Veronika Jelenik
EditorVeronika Jelenik is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront, where she edits articles spanning from moving and home warranty to roofing and HVAC. She has a background in journalism, having worked as a news reporter covering local government and municipal planning, a content update editor for Brides.com, and a freelance contributor to several major publications. Her pieces have been published in the New York Daily News, the Hartford Courant, PAPER Magazine and elsewhere. When not editing, you can find Veronika shopping for used books and vintage clothing, reading her poetry and creative nonfiction at open mics and cuddling with her Chihuahua, Beanie. She lives in Manhattan.
Recent Stories
The main difference between replacement and new construction windows is their installation. Replacement windows are inserted into existing window openings, while new construction windows involve completely removing the existing windows and frames down to the wall studs. “With replacement windows, you use the existing frame. You swap out the old window, sliding the new window…
Whether relocating for a new job, moving closer to family or searching for a change of scenery, packing up your life and transporting it thousands of miles can be daunting and expensive. However, if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, do some of the work and research affordable options, you won’t need to break…
Picture windows — sometimes called fixed windows — are a popular option for maximizing natural light and maintaining an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Instead of opening and closing like traditional windows, they’re fixed in place and installed mainly for aesthetic purposes. “A picture window is simply a window that is nonoperational,” said Andrew Prchal,…
Mechanical Protection Plan or MPP is an extended warranty provider with more than four decades of industry experience covering new and used cars. Old United Casualty Company partners with and backs this plan administrator, which offers reliable payouts for claims. We rated it among our top auto warranty companies. While MPP is only available in…
American Dream Auto Protect (ADAP) is an extended auto warranty provider that services clients in 48 states. It offers low rates for newer vehicles and three deductible options with its main plans, and its sample contracts online make its coverage tiers easy to understand. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to protect older vehicles with an…
Toco Warranty offers no-obligation warranty plans that protect most vehicles for personal or corporate use up to 250,000 miles. It operates as a warranty administrator, which means it directly handles and pays out all claims it approves. This provider stands out for its superior customer service and market standing, with each ranking favorably when compared…
Installing a new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $370 to $22,000 or more, depending on the type of system and installation method you choose. DIY installation for window or portable air conditioning units has the lowest total cost, while full-service heat pump installation by an HVAC contractor will have the highest cost of any…
Are you waking up with itchy bites? Spotting suspicious specks around your home? It could be fleas, or it could be bedbugs…or fleas…or maybe bedbugs? Finding out which one can take a bit of investigating, but understanding the difference between fleas and bedbugs is the first step to getting rid of them. The main difference…
Double-hung windows consist of two movable sashes (the panels that hold the glass) that can move independently of one another, allowing you to open the bottom sash, top sash or both. “Double-hung windows are versatile, enhance ventilation control and are easy to maintain,” said Greg Batista, president of South Florida-based G. Batista Engineering & Construction.…
Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (NAVL) are our top picks for interstate moves in Oklahoma. Allied offers all moving services as a carrier, so you won’t have to worry about it brokering out your move to a third-party company. NAVL’s “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options provide peace of mind to customers who…
There are three main pest control methods to choose from when you encounter a pest problem — physical, biological and chemical. Depending on the type of pest, their locations and your goals, you may use one of these methods or a combination of the three. Physical methods involve creating barriers and using methods of exclusion.…
Our No. 1 pick for luxury moving needs is JK Moving Services because its moving teams receive some of the most comprehensive training in the moving industry. Each background-checked mover it hires trains at a fully furnished two-story home at JK’s headquarters, mimicking real moving processes and scenarios. American Van Lines is a close second…
U.S. Census data shows more than 50,000 residents moved from California to Florida between 2021 and 2022, making it one of the most popular routes among American moving customers. Florida’s cost of living — which is 23.6% lower than California’s across all factors — and lack of state income tax have made relocating there a…
Replacing an entire window — including the frame and glass — can be costly and time-consuming. If you have a broken or defective window pane, replacing just the window glass is faster and more cost-effective. Experienced DIYers can replace the glass in a window with the right tools and a little know-how. However, consider your…
We recommend North American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines for long-distance relocation services in Missouri. Both operate under the global relocation service provider Sirva, enabling them to conduct moves of any size and distance via their highly rated locations in Missouri. North American Van Lines’ “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options make it a good…
We recommend Allied Van Lines for long-distance moves to or from Louisiana. If you’re booking within Louisiana, Allied’s Elmwood location near New Orleans offers highly rated service plus access to full-service packing, short- and long-term storage and dedicated small-move solutions via its Allied Express service plans. If you’re planning a local move, start your quote…
California’s numerous job opportunities in finance, manufacturing and information technology, plus its diverse landscape and unique climate zones, attract thousands of new residents each year. More than 31,000 residents moved from New York to California in 2022 despite the West Coast state’s slightly higher cost of living, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. When planning…
We recommend Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (NAVL) for long-distance moves to or from Kentucky. Allied offers a small-move package called Allied Express that provides expedited moving container assistance for two-bedroom and smaller homes, plus basic and specialty services for larger residences. NAVL offers long-distance service via multiple Kentucky locations and access…
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) for long-distance moves to and from Nebraska. It offers “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” pricing, which can help you stay within your budget. For local Nebraska moves, we like College Hunks. In addition to loading and transportation, College Hunks offers junk removal, packing services and more. Each moving company we…
Finding a spider in your home can be jarring. But in most cases, getting rid of spiders is more about peace of mind than safety. Decluttering, reducing insect activity and sealing entry points are the best DIY solutions for unwanted spiders. In the rare instance the spiders you find are venomous and can harm you…