When designing for a small space it’s all about being smart. If you can’t knock out walls to make the room bigger, there are several things you can do to make it feel bigger. You don’t need to compromise style and comfort when you’re faced with reduced dimensions. Here is a list of 10 smart ideas for small spaces:

1. White or light colours
These colours reflect light instead of absorbing it, opening up the space straight away. If you have dark wooden floors and walls, paint over them in white or another light colour and brighten up your room. Or if you love your dark floorboards you can always invest in a beautiful cream or light coloured rug to give some extra light.

2. Sliding doors
Instead of hinged cupboard doors that open out and block pathways. Install sliding doors and glide around with ease.

3. Mirrors
Magnify your small space with a nice big mirror. If you have a beautiful view from a window place your mirror opposite it to reflect the outdoors to open up the space. You can also use a floor length mirror behind a piece of furniture to give it purpose instead looking crammed in.

4. Storage Storage Storage
You would be amazed at where you can store things you don’t need on display. Under a bed. Under a table. Under a staircase. Above a fridge. Narrow shelves on empty walls. And always build built-in storage if the space allows.

5. Clever curtains
Make your space feel organised and less cluttered. Use curtains (big and small) in the bedroom to conceal a messy wardrobe or shoe rack, under the bed or under a side table.

6. Think Multipurpose
You don’t have room for lots of items so just pick a few and make sure they have at least two functions. A table with storage underneath and maybe even splits and goes up against a wall or extends. A washer and dryer in one. A dining room banquette with storage underneath that doubles as a guest bed. The possibilities are endless.

7. Love Levels
If your ceiling height permits, build a small loft area for your bed with a small ladder to climb up. Not only will you save space but it’s such a fun way to go to bed.

8. Wall space is sacred
When you’re faced with small, it makes sense to go vertical. Use hooks and shelves to store items so you keep as much floor space free as possible. Buy or build storage solutions that maximise your wall space. Think Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. And if you haven’t found your small space yet but you’re looking for one, choose one with nice high ceilings and windows. You get more wall space for storage and decoration, plus the space will actually be bigger.

9. Clear furniture
It might sound strange, but think of how much extra light you will get in your space with a clear plastic chair, or a nice glass table.

10. Lots of light
Place a collection of lamps around your small space. Lamps instantly make the room feel warmer and more intimate rather than crowded.

For more great tips visit www.drytron.com.au. Of course, if you need to get your carpet, rugs and upholstery cleaned and looking their best, simply give us a call in the Drytron Customer Care Centre on 13 12 50.

Moving home can be very a very exciting time. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, a new life chapter awaits. Perhaps you’ve bought your first home, are upgrading your home, or moving to start a new job. Whatever the reason, moving house marks an important time in your life, but it can end up costing more than you may have initially anticipated.

There are number of obvious costs associated with moving house, such as hiring a professional removal company, but there are also several costs that are somewhat hidden, that can add up and make the move quite expensive. Additional expenses can often compound the stress of moving especially if you’re unprepared, or if they come up unexpectedly.

The total cost of a move depends on a number of things; how well you plan for your move, the amount of furniture you have to move, the distance you’re moving and how much of the work you do yourself.

Here’s a Summary of the Costs Related With Moving House:

Furniture Mover:
Cost: Varies

The major cost associated with moving house is hiring a professional removalist. The cost varies depending on a range of factors; such as how the distance you’re moving and how many items need to be moved. These factors influence the amount of time the removalist service will be assisting with your move.

Some other factors that can impact the total cost are the level of service you need, such as if you’d like them to do all of packing and unpacking, house cleaning, insurance, pet and car transportation, and any storage requirements. To get an idea for how much it will cost, call a few removalist companies for a free quote.

Cleaning:
Approximate Cost: $200 for a professional depending on your home’s size, $20 for DIY

When you move, you should give the place a thorough clean inside and out for those moving in. You may also find that at the new place your moving into, the previous occupiers have left the place in need of some TLC.

Hiring a cleaner is a great way to reduce stress and manual tasks on a day that is already filled with lots of heavy lifting. Plus, for carpets, a professional carpet cleaning service is likely to be the only way to get the result you need. For other areas, you can do the cleaning yourself by purchasing a few basic items such as some bleach, multi-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and a few rags.

Moving Materials:
Approximate Cost: $80

You’re doing the move yourself, there are a few things you’ll need to purchase or organise and purchase such as boxes, duct tape, permanent marker pens, bubble wrap and more. The bigger or more expensive the item, the more effort you should make in protecting it during transit.

Trailer or Moving Truck:
Approximate Cost: $100 (excluding petrol and straps)

You’ll also need a trailer or moving trick if you move yourself. A trailer also means you’ll need a vehicle with a tow bar, or you’ll need to borrow one. You should also factor in petrol costs for the car or truck. Naturally, the longer the distance the more fuel you will need, and the longer you will need to hire the trailer for.

You’ll also need to get a hold of some robust straps and ropes to keep everything in place during transit. You can borrow these from someone who already owns them, or you can purchase them from somewhere like Bunnings.

Redirects and Reconnections:
Approximate Cost: $100

Moving home means you’ll need to get your services and utilities disconnected from your old home and reconnected in your new one. Some companies can charge for this service, particularly if you have decided to change utility providers. You also need to get your mail redirected to your new home, so your mail doesn’t get delivered to your old address.

Storage (Long or Short Term):
Approximate Cost: From $250 a month

If your settlements don’t align, you may require short or long-term storage. You may need to find somewhere to store your furniture for a several days, or even a few weeks or months.

The cost of storage varies depending on how much furniture you need to put in storage and the duration. Alternatively, consider storing some furniture at a family member or friend’s garage. This will help to keep costs down.

Transit Insurance:
Approximate Cost: $150+

It pays to be protected on moving day, especially if you have valuable or fragile items. Transit insurance offers protection for damaged items and is something you should strongly consider when calculating the overall cost of moving.

Many removalist companies offer insurance, however if you are moving furniture yourself, your belongings will be unprotected.

If you don’t plan carefully, the cost of moving can really add up. Although a DIY move may initially seem like the cheaper option, factoring in all costs associated and the lack of protection for your belongings can end up costing you more. Not to mention the time and stress it is likely to cause. Gather quotes from all required services and work out what best suits your budget.

John Ryan Removals are experienced removalists in Melbourne, offering a full range of services. Reach out to them for a free quote. www.johnryan.com.au