Renovating your master bedroom doesn’t have to be expensive, it could be as simple as a new coat of paint, installing skirting boards, updating window dressing or even changing the lighting. But, if you’re thinking of listing your property on the market, renting it out on Airbnb or just want a more tranquil master bedroom, then you may want to spend a bit more for that dream space. This week, we’re sharing a couple tips to help you renovate your master bedroom.

Budget

The cost of renovating your bedroom will vary depending on the size and type of bedroom you want. Not only that, but it’ll also depend on whether you’re planning on purchasing new furniture such as wardrobes, a new bed and side tables. Also, if you’re planning on adding an ensuite bathroom, particularly for that Airbnb project, be prepared to fork out anywhere between $40,000¹ to $80,000² for a high-end renovation.

According to Refresh Renovations², there are 3 types of bedroom renovations – low-cost, mid-range and high end. Below are what’s possible with each type:

Low-cost renovations around +$2000 – with low cost furniture, professional paint, and new window dressing.

Mid-range renovation +$10,000 – on top of the basic package above, you can also add a feature wall, a walk-in-wardrobe, new flooring, new furnishing and if you’re keen, new wallpaper.

High-end renovations +$40,000 – all of the above, plus a new ensuite bathroom which will take a large chuck of your budget, as well as luxurious furnishing and chic lighting.

So before starting your renovating, we suggest planning and considering what you want to achieve and ensuring sure that it’s an investment you can commit to.

Declutter

Now that you’ve decided what type of master bedroom you want, its time for some decluttering to make renovating a bit easier. You’ll be surprised by how much clutter we accumulate in our bedrooms. To help prepare your bedroom for your reno project, we suggest hiring a temporary self-storage solution like Smartbox. Smartbox is a convenient self-storage solution that comes to you – we deliver your storage box to your front yard, where you can pack and load your way. We’ll give you 24 hours to fill in your storage container, which you can use to store furniture, clothing, decorations and more. Once finished, we’ll store your Smartbox at our secure facility and of course, we’ll be happy to redeliver it when needed. You can read more about Smartbox here.

Layout, Natural light and flooring

Layout

The bedroom is an extremely personal and intimate room, so you want to ensure that your new space fits your lifestyle, personality and the latest in interior design. All of these factors are important when considering the layout of your new space. Key things to remember when planning your bedroom layout includes:

• The position of the bed, which will have the biggest impact on the entire room as it will set the mood
• Keep it simple and ensure that you have room on each side of the bed
• Where possible, keep a metre-wide walking space
• For smaller rooms, you may need to push the bed into the corner to ensure that it’s not obstructed by other furniture
• Keep bedside tables within easy reach, particularly if you’re avid reader

Natural light

Access to natural light in the bedroom has many advantages including:

• The ability to recover from oversleeping, overeating and energy loss³
• Fight against bed bugs and dust mites¹
• Reduce disruption of our circadian rhythms
• Production of serotonin: “light is essential for our health and wellbeing. Ensuring that we receive adequate levels at the appropriate times of the day benefits our alertness, mood, productivity, sleep pattern and many aspects of our physiology”⁴.

If access to natural light is an issue, you may need to consider widening your current windows or installing skylights. Before you make a call to your trusty tradie, make sure you check your local council if approval is needed.

Flooring

If you’re thinking of changing your bedroom flooring, below are the most commonly used flooring materials for bedrooms:

• Carpet
• Hardwood flooring
• Cork flooring
• Vinyl flooring
• Laminate flooring

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, this helpful article by Lewitin at The Spruce⁵ summarises them clearly to help you decide which flooring you should install.

Colour and more lighting

Colour

Now that the bigger stuff is over, its time to consider the colour scheme and more lighting!

According to realestate.com.au, the “colour palette you choose will directly impact the mood of your room”¹. Usually calming colours are used to help you unwind at the end of a long day, however, it all depends on you and your preference, just keep in mind that bold and wallpaper may not be a popular choice for buyers.

Below are popular bedroom colours:

• Light blue – for a calming and relaxing effect
• Green – for health and overall wellbeing
• Yellow – for warmth and an energising pick-me-up
• White – for cleanliness
• Red – for alertness and stimulation
• Purple – similar to light blue, for a calming environment

If you want to follow the latest trend, this article by Modsy sums up the Top 10 Bedroom Paint Colours for 2021⁶.

Bedroom lighting

If you’re a reader, you know how crucial it is to have adequate lighting, particularly during night time, but before you purchase new lighting, below are a few things you should consider:

• Limit ceiling lights – a combination of different lighting will create a soothing and warm ambiance
• Consider smart lights such as dimers and where possible, have multiple switches so you don’t have to walk too far
• Lamps and reading lights to light up reading areas and bedside tables
• LED and cabinet lights to illuminate that amazing wardrobe

Storage and Decorations

Storage

As mentioned earlier, the bedroom can accumulate items quickly and easily, just think, you use your bedroom to store your clothes, shoes, bedding and other personal items, so make sure you have plenty of storage to keep things neat and tidy. Below are storage ideas to help you create a more organised bedroom with as little clutter as possible:

• Purchase bedside tables for smaller items such as phone chargers, tablets and books
• Consider a storage ottoman, you can sit on it and use it to store your beddings
• Installing a built-in or walk-in wardrobe if your budget permits, this will house your garments, shoes and other larger items

Decorations

It’s time to add some finishing touches to turn your bedroom from an ‘eh’ into a ‘wow!’. Just remember to not add too many things at once, and try to keep limit the décor of your bedroom so you can still find the items you need and to make cleaning easier. We suggest adding soft rugs if you have hard wood flooring, so you have something comfortable to step onto when you get out bed, adding extra pillows and blankets during winter and adding artworks that you love. Also, adding a couple of indoor plants won’t hurt and can improve the air quality in you room.

If you’re thinking of renovating your master bedroom and need a temporary self-storage solution, try Smartbox. Smartbox is the convenient, on-demand and affordable self-storage solution for anyone who’s looking to renovate their home. Plus, you can choose the duration of your rent to fit your reno schedule. Also, you don’t have to worry about finding a “storage near-me” as we deliver your Smartbox to you, so there’s no need to leave the comfort of your room nor your bedroom. Call Smartbox on 1300 880 800 for info or fill in our form.

¹ Realestate.com.au, Bedroom renovation guide

² Refresh Renovations, 2021, How much does it cost to renovate a bedroom in Australia

³Artilux, 2021, Understanding the benefits of bringing natural light into your home

⁴ rtor.org, 2018, How letting more light into your life can improve mental health and wellbeing

⁵ Lewitin, J, 2021, The pros and cons of 5 popular bedroom flooring materials

⁶ Modsy, 2021, Top 10 bedroom paint colour for 2021

Over the last couple weeks, we’ve shared packing tips for the bedroom, kitchen and home office. We also shared a couple of tips and trick to help you pack your art, ornaments, photos and memorabilia. This week, we’ll be sharing our tips to make packing your outdoor and garden equipment a cinch.

Before you start, make sure you have the right packing materials including:

• Cartons in various size
• Bubble wrap, moving blankets, old towels or linen
• Packing paper
• Packing tape
• Rope

Before you begin packing, we strongly advise that you clean and dry your equipment properly. Why? You want to keep your storage or your vehicle as clean as possible so you don’t need to do a major clean-up after, also your tools will look spectacular when you unpack them at your new place. Also, if you’re moving interstate, you have to remember that some states have strict quarantine and entry requirements. For example, if you’re relocating to Western Australia, border agents may request to inspect your household garden equipment to ensure that they are “free from all plant materials and insects”¹.

Packing garden hand tools

For sharp tools such as garden shears, pruners and hand garden rakes, the first step is to wrap them in moving blankets, old towels or linens. Then, place them in a medium-sized box and fill the gaps with packing paper and/or towels. Seal and label the box and you’re done!

Remember, don’t overfill your boxes, you want to be able to safely seal your cartons to prevent items from falling out. Also, some hand tools are quite heavy, and if you place them all in one carton, you and your back may be in for quite a shock!

Packing lawn tools

Packing your lawn tools is easy, simply bundle your broom, rake, mop and shovel together using a rope. Just remember to create is smaller clusters for easy transportation.

For your power tools, we suggest using their original packaging if you have them. Otherwise, detach all the accessories, wrap each piece in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in medium size carton. Don’t forget to fill any gaps before sealing with to prevent damages during transportation.

Packing your garden hose

The most important step when packing your garden hose is to drain it completely. Then, roll it up and place it in a small to medium size packing carton.

Packing large tools

Before you pack your blower and mower, make sure you safely drain the oil from them first. Then, remove any attachments and pack those separately. We recommend that you cover and protect the blades before moving your lawnmower. Remember, that the blades are extremely sharp, and it may damage your belongings, vehicle or cause injury.

Hazardous, dangerous or flammable items

Do not pack any hazardous, dangerous or flammable items under any circumstances. These items are not safe for storage so if you can, we suggest leaving them be or giving it to your friends, neighbour or family to use.

Additional space to store your outdoor and garden equipment

If you’re renovating, downsizing, moving temporarily or travelling for an extended period, you can store your items in a self-storage solution like Smartbox. Smartbox is the convenient, mobile and affordable self-storage solution that is perfect for storing your excess valuables including outdoor and garden equipment. Our storage box or storage containers comes in 3 different sizes, so you can choose the size that you need. We’ll even deliver your Smartbox to you, where you can pack and load it your way. After 24 hours, we’ll pick it up and store it at our secure storage facility where it’ll be monitored 24/7. Of course, we can redeliver your Smartbox to you when needed. For more information, call us on 1300 880 800 to speak to one of our team members. To find the right Smartbox size for you, use our Smartbox Space Calculator.

Artworks, paintings and ornaments are items that are priceless and often irreplaceable, so you need to ensure that they are protected and packed properly for storage and/or transportation. Although, it may take you additional time and effort to pack them, we guarantee that it’ll be worth it once you display them at your next home or office. This week, we’re sharing our tips in packing arts and ornaments. 

Packing materials

Before you start the packing process, make sure you equip yourself with all the packing materials you need, such as:

• Packing cartons
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Painter’s tape
• Knife or Scissors
• 2 x Markers, one black and one red (if, you’re not using fragile tape)
• Packing foam, old blankets and/or packing paper
• Fragile tape (optional)

Packing framed artworks

To prepare your framed artwork for storage or transportation, follow the instructions below:

• Lay the artwork flat on your desk/table glass side up and tape the glass with painter’s tape. Make a large “X”, going from corner to corner across the glass. Then, cover the border of the glass with more painter’s tape, just like below:

Glass Step 1

Glass Step 2

This is help prevent the glass from shattering and damaging the art underneath if the glass breaks during transportation.

• Then, cover the entire frame with bubble wrap and secure it packing tape.
• Next, sandwich the artwork between two pieces of cardboard and tape the pieces together.
• Finally, place it inside a heavy-duty packing carton, making sure to fill any extra space with packing foam, packing peanut, old blankets and/or packing paper. Seal the box with packing tape.
• Label and add a piece of fragile tape or label as fragile using your red marker and you’re done!

Packing ornaments

To pack your ornaments, simply wrap them in bubble wrap and/or packing paper to prevent them from breaking. Where possible, make sure you separate and disassemble the pieces and wrap each piece in bubble wrap or packing paper. Secure your wrapping with packing tape and place it in the carton of your choosing. Remember to fill it any space with extra packing paper or foam to prevent them from moving and for optimal protection.

Finally, seal the carton, label properly and don’t forgot to stick a piece of fragile tape.

Book a convenient and mobile self-storage unit to store your artwork and ornaments

If you’ve ran out of space at your home or office, contact Smartbox for our convenient, secure and mobile self-storage solution. Our friendly team will deliver your storage box straight to you and will also pick up once you’re finished loading. We’ll then store it at our secure facility where it’ll be monitored 24/7. Our rates are affordable so there’s no need to break the bank.

Loading your artwork in your Smartbox storage container

When loading your artworks and ornaments make sure that you don’t place any heavy items on top of the carton that as this may crush the box and damage the art inside. If you’re after a low-cost and temporary self-storage solution, call Smartbox on 1300 880 800 for our affordable self-storage solution with low price.

Congratulations! You’ve decided to embark on a road trip of a lifetime. You’ve chosen the place, the vehicle/caravan, the accommodation, booked your tours and even planned your itinerary, it’s now time for a much needed glass of chardonnay and a little bit of you time to anticipate all the sights and activities you plan to experience. But, suddenly, you’re hit with a realisation – what do you with your valuables while you’re away?

There are four things you can do with your valuables, you can keep, dispose, donate or sell them.

Keep

If you decide to keep your belongings, there are several things you can do to ensure they are safe and secure, you can:

• Ask your friend or family to regularly check your place while you’re away – this is a cost saving option, but if your trip extends for 6-12 months you may return to an irritated friend or family member.
  
  
• Store your items at your friend’s or family’s garage – depending on how many items you have this may work for you, particularly if your friend or family don’t mind the extra baggage.
  
  
• Rent out the place, fully furnished – this a great option if you want to make money while you’re away, but you’ll still need to find a place to store your prized valuable, also if you trip is cut short, you may not have access to your belongings until the rent is finished.  

• Store your belonging at a self-storage facility – perhaps the safest and most secure route is to store your items in a self-storage facility like Smartbox. Unlike traditional rental storage units, we deliver your storage box/container to your address saving you time and money. We’ll then store it at our secure facility where it’ll be monitored 24/7. Finally, when you return from your trip, we can redeliver your Smartbox to your home so there’s no need to hire a truck or ute to pick up your belongings. You can use Smartbox to store your furniture, appliances, office equipment and outdoor/garden equipment.

Donate or Sell

Before you toss anything, make sure check its quality and functionality. You may be able to donate or sell them. Your local Vinnies will be happy to receive items that are of reasonable quality and still functions, their “rule of thumb is if you’d give to a friend, then it’s ok to give to Vinnies”¹. You can donate clothing, accessories, homewares, toys, books, and even furniture and electronics, just make sure you call beforehand to ensure they’re happy to accept them. Of course, if you want to make some money to help fund your trip, you can sell your items. You can list your items on Gumtree, eBay, Trading Post and for luxury items, use Modsie. 

Dispose

If you decide to dispose your items, you have 3 options:

• Hire a Skip Bin – ideal if you have plenty of items you want to dispose of, just make sure you shop around to help decrease the cost.
• Drive to your nearest tip – if you have access to your own personal vehicle, you can take your items to the nearest tip. However, this may be time-consuming and will involve a lot of elbow grease, so phase yourself.
• Request your local council to pick up your items – your local council can also assist you dispose of unwanted items particularly bulky household items such as large furniture, rugs, whitegoods and e-waste. Booking is essential, so make sure you contact your local council early.  

After what seems like years or months, you can finally enjoy that much awaited and much deserved getaway. We wish you happy and safe travels!

To speak to someone from our team, call us on 1300 880 800.

If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the importance of daily exercise for our overall health and wellbeing. Of course, lockdowns and government restrictions can make this difficult. The solution? A home gym. A home gym allows you to stay fit and achieve your fitness goals without leaving your home. A home gym doesn’t need to be expensive, however, you do need space for it. We suggest converting your garage into a well-stocked and convenient workout area.

Transforming your garage into a home gym is a great project that is sure to save you time and money in the long run, just think of the savings you can make by foregoing your existing gym membership. Below are our tips to help you turn your garage into a gym.

Empty and discard unwanted equipment

First things, first, clear your garage of unwanted materials. You can choose to discard, sell or store them in a self-storage container/box like Smartbox. Smartbox is the convenient and mobile self-storage solution that won’t break the bank. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home and you only load or unload once, because we deliver your rental storage to you. Smartbox comes in 3 different sizes:

Use your space wisely

To ensure that all your equipment fits, and you still have enough room to move around, create a floor plan. Remember that some gym equipment can take quite a lot of space, so make sure you utilise your garage space wisely. Your floor plan should include the measurements of each gym equipment. Also, take advantage of your wall and ceiling space to store lighter items such as resistance bands, foam rollers, dumbbells and yoga mats.

Invest in equipment that you’ll use

Before you invest in gym equipment make sure you stick to the those that you already use and/or have multiple uses. One example of this is a barbell and bumper plates, which can be used to perform multiple exercises such as deadlift, clean and jerk, snatch, squat and bench press. Also, make sure you mix it up and have equipment for both cardio and resistance training. Finally, shop around, there are plenty of locals who are looking to sell second-hand machines.  

Make it comfortable

To ensure that you’re comfortable during your workout, you may want to insulate your garage and install durable flooring. Insulation will ensure that the temperature is regulated at all times. In terms of flooring, we suggest placing epoxy, rubber or foam flooring on top of the concrete, as it’ll help ensure that your equipment last, and it will help absorb the shock from high-intensity exercise. Also, make sure you take the climate into account, and purchase fans, heaters and air-conditioning, if necessary. Finally, don’t forget to add lighting, there’s nothing worse than working out in the dark.

A home gym is a convenient and luxurious addition to your home − there’s no need to commute or wait for someone to finish their sets so you can continue to crush your fitness and wellbeing goals.

If you’re looking for self-storage solution, get in touch with our team at 1300 880 800 and get that dream gym.