Monday 21 October 2013

Take the Stress Out of Packing: How to Plan the Perfect Move

If even the thought of cleaning, organising and packing makes you nervous, relax; we’re here to help. Moving is a big task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key to a smooth and relaxed move is to plan ahead and these tips can help you do just that.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

First, try to give yourself plenty of time to pack and move. Don’t wait until just a few days before you need to leave your current residence to start the moving process. If you do, chances are you will be very stressed and it will be much harder to get the job done right.

One way to plan ahead is to designate a few days or a week to each task so that as you get closer to moving day, you are already getting things done and will be well prepared.


Make Sure Messy Tasks are Done Beforehand

Make sure messy tasks are done well before you move. Things like cleaning floors, making small repairs, cleaning the bathroom and scrubbing the kitchen should all be done before you begin packing so you don’t have to worry about them during the move. You will need a good vacuum cleaner, but also a carpet and an upholstery cleaner in order to deep clean your new house before settling in. You can browse HSS Sales' website for carpet cleaners and upholstery cleaners - http://www.hsssales.com/c/1200009/Carpet-and-Upholstery-Cleaners.html.

Stock up on Moving Supplies

The first thing to do is stock up on moving supplies like cardboard boxes, packing tape, styrofoam, bubble wrap, labels and markers. When you have all of these things ready, packing won’t be nearly as difficult. You’ll be able to focus on the job and won’t have to waste time searching for the things you need.

Hire a Skip

Hire a skip well in advance so you will have it ready when it comes time to clean out and organise your belongings. When you have a skip ready at your home, you will be able to discard of any unwanted items very easily and the moving process won’t be slowed down as you try to find ways to purge your home of junk you don’t want to move. You can visit HSS Hire's website and browse their wide collection of skips for hire - http://www.hss.com/g/25170/Skips-2-20-Yards-.html.

Spend Some Time Cleaning Out

Before you move it is a great idea to spend some time cleaning out your closets, rooms, garage and garden. When you move you don’t want to take anything you don’t need with you, and now is a great time to remove any clutter from your home. Throw away or donate things you don’t need or want so your move will be lighter and to make it easier to settle into your new place.

Take it Room by Room

The thought of packing up your entire home can be overwhelming. Instead of approaching it that way, start well in advance and pack one room at a time. Begin with rooms and things you don’t use on a daily basis and organise the items into boxes with other similar items, or things that belong in the same room.

This approach not only makes packing and moving less stressful, it makes unpacking easier. When you know what belongs in each room and where your belongings are, you can unpack much faster and more efficiently.

Label Everything

As you pack, label every box. First, write the name of the room it belongs to and then underline it. Underneath that label, make a brief list of the items inside the box. For example, one box might read “Kitchen: Dishes and Glasses.” Then, when you arrive at your new home you will be able to find things very quickly as you need them.

Pack a Move-in Box

Take one or two boxes and label them “Move In” and set them aside. Fill them with a few changes of clothes, some cooking utensils, medications, hygiene items and anything else you will need immediately after moving into your new home. Be sure to pack this box last so it isn’t lost behind all of your other belongings at the back of the moving truck.

This way you will have easy access to essential items and you won’t have to dig through rooms full of boxes and search for hours just to find your toothbrush.



There is no question that moving is a big job and can be hard. But, with these tips it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by planning ahead and packing things one room at a time, and you will be well on your way to a smooth and easy move!

Monday 30 September 2013

DIY Ideas That Will Transform Your Home’s Exterior



Could the outside of your home use a little pick-me-up? If the outside of your house, your garden and your landscaping aren’t exactly enhancing the curb appeal of your house, don’t worry. There are lots of ways you can transform your home’s exterior by taking on some do-it-yourself projects that are fun and easy to do.

The trick to transforming the exterior of your home is to envision what you want it to look like. Identify problem areas and think about what you want the area to look like instead. Then, find creative ways to make that happen. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add Shutters

Shutters can add a lot to the outside of a home. They can take windows from boring boxes to interesting features of the home. Look for shutters in a colour that complements the colours already on your home and that fit the same style. There is a big variety of shutter options available at most hardware stores, so chances are you will find some that work for you.

Make this a DIY project by buying unfinished shutters and giving them a custom paint job or simply hanging them yourself this weekend.

Lay a Garden Pathway

If you have a larger garden, you can create your own garden pathway to make it easier to navigate and to add some charm and beauty. You can buy pavers, bricks or stones at your hardware store and then clear an area in your garden for them. Or, you can pour cement into any mould you want for your own unique look.

Try pressing things like leaves, sticks, objects around the house or door mats into the cement while it is wet to give it a different texture and design.

Install Window Boxes

Window boxes are another element that adds a lot to your home’s windows. They add colour and life to an area that is often overlooked. Window boxes are also charming and classy and can make your home look polished and put together.

You can easily install your own window boxes and then plant whatever kind of flowers or greenery you want inside.

Arrange Potted Plants on Your Porch

If your porch is looking a little bare, use some potted plants to give it new life. Find some interesting and unique pots at your hardware store or take it a step further and create your own planters. You can make planters with anything from old cartons to old food containers or buckets.

Arrange the plants strategically with bigger ones near the back and smaller ones in the front. Use plenty of pots and plants grouped closely together for an especially lush look.

Hang a Wreath from the Door

Anyone, regardless of how crafty he or she is, can make a wreath. A wreath hanging from the front door will make you home look cozy and feel inviting. Start with a wreath form from you craft store and then use silk or live flowers, leaves, twigs and berries to create a custom wreath. This project is great because you can easily change it out each season to give your door an updated look.

Create some DIY Lawn Decorations

Making your own lawn decorations can be a fun and creative way to make your home more visually appealing. With some creativity you can create anything from fountains out of old flower pots to borders out of stones for your garden. You can also use colourful pipes to line your gardens or to create modern art in your yard or on the side of your house. What's more important is to always take care of your lawn and garden - not just during the summer months!

Give Your Mailbox a Makeover

Is your mailbox boring? If you have one of those run-of-the-mill boxes that looks like every other mailbox on your street, give it a makeover. Your can treat and then paint your mailbox with outdoor paint, which can instantly breathe new life into it. Don’t forget to give some attention to the base were you can add decorative rocks, lawn decorations or plants.

In just one weekend you can transform the exterior of your home with these DIY projects. Start by identifying the area that needs the most work, and then use things like paint, lawn decorations, outdoor features and plants to bring it back to life.