Is your home due for an upcoming Home Improvement Programme (HIP)? This programme is typically done to refurbish parts of an ageing home, especially if it is showing signs of wear and tear.
In Singapore, under the HDB HIP, this usually comprises three components—essential, optional, and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) improvements. The HIP can take an estimated ten working days or more if any rectifications need to be done together with the full upgrade, including the toilets.
During this HIP period, there are several things you should note and prepare accordingly so that the cleaning process after the HIP can be less tiring. Here are five tips to help you prepare for an upcoming HIP:
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Start decluttering
Upon receiving the letter of notification that your home’s HIP is due, take some time to declutter your home. Clear out common HIP spots like your living room, master bedroom and kitchen area. These areas usually get very dusty, and the workers will move in and out frequently, so clear out as many things as you can to provide more walking space.
Start your decluttering journey by cleaning, throwing and donating your items according to their condition. If you have items in good condition, consider donating them through the monthly donation drive in your neighbourhood.
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Pack everything in boxes
After disposing of items, pack the remaining ones in boxes. It’s important to label the boxes appropriately so that you know what’s in each box, making unpacking easier.
During this period, you can also explore renting a self-storage unit to store boxes, furniture pieces, and seasonal items that you rarely use but are still in good condition. There are many self-storage facilities in Singapore, and you can rent a unit near your home or one that has the best storage deal.
Before signing any storage contract, visit the storage location to see its various on-ground features, such as security, accessibility, storage size availability, and storage plans. By renting a self-storage unit, you’ll be able to protect fragile items and keep more items away from dust during the HIP period.
If you’d like to find out more storage information, you can always visit Extra Space Asia Self Storage or give us a call at 6771 3100. If you need any moving service, you can also WhatsApp our e-Move service at 8345 2452.
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Put up dustproof covers around your home
During the HIP period, your entire home will inevitably become dusty and messy due to the construction work and hacking activities to remove the older items in your home. To minimise dust contact with your furniture items or boxes, try to put up as many dustproof covers as possible around your home and on items that you wish to protect from dust.
Ensure that the tapes are used to cover all areas and tall cabinets so that dust will not penetrate the covered area. For fragile items like glassware and television sets, put some bubble wrap around them before covering them up.
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Look for alternative accommodations
During the HIP period, your home may become too dusty and dirty to stay in, with daily hacking and drilling activities. To top it off, you’ll not have direct access to your home toilet unless you opt for one temporary toilet to be placed in your home.
Therefore, it’s best to look for alternative accommodations during the HIP period. You can search for hotels that might offer good deals for HIP customers or stay with family members. Do note that you may need to visit your home once in a while during the HIP period to speak to the workers if needed.
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Engage a professional cleaning company
Once the HIP is successfully completed, the workers can assist you in removing the dustproof covers first. The dustproof covers and protection sheets may not completely protect all parts and furniture from getting dusty and dirty. Therefore, some dust may still be present, and you’ll need to clean the newly renovated areas of your home, including the newly constructed toilets, floor tiles and walkways.
You’ll need to clean the newly renovated areas of your home. This includes the newly constructed toilets, floor tiles and walkways. If time is tight, consider getting help from a professional cleaning agency to give your home a deep clean-up after this HIP. This will help to get rid of the first layer of hard-to-clean dusty areas and spots.
