Family Handyman

Whether you’re ready to sell or planning to stay put for years, curb appeal is key. It sets the overall tone of your home. In this issue, we’re sharing several quick and impactful ways to make over your front facade. Our test case was a beautiful newer build in suburban Wisconsin that was in need of some finishing touches. For starters, it lacked color and landscaping. We changed that by updating the front door color and adding easy-care flower beds. In addition, we installed a statement light fixture and hung custom house numbers. Find step-by-step instructions for all these projects in the pages ahead. We’d love to see your own curb appeal upgrades. Share them at FamilyHandyman.com/submissions.—Kirsten Schrader, Content Director Win $300 for Your Handy Hints! Share your best Handy Hints, and…

To appeal to potential buyers, the exterior and front yard of this home received a massive refresh. Host Kortney Wilson says, “When I was renovating this home, I was really drawn to bright colors. The exterior is one area where you can take a bit of a risk.” Spoiler alert: The risk paid off. “We received multiple offers because it stood out from the more neutral homes nearby,” Wilson says. She shares tips below on upping a home’s curb appeal. See this renovation come to life in an episode of Masters of Flip on At Home with Family Handyman. Get inspired and learn where to stream free at FamilyHandyman.com/tv.…

Electric Cooler’s Cool Features I used to tease my friends about their electric coolers. Why spend so much when ice is so cheap? Once I tried one, however, I had to eat my words. There’s no buying bags of ice, no worrying if it will melt, no draining out the water, no sloshing noise from the backseat and—most importantly—no ruined, soggy cheese or veggies. I’m never going back! After testing 10 models, I awarded BougeRV’s Rocky 55-qt. electric cooler best in show for its versatility, light weight (for its capacity), convenient features and price. The Rocky is dual-zone, meaning you can assign each of its two compartments to be a fridge or a freezer, and it comes with a removable divider, handy for anglers or hunters who may need a wider space…

Looking to upgrade my outdoor sleep setup, I tested REI Co-op’s Kingdom Cot 3, a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. While it’s too bulky to take backpacking, I hoped it could be a great fit for drive-in campsites. I found the 20-lb. frame a little awkward to carry during my backyard test, though it’s certainly manageable for one person over short distances. Unfortunately, once I got to my two-person tent, I ran into another snag: The large cot wouldn’t fit inside! While it won’t be a go-to for me, if you have a tent with ample space and don’t mind the heavier weight, I can promise you’ll sleep well. The Kingdom Cot 3 is easily the most comfortable camping cot I’ve used. It’s truly fit for royalty, offering a plush, curved design…

STYLE IT Take a Seat A well-designed porch isn’t just a place to sit—it’s a space to unwind and connect. The right seating setup can transform it into a go-to spot for morning coffee, game nights, reading, or long conversations with family and friends. Get inspired and create a welcoming, comfortable space you’ll love to use and share.…

1. Use a Parcel Drop Box A parcel drop box protects deliveries from both thieves and the elements. Couriers place packages through an opening at the top, and you retrieve them from a secure compartment below. Some smart models send delivery alerts and allow for remote locking and unlocking. We especially like the sleek Elephantrunk Drop Box from Architectural Mailboxes ($250), which has a rotating drum design to keep packages safe. 2. Amp Up Outdoor Security Visible security features, such as motion-activated lights or a video doorbell, can go a long way when it comes to theft prevention. For more comprehensive protection, consider a whole-home security system. Ring, Honeywell and ADT are among the top-rated brands, according to Consumer Reports. 3. Get Smart About Amazon Deliveries Amazon Prime members in eligible areas can have packages…