raise your deductible to $1,500 for additional savings.
Brand new “cheap” furniture
Furniture should be made to last, if not generations, at least one generation. Avoid the temptation to buy inexpensive boxed furniture, as it will cost you in the long run when it needs to be replaced every few years. Instead, consider furnishing your home with solid wood or at least high-quality store bought furniture. Look on-line for gently used furniture, check thrift stores or frequent estate sales for some real cost savings, and the opportunity to find unique pieces.
Home and holiday decor
“The easiest place to cut expenses from is home decor, gifts and holiday decor,” Schneider says. “These are nice-to-haves, not necessities.” Resist the belief that you need tons of home decor that rotates each season. If you love holiday decor, minimal decorations can be just as nice or try working within a strict budget. Again, second hand is a great way to purchase home decor and holiday decorations. Both are often lightly used and can be picked up for much less than retail.
Expensive organizing systems
Buying more bins, shelves and containers to organize all your stuff may be missing the point. Instead, do a deep decluttering of your things (try one room or closet at a time), to donate, up cycle and throw out, anything you truly don’t need. You not only free yourself from the overwhelm of too much stuff, but save yourself the time and money of storing things you rarely, if ever, use in expensive storage systems.
Home warranties
The idea of home warranties is very alluring: when major home systems or appliances fail, the home warranty company will take care of the cost. While a nice idea, the reality is much different. “Many consumers believe that they are protected by warranties,” Donikian says. “However, there are a ton of exclusions and limitations that reduce the warranty’s benefit.” Instead, establish an emergency repair fund.
Professional repair and maintenance services
The cost of hiring professionals to complete home repairs and maintenance tasks is also on the rise. Try tackling small projects yourself for real cost savings. Start with low stakes projects like drywall repairs, painting and lawn care to build your confidence and tool collection over time. “You would be surprised at what you can do by yourself after watching a few YouTube how-to videos,” Donikian says.
Smart home service
Once you buy and install smart home devices, often the cost doesn’t end there. Many device manufacturers offer subscription services for cloud storage, video retention or maintenance. It’s these small, hidden fees that can add up over time. “Before you know it, you’re paying four or five different fees just to utilize devices that you already purchased once,” Croak says, which can add up to hundreds of dollars each year. “Purchase equipment that has local storage capability instead, then decline every subscription service offered for hardware you’re already paying upfront for,” he adds.
About the Experts
Eric Croak is a wealth management and investment fiduciary advisor and President of Croak Capital.
AJ Schneider is a financial coach and founder of Beyond the Green Coaching, a values-driven financial education company.
John Donikian is a home financing loan officer and vice president of Best Interest Financial in Detroit, Michigan.
Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.
Lindsay and her husband had been living on a half-acre property in the Colorado countryside, complete with fruit trees, wide-open spaces and snowcapped mountain views. For a few years, it was idyllic — but then the scratching started.
Every night around 3 a.m., they were jostled awake by the sound of abrasive rodent noises in the wall. At first, they tried to ignore them, but after a while, the lack of sleep became unbearable. “Whoever he was, he wasn’t being a very good roommate,” says Lindsay. “We had to kick him out.”
What She Tried
Lindsay had previously called a pest control expert to get rid of some mice. After watching him successfully use wooden snap traps baited with peanut butter, she figured she could DIY that technique for this case.
“I don’t love the idea of like killing anything, but I also realized there was no way to cohabitate with it,” she says.
So, Lindsay put traps in the crawlspace. After a week, she had sacrificed a lot of peanut butter, but had yet to catch anything. “This rodent was smarter than the average mouse,” she says. “He would trip the traps without getting caught.”
That got her wondering, maybe the problem was that the rodent was bigger than a mouse. To test her theory, she upgraded to a bigger trap — and at 2 a.m. that night, they heard a snap. When they opened the crawlspace, sure enough, there was their rat.
“It was a big boy, and TMI, that was a messy cleanup,” she says. “But I was able to sleep through the night again.”
Since then, Lindsay’s home has remained rat-free. But did she fix the problem the right way?
A Pro Weighs In
We spoke to some experts to learn whether Lindsay handled the situation correctly, plus how to prevent rats from getting into a home in the first place. Here’s what they said.
Rodents like our homes for the same reasons that we do, says rat control expert Blair Calder. “They are warm, dry, safe spaces that have food and no predators,” he says.
It’s also easy for them to enter through small openings, like unsealed holes around drainpipes and cracks in the foundation. Once inside, they’re not only annoying to listen to, but they also pose dangers to both structures and health. Their natural need to gnaw prompts them to chew on everything from wood and drywall to vapor barriers and wiring — and that can lead to electrical fires, flooding and mold. Rodents can also carry various diseases, and their feces can trigger allergies.
“Even if you never see that rat, the problem is still big and requires immediate reaction,” says pest control expert Nicole Carpenter. “One rat eventually turns into multiple rats if you don’t find where they get in and seal it.”
Did the Homeowners Get it Right?
Mostly. Lindsay’s biggest mistake, which she eventually remedied, was using too small of a trap. Rats are adept at removing bait from mouse-sized traps without triggering them. But also, if they fail, they can get injured without being killed, which creates unnecessary suffering. Because of that, when unsure of the animal’s size, bigger is better. Start with a larger trap, says Carpenter.
Lindsay was also correct that peanut butter works well for bait. But often, for smart, curious rats, a small piece of nesting material or even a bit of bacon can be even more effective, says pest control expert Kyle Turner.
What’s the Most Humane Option?
Catch-and-release traps, aka live traps, work well for catching rodents of all sizes. The trick is releasing them a couple of miles away, otherwise they’ll likely just make their way back.
However, depending on the species, live traps may not be the most ecological solution. That’s because most of the rats found in our homes are Norway or black rats, which are invasive and harm ecosystems. On the flip side, if your unwanted resident is a woodrat (aka a packrat), catch-and-release is the absolute best solution. Woodrats are native and function as ecosystem engineers, benefiting an array of other wildlife.
As for snap traps, our experts consider them a humane solution as well. “I know it looks brutal, but the snap traps are intended for a quick, painless dispatch,” says pest control expert Matt Smith. “So, I would suggest either the live trap or the snap, just depending on what you would like the outcome to be.”
Beyond those two methods, the experts agreed that glue boards and poisons are a no-go. “Glue traps are so cruel that in many countries they are illegal,” says Calder.
Poison is also widely considered inhumane, with the added danger of harming children, pets, wildlife, livestock and ecosystems. “We are only beginning to understand the widespread damage that rodenticides pose,” says Calder. “But because they have been used for so many years, we stopped realizing how crazy it is that we use them.”
How The Pros Would Handle It
The first step pros would take is to inspect for and seal any potential entry points into the home — a process known as exclusion. “That is the actual fix,” says Turner. “Trapping without closing the entry just means you’re catching one at a time, indefinitely.”
Another step the pros would have done differently from Lindsay is to set multiple traps to hasten the capture process.
The Panic Meter
We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.
Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance.
Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.
When addressed early, rodent problems usually fall in the “Do It Yourself” area. “With a few high-quality traps of the right size, and sealing entry points, you can absolutely handle the situation yourself,” says Carpenter.
But it may be time to call a pro if you can’t access the area where they’re traveling, can’t find where they’re getting in, or aren’t comfortable handling it on your own. “The line is different for everyone,” says Smith. “Some people will almost move at the thought of rodents being in their walls, while others will try and try again to get them out.”
The Cost Differential
If you take action right away, before more rats get into your walls, a DIY fix will likely run between $20 and $100 for traps and sealing materials. Conversely, if your style is to hire a pro, that will typically cost around $300.
But if you ignore it, those costs can quickly escalate, and in extreme cases, even lead to a house fire. “You might end up paying hundreds or thousands for rewiring, insulation replacement, odor removal and cleanup, and hundreds more for drywall repair and sealing entry points,” says Carpenter.
The Right Way to Fix Rodent Problems
If you noice any rodent activity, such as feces, chew marks on items or scraping sounds in the walls, time is of the essence to remedy it. Even though it ultimately took Lindsay a week to solve the problem, her quick and persistent action helped keep damage to a minimum.
Find and Seal Entry Points
Before you set traps, inspect your home for entry points. Those can include cracks in foundations, gaps in rooflines, spaces under doors, crawl space vents and holes around utility pipes. A mouse only needs an opening the size of a dime, and a large rat can sneak through a half-inch gap. But sealing even smaller holes helps keep insects and spiders out, too.
The pro who originally helped Lindsay with her mouse problem had actually mentioned the need for these exclusion practices. But he also confessed that since Lindsay’s house was built in the 1950s, trying to seal up every potential entry point would likely drive her crazy. Still, after catching the rat, she sealed up a particularly noticeable hole, which may be why she never got another rat.
To seal openings, always use steel wool or metal mesh (hardware cloth), along with exterior-grade caulk or sealing foam. “You can’t use only caulk or foam because mice and rats can chew through anything besides metal,” says Carpenter.
Choose the Right Trap
Basic snap traps are inexpensive and, when sized correctly, effectively kill rodents. On the downside, they leave open the potential for a gross clean-up mess, as Lindsay found out. If you go this route, Turner recommends rat-specific traps made by Victor, which are widely available. Just be careful not to put them in places where pets, kids and wildlife can happen upon them.
Enclosed traps are slightly more expensive, but offer several benefits. “A properly sized enclosed trap is more likely to kill quickly without causing suffering,” says Carpenter. “It’s also a good choice for people who don’t want to see the animal, or who have pets who might touch the trap.”
Some enclosed traps use the standard snap bar. Others are zap traps, which kill by electricity. The Automatic Trap Company also offers enclosed traps with a highly reliable air-powered striking mechanism.
Place Traps Wisely
Use multiple traps and place them where you see droppings or along travel paths, such as walls. “One trap is rarely enough, even if it’s just one rat you want to get rid of,” says Carpenter. “Multiple traps ensure quick results.”
How to Prevent Rodents From Getting in Your Home
The first step to keeping rodents at bay is understanding why and how they get into your home. “Rats and mice have been with humans for so long that we forget what they really are: sensitive mammals that are literally just trying to survive, and we create an environment that’s conducive to them,” says Calder
So, on top of sealing potential entry points, it’s important to minimize what they find desirable in our homes — namely access to food, water and shelter. That means storing pet food in sealed containers, keeping floors and counters free from crumbs and open food, putting tight-fitting lids on garbage cans and decluttering.
“The more stuff you have around, the more stuff they can hide under,” says Smith. “They hate being out in the open, where they are vulnerable.”
What the Homeowner Learned
While Lindsay learned that she was capable of DIYing a successful fix, looking back, she also feels that she could have acted more efficiently.
“I guess the biggest lesson is, don’t keep trying something that’s not working,” she says. “When the one thing that we knew how to do wasn’t working, we could have saved ourselves some sleep if we had either done research sooner to find a better solution, or called in an expert.”
But, says Smith, “Ultimately, she did take care of the problem. One thing didn’t work, so she tried another. She kept after it.”
Do you have a Domestic Disaster experience you’d like featured on Family Handyman? Email us your experience at fhmfranchises@tmbi.com.
About the Experts
Matt Smith has 15 years of experience in the pest control industry and co-founded Green Pest Management in 2014, which serves Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Tennessee.
Blair Calder is a nationally recognized rat control expert with more than 15 years of professional experience and is the president of Automatic Trap Company in Sonoma, California.
Nicole Carpenter has decades of hands-on experience in pest control and is president at Black Pest Prevention, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kyle Turner is the founder, president and CEO of Pro Active Pest Control, serving Sacramento and the Bay Area.
I’ve tested plenty of furniture over the years, but the Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed immediately stood out because it doesn’t behave like a typical recliner—or a typical sleeper sofa, for that matter.
At first glance, it looks like a clean, modern sectional with soft chenille fabric and oversized seating. But with the press of a button, the seats smoothly glide outward, transforming it into an ultra-deep lounging setup that feels more like a home theater pit than a traditional recliner. Fully extended, it also becomes one of the most comfortable sofa beds I’ve ever slept on.
I tested the 116-inch three-seater version in dark olive green chenille fabric for a full month in my Florida home. During the day, it served as the main seating area in my open-plan living room. At night, it transformed into our go-to movie couch, nap zone and guest bed. My husband and I lounged on it every evening, overnight guests slept on it multiple weekends and even our Australian shepherd put the fabric durability to the test with constant pawing and shedding.
After a month of daily use, I’m super impressed. Not just by how comfortable Povison furniture is, but by how versatile this sofa feels. I wasn’t sold on it on the first day it arrived, but it definitely grew on me and now it’s the sofa I’m sticking with for the foreseeable future.
PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
I Tried It
Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed
This chenille sofa bed offers stylish comfort for lounging, movies and overnight guests.
What is the Povison sofa bed?
The Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed is a modern reclining sectional designed for people who want the comfort of a recliner without the bulky look traditional reclining couches usually have. Instead of tilting backward with a pop-out footrest, the Aurora smoothly extends the seats outward with a nearly silent motorized system, creating an ultra-deep lounging setup that feels more like a home theater couch or oversized daybed.
The three-seater version I tested measures 116 inches wide, with each seat offering a roomy 33-inch width. In its normal upright position, it feels like a stylish modern sectional with supportive yet comfortable seating. But once fully extended, the seat depth expands from 27 inches to 45.5 inches, transforming the sofa into a massive lounging and sleeping space. Depending on which seats you recline, you can create different layouts, including an L-shape setup, a U-shaped conversation pit feel or a fully extended guest bed.
When I first saw the Aurora in person, the biggest surprise was how soft and inviting the chenille fabric felt. I tested the dark olive green version, and the fabric landed somewhere between velvety and woven with a soft, cozy feel that never got hot during testing. The uninterrupted cushion layout also makes this one of the most comfortable sleeper sofas I’ve used. Unlike many sofa beds with awkward bars or thin mattresses, the Aurora creates one large continuous sleeping surface that genuinely feels bed-like for overnight guests.
Features
Motorized extending-seat recliner system: Instead of reclining backward like a traditional recliner, the seats smoothly glide outward to create an ultra-deep lounging setup.
Sleeper-sofa functionality: Fully extended, the uninterrupted cushion layout creates a bed-like sleeping surface that’s actually comfortable for overnight guests.
Soft chenille upholstery: The chenille fabric feels plush and cozy with a slight woven texture that resists heat buildup and limits pet hair and lint accumulation.
Multiple lounging configurations: Recline one seat for an L-shaped setup, leave the center upright for a U-shaped feel or fully extend the entire sofa into a giant lounge space.
Nearly silent operation: The reclining motors operate smoothly and quietly, even while people are still sitting on the sofa.
Supportive high-resilience foam cushions: The cushions soften slightly over time while maintaining a comfortable balance between plushness and support.
Pet-friendly durability: During testing, the chenille fabric resisted scratches, trapped very little dog hair and cleaned up easily after daily use.
How I Tested It
I tested the Povison sofa for one month in my Florida home as the main seating area in my open-plan living and dining space. During the day, it functioned as our everyday living room sofa. At night, it transformed into our go-to movie couch, lounging spot and occasional guest bed. My husband and I used it every single evening, and we also hosted overnight guests on it nearly every weekend during testing.
I tested the 116-inch three-seater version in the dark olive green chenille fabric configuration, which retails for around $3,099. Throughout testing, I evaluated comfort, reclining performance, sleeping quality, fabric durability, ease of cleaning, pet friendliness and overall build quality. Since this sofa is marketed as both a recliner and sleeper sofa, I wanted to see how well it actually handled both jobs in real-world daily use.
Setup and Delivery
Povison offers white-glove delivery (additional $119 cost for the 3-seater I received) with the Aurora-Power Sofa Bed, which made the entire process impressively smooth. The delivery team carried the sofa into my home, assembled everything in about 20 minutes and removed every piece of packaging before leaving. There were no damaged parts, missing hardware or frustrating setup moments.
The actual assembly itself is very simple. Most of the sofa sections simply hook together, so even though I appreciated the white-glove service, I could have realistically assembled this sofa myself without much trouble. Standard front-door delivery is a reasonable option for most buyers, though you’ll need to plan for packaging disposal.
The reclining system plugs into a single wall outlet, even for the full three-seater configuration. Since one side of my sofa sat close to the wall outlet, hiding the cable underneath the sofa was easy and never looked messy.
First Impressions
The first thing that stood out to me was how soft the chenille fabric felt in person. It lands somewhere between velvety and woven, with a soft texture that feels cozy without becoming overly plush or fuzzy. The dark olive green color also looked great in my living room and paired nicely with neutral decor and wood tones.
The second thing that immediately impressed me was the reclining system itself. Instead of reclining backward like a traditional recliner, the seats smoothly glide outward to create an ultra-deep lounging setup. The movement is nearly silent, surprisingly smooth and sturdy enough to operate while multiple people are still sitting on the sofa.
At first, the cushions felt slightly firmer than I expected, but after about a week of use, the foam softened into a really comfortable balance between plush and supportive. It never developed that overly sinky “cloud couch” feeling where you struggle to get back up.
Movie Nights and Everyday Use
This quickly became my family’s favorite spot to relax at the end of the day. During the day, I usually kept the sofa fully tucked in because it gave the room a cleaner, more formal look for everyday seating. But every evening, I’d fully extend the seats for movie nights or TV watching.
One of my favorite things about the Aurora is how adaptable the seating layouts become. Fully extended, the entire sofa turns into a giant lounging platform that feels perfect for stretching out with blankets and pillows.
Unlike many recliners, you don’t need to retract the sofa every time you want to stand up. Since the back cushions stay upright, it’s still easy to get in and out while reclined. That meant I usually only used the remote twice per day: once to extend the sofa in the evening and once to close it back up the next morning.
Sleeping and Guest Testing
Most sleeper sofas are tolerable at best. The thin fold-out mattresses typical of most sleeper sofas have never really impressed me, so I was really surprised at how this Povison sofa performed as a bed.
I slept on the sofa overnight multiple times during testing, and we also hosted overnight guests nearly every weekend. Everyone who used it commented on how comfortable it was.
The biggest reason is the uninterrupted sleeping surface. Once fully extended, the sofa creates one large continuous mattress-like surface without noticeable gaps, bars or uncomfortable transitions between sections. Even though the sofa is technically made up of multiple cushions, the seams are tight enough that you barely notice them, especially with a fitted sheet on top.
I had one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time on this sofa (a 92 sleep score, according to my Oura Ring!), which is not something I expected to say about a sleeper sectional.
Cleaning and Care
This sofa handled daily use surprisingly well throughout testing. My Australian shepherd regularly paws at the cushions for attention, and I fully expected to see some signs of scratching or wear after a month. So far, there are none. Spills also bead on the sofa surface, making cleanup quick and easy if you have an accident with a drink.
Dog hair, crumbs and lint also brushed off the chenille fabric incredibly easily. The fabric doesn’t seem to trap debris the way many woven sofas do, which makes cleanup quick and painless. Even after a month of heavy nightly use, the cushions still held their shape very well with no sagging or wrinkling.
The only pieces that get a bit out of shape are the included lumbar pillows, but a quick fluffing or reshaping fixes them immediately.
Pros
Innovative reclining design feels modern and unique
Extremely comfortable for movie nights and overnight guests
Creates multiple lounging configurations depending on which seats recline
Sleeper surface genuinely feels bed-like
Nearly silent reclining motors
Soft chenille fabric feels cozy
Pet hair and crumbs clean off easily
White-glove delivery available (additional fee)
Strong balance between comfort and support
Cons
Reclining controls rely entirely on the remote
Design is fairly minimal and may feel too plain for some shoppers
Product Comparison
Povison vs. Lovesac
I actually own both the Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed and a Lovesac Sactional, so this comparison ended up being surprisingly easy for me to make. Last year, I bought a six-seat Lovesac setup for my upstairs loft and media space, while the Povison became the main sofa in my downstairs living room.
The biggest advantage Lovesac has over the Povison is customization. Lovesac gives you an enormous number of fabric choices, seating layouts, arm styles and accessories, and the modular system is designed to evolve with your home over time. You can continue adding seats, rearranging configurations and swapping covers years later. My six-seat Lovesac setup cost roughly $10,000, though it’s worth noting that it’s significantly larger than the three-seat Povison I tested, so the price gap is not quite as dramatic as it first sounds.
That said, the Povison feels far more approachable and immediately satisfying out of the box. My Lovesac arrived in a mountain of boxes and took hours to assemble, while the Povison was fully set up in under 20 minutes with white-glove delivery. The Povison also feels more purpose-built for lounging and sleeping. The motorized extending-seat design creates a deeper, more bed-like lounging setup than the Lovesac without requiring constant cushion fluffing or rearranging.
I still think Lovesac is the better option if you prioritize long-term modular flexibility and endless customization. But if you just want an extremely comfortable modern recliner and sleeper sofa without spending five figures, I think the Povison offers excellent value for the price.
Povison vs. Silk & Snow
The Silk & Snow Aire Sectional is one of the best value modular sofas we’ve tested, especially for shoppers who want a cloud-couch-inspired look at a reasonable price. Its stain-resistant fabric, modular design and easy assembly make it a great family-friendly option, particularly for busy households.
Compared to the Silk & Snow, the Povison feels more specialized. The Aurora isn’t trying to be a modular “design your own sectional” type of sofa. Instead, it focuses heavily on lounging, reclining and sleeping comfort. The reclining seat-extension system creates a much deeper and more adaptable lounging experience than the Silk & Snow, especially for movie nights and overnight guests.
That said, the Silk & Snow probably wins on overall practicality and value. Its modular sections are easier to rearrange or replace over time, and the stain-resistant fabric is excellent for families with kids. But for shoppers prioritizing a modern recliner feel and sleeper-sofa versatility, the Povison stands out as the more unique option.
Povison vs. Albany Park
The Albany Park Kova Pit sectional and the Povison Aurora actually share a similar goal: to create a cozy, oversized lounging experience that feels perfect for movie nights and sleepovers.
The Albany Park leans heavily into that cloud-couch aesthetic with ultra-plush cushions and flexible modular layouts. It creates an almost bed-like lounging pit that’s incredibly inviting, especially for smaller apartments or cozy living rooms. However, it still requires a fair amount of setup and regular cushion fluffing to keep it looking its best.
The Povison feels more structured and modern overall. Its cushions provide more support, and the reclining functionality gives it a versatility that the Albany Park can’t quite match. Instead of relying purely on oversized cushions for comfort, the Aurora physically transforms into a deeper lounging and sleeping surface with the touch of a button.
If you love ultra-soft cloud couches and highly modular layouts, Albany Park is still one of the coziest sectionals we’ve tested. But if you want something that blends modern recliner functionality with sleeper-sofa practicality, the Povison feels more versatile for everyday living.
Final Verdict
After over a month of daily use, the Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed impressed me more than expected. It manages to combine the comfort of a recliner, the practicality of a sleeper sofa and the clean look of a modern sectional without feeling overly bulky or gimmicky. That’s not an easy balance to pull off.
What makes this sofa stand out most is how adaptable it feels in everyday life. During the day, it works perfectly as a stylish, supportive living room sofa. At night, it transforms into an ultra-deep lounge setup ideal for movie marathons, naps and overnight guests. Too often, sleeper sofas feel uncomfortable to sit on or awkward to sleep on. The Aurora avoids both problems surprisingly well.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The design is intentionally minimal, so shoppers looking for a dramatic statement piece may want something with more personality. The reclining controls also rely entirely on the included remote, which feels slightly inconvenient at first. But because the sofa remains easy to get in and out of while reclined, I found myself using the remote far less than I expected.
Overall, I think the Aurora hits a sweet spot in the market. It feels noticeably more premium than many budget-friendly modular sofas, while still being more attainable than ultra-luxury sectionals that can easily creep into five-figure territory. If your priorities are comfort, movie nights, guest sleeping space and modern reclining functionality, this is an easy sofa to recommend.
Where to Buy
PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
I Tried It
Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed
A plush chenille sofa bed built for everyday comfort and overnight guests.
Povison does sell a few of its furniture pieces on Amazon and Wayfair, but this specific Aurora sofa is currently exclusive to their website. Pricing starts at around $2,600 for a 2-seater, $3,099 for the 3-seater we tested, and up to $4,400 for the massive 4-seater version. Doorstep delivery is free, and their white-glove service adds around $119 to the final price.
FAQ
Is Povison legit?
Yes, Povison is a legitimate furniture retailer specializing in modern sofas and home furniture. My own ordering, delivery and setup experience went smoothly, and the Aurora-Power Sofa Bed arrived exactly as advertised with no damage or missing parts.
Is Povison furniture good quality?
Based on my experience testing the Aurora-Power Sofa Bed for a month, Povison furniture feels very solid for the price. The chenille fabric held up well against daily use, pet hair and scratching, while the reclining system remained smooth, quiet and sturdy throughout testing. It doesn’t feel ultra-luxury, but it absolutely feels like a well-built mid-range sofa that balances comfort, functionality and modern design well.
Why You Should Trust Us
Paul Rankin is a product tester and editor who has reviewed furniture, home products and large household appliances for publications including Family Handyman, Bob Vila, Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home.
He tested the Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed in his own Florida home for a full month as the primary seating area in his living room. The sofa was used daily for movie nights, lounging, overnight guests and everyday relaxation, while also being tested around pets, including Zelda, his Australian shepherd.
Beyond furniture, Paul regularly tests home, DIY and outdoor products ranging from robot pool cleaners and lawn equipment to kitchen appliances and smart home devices, with a focus on long-term real-world usability, durability and value.
Many new homeowners end up feeling blindsided by the true cost of owning a home — and the first six months can be the most stressful financially. Not only are savings depleted from the down payment, but a host of unexpected expenses often pop up, from repairs to rising escrow costs and insurance gaps.
“I also think many buyers underestimate how emotionally exhausting homeownership can be,” says real estate expert Ben Mizes. “Renters are accustomed to paying the same amount each month. In contrast, homeowners are responsible for all of the issues, and there’s no landlord to contact.”
We asked the experts for their advice about the financial pitfalls of buying a new home and how to plan for them. Here’s what they said.
Ever-Increasing Escrow
If your property taxes and insurance are wrapped into your monthly mortgage payment, the amount of that payment will rise over time as those costs increase. Also, every year when your lender recalculates the escrow payment, your monthly bill could increase even more, to make up for shortages in the funds they collected — sometimes to the tune of $200 to $400, says mortgage expert Cody Schuiteboer.
“Most buyers call in a panic, asking why their payment suddenly increased,” says Schuiteboer. “But budgeting for the house also entails considering the changing payments, so don’t expect the same payment after year one.”
Pro-tip: Ask for the annual escrow report from your lender, so you understand what your escrow account holds and why.
Property Tax Reassessment
In some places, a home’s value is automatically reassessed after a sale, and that often leads to increased property taxes. “If the previous owner had the house for twenty years, while paying much lower taxes, the new owner will likely face higher property taxes, even up to four times higher,” says Schuiteboer. “That means a homebuyer can inherit a $2,800 annual tax bill that suddenly becomes a $7,500 obligation due to reassessment.”
Pro tip: Ask your real estate agent or lawyer what the value of the home is likely to be after it’s reassessed.
Move-In Costs
All of the little expenses associated with getting settled in a new home — like utility deposits, small repairs and window coverings — add up quickly. “First-time homebuyers are often shocked at the total costs of the first six months of home-ownership,” says real estate professional Jonathan Ayala.
Pro-tip: Make a savings account to cover these expenses, and don’t confuse them with your emergency funds, says Schuiteboer. “Not keeping sufficient emergency funds for three months of expenses is dangerous for your finances,” he says.
First-Year Costs
It’s exciting to be in a new neighborhood, and that often means more entertaining, eating out and opting for house upkeep services. It’s also tempting to speed ahead with renovations and landscaping projects.
“I’ve noticed homeowners spend tens-of-thousands their first year on things like smart home tech, new appliances and furniture,” says Mizes. “And they purchase all of the above on a line of credit or personal loan, because they have already exhausted the bulk of their savings on the down payment and closing costs.”
Pro-tip: Live with the house as-is for a year. You’ll get to know seasonal changes and better understand what to prioritize.
Maintenance Costs
Financial planners recommend putting aside at least 1% to 2% of a home’s purchase price, each year, toward repair costs like water heaters, HVAC systems, roof replacement and other necessities. “But few new homebuyers do that,” says real estate professional Sain Rhodes. “Instead, they resort to using a credit card to cover the expenses.” Not only does that end up costing a lot more down the road, it can also tank your credit score.
Pro-tip: Instead of relying on interest-heavy credit cards, create a separate high-interest savings account at the time of closing, and add your monthly contribution to the account automatically, says Rhodes.
Insurance Gaps
Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover floods. As such, many homeowners are either required to, or choose to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. “Flood insurance seems unnecessary at first, until it becomes the only protection from financial disaster,” says Rhodes. “One inch of flooding may cause $25,000 in damages, and two feet completely totals the property.”
Pro-tip: Roughly 40% of flood damage claims come from houses outside of FEMA-designated high-risk zones, so consider purchasing a flood policy even if it’s not required by your lender. Also depending on your situation, consider policies for hurricanes, landslides, sewer backup, liability and more.
Misunderstanding Home Warranties
Many new owners buy home warranty plans in the name of guaranteeing the home’s systems for the next five years. “While that statement is correct, most buyers do not realize that there are certain exemptions,” says Schuiteboer. “Home warranties cover system malfunctions, but not preexisting defects, improper installation and cosmetic damage.”
Using the warranty also means hiring the company’s contractors instead of those of your choice. And if you’re not in a major metropolitan area, it may take a long time for one of those contractors to show up.
HOA Reserve Fund
If your house or condo falls under an HOA, pay special attention to the documents detailing the HOA’s reserve fund. If it’s underfunded and can’t cover repairs or improvements to communal spaces, HOAs can raise special assessments, requiring homeowners to pay the difference. “I have personally witnessed buyers experience an HOA special assessment of over $10,000 within their first year of living in the condo, because of their failure to check the finances of the HOA,” says Ayala.
Pro-tip: Request the most recent reserve fund report before closing to assess whether the HOA is properly funded, says Rhodes. “Anything below 70% is a red flag,” she says.
About the Experts
Cody Schuiteboer is president and CEO of Best Interest Financial, which offers home financing and personalized mortgage solutions.
Sain Rhodes is a real estate professional with Clever Offers, and has worked on hundreds of closings.
Ben Mizes is a real estate agent, president of Clever Real Estate and an active investor on 22 rental units.
Jonathan Ayala is a real estate agent and founder of Real Estate Photography, a platform that connects real estate professionals with photographers worldwide.
I’ve been in denial about my electricity bill lately. It’s on auto-pay, and while I give it a peek every month or so, what can I do but sigh? Well, that’s a luxury I—and the rest of the non-billionaire world—can no longer afford. Electricity prices are up 6.1% since April 2025, and combined with higher energy prices across the board—especially the skyrocketing price of gas—it’s clear I need to rein in my energy costs. Using off-peak power can help.
What exactly is off-peak power? I’d heard of the term and its savings potential, but I have to admit I hadn’t looked into it (remember my out-of-sight, out-of-mind electricity bill!). But that Texas summer heat isn’t far away, and as an electrician, I know that even little tweaks can translate into big savings.
Ahead, I spoke with Elena Chrimat, an energy-efficiency expert and owner of Ideal Air Conditioning & Insulation in Tempe, Arizona, to learn more about off-peak power. Plus, we’ll give you some actionable (and totally DIY) strategies to boost efficiency in your home, so read on.
What Is Off-Peak Power?
“Off-peak power is the energy you buy from your utility company during the hours when it’s cheapest,” Chrimat says. “Most utility companies offer time-of-use rate plans where the price per kilowatt hour changes throughout the day.”
Sounds simple enough, but is it super inconvenient? I don’t really feel like doing my laundry at 3 a.m., thank you very much. But we don’t have to worry about losing sleep.
“On-peak hours, when energy is most expensive, usually run from around 9 or 10 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., depending on your provider,” Chrimat says. “Off-peak is everything outside that window, when energy is cheap to buy.” Of course, it will depend on your utility company, but using off-peak power in the morning and evening sounds OK to me.
Why Timing Your Energy Use Matters
Besides paying less for off-peak power, it matters because utilities struggle to keep up with demand, especially during the middle of summer. “There’s something called the duck curve, and basically what it means is the utility can’t just flip a switch and ramp up a power plant to meet demand,” Chrimat says. “It’s virtually impossible to do that on short notice.”
That’s where you and I come in. “So instead of building new power plants, which is incredibly expensive, they incentivize homeowners through time-of-use plans, thermostat rebates and rebates on energy bills to shift their usage,” she says.
That shift is key. Chrimat says if we keep going on our current trajectory without reducing our energy usage, eventually we’ll have to build new power plants, “and that’s going to raise our energy bills by a lot more than what they’re going up now.”
Understanding Your Local Rate Plan
“This is the first step, and most people skip it: Go to your utility company’s website and look up their rate plans,” Chrimat says. “Every utility offers options because everyone’s schedule is different, and you want to find the plan that matches your lifestyle.”
And don’t forget to check back every year, especially before peak seasons. “We had a homeowner come to us during an energy audit who couldn’t figure out why their bill kept climbing year-over-year even though their actual energy usage was the same,” Chrimat says. “Turned out they were on a time-of-use plan and running their AC right through peak hours without realizing it. Once we got that sorted, the savings were immediate.”
Heating & Cooling Strategies
To get the most out of off-peak power, employ some smart strategies. “The biggest one is pre-cooling,” Chrimat says. “If your home has good attic insulation, you have a real shot at retaining cool air for hours.” (More on that coming up.)
“Set the thermostat down as low as possible during off-peak hours when energy is cheap,” Chrimat says. “Then when on-peak hits, turn the system off or push the thermostat up to 80 if you can tolerate it, or whatever the highest temperature is that you can stand.” Your home will slowly warm, but when energy is cheap again, you can turn the thermostat back down. (Heating works the same but in reverse.)
If this sounds like a lot of planning (and work), there’s a simple fix: “A smart thermostat makes this easier because you can program it to automatically follow your rate plan,” Chrimat says, adding that most utilities also offer “‘demand response programs,” where the utility can adjust your thermostat during peak demand in exchange for a rebate (she says you can usually override this if needed).
Chrimat says her clients typically see a $50 to $100 rebate for buying the thermostat, plus an annual bill credit of around $50.
DIY and Other Improvements That Boost Off-Peak Savings
Beyond using off-peak power plans, you can update your home with some easy improvements. Some are squarely in the DIY category; others might require professional help, depending on how handy you are.
Add window shades: “Start with exterior shading,” Chrimat says. “You can go to Home Depot or Lowe’s, buy shade screen material, drape it over the exterior of your windows, or build your own shade screens with kits they sell.” Once that radiant heat is inside the home, you’re paying to remove it, she says.
Plant trees:“Planting trees on the east and west sides of your home does the same thing long-term,” Chrimat says. “Those are the most detrimental sides for sun exposure.”
Add attic insulation: This is a high-impact addition, but it must be installed correctly. “All the top plates and wire penetrations in the attic need to be air-sealed before the insulation goes down, and the insulation has to be in 100% alignment with the surface for it to function.”
Seal your ductwork: “If your ducts run through an unconditioned attic and have holes, you can save anywhere from 10% on the low end up to 30% off your cooling bill just by sealing the duct system,” Chrimat says. (Make sure your ductwork is insulated too.)
FAQ
Will my house actually stay comfortable if I turn things down during peak hours?
As long as you’ve done the prep work, Chrimat says yes. “If your insulation is up to par, the home will hold cool air through the on-peak window.” The idea isn’t to suffer, “it’s to pre-cool when energy is cheap so the house can coast through the expensive hours.”
But Chrimat says it’s a personal decision. “I don’t push my own house to 80 because I have dogs that need to stay cool, so the real answer is push it as high as you can tolerate.”
Is this hard on my HVAC system?
Luckily, no, but Chrimat says it is important to stagger your highest loads. “Your highest demand hour might be when your pool pump is running, your AC is on and your water heater decides to kick on at the same moment,” she says. That spike is what drives the utility to ramp up production (and prices).
“Just be mindful of what’s running together, and the system will be fine.”
About the Expert
Elena Chrimat is the owner of Ideal Air Conditioning & Insulation in Tempe, Arizona. She is a founding board member of the Building Performance Association, a national industry association dedicated to improving residential energy efficiency, and also advocates for utility energy-efficiency programs. Chrimat’s company has received the ENERGY STAR Century Club Award every year since 2013, and she has nearly two decades of experience working in energy efficiency and utility savings.
Real estate transactions have a lot of money on the line. Whether buying or selling a home, you’ll want a competent realtor by your side, working to get you the best deal possible. There are a lot of realtors out there, and it can feel overwhelming to know who’s the right realtor for you. To help you sort through it all, we’ve gathered our top ten expert-backed questions to ask a realtor before hiring them and get an edge in today’s competitive market.
Are you a full or part time agent?
There are a lot of realtors out there who only work part time. You want a realtor that works full time and is available for showings, phone calls and fielding offers, so make sure to inquire. “If they say, ‘I do this on my evenings or weekends,’ run,” Korosec says. “Agent availability during the week matters. If a house hits the market at 10 am and gets an offer by 2 pm, you do not have time to wait until the weekend for your agent to respond.”
Will I work with you or members of your team?
Big real estate teams can be great for availability and efficiency, but make sure you are clear about who you’ll be working with. “You don’t want a senior agent selling you on services and then a junior agent actually doing the work,” Leland says. He recommends directly asking if they will be the one at the open house, inspection and the one writing offers. If this person is who you want to work with, then make sure that’s who you’ll actually get.
What is your fee structure and is it flexible?
Traditionally, realtors earn a five to six per cent commission on the sale of a property, which is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, but these rates have become more negotiable since 2024. How much your agent expects to earn should be discussed at the first meeting to avoid any surprises at closing. If they really want the sale, some agents may lower their commission rate to stay competitive, but have this settled and in writing before proceeding. “A person who refuses to talk about percentages or refuses to write down commission on paper is a red flag,” Rhodes says.
How long have you lived and worked in this market?
Deep market knowledge and community connections are valuable assets in a realtor. Where a newcomer to a city might rely on online tools to gauge the market, an experienced local can be more precise. “Someone who’s focused on your city’s main sales neighborhood for seven plus years probably knows which cul de sacs flood, which school districts are redrawing boundaries and which HOAs have lump-sum assessments coming due,” Korosec says. “This intel is real talk not found on Zillow.”
Do you have a team of vendors?
“A strong vendor network is one of the biggest perks an experienced agent can offer,” Leland says. “If an agent says ‘just Google it’ when you need a plumber before closing, they are not doing a great job.” A good realtor should have a list of vendors that include roofers, carpenters, handymen, plumbers, electricians and junk removal companies. An agent with longstanding vendor relationships can call in a favor and get things done in a timely manner if needed.
What’s your marketing strategy?
Some realtors are better at marketing than others and this can be the difference between your house sitting on the market or receiving multiple offers. “A good agent should be able to describe exactly how they plan to make your home stand out online,” Leland says. “Ask to see examples of their past listings and have them sell you on their strategy. If they can’t sell their marketing they shouldn’t sell your house.” A strong marketing strategy should involve professional photos, open houses, optimized MLS listings and staging if needed.
What’s your take on the current market?
Successful realtors know the market and follow it very closely. They should be able to talk to you in hard numbers about inventory turnover, how long homes are sitting on the market and whether they’re selling for over or under asking price. These details are highly market specific and can change frequently, so only those who are deeply entrenched in the market will have this information. Watch out for “only positive statements like ‘It’s a great time to buy or sell a home!’ because it’s only a phrase used to sell a deal and not an analysis of the market,” Rhodes says.
What’s your strategy to deal with multiple offers?
Woman checking a list of clients for an open house
Receiving multiple offers is ideal for sellers but can be very stressful for buyers. For sellers, a good agent should have a clear pricing strategy and be able to show you recent comparables to justify the number. Additionally, they should have a plan for open houses, an offer deadline and a method to move quickly to an accepted offer. As a buyer, an agent’s strategy and expertise can help you win a bidding war. “Learn how the agent manages escalation clauses, provides clean terms of the offer and covers possible appraisal gap issues,” Rhodes says.
Will you represent both buyer and seller?
While this is legal in many states, it does represent a serious conflict of interest. “Buyers want to spend as little as possible and sellers want to earn as much as possible,” McGee says. “How can an agent negotiate honestly for both sides in a transaction when they have conflicting goals?” If a realtor says they will represent both sides if approached, then consider walking away and finding an agent who will only represent your interests in the transaction.
Can I see examples of your past or current listings online?
This is a great way to really get a feel for how a realtor operates. “How an agent presents other people’s homes tells you a lot about how they will present yours,” Leland says. Do their other listings look professional and present the property in a positive light? Is the write-up pretty standard or does it stand out for its expressive and descriptive language? Are there lots of photos or just a few? These are all important parts of a potential buyers’ first impression of your home, so make sure it’s a good one.
FAQ
Do I need a realtor to buy a home?
No, you do not need a realtor to buy a home.
What’s the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?
“Every Realtor is a licensed agent, but not every agent is a Realtor,” Leland says. “The difference is National Association of Realtors membership, which adds a code of ethics and ongoing education.”
How do I know if a realtor is actually licensed?
Every state provides a realtor license database to check that a realtor’s license is active and if there are any disciplinary records.
About the Experts
Blaz Korosec is cofounder and CFO at Investorade, a Dallas-based real estate investment company that buys homes, RV parks, campgrounds, land, and other properties directly from owners, often with cash offers and as-is sales. He has over twelve years of real estate and finance experience.
Sain Rhodes is the director of operations and business development at Clever Offers, a real estate platform that helps homeowners find cash buyers and qualified agents.
Erik Leland is a real estate broker with Realty First in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Cari McGee is a managing broker and Realtor with over 650 residential sale. She’s ranked among the top 1 per cent of agents in the U.S.
Cleaning a yard can be an intimidating endeavor. That’s why, for a lot of us, the task tends to get put on the back burner. But tackling it brings a lot of benefits.
“A clean, well-maintained yard doesn’t just look better, it’s easier to manage, safer and healthier for your lawn,” says handy-person Christopher Watson. “Letting debris build up can damage grass, attract pests and create more work for you later.”
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be a monumental undertaking. Here are some practical strategies for clearing yards in the easiest way possible, plus what tools you’ll need and how to reuse all of those materials you’ve just cleaned up.
Basic Cleanup Tools
To clean up yard debris, it’s helpful to have:
Cut-resistant work gloves, to protect your hands from blisters, cuts and splinters,
Safety glasses and sturdy footwear,
A leaf rake, to remove leaves, pine needles and twigs without damaging the soil,
A heavy-duty metal rake, to remove heavier materials,
Shovels, for removing soil, rocks and larger debris,
Branch cutting tools, such as a pruner or chainsaw,
A push broom,
A trash grabber,
A magnet sweeper, for catching nails and small bits of metal,
A wheelbarrow or garden cart, to haul away debris, and
A leaf blower, to quickly gather finer debris, like leaves and grass clippings.
Real estate preparation expert Derek Shewmon also recommends using a large drag tarp. “That allows you to haul huge loads of debris across the lawn quickly, instead of making dozens of exhausting trips with a standard wheelbarrow,” he says.
Start With Large Debris
Before you begin clearing a yard, choose a staging area near the driveway or gate, where you can sort branches, rocks and garbage into separate piles. It’s most efficient to remove larger objects first, otherwise those get in the way of cleaning up smaller debris, says landscaper Ross Hulstein. “It also has the biggest impact on how the yard looks,” he says.
Pry up smaller rocks with a shovel, or use a stiff landscape rake to pull them into piles. From there, use a flat shovel to scoop them into a bucket or wheelbarrow. For less strain, consider using a garden cart, like a Gorilla Cart.
Use leverage to move large rocks, like a pry bar and block of wood. Using plywood to roll them can also help protect the soil and prevent injuries, says site preparation expert Daniel Crowley.
Chop up large branches and sort them by size. Then stack them neatly and bundle the stacks together.
Separate trash and recyclables from yard waste.
Use caution with brush piles, as wildlife may be nesting inside.
Use a rigid container for broken glass to prevent punctures.
Safety pro-tip: “Take care with this step, because the first pass is where you’re going to be coming across all of the hidden nails, glass, thorns and sharp metal,” says home improvement expert Josh Eberly.
How to Clear Small Debris Efficiently
Leaf blowers, rakes and push brooms are effective for clearing yards of small, light debris, like leaves, needles and grass clippings. A rake can also help loosen layers of dead grass. “Work in sections to stay organized,” says Watson. “First, rake debris into rows and combine into piles, then remove it using a tarp or shovel.”
Pro-tip: Choose the right weather for clean-up days. Slightly damp leaves are easier to manage, but moisture makes branches heavier and causes gravel and debris to stick to the ground.
Reusing and Recycling Natural Materials
Clearing yards doesn’t have to mean sending a lot of material to the landfill.
Use leaves for compost and much.
Branches make good firewood and garden borders. You can also rent a wood chipper to turn them into mulch.
Grass clippings work well as natural fertilizer.
Rocks are ideal for landscaping, drainage paths and erosion control.
Piles of wood, rocks and/or leaves, provide shelter for invertebrates, including native bees and other pollinators, plus harbor insects that feed birds.
Don’t reuse diseased limbs, invasive vines or those with fungus.
“While buyer preferences for landscaping styles vary, showcasing sustainable practices, like recycling healthy organic yard waste, consistently adds value to the property,” says Shewmon.
Safety pro-tip: Wear a dust mask when reusing mulch or soil. “Dormant mold spores become airborne before you notice odor or discoloration,” says Crowley.
FAQ
How often should I clear yard debris?
For regular maintenance, clear away debris every month or so in the summer, and two weeks in the spring and fall. After a storm, it’s also important to promptly remove debris, to keep everyone safe.
What should I do with large rocks?
Large rocks are great for landscaping borders, pathways and drainage areas. “You can also relocate them to unused areas or create rock piles for practical use,” says Watson. “Or, if they’re excessive or otherwise in your way, your neighbors might be interested in them.”
Derek Shewmon is founder of HOMEstretch, a company that helps homeowners prepare their properties for the market.
Daniel Crowley is CEO of Hello Gravel, which specializes in aggregate materials and site preparation for residential and commercial projects.
Ross Hulstein is owner at Enviroscapes, a full-service landscaping and grounds maintenance company in Denver, Colorado.
Josh Eberly is a home improvement, outdoor living and site prep specialist, and design lead at Marygrove Awnings, which serves 18 states in the east and Midwest.
