Small Tips For Big Results

Multipurpose furniture

One problem that many people find themselves facing in their home is often an issue with space. This is particularly true if you live in a newer house or apartment where the rooms so tend to be on the smaller side. This is where using furniture that is multipurpose can really come into its own. Shelving with a fold out table can be a particularly practical way of creating a work space for those days when you need to work from home. It also gives you the flexibility pack your “office” away at the end of the day. 

Sort out the cables

With so much technology in the home there is a good chance that you have wires trailing all over the place. Whilst these are necessary, they can be rather unsightly. Using a cable organising strip and making sure they are out of the way may seem like an incredibly simple idea. Still, it can have a huge impact on the look of a room. 

Declutter

If you are tired of looking at your house and think that it looks shabby and in need of some updating, it may not be nearly as bad as you think. Clutter can make a room not only feel smaller but also darker and scruffy. Start by having a good sort out. Get rid of anything that is broken or that you no longer want, and don’t keep things for the sake of it. Tidy up your remaining belongings and you can guarantee that this will make a huge difference. 

Add some plants

Adding plants to your home will not only make a huge difference to the look of a room but also has some benefits for your health as well. Studies have shown that indoor plants can help to lower blood pressure and also reduce stress. If you are not “green fingered” then opt for plants that are low maintenance. Those with striking foliage are a good option. Also, consider a couple of different sizes of plant to add variety, remembering to use the rule of three.

Change your colour scheme

Changing the colour of your walls can have a huge impact on the look of your room. Not only will it freshen up the room, but the right shade can make your room seem lighter and more open. For a smaller room, opt for lighter shades and for a room seems cold, look at warmer tones. 

Add a mirror

Finally, consider a staple in the interior design trick book; adding a mirror to any room. This can help to open it out and make it seem brighter and bigger. 

Hopefully, these small tips have inspired you to make the most out of your home, without giving you a huge project to tackle.

The post 6 Small tips that make a huge difference to your home appeared first on Twits Guides.

1. Tips for organizing your wardrobe: maximize your wardrobe space 

With time, our collection of clothes grows. And with the increased number of clothing items in our homes, we need more storage space. There are some easy signs to help you see whether you could use more space in your home. A wardrobe that’s overflowing with clothes is one of them. Organizing your wardrobe can be much easier if you invest time in decluttering and maximizing its space. See whether you can install additional shelves in your wardrobe. If you have an empty space above your wardrobe, you may be able to expand it. Another way to add more storage space for your clothing is with a clothing rack. This is a good solution if you cannot create more space inside your wardrobe. As a result of creating more storage space, your wardrobe will be functional and look more organized. 

2. Divide clothes by function and season 

Before you start putting your clothes up on the shelves, organize your things by function and by season. Having a designated place for each item is the best way to organize a closet. On clothing racks, sort your jackets by the season they’re for. As for the shirts, separate them according to the sleeve length. Keep your most frequently used items of clothing close at hand. For example, if you have a couple of shirts you love to wear often, put them on top. If you don’t have enough space in your wardrobe, you can use the space below your bed for those items that are out of season.

3.Use baskets for miscellaneous items 

Certain clothing items can be very tricky to store and organize. Furthermore, these miscellaneous items can make your wardrobe appear untidy, even if you spent a lot of time and effort getting it to look just right. Baskets can be a neat solution to this problem. You can easily find them in a style that will match the rest of the wardrobe. They are also a great way of utilizing storage space that is difficult to reach, such as the bottom of the wardrobe and corners. In these baskets, you can store clothing accessories, scarves, seasonal items such as gloves, etc. Anything you feel is taking up valuable space can be neatly tucked away. Once you organize everything into baskets, label them. This is one of the best tips for organizing your wardrobe, as you’ll know exactly where everything is and stay organized for good. 

4.Sort your clothes by colour 

After you categorize your things, it’s time to stack them in the closet. In order to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional wardrobe, sort items by colour. This way of organizing clothes has a lot of advantages. It’s much easier to navigate your wardrobe when your clothes are sorted by colour. Another advantage is that you will find what you need much faster. Now, choosing an outfit and getting ready in the morning won’t take nearly as much time. And it will be much easier to create an outfit for the day when you know what you have.

5. Hang your bags and hats 

Hats and bags can take up more space than they need to. And you have to keep them separate. If you stack too many bags or hats on each other, the weight will damage them. But how can you store these items without taking up too much space? The best solution to this problem is to hang your hats and bags on the available vertical space in your closet and on the walls. Any empty space on the walls can be used for storing hats. In addition to this, hats will act as the best décor pieces you can have. Another group of items you can store in the available vertical space is jewellery. As for the bags, you can invest in a door hanger to organize them neatly. Another tip is to put smaller bags into larger ones you don’t often use to save space. 

6. Use dividers for your wardrobe 

Putting too many things next to each other can result in a messy wardrobe. Dividers can be a good way of preventing this from happening. They can be used for a variety of things in your drawers. If your vanity has a drawer, you can find custom jewellery organizers that will fit all your jewellery. This is the best tip if you have a large jewellery collection. Small pieces of clothing won’t get lost when they all have their own designated place. Ties, tiny socks, and jewellery are just some of the things that can be neatly sorted in drawers with dividers. In addition to being functional, they will make your wardrobe look professionally organized. If you choose to put your bags on shelves instead of in vertical storage solutions, you can use shelf dividers to keep them apart and make your wardrobe look amazing.

7. Style your wardrobe as you organize it 

The wardrobe is commonly overlooked when people redecorate their homes. But a wardrobe can be as beautiful as any other corner of your home. Think about the style you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Purchase a couple of sets of hangers that will match your style. Golden metal hangers are becoming increasingly popular for organizing closets. But if you are looking for something a little more classic, invest in high-quality wooden hangers. These have a lower chance of damaging your clothes over time. For the back of your wardrobe, you can purchase wallpaper to make this ordinarily boring space look fantastic. If you have a vanity, you can go with a simple jewellery organizer for your everyday jewellery. This will act as a piece of décor on its own. Jewellery boxes are another classic way of storing rings and earrings. 

Final thoughts 

By using these simple and effortless tips for organizing your wardrobe, you will soon have an organized space for all of your clothes. With more storage space and dividers, you can expand and organize the space you have available. And, by sorting things carefully in your wardrobe, it will look professionally organized.

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1. Have an overall calendar of the renovation project

Remodeling your home before the moving-in day is a good idea. Still, it is not always possible.

It’s hard to determine the exact date when the renovation works will end. Numerous things can go wrong or suddenly interrupt the process. Still, if you want to keep the stress level to a minimum while the renovation mess is going on in front of your eyes, it would be useful to have at least a rough timeline.

Talk with the professionals you are about to hire. Be open, and ask them when the work will start and when they expect it to be done. After that, try to make your remodeling calendar and note the important dates. That will help you take at least some control over the situation and give you some space to organize your life during that period. However, the most important thing here is to be flexible. As we have already mentioned, unexpected things may happen, and you’ll need to deal with that.

2. Make strategies for using your rooms- one of the tips for living in your home during a remodel

There are some rooms in your home without which no family member can function. Those would be your bathroom and your kitchen. Since the whole house or flat will be in chaos, the only thing that can relax the inevitable tension among the family members is making a kind of strategy for using each of them.

Create a schedule where every one of you will have a specific time to have a bath or a meal to avoid traffic jams. Then, try not to overcrowd your kitchen with food that cannot last long. Finally, since there probably won’t be any family meals till the end of the remodeling, put away all the dishes, and stick to the disposable plates.

3. Always have your clean place in the house

Don’t let the workers occupy all the living space. Even though that may sound like a good idea, since the work will end earlier, it can turn into a disaster. Choose at least one room that you can repurpose depending on your needs. This is because if you are about to stay in your home during the renovation project, you’ll need some space just for yourself. It will serve you as a kind of unique getaway from all that hustle and clutter that will be going on. It can be a perfect playroom where your kids will have some fun. Your office space where you can work undisturbed. Or just a room to have some rest after a tiring day.

4. Prepare the essentials

Well, here comes one essential tip for living in your home during a remodel. And this is something you need to do before the renovation project starts. Go through your home and make a list of the essential things that you cannot live without. Take them into one room, and that’s how you’ll have them all in one place. At this point, having a storage unit would be more than helpful. Whether you are in the relocation process, renovating, or need a place to store some extra clothes, renting a storage unit will make it more comfortable.

On the other hand, since you are already dealing with the list of essentials, don’t miss the chance to declutter. This is a perfect opportunity to eliminate all the things you haven’t been using for years.

5. Work with trusted professionals

When you decide to make some changes in your home, the best thing you can do is to contact professionals for help. Finding reputable contractors is half of your work done. Talk with them and make all your doubts clear. They should know what you are expecting and understand the circumstances. An experienced contractor has already done that before, so you can also get some helpful advice.

On the other hand, don’t forget to discuss the questions of their cleaning and conducting their working area. The employees should make sure everything is safe enough and away from family members, especially kids. Be sure that real professionals will make it with the least noise and dirt possible.

Show understanding, and encourage good communication. Remember that as long as both you and your contractor show flexibility, there should be no problems along the way.

6. Prepare all the patience you have

There is nothing that is altogether cheap, fast, and done right. Good things take time. That is why once you get into the remodeling process, get ready to be the most patient person in the world.

There will be delays, mistakes, misunderstandings, and a lot of mess to be cleaned up after that. However, the outcome won’t be worth it if you lose your mind. Create a mental strategy and a plan, and stick to them. Moreover, never forget to practice as many daily routines as possible. It sounds great to have a new and beautiful house, but it’s essential to stay healthy.

When it comes to renovation, no one can promise that things will go right all the time. Still, some tactics proved to be good. We are sure that our tips for living in your home during a remodel are some of them. Try them, and you’ll see the results.

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When people talk about moving, they often refer to the moving day. Although it is the most critical part of the whole process, there are many other things to consider.

You can break the move into at least three stages. Each stage consists of different tasks you need to do:

1. Before the moving day (finding a good moving company or organizing everything yourself, packing your belongings, etc.)

2. The move

3. After you move in (changing the locks or setting an alarm system)

Although a few tricks can make the transition easier, it’s still a complicated and time-consuming process.

Actionable tips for stress-free moving with kids

As a parent, you have to consider how to prepare your children for each stage best. Keep in mind that every move is unique, and not all kids will react in the same manner. However, these tips for stress-free moving with kids can be basic guidelines for parents.

Communication is important

You have to be careful how you deliver the news. Have the whole family sit together and talk about it. The goal is to represent a move in a positive light.

The best way to get kids on board with anything is to get them excited. The same goes for the move. Show them everything they can look forward to, like having a bigger bedroom or living close to the beach.

Also, let them ask as many questions as they want and be prepared for both positive and negative reactions. It is a big transition, and don’t be surprised if accepting it takes a longer time. 

Keeping routines will help

One of the best tips for stress-free moving with kids is maintaining their routines as much as possible. For example, keep their activities outside the school regular, like football practices or piano lessons. If you have some family traditions, like going to the movies or dining outside, stick to them! Also, if kids are younger and have a specific schedule, try not to change it. If mealtime and bedtime are constant, it will give them a sense of stability. Kids will deal with the move easier if everything else stays relatively the same. Of course, this lasts up to the moving day. However, the routine will distract them, and they won’t be as stressed.

Show them the new home

The sure way to get your kids excited about the move is to show them their new home. When you check out the area before buying, try to find the things your kids will be interested in. 

Of course, it all depends on how old your kids are and how big the transitions it is. If your children are older and you’re moving from the suburbs to the city, it won’t be hard to get them excited about everything that living in an urban place can offer. It will be more complicated if it is the other way round. Of course, they’ll probably research the area themselves and find something they like. If they’re younger, show them their new school, local parks, playgrounds, movie theaters, etc. This way, they’ll have something to look forward to.

Set an example

One of the tips for stress-free relocation with kids that is hard to realize is setting an example for them. If you’re not stressed, your kids won’t be, either. If you’re excited, chances are kids will be too. Children tend to pick up the emotional cues of adults. We understand that it’s not an easy thing to do. It’s hard to stay calm and positive throughout the entire process. However, it’s one of the sure ways to keep your kids’ emotions under control.

Involve them in the process

Involve them in the whole process, from the decision-making to actual work. It will be easier if kids feel like they’re contributing. You can let them choose how to decorate their bedroom, or they can help declutter. Long-distance moves, in particular, are never simple, but there are ways to make it easier. Children helping out with minor tasks can go a long way in simplifying the process.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help

Be free to ask for any kind of help. It can be simple advice from relatives who have experience with moving (with kids).

If you’re DIYing your relocation, you already have a lot on your plate. Hire a babysitter on a moving day, or ask friends or family to look after kids.

Also, you can always ask a professional (a therapist or a teacher) to help your kids emotionally deal with the change.

There is no shame in asking for help, especially if it’s about your kids’ well-being!

The truth is, no move is completely stress-free, and you can’t expect it to be. When we add children into the equation, things get even more complicated. However, there are ways to make it easier for everyone. These tips for stress-free moving with kids can be your guidelines for making this change less scary and hopefully exciting for your children.

If you’re planning to move with your family, you’re probably already stressed. However, it’s not too late to help yourself with some tips for stress-free moving with kids.

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But today we want to talk about the most efficient tips for designing a pet-friendly house. Here is how to turn your home into a pleasant environment for your furry little friends!

Create a door for your pet

If you have watched at least one movie about dogs or cats, you know that the front door needs to have a pet entrance. Those cute flappy doors that your pet uses to go outside or come inside are the first change you want to make.

Besides being cute, this improvement is also very efficient. If the pet feels the need to go outside to the front yard, that does not require your action.

You also need a pet-friendly front yard and backyard

While doing stylish renovations in your backyard is an exciting process, you also need to think about making it pet-friendly. Both the backyard and front yard are your pet’s playground.

Your priority should be to keep your yard toxin-free. So, plant pet-friendly herbs:

• wormwood;
• rosemary;
• fleawort;
• tansy;
• sweet bay.

None of these plants are dangerous for pets. Furthermore, they are natural flea repellants.

Also, it would be best if you had a nice patch of shade in your yard. For example, dogs do not sweat. They need a shady corner to cool off during hot days. You can also add a dipping pool or install a sprinkler system to help them cool down.

Be specific when picking furniture

Choosing the right sofa for your home takes some time. First, you need to consider the color, size, and shape. Also, the style needs to match the rest of the room.

If you own a pet, you need to add another factor. That is the chewability or scratchability of the furniture. We all know that pets like to chew and scratch furniture whenever they get a chance. Have this in mind when buying furniture for any room where your pet will have access. Furniture is like a treat to them, so don’t be angry at your pet if it destroys your beautiful sofa. Just move it somewhere else, out of their reach.

Create a room for your pet

When the cold days come, it is best to have a dedicated area for your pet inside the house. This is not a problem if you have a cat. However, if you have a dog, it is best to free up some storage space.

If you are moving in and planning to remodel the home, think about making this change immediately.

This area should have a clear way to the door, enough air, a place to sleep, and bowls for food and water. You can also throw in an old, warm blanket inside.

Make jumping easier

When your pet gets older, climbing on the bed will be more difficult. Dogs, especially small ones, cannot climb that well when they get older. If you allow your pets on the bed or a sofa, consider placing lower ottomans next to it, so they can easily climb.

Be ready to deal with pet hair

Pet hair is probably the most significant issue around the house. Both cats and dogs can leave insane amounts of hair on your furniture and your carpet. You can buy those handy rollers with sticky tape on top to pick up the hair.

Also, we already spoke about choosing pet-friendly furniture. Some materials are easier to clean than others. An additional option is to use covers. Instead of washing the sofa, you can remove the cover, wash it, and put it back. Remember to buy a few covers, so you always have one on the sofa while the other is washing.

You will need to vacuum regularly

When living with a pet, be ready to vacuum every day. This is simply a must because of all the hair and dust bunnies. If you make it a part of your daily routine, you will get used to it over time.

How to deal with the smell

While cats don’t have an unpleasant smell, this is not the case for dogs. Anyone who has lived with a dog at least once in their lifetime knows how dogs can smell sometimes.

Besides regularly washing your dog, it is a good idea to place air fresheners all around the house. This way, your home can always smell fresh.

Moving with your pet

If you are moving into a new house, moving with a pet can cause additional stress. To avoid complications, you want to organize a pet-friendly relocation.

To prepare your pet for relocation, do a little tour of the house before the moving day. Let them see the house, wander around, and familiarize themselves with it. Pets don’t like sudden changes, and this is the best way to handle the problem.

It would be best to have a pet bag packed with pet toys, food, and a pet blanket.

After the relocation, give your pet a tour of the house and the neighborhood. Do this slowly, and let them explore. If you want to make any parts of the place inaccessible for your pet, this is the time to do it.

Designing a pet-friendly house requires time and patience

Take your time when designing a pet-friendly house. As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider. Follow these steps, and you should be ready to deal with any situation that arises. Pets require extra care, and they need a place for themselves. You need to provide it, so their quality of life is the same as yours.

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As we get older the amount of possessions we own seem to grow and storage space becomes a most sought after attribute in any home.How many times have you said to yourself that you just don’t have enough space in your home for all your things? As we grow and make a family, the amount of things everybody has just seems to be insurmountable. It can be tempting to just say you need to move but moving home is an unnecessary hassle just to be able to store all your valuable and sentimental possession. Making use of the available space you already have with DIY is easier than you may think.

When you look around your home, there will be many places of untapped potential that, with a little bit of DIY and creative thinking, you can turn into innovative and beautiful storage areas. So let’s take a look around the home and identify some of the areas in each room which could be turned into handy storage with some DIY and a touch of creativity.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one area of the home that most people feel they simply don’t have enough room. You need cupboards for food, pans, utensil, plates; the list goes on and on. Unless you have thousands to spend on a brand new kitchen with an array of fancy storage options, you may need to get creative to get the storage you want.

So let’s start under the sink. We all have a cupboard under the sink which is generally unused. Don’t waste any valuable space in the hunt for extra storage. Add an extra shelf in there to give yourself more options. Cupboard doors can be turned into extra storage with the addition on a space saver storage rack on the back of cupboard doors. Cleaning supplies, bin bags and any other smaller objects can be stored in these racks giving you extra shelf space.

Cupboard space and storage units are key in any kitchen and most people feel they just don’t have enough. It is relatively easy to implement your DIY skills to add extra cupboards in your kitchen if you need them. You can also add shelving above existing cupboards for pans and pots which you don’t use every day. Knife blocks and magnetic knife holders, which attach to the wall, are also both great ways to save drawer space. You may also want to consider a ceiling rack above any kitchen islands as a great place to hang pots, pans and utensils to save yourself valuable cupboard space.

Lounge

The lounge is where you and your family will spend much of your time relaxing and entertaining. Most people will have amassed a collection of sentimental and personal items by the time they come to own their own home which will take pride of place in the lounge. Extra display and storage options in this room are essential to create the relaxing environment which a lounge should be.

Shelving is the obvious first solution to storage options in the lounge. Even with limited DIY knowledge and skill, putting up shelving is relatively simple and gives you an extra option to display some of your prized possessions. Selecting furniture options for you lounge with extra storage space can also give you extra space to store belongings and also add you your overall décor. Coffee tables with drawers, small cabinets, sideboards and bureaus all give you added storage solutions whilst also give you the opportunity to create a stunning, elegant look to your lounge. You can also investigate the possibility of foot stools which open up to reveal storage on the inside.

If you have alcoves in your lounge, either side of a fire place for example, you have a fantastic opportunity to create some built in storage in this space. A little DIY skill and you can create built in shelves and cupboards within your alcoves which won’t intrude into the space within your lounge and blend in seamlessly within the room. If you have stairs in your lounge then you can also add built in storage cupboards in the space underneath them and create a functional and uniquely shaped cupboard.

If your lounge features an unused or closed off fireplace and chimney breast then this can be converted into an innovative storage option. Opening up the original fireplace and blocking off the chimney above can give you a sizeable space for a built in cupboard or area to place a cabinet, sideboard or shelves. This can be made a real feature in your lounge and give you a creative and unique storage option which make use of all available space.

Hallway

You may not have considered your hallway as a space which you can add storage too but it shouldn’t be ignored. The space under your stairs makes for an ideal built in cupboard area which can be as big or small as you would like. Here you can store big bulky items such as hoovers and also an area to keep shoes and coats so that they don’t clutter your hallway. If you have a boiler cupboard either in your upstairs or downstairs hallway, then this can be converted into a handy storage place for bedding and towels with a simple touch of DIY to add shelving in this area. The hallway is also a fantastic area to add large pieces of furniture such as dressers, bureaus and sideboards. These large pieces of furniture not only give you plenty of storage options but also create a huge impact on people when the entre your home.

Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be a place of peace, tranquillity and relaxation. The presence of clutter or mess can actually have a large negative impact on your sleep as an untidy atmosphere doesn’t lend itself to a restful night’s sleep. Storage space in the bedroom is vital so that you can keep order and calm in what is meant to be the most relaxing area of the home.

Of course the furniture in your bedroom will give you extra storage such as wardrobes and sets of drawers but you can also buy beds which offer storage options. Divan beds often have drawer underneath or you can opt for a bed which mattress rises to expose storage underneath. Built in wardrobes also offer a fantastic array of storage and design options to suit any taste. You can often customise the inside of your built in wardrobe with a simply touch of DIY to add shoe racks, drawers and accessory and jewellery storage. Built in wardrobes can be made to almost any shape and specification to fit any space. They are the ideal solution for uneven or sloped ceilings and smaller bedrooms.

A window seat adds a touch of elegance and old world charm to any bedroom and can also give you added storage options. A window seat is an easily constructed built in storage option which can be made with even the basic DIY knowledge. Situated within the space underneath a large or bay window, a window seat is an innovative use of unused space and the seat itself can be hinged to expose a large storage compartment underneath; ideal for bulky bedding and towels.

Bedrooms often have chimney breasts running through them and if your fireplace downstairs in unused or blocked then you can convert the chimney breast in the bedroom into a built in cupboard or storage space. By removing some of the brickwork and inserting wooden boards and supports, a small cupboard, wardrobe or set back shelving space can be created to make use of every space possible to create unique storage options.

Bathroom

We all use a number of products in the bathroom from shampoo and body wash to moisturiser and shaving gel. Nobody likes the look of clutter and all these products sitting on the side of the bath or sink starts to look unsightly. Storage solutions in the bathroom may seem tricky or thin on the ground but if you get a little creative, there are plenty of ways to add extra storage no matter how big or small your bathroom is.

The space under the bathroom sink is often neglected when it comes to storage solutions buts it is relatively easy and quick to create a storage area in this space. You can choose to create a cupboard or shelving unit which accommodate the base of the sink and works around it to give you an area which you can store bath or cleaning products out of sight and out of the way.

Cupboard can be fixed to the bathroom wall to give you a storage option which is versatile and useful. Cupboard doors can be modified to have rack on them too to extra options to store all your bathroom necessities. You can also create a simple cupboard or shelving unit to sit above the toilet for loo rolls and wipes to be stored, all it takes is some basic DIY knowhow.

Almost everywhere in the bathroom can be used to create storage options if you get a little creative. Even the space above the bathroom door can be used to add shelves to give you a place to put your bathroom items up and out of the way. Tiles can be removed from the walls and small alcoves created in the bathroom to give you built in storage for items such as shower and wash products. A little creative and innovative thinking can help you to look at the space in your bathroom in a different light and see potential to create unique storage solutions even if your bathroom is small and compact.

Loft

Your loft or attic may currently be used as a dumping ground for unused clothes, toys, keepsakes and the Christmas tree but with a little TLC and a touch of DIY, you can turn this space into more than just a place to throw bags and boxes full of knick-knacks.

Firstly, if your loft isn’t boarded out then this should be your first job. Putting in proper, stable flooring in your loft gives you the means to be able to walk around and use all of the space in your loft without fear of coming through the ceiling. Even if you only plan on using the space to put unused items out of the way, boarding the floor is essential so that you can make the most of the space in a safe manner.

Once your loft floor is boarded out you can then look at how exactly you wish to use the space. To make the most of the room you can add built in wardrobes and cupboards around the edges of the loft. As previously mentioned, built in wardrobes can be made to any specification so they can take into account for the sloped loft ceiling and give you a storage option which is tidy and organised. You then have the rest of the floor space to do as you wish; a work are or craft room are popular choices for loft spaces. You may even consider adding a Velux window and turning the space into an extra bedroom.

Conservatory

The addition of a conservatory to your home can give you many extra storage options. The addition of a new room to your home could be just what you need to give you and your family the extra room you crave without needing to move house. While a conservatory may not be the ideal room for built in storage options due to the glass walls, it will give you extra space for items of furniture which will aid in your mission for extra storage in your home.

Get creative with DIY storage

If you need extra storage options in your home then all it takes is some creative thinking. DIY knowledge can help you save money by converting space into storage yourself and many of the tips and tricks mentioned here can be done easily yourself. Think outside of the box and get innovative in your storage solutions to create spaces and designs which suit your personality and your home.

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1. Clean as you go

Yes, it’s obvious; yes, it’s common-sense – but that’s because it really works. Keep a cordless vacuum cleaner – so vacuuming is absolutely effortless and doesn’t involve plugs and wires – and a portable ‘cleaning kit’ with sprays, polishes, dusters, cloths and wipes. Don’t leave anything out once it’s finished with. As you walk out of a room, or up the stairs, take stuff with you. Nipping to the bathroom or having a quick coffee? Wipe a surface. Put used crockery straight into the dishwasher. Train the family to do so too – no one should be allowed dinner/internet/to play until they’ve tidied up. It’ll soon become habit and nobody will even notice.

If you’re pushed for time, just clean the kitchen and bathroom. In those rooms, hygiene is a must, so prioritise. If your wall and floor tiles are clean and gleaming it’s easy to overlook the odd bit of clutter elsewhere. Let’s face it, your house is lived in! A quick polish everywhere else should suffice – the scent of polish gives the illusion of a clean house anyway.

2.Storage, storage, storage:

Everywhere. When everything has a place there’s no need for mess. Many stores specialise in storage solutions which you can customise or build up to fit your space and requirements but you could also choose to create your own to perfectly suit your rooms. Any odd spaces or alcoves are crying out for made-to-fit cupboards, shelves or other storage systems, but everyday furniture can offer storage space, too – cabinets with hooks and rails attached underneath; fireplaces with pigeonholes, tables with drawers… the list is almost endless.

3.Stack it up, but decoratively!

Are you a stacker? You know, someone who seems to collect stacks of… stuff. All sorts of stuff, all over everywhere. Catalogues, books, magazines, recipes and the like? Make a feature of them, again with useful storage. There are some really attractive and stylish office or kitchen storage systems which could actually make a lovely feature. Again, customise them or even make your own – fabric covered boxes and files, or prettily-lined baskets will keep the house neat-and-tidy as well as attractive.

4. Lose the clutter

Keep surfaces clear and the house will look cleaner (plus you won’t need to lift things in order to dust). Plants on windowsills and mantelpieces look fresh and clean and will prevent you from adding yet more clutter.

Now, treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers – really, they’ll help the house look clean and smell good, too!

The post 4 Ways to Make your Home Look Clean and Decluttered! appeared first on Twits Guides.

Self-storage is a great idea if you have minimum space but have too many items. Now you may have too many items as you are a hoarder like me, and that’s fine as we live with the hope that one day we may need to use an item that we have been keeping. Some of us also keep items which we have inherited or been given as a present but there just isn’t an ideal place to put it in the home.  In this case self storage is the best idea, but you have to be careful you don’t start storing clutter in your self storage units, as you don’t want to be paying to store you rubbish.

 By Margo (Contact)

There are multiple ways you can get rid of items which don’t have any use to you anymore. The most common is selling online through websites such as eBay or Gumtree, meaning you will be gaining money from selling items that have been cluttering your house. You could also give items to charity shops if you are unable to sell them.  So there is no need to be storing your clutter and the less you have the less you will have to pay, even though these days you are able to find cheap self storage units. So to save money only store items you really want to keep, as hard as that may be.

2.   Beware of Short-Term Offers

There are just so many deals out on the market and you can never be too sure if you have picked the right one or even if it is really a good deal or not. Deals such as huge discounts for the first month could be great if you are having to use storage for a short time but if self-storage may be a longer term commitment it may not be the most suitable deal. You should also take into account if they offer additional services such as collections and whether this is included into the price or not, as this could save you money and time. Check out a self storage price comparison chart if you are confused by all the special offers – you can literally save thousands by shopping around.

You should also be concerned about those amazing sounding deals as much as they might sound tempting it is likely to have hidden cost as it’s just too good to be true. You ought to plan ahead and know exactly the amount you are going to have to pay for the time you items are in the self-storage unit, so that you are able to pick the cheapest option.
You should also take into account:

• The minimum sign-up period
• The minimum size of the self-storage units
• The terms and conditions

Fixed rate deals could be the best option if you want cheap self-storage over a long period of time instead of going with a deal such as  50% off the 3 months. So just make sure you find the deal which is best matched to your needs.

3. Compare insurance deals

 By Pictures of Money (Contact)

There are a variety of different items which you could store, from ones which are highly sentimental but have no monetary value to items which are highly valuable but you have no need of in your house.  So whichever type of items you are storing you have to make sure you have got  suitable insurance cover. Damage can occur to your items whilst in storage through fires, floods etc. or there might even be a theft so you want to ensure you have sufficient compensation. The worst scenario would be if you have incorrect insurance that doesn’t fully cover you, and so are unable to get your items replaced if something dreadful was to occur. Therefore, make sure you check all the insurance options available from both your self-storage provider and independent insurance companies.

You should get quotes from multiple company insurers so that you have a selection to pick from. You should firstly start with your household contents insurance (if you have one) by checking if their policy extends to items in storage. You should make a list of all the items you want to store and get a quote from: your existing household insurer, one the storage company recommends and then at least another independent insurer.

It can be hard to compare the different insurance quotes as no two insurance policies are the same. You should check the level of insurance, if there are any exclusions and the maximum individual item values that will be covered and pick the one which best suites your situation.

4.   Avoid late fees

Late fees can significantly increase the cost of self-storage as many will charge you a fee if you pay your rent late for the self-storage units. This can easily be corrected if you set up a direct debit with your bank ensuring that you don’t forget to pay on time.

Not only this, self-storage companies are entitled to sell your items in compensation for the rent you have not paid and I don’t think any of us would want to lose our belongings which is the main reason why we have put them in self-storage. So just make sure you avoid late fees not only to lower the cost but also to ensure you don’t lose your possessions.

The post Four Self-Storage Money Saving Tips appeared first on Twits Guides.