How to Declutter your entire home in 6 Days! (Plus, save the environment.)
We all know how painful it can be when the household items pile up throughout the year and especially during Christmas. When the kid’s toys have doubled in mass, and when the fridge has had its last shelf standing with all the leftovers. It’s time to Declutter, rearrange and renew for 2020! (Not only that, it also helps with adult anxiety.)
Think of all the times you’ve spent looking for something that’s important because of clutter – makes it harder to clean too and can even impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
When it comes to decluttering your home, do it in a way that is eco-friendly and makes you feel better about the way you discard it. Keeping the environment in mind can also have its self-esteem benefits.
Day One – The Kitchen:
- Clean your fridge
- Throw out old food or expired condiments
- Clean your pantry
- Sell or donate any small kitchen appliances that you no longer use
- Make a list of any new condiments that need replacing
- Finally go through your junk draw and organise it (Come on! We’re all guilty of having one!)
Day Two – Dining Room, Family Room, Entrance
- Go through DVD/video game drawers and if you don’t love something either sell it or donate it
- Sell or donate shoes, hats, coats, gloves and scarves that have been outgrown or simply not being used anymore
- Sell any home décor that no longer brings you joy. Gumtree is a great way to sell unwanted items.
Day Three – Bedrooms
- Go through all the cupboards and donate or sell any clothing items or shoes that haven’t been worn in 6 months +
- Organise books, toys and stationery. You can donate any of these items to local day care centres or libraries.
Day Four – Bathrooms
- Clean out all cupboards under the sink
- Throw away all expired makeup or toiletries
- Throw away any makeup or creams that you don’t use anymore
- Label and use bathroom storage baskets for the items you continue to use
Day Five – Office
- Go through your to do ‘pile’ and don’t quit until it’s all clear
- Discard and shred all business and personal records if not needed. ASIC requires companies to keep their records for Seven Years, and the ATO requires you to keep records for five years. If your company owns any assets, then you may need to keep these records for longer.
- Even declutter your PC! Delete any old Files that are no longer needed and make sure you back up your important files on an external hard drive or passport.
Day Six – Garage
- Go through all the kid’s outdoor toys and keep only the items that they constantly play with
- Discard of any old paint tins, only if they’re completely empty. If they still have some left-over paint in them then you need to do a proper chemical cleanout. In addition to old paint, you can also discard of old fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fluorescent lighting, batteries and oils. You can find out more information on this at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/find-crcs-or-hcco
Start off 2020 with a fresh, clean slate and don’t let the clutter reappear, (Until next year)
Happy New Year!!
JHS Blinds and Screens is taking 20% off all Blinds, Screens, Plantation Shutters and More!
Simply book your FREE measure and quote by calling us today and enjoy the benefits of a quick installation plus the extra savings.
Contact our friendly team on 0451 000 547
*Retractable Screens not included. Offer limited to one per purchase per customer.
7 Mistakes to avoid when organising for Christmas in December
1. Don’t leave your Christmas shopping to the last second…
Christmas is here… Even if it means you’re wanting to start your Christmas Shopping in July – best to plan ahead. You will most definitely beat the Christmas rush, the inappropriate language from other customers and not to mention babies in trollies with their high-pitched screaming because their mum didn’t buy them a Kinder Surprise at the checkout.
Speaking from experience it’s always great to be organised. Create a Wish list for whom you want to buy for and mark off as you go.
Helpful Tip: When buying multiple gifts in one shop always write the person’s name on the products box (or clothing tags) right after you leave checkout. This will be a huge help when wrapping up all the gifts – it will remind you which gift was for which receiver.
I cannot tell you how embarrassing it can be when you have nieces and nephews that are in similar size clothing and you’ve labelled the wrong gift for the wrong child! OOPS!
2. Avoid purchasing bulky items in store and lugging them back home – Shopping online these days is the way to go!
So, you have a perception of how Christmas should ‘look’ in your home. I know I do… a giant white Christmas Tree with mesmerising, crystallised ornaments and fake snow. Then I want the Nativity Set under my tree showing our love for the Lord Jesus Christ (YEP! Always at my place). Don’t forget I want the staircase draped and wrapped in endless metres of Wreaths and Garlands. Next, I’ll vision extra-large gifts, all tied up with gold ribbon, piled on top of each other sitting under our tree waiting to be unwrapped by our two adorable, patient, kind and loving children……. SNAP OUT OF IT!
Who do you think is going to carry all this back home AND who do you think is going to prepare all this???!!!
Shopping Online is the way to go these days. Online stores have been around for more than 10 years now, and with the chaos that we all experience during Christmas time – You would have to be communicating with Elves to not do it for at least half of your shopping!
Come on, we know you want to ADD TO CART…
3. Don’t throw out Christmas Gift bags from the year before – Recycle them and use them for the year ahead
Well, we are getting close to finishing off the year – so let’s Wrap it Up! If you’re the same as me and love to see a Gift Wrapped but don’t have the patience to wrap it, then re-using gift bags that you were given from the year before can be lifesavers. No Wrapping, no cutting and no folding!
4. If you want a smooth Shopping Run, best to Shop alone
Think quick! Get in and out of the shops as quickly as possible. Don’t speak to anyone, don’t make small talk with the cashier, and don’t conversate with people you have run into that you may know.
Avoid eye contact, head down and sprint through the shops like you’ve never shopped before! Maybe you can get your steps up on your Garmin while you’re at it.
5. Avoid wasting time in putting up the Christmas Tree year in and year out.
If you’re not big on getting everyone involved to put up the Christmas Tree – Wrap the Tree in Bubble Wrap, ornaments attached and all (Maybe remove the fairy lights) and store the Tree as is so it’s ready for the next year. You’ll Thank me later.
6. Avoid getting too wasted at the Work Christmas Party
We tend to work so professionally all year round, then boom! Work Christmas Party. Time to let your hair down and your liver explode… but to what extent?
Avoid becoming the talk of the new year ahead with pointless gossip and embarrassing moments. Keep it classy and simple at your next Christmas Party and remember, just have fun!
(Said, no Mother ever!)
7. Avoid being left alone
Worried about being Single at Christmas? If you’re concerned you don’t have that Plus One in your life, then best to do something about it now!
Organise to invite other single friends over for the holiday period or offer to host end of year events at your place. Try not to turn down any festive invitations from other friends. Christmas is a time to enjoy everybody’s company and to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives.
One more thing…
JHS Blinds and Screens would like to wish all our Clients, Partners, Family and Friends a very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Prosperous New Year for Twenty-Twenty.
We couldn’t do this without you and the support you have shown us throughout previous years.
JHS Blinds and Screens can’t wait to bring you a bigger and better 2020 with a lot more laughs and giggles.
Stay Safe and remember –
“JHS – I’ts a Family Thing”
Christmas Closure Dates:
25th, 26th December 2019
1st, 2nd January 2020
Trend Styles of 2020
(A little sneak peek into the future)
With the Year 2019 flying through so fast it’s time we sit down and think about what 2020 will bring.
From Home Décor to Improvements and Renovations we’re so excited to show you what has already started to creep into the end of this year.
We tend to chase the trends so here’s what’s in the cards for the year to come.
Mindfulness, Natural and Organic – Colours
Hands up if your home is constantly evolving with the things you love – and so it should. Each day we are trying to find things to update our homes rather than changing them completely. What better way to bring it all together with some greenery, fake plants and calm colours?
Earth tones are going to be the spotlight of the year 2020, along with pink, orange, shades of blue and green in both warm and cool hues.
Stabilise that earthy look and freshen it up by bringing in a shock of colour. We’re talking about Taupe with Aqua, Copper and pink or Lilac, and mustard with a dusty pink.
Wallpaper – To wrap or not to wrap?
Paper wrapped walls have never gone out of style, but it has had a hard time of tearing away it’s reputation as old fashioned. (excuse the pun)
Until now…
Designers around the Globe have become fixated on the idea that whatever was old is now new again. Embracing nostalgia. So, if you’re worried about adding wallpaper only to find it impossible to tear down then change your mind. Wallpaper is a tremendous way to personalise a room. It’s one and only purpose is to bring life into a space and make it your own sanctuary.
Not to mention Wall Murals – the next best thing to Wallpaper.
Tell your own story with a painted Mural and capture your own mood, theme and desire. With the advantage of not needing to add anything more to that space.
Bring the Outdoors, indoors (Let us explain how)
Have you put together our secret message?
Everything is back to nature, greenery, freshness, calmness and joy. What better way to embrace this than to have a Secret Garden? Well, not so much secret, if you want to enjoy it with the rest of your family and friends…
But, bringing the outdoors in benefits opportunity to reflect, meditate and feel as if you have an external living room. Additional structural benefits of having an outdoor room extends your home, which gives you more space to move and groove.
Young at heart
Keep it spiritual. Play isn’t just for kids! Expect to see playful design details soon. Pinterest will be your design partner with colourful elements soon to be capturing your focus. Who knows – maybe your young kids can help you re-decorate and add joy and warmth to your home? As from the timeless Dr Seuss words ““If you never did you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”
Husband’s (Father’s) Day: Give him something Special
(But at the same time, make sure the gift benefits you too!)
Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re like me and have young children then you’re most likely going to be the person that buys the gift, wraps it, then writes out the card on behalf of the children. So, basically, it’s called Husband’s Day.
So why not organise a gift for him but think of what you would want too? Classic!
How does an Automated Home System for your Window furnishings sound? Not only will it bring you a hands-free luxury lifestyle, but you’ll never complain about him leaving your Blinds open again!
JHS constantly teams up with high quality and innovative networks to keep up in today’s market. So, in saying this (or writing about it) we proudly present to you the Connexoon Window RTS App from SOMFY.
Not only will your Life Partner or Husband benefit from this extraordinary system but you can too. Here’s why:
- You can control up to 30 Blinds per Connexoon from your Smartphone
- Schedule your Blind motion at a time you want, which means you don’t need to pace around your house opening or shutting your window coverings.
- Remote access even when you’re not home. Picture this: Stuck in traffic, it’s getting late and you realise you left the Blinds open this morning. Connect through the Connexoon App (make certain you have internet connection) and shut your Blinds all at once – helping you feel safe and secure while you’re still out on the road.
- We said that you too would benefit from this gift as well as your partner. The Connexoon App has the ability to connect to 4 smartphone Devices. His and Hers – Isn’t that cute?! Google Home can control your Blinds with Voice control when used alongside this device.
So, put an end to all these indecisive moments when shopping for a Father’s Day gift and just think of what you would want to make your life simple. A JHS Install of the Connexoon Window RTS App Thanks!
P.S Happy Father’s Day Guys!! xx
How to keep your home spotlessly clean with the help of some Dirty little Secrets
(Yeah, we thought that Pun was funny too…)
We all know how frustrating it can get when chores pile up in front of us and it becomes uncontrollable. Whether you’re a stay at home mum, dad or both parties work full time, there is never a perfect time to do everything at once.
So, that’s why I’ve put together some Dirty Little Secrets to how you can get started with keeping your home continuously clean all year round… grubby kids or not. Don’t be bored and sit idle, you need to constantly be on the go, but, to a certain extent. We all deserve that cup of coffee!
Prioritise what needs to be done and what can wait another day or two:
Let’s face it. We’re not robots and putting too much strain on ourselves can eventually burn us out. Prioritise your daily to-do list. It doesn’t need to be in this order, but little things that you can do quickly can make a difference at the end of your day.
*Make the beds – Keep your décor to a minimum. The last thing you want to do is add more cushions that your toddler can throw off the bed anyway.
*Empty or load the dishwasher – My 6-year-old helps me unload most of the time which is such a big help in the mornings.
*Spot Clean as needed – I generally use my stick vacuum several times a week, mainly in the kitchen. It’s where most of the action happens, so quickly running the vacuum through helps to keep small debris from going into other rooms.
*Take out the garbage – Keep your Outdoor bins near the back or front entrance, which ever entrance you use to do a quick drop off. Make sure you use bin liners and don’t forget some sort of bin deodoriser. You can purchase Bin Buddy which is available at your local supermarket and it can keep your bin smelling fresh for up to 3 months. (Yes, I visit woollies at least 3 times a week!)
*Laundry – Do one load of Laundry each day. Don’t be tempted to wash more than one load, no matter how much you love it. This is just going to create more folding and ironing later.
Create a cleaning schedule (and get everyone involved):
It’s best to sit down and make a schedule that works for you. In today’s chaotic world, time is not on our side, so we need to accommodate our time to what we think needs more attention.
It takes a good 3-4 hours on average to clean a two-storey home (from personal experience!). Take an overall look at your week and pick a day that is not too hectic. Maybe a day that you can leave work early, (LOL – Yes Mr. CEO, I need to leave by 2pm today because my stairs need cleaning) Or, maybe a day that someone else in the family cooks – Mother – in – Law perhaps? (God Bless them!) Anything that loses that hour of chores is a blessing.
Sometimes it takes me 3 times to tell my toddlers to clean up after themselves, but they still do it. Pick easy jobs like putting their toys away, keeping their rooms neat and knowing where everything goes including dirty laundry. Keep bins in every room to create simplicity for them. Let’s face it, kids these days are like most men – If it’s not in eye view, they’ve got no clue!
Keep on top of your monthly cleaning:
Clean the inside of your fridge and oven once a month. If you keep on top of this, it really doesn’t take too long. Do a quick dust of your Rangehood and do your once a month dishwasher disinfecting – another blessing! Don’t forget the Washing Machine. I usually wash it with cleaning vinegar and Baking Soda while it’s empty then halfway through, stop the machine and wash down the sides with a cloth – They look after you, so you need to look after them. You should also be cleaning your dryer lint after each dry cycle.
Other monthly cleaning that you may need to consider would be dusting your ceiling fans, cleaning your light fixtures, attending to your air conditioning vents, windows, walls and doors.
Microwaves – A more natural and inexpensive way to clean is combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl and place the bowl in the centre of your empty microwave. Turn your microwave on high for 2 minutes. After the microwave has filled with steam, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside.
Another thing to remember is that the longer you leave between cleans, the longer it takes to get it back into place. It’s not easy being a working mother/father, raising kids, and keeping on top of household things, so try and make things easier for you anyway you can!
Wash at night, dry the next day:
I absolutely love Summer nights. Not for the late dinners or the occasional ice cream runs. I love Summer nights because I get to do laundry and dry it the same night. (Pretty cool huh?)
Why not take advantage of the heatwave during an aussie summer and do your washing of an evening and either hang them to dry that same night or hang them in the morning. Either way your washing will be dry in no time.
Winter? Well, if you know the next day is forecasted to be a sunny one then I would still hang clothes out to dry. It cuts out that rush of having to get your kids ready for school the next morning and having to worry about hanging out wet clothes!
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue – Grab a scrubbing brush, because your Toilets are Due:
The thought itself can raise anxiety levels in anyone before even stepping foot into the bathroom. My quickest and easiest dirty little secret is to first, remove everything off the basin area, including shampoo bottles in the shower and throw them all in an empty washing basket. Take away all towels to replace with new sets later and turn on your exhaust fan or open any windows.
Then I lightly spray everything (and I mean everything!) with Pine O Cleen Disinfectant Bathroom Ocean Sparkle. If you’ve got a floor to ceiling tiled Bathroom, it’s even easier. Spray and leave for 10 – 15 mins; just enough to sit back and have a cup of coffee.
When your Siesta is over, use your hand shower to wash away all the Pine O Cleen. Using a handheld shower cuts your time in half. No Scrubbing needed and just a quick wipe over your basin and bathtub. I usually wash my walls and floors with the handheld as well but stay clear of any timber vanities.
Lastly, scrub the toilet bowl with White King Power Clean Toilet Gel, mop up all excess water from the handheld shower and you are done! (For another few weeks).
Leave fans on and windows open to help dry and air everything out quicker.
There’s nothing wrong with having secrets, especially if they help you be in control of your busy lifestyle.
Share and comment your cleaning tips on our blog…
What’s your Dirty Little Secret?
That’s Right – Take it all off with our discounts on Vertical, Venetian and Roller Blinds
Discounts! That’s right, JHS Blinds and Screens is taking up to 20% off on all Vertical, Venetian and Roller Blind Installations. Simply book your measure and quote by calling us today and enjoy the benefits of a smooth Install plus extra savings. What about Double Roller Blinds? Yep – up to 20% off!
Don’t overpay this tax time, get your money back with JHS Blinds and Screens.
(We are not registered accountants but we can use a calculator)
Contact us today for your FREE Measure and Quote
#Offer does not include Plantation Shutters
5 Crucial Steps to Buying a House in NSW
Buying a house can be a big step but taking small steps can help make the process a whole lot easier. Read our latest guide to make sure you’re on the right track.
- Organise your finances
The last thing you want to do, is browse the streets for a new home, find the perfect property, but have someone else ‘steal’ it from underneath you. This is the (not so surprising), exhausting feeling, most home shoppers go through when looking to buy.
First thing’s first. Get your finances together. Whichever way you choose to start or whoever you want to contact first, the most important thing to remember is – “Can we afford it?”
A Mortgage broker is a great way to start. Brokers act as mediators, or, negotiators, who brokers mortgage loans on behalf of individuals or businesses. Traditionally, banks sell their own products but as markets for mortgages have become more competitive, mortgage brokers have become more popular. In Australia, mortgage brokers are the largest sellers of mortgage products for lenders.
- Search for and inspect properties
Ok, great! Now you know how much you can borrow plus; you feel comfortable enough to make the repayments for your Loan. It’s time to step out. Step out and shop! Apparently, they say it’s the fun part. (Whatever!)
There are a few key factors to consider when browsing for your next home.
Location: Is it close to schools, shops and parks?
Lifestyle: Which type of community are you after? Do you want to socialise and be apart of a close neighbourhood or do you want to be left alone? (There’s nothing wrong with that)
Living: How many bedrooms, bathrooms and car spaces do you need? Do you want a home or land to build a home?
Once you have an idea in your mind it will help filter your findings. Utilising a Real Estate listing site such as realestate.com.au can make a world of difference. It’s quick and easy to use. For the more organised home seeker you can create an account, save notes and schedule open homes straight into your personal calendar.
Before submitting an offer, it’s crucial that you inspect the property. This can rule out any serious issues, ensures the property is well suited to what you want and that you love it!
- Submit an offer
After many weeks of searching and inspecting, you have had time to filter down to your favourite home. You love it, your family loves it and your kids are fighting over who gets the biggest room. Now it’s your turn to fight. Fight for the property. Does this sound familiar? “Just to give you a heads up there ARE other interests in this property”. Yep! We’ve heard it all before.
At the close of a business day, an Agent needs to sell for the Vendor, this is what they are paid to do. So whatever price you prepare them with (a decent amount, of course!), they will discuss it with the Vendor because it’s still an advantage for both parties. And, if you’ve mentioned that your finances ARE READY TO GO then signing a contract might just be around the corner!
If you’re set to go ahead with a serious offer for a particular property, just wait, there are a few ways to make it less stressful for you.
- Request a copy of the contract for that property from the agent.
- Pass this contract on to your conveyancer or solicitor for them to review. They’re paid to represent you and make sure there are no serious issues or important items missing which would prevent you from purchasing the property or being restricted in utilising your land in the future.
Once your conveyancer gives you the green light then you can now submit an offer – either verbally or in writing. (Written offer is always best, especially if you’ve looked at so many properties and your brain is in a spin). The agent will keep you informed if your offer has been accepted or not.
- Organise a Legal representative (Yes, we sound smart! In other words, a Solicitor!)
Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted. You’re a step closer to owning a sanctuary to call your own. The next step is quite a formal process where legal documents will be exchanged and signed in order to complete the purchase. At this stage, it is highly recommended that you secure your conveyancer or solicitor who specialises in Property Law. Are they licensed with NSW Fair Trading? Do they have insurance? Should any mistakes be made during the process you need to have peace of mind that you’re covered. Do your research properly from the start so there are no bumps in the road.
Check with your Solicitor or Conveyancer the steps they take for your new property purchase. Some tasks can include:
- Review the sales contract
- Research the property and complete background checks which include a title search and certificates check
- Exchange the sale contract with the Vendors legal advisor
- Represent you during Settlement
- Negotiate contracts and place a deposit
Now that you’re comfortable with your Solicitor and their advice – They will act on your behalf during the contract negotiation process.
The exchange of contracts is the legal completion when buying a house in NSW. Before these contracts are exchanged, both you and the Vendor will receive a copy of the sales contract which you will need to sign before they are exchanged.
A standard cooling off period after exchange is five days when buying a house in NSW. This can or may be extended to ten days depending on the situation and negotiations with the agent. If, for any reason, you wish to withdraw from the contract you will need to do so in writing and be required to pay the Vendor 0.25% of the agreed purchase price. This works out to be $250 for every $100,000.
You will have approximately six weeks until settlement after the contracts have been exchanged. This time is typically used to finalise everything for the property including finances and legal documents in preparation for Settlement day.
Settlement day is when you pay the rest of the sale price and become the legal owner of the property. YAY!