Guest Post - Top 10 Garage Office Organization Tips

Have you recently begun to work from home? You are certainly not alone and this trend is expected to become even more popular in the near future. While there are many benefits associated with a home-based business, we need to keep in mind that creating a functional office could very well determine your overall success. Let's therefore take a quick look at how to transform an everyday garage into a fully functional office. 

Vertical Storage

Most garage-based offices are associated with a limited amount of space. However, you should not be forced to endure a cramped and cluttered environment. Take advantage of vertical shelving to store important everyday items. Wall-mounted cabinetry is another excellent option to consider. 

Make the Most Out of Existing Space

It is also wise to examine the floor plan of your garage. This will enable to you better determine where common items such as office furniture should be placed. It may also be a good idea to invest in space-saving accessories such as tables that can fit into corners alongside overhead storage solutions. 

All About Organization

An organized office is a productive office. Unfortunately, you may be grappling with a small amount of floor space or negotiating with other items (such as a vehicle). It is therefore wise to think outside of the box in terms of how you can remain organized. One interesting suggestion involves investing in a series of pegboards or walls with horizontal grooves. The main takeaway point here is that functionality will determine productivity.

The Grab-and-Go Edge

In terms of convenience, why not purchase a handful of baskets that can be mounted directly to the walls of your garage? These innovative options offer two main benefits. First, they provide a quick and easy way to store smaller accessories such as office stationary. A second advantage involves the fact that it is easy to grab whatever you require within a matter of seconds. 

Keeping Your Vehicle in Mind

Many garage offices will have to be balanced with the presence of a vehicle. How can you ensure that your care remains protected while still carrying out everyday responsibilities? Here are some professional tips and tricks to highlight:

• Use a vehicle cover to prevent unintentional damage.

• Add a gas stabilizer if the car will not be used for 30 days or more.

• Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling.

• Ensure that moisture and humidity are kept in check (more on this later).

If you have grown attached to your vehicle, be sure to implement the suggestions mentioned above. 

Ventilation Concerns

As mentioned in the previous section, many garages are known for relatively high levels of moisture. Not only can this damage a vehicle, but working within such an environment is far from comfortable. If your garage remains humid throughout the year, invest in a portable dehumidifier. This will help to lower the moisture content of the ambient air. Of course, those with more financial liquidity may also choose to implement an HVAC heating and cooling system. 

Let There Be Light

Office lighting is extremely important and this observation is just as applicable in regard to garage conversions. As the majority of garages do not offer much natural illumination, it is wise to invest in a handful of LED fixtures. Not only will these provide a welcome source of crisp light, but their energy-efficient nature helps to lower electric bills over time. 

Prevent Drafts

Drafts and garages seem to enjoy a hand-in-hand relationship. Unfortunately, this can be quite frustrating if you will be devoting hours to your professional career. Make it a point to search for any air leaks; particularly around windows and the frame of the garage door. Purchasing a do-it-yourself sealant kit will ensure that you remain comfortable; particularly during the colder months of the year. 

A Touch of Security

Every garage should be equipped with a robust security system and this is even more relevant if the space will be used as an office. Here are a handful of modern technologies to consider:

• Heat and motion sensors

• Robust garage door locks

• CCTV cameras

• Biometric scanners (such as fingerprint readers)

Be sure to examine the cost of these methods in order to accommodate your budget. 

Epoxy Flooring

Due to the functional nature of a garage, parquet flooring or carpets may not represent sensible options if it will double as an office. One interesting option is to use an epoxy sealant. Epoxy will provide an effective moisture barrier, it can protect the underlying surface and it is often possible to choose non-slip formulations. The good news is that this material is easy to apply and it will last for years if cared for properly. 

Home-based offices are indeed the wave of the future, so why not take full advantage of an existing garage? Please feel free to refer back to the suggestions mentioned above in order to obtain a bit of much-needed inspiration on occasion. 

Author Bio:

This article was written by Patrick Barry of VRT.ie – The go-to experts in the Car importation field. Be it importing a motor from the UK to Ireland or needing the assistance of a Customs Clearance Agent, VRT is here to help with all of your importation needs.

How To Clean A Mattress At Home - The Comprehensive Guide 2021

Due to the heat, sweat and frequent usage – our mattresses can become a haven for bacteria. Most modern mattresses have protective elements in their design, but even then, a good clean now and then is a good idea:

• How often you should clean your mattress?

• Ways to clean your mattress

• How to maintain bed hygiene?

Keep reading to find out how to get your mattress clean in just a few easy steps so you can sleep soundly at night without the worry… 

How often should you clean your mattress?

There’s a good reason why it’s recommended to change your bedsheet every week, and that is down to the amount of sweat absorbed during a night’s sleep. Some people may need to change sheets more often if they don’t shower before bed or spend more time there during the day. 

Even if you have a mattress protector and change the bedding regularly, sweat and dirt will still get slip down to mattress level, so you should give it a clean at least once every couple of months. 

Ways to clean your mattress

There are a variety of ways to give your mattress a clean, so here are a few easy ones to try:

How to clean your mattress with baking soda at home

1. Remove all your bedding and mattress covers, then carefully inspect the mattress for areas of staining or dirt. If there are no stains, only some discolouration or smells, move on to step 2. If there are stains, scroll down to find some solutions to deal with those first.

2. Use a (recently cleaned) upholstery attachment to carefully vacuum all over the mattress. Pay particular attention to creases, crevices, and seams. 

3. Now put 1-2 cups of baking soda into a sieve. You could add a couple of drops of essential oil (such as lavender) to this step to help banish any smells and give off a pleasant scent come bedtime, but it is optional. Shaking the sieve gently, thoroughly spread the baking soda over the entire mattress surface.

4. If the mattress you are cleaning is a guest bed, aim to leave the baking soda on for 24hrs. If it’s your bed, leave it on as long as possible – maybe before going away for a weekend? Or apply the treatment in the morning and leave it on until just before bedtime. Ensure the room has good airflow and let as much sunlight in as possible – heat and light can help the baking soda be more effective. 

5. Once the baking soda has been on the mattress for enough time, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to lift it all off the mattress. If you use both sides of your mattress, make sure to flip it and treat the other side the same way. 

How to clean a memory foam mattress 

Most memory foam mattresses are constructed differently from regular spring mattresses, so the first thing you should do is refer to the care instructions label. However, the baking soda method should be safe to use on them. Be sure to vacuum your memory foam mattress regularly and try to not let any stains dry. If you do need to do stain cleaning, it’s important to avoid harsh cleaners containing peroxide or bleach as they can damage the structure of the memory foam. 

How to remove mattress stains

Most human-made stains are protein-based, so they should be easy to remove with household products, although you can go for a specialist upholstery cleaner if you are unsure. 

For sweat, urine, vomit, etc – simply add a teaspoon of washing-up liquid to a cup of cool water and pour it into a spray bottle if you have one. Spray or apply this mixture on the stained areas and carefully dab it up with a wet cloth. Leave everything to fully dry and then vacuum over the areas one final time. Mixing cool water 50/50 with white vinegar works too.

Top Tip: Avoid using hot or warm water on stains – heat can set-in stains, so they’ll be much harder to remove.

How to remove blood stains from a mattress

If you have a stain that is a little more stubborn such as blood, don’t panic. You can still use natural solutions to get it all out.

If the blood is still wet, gently dabbing with cold water can be surprisingly effective. However, removing dried blood will require a little more effort:

1. Mix one part baking soda with two parts cold water.

2. Apply the mixture to the stain – do not rub as this may spread the stain even further.

3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour. 

4. Dab the area with a damp cloth and clean cold water.

5. Allow the mattress to thoroughly air dry and then vacuum the area well.

If the stain remains, you can repeat this process or purchase some stain remover from your local supermarket.

How to maintain good bed hygiene 

Sleep hygiene and bed hygiene are not the same thing. Sleep hygiene is making sure the condition of the room is right for you to sleep well in. Bed hygiene is as it sounds – how hygienic your bed is. So here are some ways you can ensure everything is good and healthy:

1. Purchase a mattress protector. These are easy to clean alongside regular laundry and help prevent major mattress staining.

2. Clean your sheets as regularly as possible to prevent sweat, dirt, and dust transfer to the mattress and/or protector.

3. Take showers or baths before bed so that you don’t transfer a day’s worth of dirt to your sheets.

4. Instead of putting clean sheets straight back on the mattress after removing them, air the mattress out with the windows open while they wash.

5. Check the mattress manufacturers recommendation for tailored cleaning advice.

6. Flip your mattress every three to six months.

7. Replace your mattress at least every eight years.

It’s easy to clean your mattress and maintain freshness thanks to the use of a few simple tricks. So, why not get going and give your mattress a fresh new feel?

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First House

Buying your first house is a big decision. You want to make sure you make the right choice and know what to expect once you buy it. A valuable guide that will help you in buying your first home is important to have on hand. With that said, let’s jump in.

Budget

The first thing you will need to do is determine your budget. Estimate the amount of money you have saved up for a house and search for areas with new homes for sale to know the market prices in different areas. You should also sit down with any person who will be living in this home to help in decision-making. Involve all the people that have invested their money towards this project. Once you have found a few houses in your price range, it is time to look at the details. You want to ensure the home has the proper structure (i.e., no leaks or cracks). It should be clean because nobody wants to live in a dirty environment.

Interior

When you start looking at details inside the house, here are some items you need to check out:

Countertops & cupboards - consider if they can be wiped down with ease. Look whether they have enough storage space. Check the condition of the appliances. If they're old, consider repairing them before moving into the home. Also, take note if there is a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and oven. These appliances will save you time and effort in the long run if they are available.

Exterior

After checking out all those details inside the home, it's time to look around outside. It doesn't matter how nice or updated any interior might be if there isn't proper landscaping (i.e., grass). Exterior maintenance, like painting, is important as well. Ensure that there is at least one working entrance door on each side of your future abode.

Closing Costs

Do you think your future home meets all these requirements? If so, congratulations! You are one step closer to buying your first house. Now it is time to look at closing costs (i.e., title search & insurance) and what fees must be paid before moving into this new place (i.e., deposits for utilities, etc.). Make sure that all these fees are within your budget. It is best to look at them early on to get a better idea of the much needed for this step.

After settling out all these details, it's time to close. Depending on where you live, closing dates can sometimes take up to 45 days. You don't want any surprises during this period, such as eviction, because some unexpected repair wasn't done. Make sure you have enough money set aside for an emergency fund just in case. Don't forget about saving receipts. If any repairs are necessary after you have moved in, it is vital to keep all proof of payment for those repairs.

Top tips to get rid of common carpet stains this Christmas

Ah, Christmas - the most fun and festive of all seasonal events is nearly upon us! But with it comes an influx of visitors to the home with family members and friends bringing food and gifts. It’s a great time, but there’s a much higher chance of your carpet becoming a victim of spilt drinks and mess!

Whether it’s gravy, red wine or mud from dirty boots – don’t panic – here are some easy ways to help you banish all manner of stains and dirt from your carpet in just a few easy steps…

How to get mess out of the carpet 

The most important thing with spills and staining is to act fast. So, the first thing you should do as soon as something has spilt is to dry and dab up the excess as much as possible. Do not rub the stain! Instead, gently dab and blot the moisture away using a slightly damp cloth. Start from the outside, carefully working inwards. Continue this process until you are no longer picking up color or moisture from the spill. 

If you’ve spilt a liquid that will not stain or damage the carpet, such as water, it’s easy to clean up. Just put a tea towel or kitchen roll over the wet area and press firmly to transfer the liquid to the towel. Keep pressing until no more water is picked up, and then leave it to air dry. 

If your spill is likely to stain, there are further steps to take to save your carpet or rug…

Removing red wine or darker liquid stains

There are many different ways to tackle red wine stains, from old wives tales to deliberately spilling white wine on the stain to counteract with it, but here are a few popular methods:

1. The club soda method

The club soda method is a simple one. The idea is to repeatedly soak the stain with club soda and blot until the stain is gone:

- Start as normal blotting up the excess wine.

- Then pour on soda water, and gently dab and blot until dry. 

- Keep repeating this process and pouring on soda water until the stain starts to lift. 

Do not ‘rub in’ the soda water, simply allow it to saturate the stain and dab it up – let the bubbles do the hard work! 

2. The washing up liquid & vinegar method

After blotting up the excess liquid, mix half a teaspoon of washing up liquid with half a teaspoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Using a sponge, carefully dab the mixture onto the stain and blot with a clean cloth until dry. Finally, spray with cold water to rinse the area and blot dry again. You can repeat these steps a few times if it’s being stubborn - remember to be gentle!

3. The hydrogen peroxide method

Hydrogen peroxide is a home-cleaning powerhouse, but it should be used with caution – especially if there are kids around. For safety, wear some protective gloves and a mask, and keep everyone away from the area. To produce the solution, mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part washing-up liquid and let it sit on the stain for 30mins to an hour. After this time, blot out the mixture before rinsing with cold water and blotting dry.

It’s a good option, but there are other, more environmentally-friendly and safer methods. Hydrogen Peroxide is also technically a bleaching agent, so maybe only use it if you have a white carpet?

4. The salt method 

Salt is naturally drying and absorbs moisture incredibly well through osmosis, so it’s ideal for drawing out unwelcome stains. Blot up the excess liquid as normal for this method, but then fully cover the stain with salt. Don’t rub the salt in, but let it sit within the fibres covering the stain generously for at least half an hour. If you can, leave it on for several hours or overnight to boost the cleaning power. When you’re ready, vacuum up the remaining salt using a pole attachment as you don’t want to rub anything in. You can repeat everything if the stain remains, just leave the salt on a little longer. 

If none of the above methods work or the stain has set in, there’s always carpet shampoos, steam cleaners or local specialists who will have years of experience and well-tested products to help get the job done.

Main takeaway: Be gentle, consistent and don’t panic! Vigorous rubbing will only spread the stain and cause fibre damage, so proceed with care.

Coffee or tea stains

Because tea and coffee stains are majority water, the easiest thing to do is blot up the liquid as quickly as possible. As with other stains, blotting is the way to go and will likely sort the mess. If there is a dark stain left behind, one of the above methods should help.

Mud and dirt stains 

The key difference between mud stains and most others is that the muddy area should be allowed to completely dry before you treat it. Once it is, scrape off as much as you can and then vacuum carefully and thoroughly. Some vacuums have attachments with deep bristles that may help with this. 

If you’ve removed as much dry residue as possible and there is still a dark stain, use one of the methods above. 

Stains from pets 

If you have a four-legged friend, urine stains are a real worry! Luckily, they are fairly easy to remove. Now, before you get started, don’t forget to put on some gloves as you will be dealing with animal waste. Next, make a solution using one part vinegar to one part water and pour the solution on the affected area. With these stains, you can gently agitate the fibres with a soft brush to ensure you get all the mess and smell, then blot the area dry using a clean towel. If the smell remains, repeat the process to completely rinse out the area. 

How to prevent stains and maintain a clean carpet 

The easiest way to avoid stains is prevention! Here are a few steps you can take to protect the carpet from all manner of festive accidents:

• Purchase a stain protection treatment and apply it to your carpet.

• Have doormats at each entrance.

• Ask your guests to remove their shoes.

• Move area rugs into carpeted rooms to catch the spills.

Hopefully, this will help you easily remove all sorts of stains from your carpet this festive season, so you can continue your celebrations without worrying about the drinks, pets or muddy shoes.