Keeping your home warm without having to take a second mortgage to pay off your Energy Australia bill is always a challenge.
This article is here to help you keep snug and warm in winter the more “natural” way.
1. Go around your house and check all of your windows. Check to see that all of your windows are properly shut. Use a candle to check for drafts – you will notice a flicker if there is a draft coming in from the window. You can stop the draft by putting a towel or old t shirt to cover where the draft is coming in. If the draft is coming from a structural problem with the window you may need to call a handyman to come and fix the latch or fill the gaps with silicone around the window.
2. Clean out your gutters. Call your local handyman to clean out any leaves or debris. The last thing you want in the middle of winter is roof that is leaking because the gutters are blocked. There is nothing warm and cozy about a waterfall running down the wall.
3. Seal your doors. Check around the door frame and also under the door. If you aren’t too concerned with style you can roll a towel up and lay it by the door to stop drafts coming from under or alternatively you can get a funky door draft stopper from Spotlight or any other home ware store.
4. Close off any unused rooms. The last things you want is cold air circulating your home which will result in heat loss from the rooms you are trying to keep warm. Your heater will work more efficiently and the warmth will be concentrated in the rooms you choose.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of thick curtains. They can block drafts on both windows and doors. Open them when the sun is out – Sydney still has sunny days in winters to use this to help heat up your home during the day. Close them mid afternoon when the sun starts to set to help keep the heat in.
6. Dress warmly. Beanies are a great idea, as it is a well known fact that most of your body heat escapes from your head. Wear loose clothing article, rather than tight clothing ... Heat accumulates in the folds of the layers, keeping you much warmer than those leggings. You should wear slippers with socks, preferably two pair or one pair of wool socks. Wool is your friend! Grab a “blankie” when laying on the couch….but you already knew that one!
7. Cook. Steam will raise the moisture level in your home, making you feel warmer. Make a large pot of soup; put the kettle on for tea. Bake something! Your oven will help to heat the kitchen. The kitchen will be warm while you are cooking. Make sure to leave the oven door open after cooking/baking to allow the heat to escape into your house.
8. Light candles. Candles can produce a lot of heat, but be mindful of where they are placed and do not leave them unattended. Not only do they help warm you up but they also make your home feel cozy.
9. Take a hot shower. Not only will this warm you up quickly, but the steam from the hot water will raise moisture levels in the house, helping the ambient temperature feel about 15 degree warmer. Be sure to run the hot water even after you are finished because the more steam in the air, the better the temperature will feel.
10. Hot Water Bottles may be archaic but they work just as well as an electric blanket and they are FREE. Fill our bottle up with boiling water shortly before bed time and place under the quilt cover and your sheets will be nice and toasty when you climb in. Also don’t forget the power of body heat. Cuddle up to someone or your pet for a “snug as bug in a rug” night’s sleep.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Removalist: 12 Highly Recommended Moving Tips
1. Make a list Write everything down!
You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Floral dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
2. Have plenty of supplies
Make sure you have enough boxes!! Call Red Fig Services if you need a free delivery urgently! Save up some old newspapers for packing paper and where necessary make sure you have some bubble wrap on hand for grandmas fine china! RFS offers FREE box delivery before your move.
3. Colour Coordinate
Use coloured label each box by room. Eg: blue for kitchen, yellow for bathroom, green for lounge etc
4. Utilize wardrobe boxes (if moving home or if you live at the office)
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging
5. Keep things together
Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, tape cords to TV etc
7. Pack ahead Be prepared.
Removalists charge by the hour so you don’t want to waste time packing whilst the removalist could be moving. Make sure everything is packed up and ready to go when the removalist knocks on the door.
8. Consolidate cleaning supplies
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it. Alternatively you can make use of Red Fig Cleaning Services in which case ignore tip# 8!)
9. Use luggage
Fill luggage and tog/duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and toilet paper. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your black suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #203 might remain “elusive” for a few days.
10. Safe guard valued items
keep special items close at hand.
It is always advisable to move fragile and sentimental or valued items when possible yourself even if for peace of mind only.
11. Keep important papers with you
keep any Identification papers, birth certificates, realtor info, lease agreements, utility contact info etc
12. Personal Boxes
Each member involved in the move whether it family or staff should make use of a personal box whereby they can pack the items which they will need straight away after the move. Eg: sheets, towel, phone, pens and paper, toiletries etc
You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Floral dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
2. Have plenty of supplies
Make sure you have enough boxes!! Call Red Fig Services if you need a free delivery urgently! Save up some old newspapers for packing paper and where necessary make sure you have some bubble wrap on hand for grandmas fine china! RFS offers FREE box delivery before your move.
3. Colour Coordinate
Use coloured label each box by room. Eg: blue for kitchen, yellow for bathroom, green for lounge etc
4. Utilize wardrobe boxes (if moving home or if you live at the office)
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging
5. Keep things together
Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, tape cords to TV etc
7. Pack ahead Be prepared.
Removalists charge by the hour so you don’t want to waste time packing whilst the removalist could be moving. Make sure everything is packed up and ready to go when the removalist knocks on the door.
8. Consolidate cleaning supplies
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it. Alternatively you can make use of Red Fig Cleaning Services in which case ignore tip# 8!)
9. Use luggage
Fill luggage and tog/duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and toilet paper. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your black suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #203 might remain “elusive” for a few days.
10. Safe guard valued items
keep special items close at hand.
It is always advisable to move fragile and sentimental or valued items when possible yourself even if for peace of mind only.
11. Keep important papers with you
keep any Identification papers, birth certificates, realtor info, lease agreements, utility contact info etc
12. Personal Boxes
Each member involved in the move whether it family or staff should make use of a personal box whereby they can pack the items which they will need straight away after the move. Eg: sheets, towel, phone, pens and paper, toiletries etc
Picture Hanging: Fix a plasterboard picture hook
If you want a to hang a picture, clock or wall hanging on plasterboard or other hollow wall - u may be tempted to simply drive a nail through the pasterboard....DON'T DO It - the screw or hook will eventually sag and fall out.
Use a self- drilling plasterboard anchor, such as a Wallmate, and a screw and you will be able to hang weights up to 10kg anywhere on the wall.
If you picture or mirror is heavier than 10kg, contact a professional mirror or picture hanger.
What you will need to get started on your Picture Fixing DIY project:
Wallmate, screw or hook
Step 1:
Use a zinc anchor (unless hanging something electrical).
Insert the Wallmate into the wall and screw in firmly so the coarse thread bites. (Use a Phillips screwdriver or Phillips bit on a cordless drill)
Drive in the head of the anchor until tight against wall. Careful not to drive in too far who you may leave a larger hole than neccessary in the plasterboard.
Step 2:
Screw in 6-7 gauge screw in a nylon anchor, or 8g screw into a zinc die-cast anchor, or a screw hook to hang the picture or wall hanging.
You can also screw on a hook with an eye if you have one.
When in doubt call your local handyman or picture hanging professional.
Use a self- drilling plasterboard anchor, such as a Wallmate, and a screw and you will be able to hang weights up to 10kg anywhere on the wall.
If you picture or mirror is heavier than 10kg, contact a professional mirror or picture hanger.
What you will need to get started on your Picture Fixing DIY project:
Wallmate, screw or hook
Step 1:
Use a zinc anchor (unless hanging something electrical).
Insert the Wallmate into the wall and screw in firmly so the coarse thread bites. (Use a Phillips screwdriver or Phillips bit on a cordless drill)
Drive in the head of the anchor until tight against wall. Careful not to drive in too far who you may leave a larger hole than neccessary in the plasterboard.
Step 2:
Screw in 6-7 gauge screw in a nylon anchor, or 8g screw into a zinc die-cast anchor, or a screw hook to hang the picture or wall hanging.
You can also screw on a hook with an eye if you have one.
When in doubt call your local handyman or picture hanging professional.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Removalist: Taking the stress out out of moving
Taking The Stress Out Of Moving Home In Sydney With Reputable Relocation Service Providers
Step 1: Find a good removalist
Once you decide to move the first thing to do is removals company to move you. Make sure they offer transit insurance and ask them for a work reference. Another good question to ask is if they hire contractors to do the job. Some companies simply bring in the work and then out source to other moving companies and charge a mark up. Not only will you not who exactly you are dealing with but you will more than likly be overcharged for the service.
Step 1: Find a good removalist
Once you decide to move the first thing to do is removals company to move you. Make sure they offer transit insurance and ask them for a work reference. Another good question to ask is if they hire contractors to do the job. Some companies simply bring in the work and then out source to other moving companies and charge a mark up. Not only will you not who exactly you are dealing with but you will more than likly be overcharged for the service.
Find a privately owned sydney removalist to ensure you know whoever is moving you has their own business on the line.A good removalist should offer you the most economical strategy in moving your home. By making use of more men you should be able to move faster and reduce the time taken to move which will in turn reduce the costs.
Step 2: Packing Up
Find out whether your movers offer a packing service. If you are short of time or running out of time - why not hire some extra help with packing up. They should also be able to provide you with boxes, packing paper and packing tape.
Make a schedule for packing. It isn't easy to make a list of everything so don't even try and recall the complete contents of your house. Simply write down a list of all the rooms that require packing and go from there. For example: Lounge - TV Cabinent - DVDs, Videos, Spare batteries etc etc.
Start packing up things which you know you will not need to use until after the move. For example - Photo albumns, DVDs, Books.
Also make sure you keep important documents in reach such as rental lease, insurance papers, ID documents as well as have the following telephone numbers put in your mobile phone: Energy Australia, Telstra and your internet provider. You will need these when picking up keys, making new keys, getting parking permits and having your phone line, electricty and gas and internet reconnected.
USEFUL TIP: Colour code your stickers for your boxes that way when you move you can tell your removalist what box goes in what room with one glance. For example: Red stickers is lounge room, blue sticker is bathroom, yellow sticker belongs in the kitchen and so on.This will make is much easier to find things.
Step 3: Moving
Contact your utility providers in the few days leading up to the move to change your connections from your current residence to your new home. Most providers only need at most 1 -3 days to get everything sorted so factor this time in when planning when to call them.
Make sure everything is packed up when the removalist arrives so that there is no time wasted by them putting things in boxes. When they arrive the clock starts and "time is money". By being prepared you could save yourself a lot of money.
Make sure the movers cover all matresses for you and couches etc to avoid them getting dirtied in the process. A professional removalist will know to do this.
So now the move is complete and the unpacking begins. There are companies who provide unpacking services so if you want to get this tiring job done and dusted in one go - I suggest you use this service. However if you are on a budget, having labelled your boxes correctly should allow you to prioritize what boxes to open first and you can go from there.
Whilst moving can be stressful and extremely tiring, it can also be hassle free. The most important thing to remember is to partner with a moving company in Sydney who can take the stress out the day and help you on your way to settling into your new home.
Handyman DIY: Free up a door handle
This is a simple DIY which you can do yourself without calling in the local handyman.
Door handles often become difficult to turn due to wear and tear. If a door gets slammed a lot – this often results in door handles which become either loose on the door or tricky to turn.
WD- 40 is all you need to sort this problem out and perhaps a screwdriver if you need to re secure the door handle. Note, that some oils and fluids can work against mechanisms that rely on gravity or fine springs, such as locks as they can combine with dust and jam the mechanism. I recommend WD-40 as the best lubricant to use here.
Step 1: Remove the door handle from one side
Step 2: If there is no keyed lock, spray the WD-40 along the shaft and also into the end of the latch. Turn the handle back and forth until it loosens up. If this doesn’t help you may need to change the whole mechanism – in which case call a professional handyman.
NOTE:
Never use oil or spray lubricants on key locks in a door handle. Use dry graphite power that won’t attract dirt etc to gum it up.
Door handles often become difficult to turn due to wear and tear. If a door gets slammed a lot – this often results in door handles which become either loose on the door or tricky to turn.
WD- 40 is all you need to sort this problem out and perhaps a screwdriver if you need to re secure the door handle. Note, that some oils and fluids can work against mechanisms that rely on gravity or fine springs, such as locks as they can combine with dust and jam the mechanism. I recommend WD-40 as the best lubricant to use here.
Step 1: Remove the door handle from one side
Step 2: If there is no keyed lock, spray the WD-40 along the shaft and also into the end of the latch. Turn the handle back and forth until it loosens up. If this doesn’t help you may need to change the whole mechanism – in which case call a professional handyman.
NOTE:
Never use oil or spray lubricants on key locks in a door handle. Use dry graphite power that won’t attract dirt etc to gum it up.
Home Improvement:Decorating with Mirrors!!
Hanging a Mirror can not only look beautiful but can bring new life to a room.
Here are a few great ideas and tips about using mirrors to enhance your home:
1. Mirrors do not have to be store bought, often you can stumble across a old mirror in a junk shop. With a slap of paint on the frame you can prop it up on top of your tall boy and change out your drawer knobs to match the colour of the frame...and you have a great rustic furniture piece.
2. Mirrors do not always need to be hung. For a less formal look you can prop a large mirror up against the wall (make sure it is secure). This works well for modern and traditional interiors.
3. A mirror should always be centered over a sofa with less than 25cm gap. Any more than this and the eye focuses on the wall in between and not on the ensemble.
4. Find a local mirror hanging professional to hang your mirror even if only to avoid 7 years bad luck if something goes wrong.
5. Even a mirror from a chain store can be a interior designers dream. Pick pain shades to match the room colouring and put a coat on the border.
6. Mirrors should always be centered over the sofa with less than a 25cm gap otherwise eyes will be drawn to the wall and not the ensemble.
7. Bring the beauty of your garden (or your neighbours) inside by placing a mirror at the window or opposite it.
8. Mantels and Mirrors go hand in hand. Enough said.
9. Make sure you that you do not place an object with flaws or cracks in front your mirror. A mirror will only magnify something you may want to hide.
10. To check what will be reflected in your mirror. Stand with your back against the wall where you plan to hang your mirror and take a look at what will be reflected in the mirror.
11. Mirrors are the easiest way to make a room look bigger and grander. This is why you will often find mirrors in hallways, dining rooms and rather small bedrooms as large feature pieces in the room.
12. Mirrors can be used as art works. Place a variety of different mirrors of different styles and sizes on the same wall.
13. Create a little ambience in the room by placing a plain mirror under a few candlesticks or flowers. These will be reflected in the mirror creating a lovely effect.
Mirrors are a decorators friend!! Mirror hanging can be tricky especially if large and heavy so it is always advisable to consult a professional with experience i hanging mirrors on all surfaces.
Here are a few great ideas and tips about using mirrors to enhance your home:
1. Mirrors do not have to be store bought, often you can stumble across a old mirror in a junk shop. With a slap of paint on the frame you can prop it up on top of your tall boy and change out your drawer knobs to match the colour of the frame...and you have a great rustic furniture piece.
2. Mirrors do not always need to be hung. For a less formal look you can prop a large mirror up against the wall (make sure it is secure). This works well for modern and traditional interiors.
3. A mirror should always be centered over a sofa with less than 25cm gap. Any more than this and the eye focuses on the wall in between and not on the ensemble.
4. Find a local mirror hanging professional to hang your mirror even if only to avoid 7 years bad luck if something goes wrong.
5. Even a mirror from a chain store can be a interior designers dream. Pick pain shades to match the room colouring and put a coat on the border.
6. Mirrors should always be centered over the sofa with less than a 25cm gap otherwise eyes will be drawn to the wall and not the ensemble.
7. Bring the beauty of your garden (or your neighbours) inside by placing a mirror at the window or opposite it.
8. Mantels and Mirrors go hand in hand. Enough said.
9. Make sure you that you do not place an object with flaws or cracks in front your mirror. A mirror will only magnify something you may want to hide.
10. To check what will be reflected in your mirror. Stand with your back against the wall where you plan to hang your mirror and take a look at what will be reflected in the mirror.
11. Mirrors are the easiest way to make a room look bigger and grander. This is why you will often find mirrors in hallways, dining rooms and rather small bedrooms as large feature pieces in the room.
12. Mirrors can be used as art works. Place a variety of different mirrors of different styles and sizes on the same wall.
13. Create a little ambience in the room by placing a plain mirror under a few candlesticks or flowers. These will be reflected in the mirror creating a lovely effect.
Mirrors are a decorators friend!! Mirror hanging can be tricky especially if large and heavy so it is always advisable to consult a professional with experience i hanging mirrors on all surfaces.
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