Simple Daily & Weekly Cleaning Schedules For Working Parents

Working parents do have a lot on their plate and, we give them far too little credit for it. Juggling and balancing on a very thin line between work, family, personal life and, what-not is a superhuman endeavor. In regards to that, they do need all the help they can get. Making their homes squeaky clean and sparkly takes time and talent. But, on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to know a few tips and tricks of the trade.

1. Kids can help out

If two heads are smarter than one, then four (or more) hands do more than just two. While your kids may be small or you don't want them to do complex and dirty jobs, they can help around the simpler things. Like taking out the trash, tidying rooms, maybe even putting some of the dishes back (depends on their age) etc. This helps them cultivate healthy habits and makes them responsible adults. You are doing them, and yourself, favor in the long run.

2. Your space, your pace

When you even think about cleaning the entire house, it can seem daunting at first. You are already thinking about billion things that need to be done, and get overwhelmed before you even start. But it doesn't have to be like that. By fragmenting the task into many smaller ones, you are motivating yourself. For example, do the kitchen on Mondays, living room on Tuesdays, bedroom on Wednesday etc. and, simply rotate. Or if you want to do it all in one day, dust first, then make a coffee break. Then vacuum and watch just one episode of your favorite show. Then jog and polish, followed by a break after that as well. When it's all done, you will accomplish what you set out to do and, your back won't become sore.

3. Outsource the dirty work

To make everything sparkle time, money and effort are needed. Since life doesn't care if we have all of the three in one moment, there is no shame in asking for help. Just putting it all on paper can make you realize just how much it costs you. On the other hand, affordable and quick professional cleaning services are available for the entire Sidney area. As these trained professionals do the work for you, you are free to indulge yourself in the meantime. Spending more time with your family or running other errands are now all viable options as you are relieved of this duty. And that comfort is something that pays for itself.

4. Make it fun

We mean it and, you can do it. Dusting or cleaning during your favorite song or jam makes all the difference. Only you can liven up your home and, your attitude goes a long way in doing so. If you treat cleaning up as another drag, boring, exhausting chore, then guess what? It will become just that. But by making it an activity where you get to exercise a bit, listen to some music while making your home a safer and cleaner place to live, you will realize the other side of things. It's all about perspective and, only you have the power to change yours.

Making everything work is part of working mom’s daily routine. It's something you can take great pride in as the feat alone requires a lot of planning, hard work and dedication. The result is a clean and safe home for your family coupled with an accomplished carrier. With you, in between, you can be proud of yourself and what you managed to achieve. So, slouch back, pour a glass of wine and enjoy. Cheers!

Guest Post - The Influence Technology is Having on Interior Design Trends

Interior design specialists have always possessed a keen eye for detail, and they are capable of keeping one step ahead of the latest trends. While these are both undeniable talents, we also need to remember that technology is now beginning to transform the entire industry. What types of changes are taking place? How might these impact current approaches to home décor and why is this great news for the average homeowner? These interesting questions deserve a bit more attention.

The Notion of Smart Homes

While intelligent homes may be associated with classic cartoons such as The Jetsons, the fact of the matter is that this notion has now become a reality. Not only do smart homes provide a more user-oriented experience, but they tie traditional design concepts together with cutting-edge technology. Examples include biometric locks, seamless smartphone connectivity, and lights that automatically deactivate when a room is unoccupied.

A Focus Upon Sustainability

As climate change continues to rear its ugly head, average consumers are now placing greater importance upon developing design concepts that help to ensure sustainable earth. The good news is that technology is capable of playing an important role. Eco-friendly materials are replacing traditional substances and thanks to ongoing research, it is much easier to appreciate how these approaches will benefit the consumer from a long-term perspective.

Computer-Aided Design

To be clear, computer-aided design (CAD) has existed for well over 20 years. The main difference is that this technology has advanced to the point where it is capable of providing clear representations of how a structure will appear well before the foundations are ever poured. Not only will this save both time and money, but it helps to streamline the overall design process while offering architects a level of digital flexibility that would not have been possible in the past.

Augmented Reality

In some ways, augmented reality (AR) is another branch of computer-aided design. The main difference is that AR is more intended for customers as opposed to interior designers. Here are some of the ways in which augmented reality can be used when envisioning a home, office, or retail center:

• Users can digitally select what type of furniture they desire.

• AR can provide real-time views of a specific location.

• 360-degree walkthroughs are possible; offering a first-person view of how the final design will appear.

• Changes can be made with the simple click of a button.

Augmented reality can offer amazing levels of insight and we are only beginning to realize its full potential.

Three-Dimensional Models

It can sometimes be difficult for an interior designer to convey his or her vision to the customer. As opposed to sketches and mock-ups three-dimensional models are now possible. We are not only talking about digital images in this sense.

Thanks to 3D printing, rooms or even entire homes can be physically created from scratch. These options provide a much more hands-on appeal that is often required before making a final decision. From individual items such as furniture and ornaments to illustrating the layout of a modern kitchen, the possibilities are virtually limitless. As the cost of printing models continues to plummet, even average consumers can take advantage of what is in store.

Redefining the Office Environment

Let's remember that interior design is also associated with the business sector. Just as the importance of recycling outdated equipment is becoming realized, owners are equally keen to develop "green" workplaces. In this sense, bigger is not necessarily better.

One interesting interior design trend involves downsizing contemporary office environments in order to place a greater focus upon functionality. After all, massive spaces will inevitably contribute to the carbon footprint of any business. By incorporating technologies such as energy-efficient lighting systems and relying upon sustainable sources of power, companies are now able to adopt eco-friendly solutions.

Digital Collaboration

It is now possible to speak with a friend or family member who may be located thousands of miles away within seconds. So, it only stands to reason that this very same trend applies to the world of interior design. Professionals can collaborate with colleagues via webinars, VoIP meetings, and video conferences. Information (such as floor plans) can be shared within milliseconds.

These capabilities have served to streamline the entire design process while providing customers with more options than ever before. Millennials are particularly keen to leverage such benefits, as they can provide a sense of flexibility that would not have been possible only a handful of years ago.

Looking Toward the Digital Horizon

Keep in mind that the observations highlighted above could very well represent nothing more than the tip of the proverbial iceberg. As computers and digital technology continue to advance at a breakneck pace, the interior design sector will continue to evolve. This is great news for industry professionals as well as for the average property owner. Regardless of what may come to pass, there is no doubt that these trends will continue to reshape the world around us.

Author Bio: Eoin Pigott is a Business Development Associate for Wisetek, a global leader in IT Asset Disposition, Data Destruction, & IT Reuse.

Equipment Necessary for Every Home Renovation Project

Is your country still in lockdown or at least under certain COVID-19 restrictions? If yes, then this is the perfect time to tackle some home renovation projects and improve your house. But, first-timers need to be mindful of the tools and equipment necessary for a successful reno. No matter the size of your project, here’s what you must have at hand for any DIY renovation project:

Tool belt

Let’s start with something basic like a comfortable tool belt. This piece of gear is necessary for any type of work, no matter how big or small. With it, you’ll always have your most important tools ready, especially when you’re working at a height, so you don’t have to climb up and down the ladder every two minutes. If you don’t want to invest in a tool belt (even though these are usually very cheap), you can put on your grilling apron to hold a hammer, screwdrivers, nails and tape.

Ladder

This piece of equipment is a must-have for any house and can be used for a variety of things. It’s also necessary for any sort of renovations, whether you’re replacing cabinets, redoing the tiles or setting up new decorations. Choose your ladders depending on your needs and your storage capacity—they should easily fit into your storage yet give you enough height for your tasks. Models with tool attachments will provide you with enough comfort so you can paint your walls without any worries.

Safety gear

Another thing you will need even before you start doing any demolition or construction is safety gear. It’s important not to touch power tools and hand tools unless you’re equipped with heavy-duty gloves and eye protection. Also, if you’re handling any heavy loads or walking around sharp things, you need proper work boots with penetration protection to keep your toes safe. These also offer great support for your heel and ankle so you don’t have to dread sprains. A hard hat is also a must, especially when working on the leader.

Measuring tape

When it comes to actual tools, you will need a measuring tape, because you always need to measure twice before you cut. A solid tape with a functional tang, proper stand-out, sturdy locking lever and a handy belt hook will be your trusted companion through many renovations and projects. With it, you’ll take floor and furniture measurements, take the length of walls and determine the size of your decoration.

Sledgehammer

Many renovation projects involve some heavy-duty demolition that’s impossible without a sledgehammer. You might need to break the old kitchen countertops, knock down a wall or punch out that old window—all of these tasks, and more, require a heavy sledgehammer. When choosing your tool, make sure to with a model you can lift, because they can be very heavy. And smaller models are equally effective in many tasks.

Cordless drill

Many experienced carpenters are moving away from conventional drilling tools, but for a beginner like you, a tech-savvy cordless drill will be a handy helper through many tasks. Going cordless is a great idea because you don’t have to think about outlets and tripping over drill cords and extension cords. Get a model that comes with a nickel-cadmium battery that lasts longer and charges in minutes. Some other elements to keep an eye on are good trigger control, easy change from slow to fast modes and easy drill change. No matter if you’re putting up decoration, replacing hardware or setting up your new table, you’ll need your faithful drill.

These six elements have to find their spot in every DIYer’s home. Complete your tool and equipment collection with a scalpel, pliers, screwdrivers, a level, tape and painting supplies and you’ll be able to handle any renovation tasks like a pro!

Why Home Waterproofing Is Important in any Climate

Waterproofing your home is an important step that is not exclusive to a specific area and climate. You never know what type of weather may hit your area, so you want to ensure your home is prepared for any type of weather. In addition, any climate can cause water damage to an unprotected home. If you are thinking of taking this step, here are several reasons to waterproof your home regardless of the climate.

Prepares Your Home for Any Weather

Waterproofing is essential to preparing your home for any type of weather, such as rain, hail and snow. However, you also want to ensure your home is prepared for the humidity and moisture that comes with the heat. It is no secret that the weather is unpredictable, but waterproofing your home helps you prepare for any weather.

Saves You Money on Possible Repairs

You may feel you are going over your budget by waterproofing your home, but you are taking the steps to prevent damage to your home. It may cost even more money to repair your home from water damage, especially if you are hiring a professional company for the inspection and repairs.

Creates a Healthier Environment at Home

Home waterproofing is also essential to creating a healthier environment for you and your family. The last thing you want is for mold or mildew to cause an illness or other respiratory issues to anyone in your home. When you waterproof your home, you are keeping mold and mildew from growing and causing everyone to feel sick.

Prevents Water Damage to Your Home

Water damage can cause several issues to your exterior and foundation. If water leaks inside your home, you are running the risk of damaging your interior and valuables. Protecting your exterior and interior is a big reason to call a professional. Experts like 1-800-BUSY-DOG mention that preventing water damage significantly impacts your health and comfort which is why it is so important that you waterproof your home.

Increases Property Value for Potential Buyers

Are you thinking of putting your home on the market in the future? Waterproofing your home offers long-term protection from mold, mildew and damage, and this results in long-term benefits if you decide to sell your home. Your potential buyers may be willing to pay more for a home that has already been waterproofed.

There are many benefits of waterproofing your home, from creating a healthier environment to preventing water damage. If you want to protect your home, your family, and your valuables, it is best to waterproof your home regardless of the climate.