Tips For Organising Your Belongings In A Rental Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is an excellent solution for those who need extra space to store their belongings when they have limited space at home, or a life event is taking place, such as moving to a new home.  However, the benefit of doing so only applies if you keep your storage unit organised and therefore make it easy to access everything you have stored. To assist you with that aim, here are some tips to help you organise your belongings effectively in your storage unit.

Choose The Correct Size Storage Unit

The first step to organising your rental storage unit is to choose the right size storage unit in the first place. Most storage facilities offer units of varying sizes, so make sure you choose one that fits your requirements. A unit that is too small will not store everything you want without the temptation to cram it all in no matter how disorganised that leaves it all. Conversely, renting a unit that is too big means you will be paying for unnecessary storage space.

To determine the right size, make a list of all the items you need to store, and estimate the amount of space required. Additionally, consider whether you will need to access your belongings frequently or not. This will help you decide on the best unit size for your needs. If you are unsure, speak to the storage facility staff who will happily provide you with expert advice.

7 Tips For What You Should Do After Your Carpets Have Been Professionally Cleaned

7 Tips For What You Should Do After Your Carpets Have Been Professionally Cleaned

One of the questions a professional carpet cleaner will almost invariably be asked after they have completed a carpet cleaning job in someone’s home is, “What should I do next?”. That question is usually asked concerning two time periods: the immediate hours to follow and the time between this carpet cleaning and the next.

After the professional carpet cleaning has been completed, the question will be about when the carpet is safe to walk on and how long it might take to dry. As for further ahead, the questions relate more to how a homeowner can keep their carpets as clean as possible in the interim between professional cleans.

To save you from waiting until the next time your carpet cleaner visits to get the answers to the questions above, we will give you a shortcut by providing you with seven tips that expert carpet cleaners would ordinarily give their clients. We hope they help you in your quest for cleaner carpets.

Common Problems When Tackling Landscape Design on Your Own

Landscape Design

It’s only natural for us to consider the DIY route for any job we undertake around our properties. After all, if we can save money, why wouldn’t we try? The problem is that not all jobs will go off without a hitch, including what might seem simple, like landscape design.

Industry experts Intreeg Landscapes say if you’ve been thinking about starting a DIY landscaping project, consider whether you have the necessary expertise to handle the task. Otherwise, you may face some of the problems below.

Planting in the Wrong Place

You might know where you want your plants to go, but that doesn’t mean where you’re planting them is where they are going to thrive. You might have purchased a sun-loving shrub but then grew it in a shady area that sees no sun.

One way to waste a significant amount of time and money is failing to do your homework on plants. Each plant type has its own unique needs, and your backyard may not always be able to fulfil them.

Not Considering Your Lifestyle

Surprisingly, your lifestyle should feature heavily in your landscape design before you get started. Think about what you will be using the space for and how much time you have to dedicate to its maintenance.

For example, you might like a garden full of exotic plant varieties, but do you have the time to dedicate to pruning, mulching, weeding, and general care? Sometimes, limestone blocks and grasses are a better option, even if you had your heart set on something more elegant.

Answers To The 7 Most Asked Questions About Millboard Decking

Answers To The 7 Most Asked Questions About Millboard Decking

Most people are aware of or have heard of wooden decking, but what many are not so familiar with, are the modern alternatives such as composite decking and millboard decking. In particular, millboard decking seems to be one which few are particularly knowledgeable about.

This is a great shame because when compared to all other decking options, and especially when compared to wood decking, millboard decking has many advantages over them. Just in case you are reading this, and you too are not as familiar with millboard decking as you would like, Decking Sydney are going to answer some of the most asked questions about it.

Where Can Millboard Decking Be Used?

One of the great benefits of millboard decking is its versatility. This means not only can be used to enhance just about any kind of property, but the ways in which it can be used are varied too. Whether you want to make a small bench, planters for flowers, or a walkway around your pool, millboard decking is suitable for them all, plus a whole lot more.

Does Millboard Decking Require Sealing?

This often gets asked as wood decking will need sealing in order to protect it. However, you need not go to any trouble to seal millboard decking, as it will have been sealed properly at the factory as part of the manufacturing process. Not only does this mean less effort during installation, but your costs are reduced too.

How to Choose the Perfect Custom Kitchen Cabinetry

How to Choose the Perfect Custom Kitchen Cabinetry

What many people appreciate about being able to work with custom cabinet makers is having a say in what the cabinetry looks like. When you purchase kit-set kitchens, all components are pre-designed, leaving you with just the option of a few colours and styles.

But all that freedom of having a say in your kitchen’s design can be overwhelming. Here are a few things that you may be asked to think about before the final product is revealed.

Cabinet Door Profile

Cabinet doors are available in all sorts of different profiles. Such variety can mean you may have a hard time deciding on which type will suit your home. Of course, a kitchen expert will be able to offer their advice, but you can also make the decision on your own.

Some of the most popular options include recessed square, slab, raised arch, and recessed miter. These profiles are all unique, so take your time deciding which one will blend in with the rest of your kitchen’s design.

Material Type and Colour

One of the hardest parts about designing your own kitchen with a cabinet maker is choosing the materials and colours. You want a kitchen that’s uniquely you, but you also want to make sure it’s on-trend for prospective purchasers in the future.

Landscape Design On A Budget

Landscape Design

Everyone adores an aesthetically pleasing garden where they can relax or spend time with their family and friends. Still, the thought of renovating a backyard or garden often comes with a worry that the new landscape design will be expensive. It is often enough to stop people turning their drab yard or garden into a thing of beauty, but it shouldn’t as we are about to explain

Let us say from the outset, landscapers can be affordable, and you can build a perfectly wonderful landscape design if you plan and execute the project appropriately. We have compiled some essential tips that will help to give your outdoor space a completely brand-new look, and it should not cost the earth. (As gardening puns go, it was either that or ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees’ 😊)

The key to saving money on any landscape design project is to plan it efficiently. Have an in-depth look at your current outdoor space and identify the areas you want to change. It is recommended you make a list and plan your new design focused on rebuilding these areas. Plan your design with your budget in mind and try to ensure the design uses as many ways to save money as possible.

Be creative with your landscape design, and do not always try to replace things. If something can be utilised again with a little amount of repair work, or customisation, don’t hesitate to do it. This way you will save money and be creating less waste.

5 Ways Commercial Carpet Cleaning Can Help Your Business

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

If you run a business, you probably understand the importance of making a great first impression. However, what you may not realise is that everything counts – even the condition of your floors. Because of this, it could be time to book an appointment with your local carpet cleaning contractor.

Commercial carpet cleaning can help your business in a number of ways. In this article, we’ve looked at our five favourites, but remember that this is by no means an exhaustive list.

  1. Clean Carpets Will Make a Good First Impression

The first thing you should realise is that clean carpets are essential for making a good first impression. And yes, the best way to get clean carpets is – surprise, surprise – employing a professional carpet cleaning contractor.

Honestly, there’s really nothing worse than walking into a business and being confronted with the smell of dirty, mouldy carpets. Don’t let your floors get into this condition, otherwise your business and its reputation will suffer.

  1. Clean Carpets Will Keep Your Business Healthy

Along with making a good first impression, clean carpets will help ensure you and your staff don’t get sick more often than you should. You probably don’t realise it, but dirty carpets are the perfect home for a wide range of allergens and nasty bacteria.

5 Hardiest Pot Plants

Pot Plants

Not everyone is born wearing garden gloves. Sometimes, gardening is a learned skill, not one that comes naturally or for which you immediately have passion. If you believe there’s a fair chance that you’ll forget about your garden pots full of plants, then you’ll need to choose pot plants that will handle neglect. Here are a few such options below.

Perennials

If you’re quite forgetful when it comes to plants, then perennials may be an excellent option for you. Once you plant them, you can almost leave them to their own devices to flourish and thrive. Perennials such as garvinea, gerbera, and jade will also look stunning as they bloom, even if it’s not your effort that got them to that point.

Perennials will also live for around three to five years but will spend a lot of this time in and out of growth. If you don’t require the prettiest plants in your garden pots year-round, add these to your shopping list.

Succulents

Australian weather conditions can be quite harsh, with intense heat seeing only the most robust plants survive. Succulents will be one of them. These robust and beautiful little plants will look striking in your garden pots, but will also thrive on neglect. Ignore them, treat them poorly, and they will repay you by looking vibrant and colourful.

Best Easy-Care Landscaping Plants

Landscaping Plants

Many people dream of landscaping their section to perfection but don’t want all the hard work that goes with it. While you could get a landscaper or gardener to take care of the arduous gardening tasks, it’s better if you can work with plants that don’t need you – the ones you can plant and forget.

If you want to keep your weekend for fun things rather than getting your hands dirty, then read on. Below, we cover a range of plants to talk to your landscaper about, to keep you out of the garden for longer.

Liriope

If you wouldn’t mind planting borders or green walls, then liriope is well worth considering for a low maintenance landscaping project. This beautiful plant is versatile, affordable, and you can buy it in a range of colours. If you want more at a later date, you can take a cutting from your original and watch as it blossoms. Liriope requires no maintenance, prefers sun and shade, and will adapt to wherever in your yard you place it.

Succulents

Succulents are the epitome of a plant you can “set and forget”. They don’t need you to water them, offer them nutrients, or care for them in any way. Instead, you can use them as ground cover, feature plants, and in green walls. Once you plant them, they only need sandy, free-draining soil and decent sun exposure. Their beautiful display of colours will lift your landscaping appeal without you having to lift a finger.

5 Best Drought-Resistant Plants for Landscaping

Drought-Resistant Plants

Australia is one of the driest places in the world, with some regions in South Australia only enjoying as much as 159mm of rainfall annually. If you happen to live in a typically arid region, then you’ll find landscaping to be a bit of a challenge and require the help of Landscapers. After all, what plants are going to thrive when it’s hot and dry?

Believe it or not, you don’t have to have sand and stones and no greenery. Some plants thrive in droughts and dry conditions that can form part of your outdoor paradise. Here are a few must-have plants for drought-ridden parts of Australia.

Agave

Agave might not be the most vibrant garden plant, but for landscaping in areas with minimal rainfall, it ticks all the boxes. Agave has thick green foliage and roots that dig deep into the soil layers. These roots manage to scope out available water when you didn’t think there was any. The leaves are also sharp, but the plant is unusual, low care, and requires minimal to no watering, which is why it is recommended by many landscapers.

Fraser Island Apple

Even though you have to offer this plant plenty of care as it reaches maturity, once it does, it no longer needs you. Fraser Island Apple is an evergreen tree that’s ideal for dry gardens. It prefers coastal conditions, loves free-draining soil, and will attract bees and butterflies to your landscaping. It’s a beautiful, low maintenance tree that grows clusters of cream flowers.

What Should I Consider Before Installing A Glass Fence Or Balustrade?

Glass Fence

Deciding to build a new glass fence or balustrade is a big decision. Although things like glass pool fencing are becoming more accessible for the average person, you still need to make sure that you’re carefully considering your options for pool fencing and balustrades before committing to glass.

Glass fences and balustrades can be costly to install and time consuming to maintain, especially if you live in an area with harsh environmental conditions. With this in mind, we’ve put together a short list of things that you need to be aware of and which you should consider before you commit to installing new glass pool fencing from glass balustrading.

Make Sure You Think About The Cost

The cost of a new glass fence or balustrade could play a large factor in your decision, especially if you’re working on a limited budget. It’s therefore a good idea to get some idea of what it could cost before you commit a lot of time to choosing a style that you’re going to fall in love with – only to not be able to afford it later!

A good first thing to do is to speak to a range of different glass fencing and balustrade installation contractors in your area to get an idea of the rough price for supply and installation of the things you want. Most companies will offer obligation free quotes – make use of them!

Fitted Bathroom Furniture

Fitted Bathroom Furniture

Fitted Bathroom Furniture

Bathrooms can look like an undesigned space when filled with many individual items that don’t match. By using fitted bathroom furniture, integrated into the design, your bathroom could look like that of a millionaire, or celebrity. The fact is that fitted bathroom furniture will result in more effective use of available space. Sinks can slot into cabinets, storage space behind mirrored doors, and a toilet with a cistern concealed in the wall all makes space and provides neat sharp lines. You still get your traditional bathroom and lose nothing with regard to practicality.

All new piping and pipe and tap relocation’s must be done by a licensed plumber.

Style

To ensure a nice flow, then each individual element of the fitted bathroom furniture should all have the same style. Colour contrasts should be avoided unless you are looking for a total design statement. Toilet, sink, tiles and cabinets would look great if they are the same colour. Stick to light colours as they give the feeling of spaciousness. Unless of course your bathroom is already a palace size, you should be making it look as roomy as possible.

Fittings

While an expert DIYer would probably attempt to do the job themselves, if you are not familiar with the process involved, it’s best left to a professional. Mistakes in the bathroom really stand out. Badly fitted sinks into cabinets, pipe joins showing behind fixtures and shower walls not put together properly will leak unforgivingly onto the outside floor. By using a professional plumbing company you’re sure to get the symmetry you hoped for and the finished product will make you far happier than a DIY mess.

J Sutton Plumbing and Gas Services have been doing this kind of thing for years. They have experienced tradesmen who can work as a team to transform your house and your bathroom in particular into what you had dreamed about.

Home Rewires – Your Questions, Our Answers

Home Rewires

If your house was built before 1950, the wiring may not be up to current standards. Prior to 1950, many wiring systems relied on rubber and lead and cloth-insulation, which deteriorate over time. Between the late 1800s to mid-1930s, wiring was held in place by metal conduit. You can find photos on the Internet. If you suspect that your house was wired before 1950 or has old style insulation ask a qualified electrician such as Residential Electrician Perth to check it.

How much does a house rewire cost?  

Of course, it depends on how much work a particular home needs and where you live. Your local electrician is the best bet as they are probably familiar with many different styles and ages of residences. An exact cost for a house rewiring in your suburb will depend on many different things. Any electrical company is only too happy to inspect the house and provide an obligation-free estimate.

How long does it take? 

This depends on factors like the size of your home. In general, for an average size house, with a 2-3 person crew, a complete rewire, where all the wires are replaced, takes about 2-7 days.

Creating a New Lawn – Rollon Turf

Lawned Turf

If you think your lawn could do with a bit of a facelift, or if you just want to add a bit more grassed space to your yard, or you have just built a new home and you want an immediate lawn solution, then roll on turf is the perfect solution. Yes, you can sow some grass seed and get pretty much the same result, but growing grass takes ages, albeit costing a lot less. Instant gratification calls for instant lawn.

Preparation

If you have an existing lawn, that’s obviously going to need removing. If you are putting down roll on turf for the first time in the new house, then you can skip this step.

You can remove old lawn a couple of ways and it will depend on your fitness level and the size of the old lawn area. Using a spade to remove the old lawn is a job for a few mates and a BBQ afterwards. It’s a lot easier and twice as much fun if you hire a turf cutter which removes the grass and roots quickly. Cleaning up is easier as well because the cutter rips up the old grass in chunks, or strips, which can then be rolled up and removed.

Different Types of Vegetable Garden Fencing

Vegetable Garden Fencing

Not all blocks of ground are large enough to offer a patch of ground for a vegetable garden as well as catering for a decorative one. But where there is plenty of room – or at least enough room – having a vegetable garden can offer many advantages. But fencing contractors would advise that fencing for a vegetable garden is quite different to that needed for a boundary fence.

Much depends on the location of your block, but even in the suburbs you can be pestered by wild rabbits or even pets that have escaped.  Just one night of munching can destroy all your hard work in the garden.  In addition, cats, kids and dogs are likely to run and dig through the garden, turning all your efforts and hopes of succulent and nutritious vegetables into nightmares.

So if you plan on growing your own veggies, first take stock of what you need to protect them. If there are rabbits nearby you can be sure they’ll find your garden sooner rather than later. The fence to keep rabbits out needs to be anchored quite deep into the ground, because rabbits dig deep naturally. You’ll need wire mesh at the very least to deal with these pests.

However, often it is the neighbourhood cats that ruin the garden as they love to turn it into an amenities block especially for them to use. It is really horrible to accidentally dig up their leavings, when you thought it was going to be a new potato or carrot.  Cats can jump really high, even over a six foot high steel panel fence.  If the problem is serious and you are intent on solving it, you may need a high fence with razor wire along the top.

What Kind of Verandah Would You Like?

Verandah

A verandah is a roofed addition to the house that runs along one side or the back, or even along the front of the house. It usually extends to the whole width of the home and can give the inhabitants extra room and an outdoor living area to enjoy. However, there are many different styles of patios and verandahs, so before you go ahead you may want to consider which one would suit you – and your home – best. Here are some tips to help you.

  • It is important to build a verandah that suits the architectural style of your home, whether that is a period home or a modern, contemporary one. It will need to be fully attached to the house.
  • While some verandahs are quite narrow, if your property allows it, wider is better as it allows more room for relaxing and your toes won’t be run over by your toddler in their push along vehicle.
  • Verandahs are usually rectangular, but they don’t have to be if your home suits a square or half round one.
  • You can get more use from your verandah in bad weather if you fill in the sides and/or front. This can be done with blinds or more permanent windows. Or shade cloth may be all that is required to keep out bugs and reduce the glare.

How to Treat Your Carpet After Professional Cleaning

carpet cleaning

There is much the homeowner can do to keep their carpet looking like new, but eventually there comes a time when professional carpet cleaning is in order.  According to Brilliance Carpet Cleaning Perth, carpet cleaners and manufacturers both advise that this should be done annually. However, much depends on your lifestyle. A home where pets and children live is likely to have more spills and dirt on the carpet than one where only one or two adults live, especially if they spend most of their time at work.

Once you’ve made the decision to have your carpets professionally cleaned, it is essential to follow a few tips in order to ensure they don’t get dirty again within a few days.  It’s important to follow the advice of the cleaner in caring for your carpets. Here are some general tips that will help the carpet to stay cleaner.

  • Never walk on a damp carpet as the wet fibres will clean all the dirt and oil off your shoes or feet and get dirtier in the process.
  • If the cleaner gives you plastic bootees to wear for when you need to walk on the damp carpet, be sure to use them, otherwise clean white socks may help protect it.
  • If using plastic bootees or bags, be very careful stepping off the carpet as they could be slippery.
  • Keep people off the damp carpet for 24 hours to allow maximum time for drying.

11 Advantages of Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

There are many kinds of offices and not all are located in a mall or shopping complex or even a commercial office complex. Some people have a home office and others locate their business in an older home since there are plenty of rooms and amenities already in place. But these places may not have the advantage of split system air conditioning.

There are many advantages of having a slit system for air conditioning in your office. Here are some of them.

  • Your office equipment will not get overheated and stop working, thus you’ll save time and money in getting it going again.
  • You will be a lot more comfortable and so will your staff. That means fewer trips to the water cooler and more work done, making your business more efficient.
  • Uncomfortable conditions can mean a higher staff turnover. This will cost your business a great deal in hiring and training more staff all the time – and be extremely inconvenient.
  • Your customers or clients will be cooler and look forward to stepping into the coolness of your business if they know you have good air conditioning. Contrast this with not having it and they certainly won’t want to come to discuss business; rather, they will take their business elsewhere to the competition who has a cool place for discussions.

Tips for Edible Landscaping

Edible Landscaping

Edible landscaping can be designed and planned by professional landscaping companies like Landscaping Sydney and is one of the best ways to be sustainable, providing food for family and even friends, if you grow enough. And often, it is a feast or famine, when it comes to growing certain types of vegetables. Cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes and many other delicious garden vegetables produce lots per plant. Just remember to grow what you like most and you’ll never feel your hard work has been in vain.

An edible landscape can be as simple as growing a fruit tree. Pick your favourite fruit, but make sure it suits your climate.  Citrus trees are popular because they have two harvests per year instead of the one found with other fruits such as apples. Plus, lemons and oranges can be used in any number of delicious ways.

How to Choose a Plant Hire Company

Plant Hire Company

When you are doing a full property renovation, choosing the right machinery to do it with will save time and costs. You may have to level ground for an extension or dig up some of the formwork to lay new piers or foundations. All this work must be done by machine and plant hire is far more affordable than purchasing machinery to do it with.

Honest and communicative

However, it is important to choose the right company to deal with. Not only should they be honest, but communicative as well. Trying to deal with a company when they don’t answer their phone or fax is difficult and frustrating. Having to work out what you need with only a junior staff member who knows next to nothing to help you, is just as bad.