Cheap Storage Hacks To Organize Your Home

Due to the safety measures and social restrictions brought by the pandemic, we tend to spend most of our days at home. Now is the perfect time to declutter and reorganize your own space! From creating your own key holders to storing your stuffed animals, these tips will squeeze your creative juices without breaking the bank.

Use what you have as you organize your home with these cheap storage hacks:

#1: MULTI-PURPOSE FILE DIVIDERS

Do not throw your shoe boxes just yet! Shoe box, usually made of paper, is more than just a storage for shoes. It can also be used in packaging several items in retail stores or in your home. If you have a collection of bills, photos, sewing supplies, tools, and other small items, you may store it inside a shoe box for easier access.

Divide the sections of the shoe box by cutting the cover into rectangular and square pieces. Get creative! You may also cover the shoe box with a patterned fabric to echo the décor of your room.

#2: HAIR TIE HOLDERS

Let us face it! Hair ties always get lost. The solution? Store your hair ties on an empty tissue roll core. Widen the hair tie and insert it on the empty tissue roll core. This way, you will know where to find them.

Aside from hair ties, the empty tissue roll core may be used to store your cords. Prevent getting your cords tangled by tucking in the cords inside an empty tissue roll core. Put a label on the cardboard tube so you will know which cord is which.

#3: STATIONARY VASES

Jars can be ideal for preserving jams, jellies, sauces, mustards and flavored vinegars. Basically, it is storage for your food. But aside from that, you may organize your office supplies with a jar. Let the jar act as a stationary vase for your paper clips, pens, staplers, highlighters, and more.

You may also style your jar by painting it with enamel or a chalkboard paint. A chalkboard paint allows you to create a blackboard area with a durable black finish. This product can be applied to any smooth non-porous surface such as drywall, plaster, metal, and glass.

#4: STUFFED ANIMALS STORAGE AREA

Keep all your child’s stuffed animals in one area by sticking a few Velcro strips or hook-and-loop fasteners on the wall. Attach the half of the strip on a lightweight stuffed animal and the other half on a wall. Use the soft side of the Velco or the hook-and-loop fastener to avoid getting potential scrapes on your beloved little one.

#5: REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS

Tired of seeing your children’s toys scattered around? Do not forget the smaller ones such as the action figures or doll clothes that are lying on the floor. Well, re-sealable or reusable zipper bags may come in handy. The most famous brand is the Ziploc bag, but you may also use other variations of this. The see-through exterior provides easy identification of the stored contents.

Just store your child’s toys, crayons, and markers in a labeled reusable storage bag to keep it organized. You may also keep some manuals and brochures inside.

#6: FRAMED KEY HOLDERS

You will be surprised to know that a picture frame may be revamped as a key holder and a dry-erase board. Let us start with the key holder. Create your own aesthetically pleasing key holder with a single picture frame. Simply remove the glass and paint the background or cover it with fabric or colored paper. Then, attach several key hooks using a strong adhesive. Hang the frame near the exit door. This will ensure that all keys are kept in one place.

Lastly, you may create a dry-erase board with a picture frame. Stay on top of your tasks and errands with a DIY dry-erase board. Use an old picture frame and put a fabric or a wallpaper inside. Use a whiteboard or a dry-erase marker to note down your reminders on the glass.

#7: BEDDING BAGS

Tote bags, made of canvas, are usually inexpensive. Take your beddings and blankets and put it inside the tote bags for heightened organization. You may also put your old or underused clothes inside the tote bags and donate it to those who need it the most.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Maid sentenced to four weeks’ jail for stealing cash and items from her employer’s family

Indonesian maid jailed

A 46-year-old Indonesian maid, Rina Tilaar, was sentenced to four weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to two counts of theft as a servant and one charge of theft.

For theft by a servant, she could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined.

Started stealing between February and May 2020

Rina started work with her employer and family at the end of January this year. Over a span of four months, she started stealing cash and items from her employer’s family.

Employer’s mother noticed missing cash and her coin pouch
Braun Buffel coin pouch

Image Credits: Braun Buffel

During the crime period, the employer’s mother started noticing missing cash amounts from her wallet in her bedroom. Her Braun Buffel coin pouch worth S$150 also went missing.

Employer and his wife also not spared

The employer’s wife also experienced missing items in March. She had placed a cardholder with cash of S$52 and an EZ-Link card on a table in the living room, but could not find those items after.

Following the incident, the wife found out in April that a total of S$200 in cash was missing from her wallet in her bedroom on four occasions. On May 19, she discovered S$20 missing from her wallet.

Between mid-April and May, Rina’s 39-year-old employer also realized that a total of S$300 had gone missing from his wallet.

Police were informed on May 21
singapore-police-car

Image Credits: todayonline.com

On May 21, the couple checked Rina’s belongings while she was out. They found a total cash amount of S$1,203.95 in a Braun Buffel coin pouch.

At the start of her employment, Rina had signed a declaration form stating her possession of only a cash amount of S$17.70 and 200 Indonesian rupiah (S$0.20). Her employer also transfers her monthly salary directly to her Indonesian bank account, said State Prosecuting Officer Nasri Haron.

Since the amount was higher than what their helper had initially declared, they called the police.

Rina pleaded guilty

She confessed to taking cash of about S$1,000 from the family, a Braun Buffel coin pouch belonging to her employer’s mother, and the cardholder and EZ-Link card from her employer’s wife.

Her side of the story

“She drop porridge on my hand and (poke me) with the chopstick,” she cried via a video-link from her place of remand.

“I never use this money. My employer lie to me. She do wrong to me, I never complain to police and MOM (Ministry of Manpower). But I just quiet because I want to work.”

She said she did not use the money she stole and had taken it because her employer treated her like an animal. The judge rejected her plea as she did not admit to the acts. To which Rina reversed her claims and pleaded for leniency instead.

“I am very sorry to the court, to my employers and to my agencies and also to Your Honour,” she said.

Considering the recovered amounts and items, District Judge Ong Hian Sun gave Rina four weeks’ jail.

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This Disney-themed home is an inspiration to Disney fans looking to live in a magical world

Disney-themed home

“Tale as old as time~ True as it can be~ Barely even friends, then somebody bends… unexpectedly~”

Did you find yourself humming or singing along to the above? Immediately guessed that it’s from Beauty and the Beast? Disney must have been an influence on your childhood then.

For the Hermansons, a family of four, they channelled their love for Disney right from their hearts to their home. Those who are getting your BTO flat or new apartment soon and happen to be Disney fans, this is truly an inspiration to look up to.

Let’s go on a house tour together!

#1: The entrance speaks a thousand words

disney-themed-home-kelsey-entrance

We love how the entrance already gives us a glimpse of how the house is going to look like. Step right into Disney magic as Mickey and Minnie Mouse welcome you back home.

#2: Rapunzel-themed living room

Rapunzel-themed living room

If you’re one that spends the bulk of your time in the living room chilling with Netflix, then a Rapunzel-themed living room sounds just about right. The Disney princess is usually spotted in a purple dress and thus explains the purple furniture and decorations from the couch to the flag banner and floor mat.

#3: Beauty and the Beast dining experience

Beauty and the Beast dining experience

It’s about time Beauty and the Beast makes its appearance. The dining area features high detailed ornate chairs and a Beauty and the Beast picture that sets the Disney mood for your meals.

Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs Potts and Chip

Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs Potts and Chip are also your dining companions in the dining room.

#4: Princessy bedroom fit for royalty

Cinderella-themed bedroom

Bedroom, a place where desires, fantasies, and dreams come true! Let Cinderella accompany you as you hit the sack. And we’re not talking just about having a princessy bed frame to fit the theme.

Take a look at the wall feature behind the headboard.

Cinderella-themed bedroom wall feature

Doesn’t it remind you of the soap bubbles that formed when Cinderella was scrubbing away?

Let’s not forget the iconic Cinderella carriage that appears in the story. The Hermansons found a golden exquisite carriage to go alongside the Cinderella-themed bedroom. Isn’t it lovely?

Cinderella-themed bedroom gold carriage

But it really takes effort to create such a room fit for royalty. If you noticed the nightstands by the beds, you will be surprised to know that it didn’t look the way it is now. Here’s it before the couple’s DIY labour.

Cinderella-themed bedroom nightstand

From the matching paint-combination to the door pulls, it was given fresh coats of paint and new life.

Cinderella-themed bedroom door pulls

Cinderella-themed bedroom DIY nightstand

#5: The Little Mermaid bathroom

The Little Mermaid bathroom

Thoughtfully planned out, don’t you think The Little Mermaid fits in right where it should be – the bathroom? Everything from the wall decorations to the bathmat and shower curtain catches the eye but yet not a bit out of place.

Seashell necklace belonging to Ariel’s daughter

The seashell necklace belonging to Ariel’s daughter, Melody, is also an added charm to the bathroom. Oh yes, if you have another bathroom to work the Aladdin concept, go ahead!

Aladdin concept bathroom

We’re simply wowed by the elaborate designs executed by the Hermansons. Even the washbasin spout takes on the shape of the magic lamp in Aladdin.

washbasin spout takes on the shape of the magic lamp in Aladdin

A lot of hard work involved but definitely worth every effort upon seeing the finished project. Hope this has been an inspiration for you too!

All images are taken from Home & Decor Singapore.

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Impact of COVID-19 on new parents: Fewer Malaysian confinement nannies and higher hiring costs

young-asian-mother-holding-newborn-baby

COVID-19 not only has had its impact on the economy, but parents with newborns are also feeling the strain. According to PEM Confinement Nanny Agency’s (PEM) senior business manager Mishell Lee, demand for confinement nannies had a sharp increase recently due to travel restrictions around the world.

Couples who had plans to count on their parents based overseas or hire a domestic helper to help them tide through can only turn to confinement nanny agencies now amid travel restrictions.

Ms Lee mentioned that due to the slower rate of approval for work permits and the need to serve Stay-Home Notice (SHN) for each trip, the agency could only activate 200 out of its total manpower of around 400 nannies.

“Since the beginning of movement control order (MCO) and circuit breaker, PEM has been receiving a high number of requests from clients to extend the service of their confinement nannies, but we are unable to fulfil (these requests) due to the lack of manpower and this is still going on until today,” she said.

“Many of the mothers who signed up with us… have not yet fully recovered from delivery and being left alone will make it harder for them to take care of their newborn.”

New mothers left in limbo
asian-mother-comforting-crying-baby

Image Credits: Verywell Family

While most families would hire nannies for an average of 28 days, first-time parents may need a longer period.

A new parent who wanted to be known only as Ms Long, said, “Currently, I have no other options. We want a simple extension for 28 days and it will help us a lot. I would have recovered more and would be better able to take care of the baby.”

Ms Long’s parents, who are based in China, were supposed to travel to Singapore to help her after she gave birth. But plans were disrupted due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Another new mother, Ms Heather Huang, said, “The agencies told me that they had a limited supply and with border restrictions, they needed to make arrangements earlier to ensure the nanny’s work permit and quarantine can all be finalized.”

“I was a bit scared because I did not know how to bathe, feed, or just take care of the baby when she comes.”

Ms Huang stated that her preference for hiring Malaysian nannies was because of the relatively cheaper price and their rich experience.

Incurring higher hiring costs
confinement nanny with baby

Image Credits: The Wedding Vow

Some families are also incurring higher hiring costs due to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s requirements. The added costs include the nanny’s compulsory stay in a dedicated SHN facility and the payment for the COVID-19 test.

In the case of Malaysia, people arriving from overseas will also need to quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days. Citizens are required to pay RM2,100 (S$690) of partial costs, while foreigners have to pay the full amount.

These additional amounts are passed on to the families, nannies, or the agencies, or shared between the relevant parties.

Mr Jason Teo is one individual who agreed to share the added financial costs with the agency he hired his Malaysian nanny from. For a period of 28 days, he had to pay an additional S$700 on top of the S$3,000 to hire the nanny.

“I agreed because I think it’s not fair to expect agencies to absorb all the added costs. And I think it would even be worse to expect the nannies to pay for it,” said the 29-year-old engineer whose first child arrived on Aug 14. 

“The nanny has been great for us so we are fine with it,” he added.

Malaysian confinement nannies affected as well
tey-may-leng-confinement-nanny

Image Credits: PEM

With the ongoing pandemic, not only the lack of support for new mothers and higher costs are involved. Malaysian confinement nannies are also feeling the pinch on their source of income and the need to be apart from their loved ones.

Ms Tey May Leng, 51, an employee of PEM, expressed that she had difficulties paying the university fees for her two children over the last three months when she could not leave Malaysia to work in Singapore during the MCO period.

“As I have not been working since March, I have lost around RM16,000 of income in total. My children’s university fees are around RM5,000 a month so it has been difficult,” she said.

“I will serve fewer customers for each trip due to the COVID-19 quarantine duration, but I can no longer afford to be choosy,” she added.

Ms Yow Yin Fen, 52, is also another PEM nanny from Malaysia who is based in Singapore and is staying with her daughter. She has not seen her husband in Kulai, Johor for six months.

“I miss my husband but being in Singapore makes more sense for me. I can serve more families for the agency.”

“But I worry that my husband is home alone and he struggles sometimes,” she added. As soon as the Malaysia government relaxes the travel restrictions and allows citizens to quarantine at home, Ms Yow plans to return to Malaysia.

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Renovating your BTO flat: Interior designers share some tips on budgeting, styles, and more

HDB flat renovations

After getting over the excitement of purchasing your build-to-order (BTO) flat, it’s time to think about renovations. If you know not where to start, take it from the interior designers themselves as they share with you tips on budgeting, styles to go for, and more.

Set a budget
Set-aside-money-for-home-renovation

Image Credits: 99.co

As with most things, setting a budget will get you started on the right track. According to a spokesman for Qanvast, the data collected shows that homeowners of new apartments spend between S$30,000 and S$60,000 on renovations while renovation costs for resale units start at S$65,000.

However, he advises homeowners to budget for an excess of 10 to 20 per cent more. “It’s common for homeowners to spend more than their budget – upgrading to better tiles, adding carpentry work, or dealing with unexpected hiccups.”

Also, while you might be attracted to some low-cost packages, it’s good to do a background check before signing any contract. Mr Morris Teo, managing director of HomeRenoGuru, a renovation website, says: “Homeowners should be mindful when signing packages that appear very affordable. Reputable interior designers would usually include the entire renovation works in the initial contract.”

Also, make sure you are getting good quality materials for the price paid. As Ms Amy Picanco, a director at Aym Design and a council member of the Interior Design Confederation Singapore, rightly points out: “While it can be difficult, try to think long term – do you want a renovation that lasts for five or 10 years? This will affect the quality of the materials you use and may push prices up. However, it could save you a lot of time and money in the long run as it will be a lasting investment.”

The styles to go for
home-design

Image Credits: Houzz

Interior designer and founder of Wee Studio, Mr Yeo See Wee, comments, “If you have 10,000 pictures of every style, that makes it very difficult for you and your interior designer to decide what style to go with.” A lookbook with a few images representing the concept you like will do.

Architecturally trained interior designer Vanessa Ong suggests homeowners limit the colour and texture tones to up to five options. “Take time to observe spaces, objects, textures that inspire you or places you’ve visited. Your home should tell a story of who you are,” she adds.

Seek approval before hacking
HDB wall hacking

Image Credits: blogspot.com

“Homeowners should think about how long they’ll be staying in the flat and what their plans for the future are so that the flat can provide for their future needs. Erecting a wall in the future will be an unnecessary, time-consuming, and costly endeavour,” said the spokesman for Qanvast.

However, if you’re sure about knocking down walls to create an open-concept living space, be sure to seek approval from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) first. You can read all about demolition and erection of walls here.

Maximizing the space you have
floor-to-ceiling shelves

Image Credits: Qanvast

HomeRenoGuru’s Mr Teo says that new homeowners often misjudge the storage space they need. Planning with the future in mind is important. With that said, Ms Gwen Tan of Formwerkz Architects recommends homeowners to plan for more storage for future possessions.

Interior designers propose having built-in storage. For example, floor-to-ceiling shelves will help to maximize wall space and beds with storage beneath them will allow you extra space to store your stuff. Having illuminated bathroom mirror will save space as you can do away with an additional lamp.

 

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