Preparing Your Home for Raya!

With Raya fast approaching, it’s important to start preparing your home for the festive season. Here are three tips to help you get your house ready for the festivities:

Declutter and Deep Clean

Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your home. This is an opportunity to get rid of items that are no longer needed or used, and make space for new items. Go through each room, sorting items into piles of keep, donate, and throw away. For belongings that you would like to keep, you can store them with us at Extra Space Asia, where your items will be safe and secured, and you can access them anytime, any day! Once you’ve decluttered, deep clean your home. This means wiping down surfaces, cleaning floors and carpets, and washing curtains and linens. This will not only make your home look and feel cleaner, but it will also create a more welcoming environment for your guests.

Decorate with Raya-themed Items

Add some Raya-themed decorations to your home to create a festive atmosphere. This can include traditional items such as ketupat, colourful lanterns, and festive banners. You can also add a touch of modernity by incorporating contemporary decor items with a Raya twist, such as cushion covers with batik prints or wall hangings with traditional motifs. Make sure to place your decorations strategically in high traffic areas, such as your living room or dining area, to ensure they are visible to your guests.

Prepare Food and Beverages in Advance

Raya is a time of feasting and celebration, so it’s important to have a variety of food and beverages ready for your guests. Plan your menu in advance, and prepare as much as you can in the days leading up to the event. This will help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Some traditional Raya foods you can prepare include ketupat, rendang, lemang, and various types of kuih. Make sure to also have a selection of drinks on hand, such as tea, coffee, and refreshing cordials.

In conclusion, preparing your home for Raya can be an enjoyable process. By decluttering and deep cleaning your home, adding Raya-themed decorations, and preparing food and beverages in advance, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Remember, Raya is a time to celebrate with loved ones, so make sure to relax and enjoy the festivities!

Image Credits: invaluable

Have you ever collected things or taken in items from friends and family thinking that they might be worth something one day? Well, you’re not alone.

Over time, some of these items might bring in value. But it can be hard to distinguish if the items you have collected are clutter or a piece of a prized collectable.

The most basic difference between the two is that clutter is characterised as miscellaneous items in an unorganised space, while collections are items that hold a significant monetary or sentimental value.

If you’re spring cleaning or just browsing your belongings for their nostalgic memories, taking inventory of everything you’ve collected is a great way to start the decluttering process. You’ll be able to throw junk that you have forgotten about or even find treasures you never knew existed!

Evaluate and Identify your Belongings

Break your belongings down into small sections so you’re not overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to sort through. After which, evaluate each object, one at a time.

Ask yourself these questions to determine if it is a collection or clutter:

• Did I intentionally start this collection?
• Do I still like it?
• Would I be proud to display it in public?
• Are there any sentimental memories attached to it?

If your answer to these questions is a resounding ‘no’, then it’s likely to be clutter, and you should take the next step to either donate or dispose of it.

Know Your Options 

If you intend to put your collection on display, you don’t need to display them all at once to keep your living area organised. Instead, you can opt to only display a few pieces from your collection and rotate them every three months or so.

Alternatively, you can also look for display shelves that showcase your full range of collections. Previously, we wrote about the top three display cabinets that you can get in Singapore for gunpla. These display cabinets are also used to display most collections, from crystals to figurines.

Lastly, if you need a storage space to store them, simply approach us to get a quotation for an air-conditioned storage unit. Air-conditioned storage units maintain their temperature from 23 to 25 degrees.

Our belongings are expanding while our homes are getting smaller and smaller. Living spaces in Singapore are fast becoming a luxury that fewer can afford.

It is, therefore, important to think out of the box in these trying times to get extra storage space! Just because you have a small home does not mean that you will have to live small.

With some creativity, time and inspiration, you will be surprised at how much extra space you can create in your home! Here are three steps you can take to enjoy your extra space today.

Step 1: Get rid of the excess items

Over the years, you would have likely accumulated several items that you no longer need but are still keeping as you think you can use them in the future.

It is time to get out of this mind frame. This packrat mentality will not work if you plan to make your home clutter-free. If you have not used the item in the last year, you will probably never need it.

However, if you really can’t bear to part with them due to sentimental reasons, it is probably time to invest in a self-storage unit to store them somewhere out of your home where you can still easily access them as and when you want to view them.

Step 2: Create a designated spot for every item

Everything needs a home—books on shelves, clothes in the wardrobe, TV remote in the drawer, etc. Placing your items in their designated spot will make your home look much more organised.

Make use of clever container ideas to maximise your storage space. If something doesn’t fit in the designated drawers or the designated drawer is overloaded, ask yourself if the item is worth keeping or if you should get a bigger container instead.

Step 3: Adopt a habit of putting back items in their designated spot

Now that you have extra space at home, it is time to ensure that it stays this way. Also, this is the hardest challenge that many people face.

You will need a shift in mindset to achieve this. Know that clutter will build if things are not returned to the designated spot so that you always take the extra step to return the item after use.

We have all been guilty of this because we get lazy. But, over time, putting things back into their designated spot will result in a tidier home and a less stressful and more fulfilling life.

If all else fails… 

Make use of self-storage if you cannot bear to part with your belongings. With multiple sizes and rental choices available, you can enjoy the flexibility of storing your belongings for as short as 14 days to as long as you require! Call us today at 6771 3100 to find out more.

Image Credits: Vulcan Post

From rose-quartz and amethyst to moonstone and obsidian, the trend of buying and selling crystal and healing stones has picked up over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can find many videos with #crystaltok on TikTok, with people showing off their precious stones and sharing success stories thanks to their healing properties! On top of this, crystals have become more mainstream as celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Adele stand by them for good luck, positive energy and a host of many more benefits!

However, do you know that keeping your crystal on display isn’t always the best idea? Different crystals have different storage methods; some need to be kept from sunlight, while others need to be kept away from water.

Furthermore, properly storing your crystal is not just about keeping them free from dust. Many other environmental factors can affect your crystal’s healing energy, effectiveness, appearance, and longevity.

Read on to find out why proper storage is crucial for your crystal and healing stone collection.

Protection from Sunlight

Sunlight can be used to charge, energise or cleanse your crystal. However, some crystals can only be kept under sunlight for a short time with partial shade, as they might fade, change colour or become brittle.

Some examples of crystals that should be kept away from sunlight and the effects are:

• Amethyst – Fading of colour
• Apophyllite – Fading of colour, becoming brittle
• Apatite – Fading of colour
• Aquamarine – Fading of colour from blue to white
• Calcite – Fading of colour, becoming brittle
• Celestite – Fading of colour from blue to white, becoming brittle and breaking
• Citrine – Fading to clear colour
• Clear Quartz – Becoming brittle, crack, or break
• Fluorite – Get heated extremely fast
• Opal – Fading of colour
• Rose Quartz – Fading of colour
• Sapphire – Losing of colour
• Topaz – Fading of colour

If you are unsure if your crystal could be placed under direct sunlight, it is best to be cautious and place them away from windows and doors to prevent any damage.

Protection from water

Sometimes, we want to rinse our crystals lightly under a tap to clean any dust, grime, or fingerprints from each piece before displaying them with our collection. However, some crystals are prone to rust, fracture and may even dissolve when they come into contact with water.

As such, it is essential to know if your crystals are waterproof before washing them, as well as be wary when you place them in the bathrooms.

Some examples of crystals that are not waterproof and the side effects include:

• Calcite – Dissolve, fading of colour
• Desert Rose – Dissolve, fading of colour
• Halite – Dissolve
• Hematite – May fracture, becoming brittle
• Lodestone – Rust
• Obsidian – May fracture, may flake
• Opal – May fracture, may flake
• Pyrite – Rust
• Selenite – Dissolve, fading of colour
• Turquoise – Dissolve

Protection from Damages

Having proper storage will greatly reduce your chance of damaging your crystals. Improper storage of crystals can lead to scratches, dullness and chipping.

These damages may affect more than just the crystal’s appearance. For those who use crystals for healing, a chipped tip can alter the energy flow and healing power.

Moreover, some crystals are just so much more delicate than others. Crystals like amethyst, calcite and opal can scratch easily. As such, it is advisable to wrap them up in soft tissue paper during storage.

To minimise the risk of damage due to sunlight, water, and improper storage, you can always consider storing them at Extra Space Asia’s climate-controlled storage unit. As such, you can rest assured that your crystal will receive all the protection they need!

In recent years, the idea of living a minimalist life has become a popular concept. People look at their lives and around the home, trying to declutter and make everything tidy. Chances are, you know someone like that.

Whether you are planning to tidy your business office or home, a minimalist lifestyle is not out of the question.

What is a minimalist lifestyle?

First and foremost, what exactly is a minimalist lifestyle? As the name suggests, it is all about achieving a living environment that is clutter-free, tidy, organised and with minimal belongings.

A study conducted by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis shows that a tidier space can help destress a person. Furthermore, decluttering will reduce any dirt, dust, and allergens present in your home or office. Win-win!

Make space at home

Many people begin their minimalist journey by decluttering things most visible to the eye. However, most of the belongings you do not use are often found in storage spaces at home. These are also the things that you can part with the easiest.

To make decluttering your home more accessible, a general rule of thumb is that any items that have not been used in a year can safely be decluttered–aside from sentimental objects.

Open up your closets, cupboards, and storeroom to sort through all your belongings to determine if you can part with them. Once you have cleared your storage compartments, you will be surprised by how much spare storage space you will find.

Pace yourself during the decluttering process

Rushing to declutter will only demotivate you. To overcome this, take things one step at a time.

Start by making a decluttering schedule. Make sure you set realistic goals that you can achieve. For example, you can set aside two hours a day for decluttering, targeting one room at a time. After two hours, take a small break or continue the following day.

There is nothing more motivating than completing a goal, no matter how small it is!

Make use of self-storage

Finally, if you need more space, consider using a self-storage space. While it is true that you will want to declutter your life and minimalism is all about living with less, it does not mean that you cannot own things that matter to you.

Self-storage can help you achieve your dreams of a minimalist lifestyle, while holding onto things dear to you. For example, you may have an antique VCR player that you do not use. Functions aside, this piece belonged to your grandfather and contains a significant sentimental value. This is where self-storage solutions come in handy.

A self-storage facility typically has multiple storage size choices, from as small as ten square feet to as large as you require. This variety makes it easy to select a suitable size for your needs.

Furthermore, for those who are already living a minimalist lifestyle, self-storage spaces are for them to store items that they still want in their life, just not at home.

With Chinese New Year 2023 right around the corner in January, it is the time of the year again to start your spring cleaning routine! Here are three quick ways to prepare your home for the year ahead.

1. Out with the old, in with the new

The start of most spring cleaning routines is the process of cleaning and decluttering your home. You can start by throwing the old items and donating those in good condition. Once those are done, you will have some extra space to introduce new items such as blooms or even new furniture pieces.

If you have maxed out on all the available space at home to store your personal collection and seasonal items such as thick winter clothing, the Christmas tree and festive decoration, you can opt to rent a storage unit at storage facilities like Extra Space Asia Self Storage. These self-storage units can come in handy as they serve as an extension of your home that are accessible 24 hours, any time, any day.

This Chinese New Year, be the first 100 new customers to sign up for a storage unit at Extra Space Asia Self Storage and enjoy more ePoints on top of the existing discounts. Call 6771 3100 today to find out more about the wide range of storage options available.

2. Introduce some touches of red and gold CNY decoration to welcome some luck

If your home lacks a festive vibe, it would be good to incorporate some Chinese New Year decorative items. You can hang decorations on your main door or over the interior walls to welcome blessings and warm, celebratory themes.

The colour red is also regarded as an auspicious colour. By adding some touches of red and even gold, your home will become instantly look more vibrant and festive looking, which makes for great additions at home to welcome the Lunar New Year.

3. Spruce up your home with some New Year blossoms

Why not spruce your home further by simply shaking some things up a little? For a start and at no cost, you can try rearranging the furniture layout so that there is more space for family members and friends to hang around the common spaces in your home.

Next, you can purchase festive flowers to add spring colours to your decor. Here are some flowers choices and their significance:

– Tangerine tree for wealth and good luck.

– Pussy Willows for growth and prosperity.

– Lucky bamboo for strength.

– Peach blossoms for prosperity and growth.

– Plum blossoms for endurance and courage.

As we approach the end of the year, it is also a nice time for all family and friends to gather. Most of us will also be getting into the Christmas spirit! If you are planning to host guests this Christmas, preparing your home will be something you have to plan for to create a Christmassy atmosphere for everyone coming over.

Here are five quick ways to prepare your home for Christmas!

1. Plan ahead of time 

As the festive period comes, there will be a lot of preparation that needs to be done should you plan to have a gathering at home. There can be various lists and plans that you have to decide on in advance, including items such as your guest list, gift list, party list, food list, catering options and more. By making a to-do list, you will also be able to see what you need to do urgently or what can be done later to help you plan more efficiently.

If it is your first festive party you are hosting, you can also try to engage your friends’ help and split the workload so that you do not miss out on anything.

2. Take out all your festive décors

Festive decors are definitely a must-have for Christmas parties to spruce up your home! Prepare your Christmas tree and decorations ahead of time. It is also a good time to involve your kids in the Christmas décor preparation work and encourage them to join in the Christmas spirit. Add lights and various festive decorations in your living room and common spaces to curate a festive vibe all around.

If you need more help, create a to-do list and delegate the tasks so that everything will be ready in time. Remember that the holidays are meant to be a time for rest and relaxation, so don’t be stressed out and try to have fun!

3. Stock up on party necessities

With parties, we will definitely have to stock up our kitchen and all the necessary party items so that everyone will have a fun time at your home party.

Remember to stock up on disposable kitchen wares, tissues, and trash bags for your party or dinner rubbish. As for your kitchen and pantry, it is good to keep it filled with festive sweets, finger food, wines, cheese, and maybe some frozen food for last-minute entertainment and hosting.

4. Clean your home and guest rooms

Before the start of your party, schedule a quick clean-up of your home so that it will look presentable and welcoming to your guest. If you are tight on time, you can always hire a part-time cleaner or someone who can assist you with the cleaning while you deal with the other parts of the to-do list.

If you have a guest room, it might be a good time to clean it just in case someone wants to stay over during the festive period. Remove the dust and dirt on hardly-used items and replace your old bedsheets and guest towels so your room is always ready.

5. Declutter and make space for everyone

When you have plans for home parties or any form of gathering, it is important to make space at home so everyone can comfortably sit and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Here are some things you can do to make extra space at home:

– Move your festive door to the wall or the corner of your home so that you have more space in the middle of your home.

– Move that bulky furniture or seasonal items you hardly use to your room or your self-storage unit if you have them.

If you are looking for extra space to store your personal and family items, you can also explore renting a self-storage unit at storage providers such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage. They provide a wide range of storage sizes, from Lockers to Walk-in storage units. Did you know that by renting a storage unit, you can also enjoy flexible storage terms? Yes, you can decide to store from as short as 14 days to as long as you need. There are no fixed storage duration terms to adhere to. With a storage unit, you will definitely be able to enjoy more space at home for your loved ones this holiday season.

Psst! For those looking for a storage unit this December, rejoice as there is a fantastic Christmas promotion at Extra Space Asia Self-Storage that you would not want to miss out on!

10,000 ePoints – Xmas Bingo Special

Sign up with any storage unit at any Extra Space Asia storage facility and stand a chance to win up to 10,000 e-Points in a Christmas BINGO Lucky Dip. If you are the lucky one who strikes BINGO, you will enjoy an additional chance at the Christmas BINGO Lucky Dip.

Did you know? With the e-Points, you will be able to exchange for rewards from over 50 participating dining, lifestyle and shopping merchants. Yes! Come and store with Extra Space Asia Self-Storage today and enjoy a clutter-free life.

Extra Space Asia Christmas promo will be from 1 to 30 December 2022. Don’t miss it!

Lastly, Merry Christmas from all of us at Extra Space Asia!

As a parent, it can be a real chore to keep your home clean with your kids around. It can be so frustrating that it leads to increased stress and anxiety.

One solution to consider is looking into asking your little ones for help! Decluttering with your kids means that you are teaching them how to stay organised, which is a skill that will benefit them in the future.

Furthermore, it is not easy to educate them on this; getting rid of our own belongings is always much easier than trying to clean our children’s bedrooms.

Here are some tips that you can pick up to start your decluttering journey together with the little ones!

Start decluttering with the kids

It will be very difficult to ask your kids to declutter with you right off the bat. Instead, the best thing you can do is to get started first. The best time to start is when they are asleep or not home.

The goal is to clean up and pack their bedrooms and belongings as much as possible for a start.

Fret not! Once their bedrooms are almost fully decluttered, they will naturally get more involved in the process.

Know your kids

Different children have different attention spans and attachment levels. So, it is important to know who will have a more challenging time letting go of things and who will be less emotional about it.

Make sure to set aside time to talk to your children about the process and why it is important.

For children with shorter attention spans, you might want to cater a routine or reward them when they complete the task to encourage them to partake in the activity.

Sometimes, your youngest child will need supervision and guidance. It will be good to go through the belongings together as a form of encouragement.

It is very important to recognise the emotions that they will go through during the decluttering process. Let them know you understand that it is not easy to say goodbye to the things that we once loved, but also remind them that by getting rid of the old, they can make room for the new!

Implement a system

When it comes to teaching kids your children how to declutter, it is vital to have a simple system for them to follow.

One toy in, one toy out

You can always make use of the one toy in one toy out system. Cultivate the habit with your children of always putting one toy away before they can take out the next.

Not only does this keep the space organised, it will also help them learn some responsibility and life skills for the future!

Label toy storage boxes

Labelling the toy storage boxes makes it easy for your child to clear away items after using them. The most common thing that discourages your child from decluttering is that they do not know where the storage boxes are.

For younger kids, you can also consider using pictures or photographs to show them where exactly the item belongs. You can even take a picture of what an area will look like when it is perfectly organised for your child to refer to when they are cleaning up.

Reward your child for decluttering

The one strategy that works most often is to reward your child when they accomplish a task! This works exceptionally well for kids who have a hard time letting go of their belongings.

Does your child have something that they desperately want to get? You can make a deal with them to declutter the home for it! Once you have struck a deal with them, you’ll be surprised at how fast they can clean and pack the house.

You can also choose to create a point system to reward them with points each time they clean and pack their room. Once they achieve a certain amount of points, they can exchange them for a toy that they want badly.

Lead by example

All kids are natural at imitating what they see and hear. By keeping your house tidy and clearing clutter regularly, your child will naturally follow in your footsteps over time.

As such, it is important to lead by example and always keep the house tidy and clean. If there are items that you no longer need, donate or recycle them.

Make use of self-storage

If there are any items that your child wants to keep, but it is cluttering up the house, why not make use of self-storage?

At Extra Space Asia, we offer a wide range of affordable storage spaces to cater to your every need.

Image Credits: GundamInfo

After seven long years, we’re finally getting another main Gundam series! Titled ‘Gundam: The Witch from Mercury‘, it debuts in October 2022 with a female lead, a first in its formula since the ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ first aired in 1979.

The unnamed female character was revealed standing in front of her Gundam, Gundam Aerial. However, nothing was revealed yet, not even which timeline or universe it is in!

New Gunpla

According to the launch press conference, high-grade 1/144 scale models for the three revealed mobile suits are already in production: Gundam Aerial, Gundam Lfrith, and Beguir-Beu.

Image Credit: ガンダムチャンネル

Gundam Aerial

The main Gundam of this series is distinct in terms of colour scheme, spotting the classic white and blue primary tones, with a hint of yellow and red.

Looking at the armaments, there seem to be two beam sabers attached to the back. On the hand, it seems to be holding onto what looks like a compact beam rifle on the right hand with a shield on the left.

For design, it looks fairly inspired by the Iron-Blooded Orphans series with a backpack port. However, it has fairly noticeable differences from the Gundam used there. Could this be the future of the Iron-Blooded Orphans series!?

Image Credit: ガンダムチャンネル

Gundam Lfrith

Gundam Lfrith looks to be the second Gundam in the series (similar to Gundam Gusion Rebake). And as with the Gundam Aerial, it seems to have two beam sabers on the back, a compact beam rifle, and a shield.

However, what stands out is how the head is designed. The head seems to be inspired by the Patlabor series (another series that is worth watching).

Image Credit: ガンダムチャンネル

Beguir-Beu

Could this be the arch-nemesis of the Gundam Aerial? It appears to have two thruster/funnels located at the back. It does not look to be carrying any weapons. However, if history has taught us anything, the weapons might be hidden in the backpack, OR the backpack itself is the weapon!

With so many speculations, we can’t help but get excited. Furthermore, we’re pretty sure everyone will want to add these model kits into their collection once it has been released into the market.

Just remember, if you lack space to store your backlogs, simply contact us at 6771 3100, and we’ll be sure to assist you in finding a suitable storage space at an affordable rate for them.

Till then, see you again!

With Hari Raya just less than a month away, it is time to start preparing your home for the festive season. We know that it can be tricky trying to keep up with all the house cleaning chores and working/studying at the same time, especially during the fasting month. So, if you are tight on time, here are three useful tips to get your home ready for Hari Raya this year!

Start decluttering your home

During the Hari Raya period, most of us will invite our family members and close friends to our home to celebrate and feast together. This is why it is key to have your home look clean and presentable so that when your guests visit your home, they will have a pleasant experience.

If you have limited time, you should gather your family members and start tackling common areas such as the living room and kitchen first. Start throwing away items and food products that have expired or are not in good condition. If you have a corner where you tend to pile up various things and clothes, you should also declutter them. If you have items that are still in good condition but you find no use for them or are unable to fit into them, consider donating them to various charities as a way to declutter and help someone in need at the same time!

Seek professional help

Really busy (or too lazy) to do the cleaning yourself? Don’t fret. You can always seek professional help. There are many part-time cleaners that you can engage in Malaysia who can help you with your home spring cleaning at a time that fits your schedule. Just check out companies such as Helpling, Home Fresh, Urban Company etc., who will provide professionally trained housekeepers at an affordable cost, starting from $18/ hour. If you are new to these cleaning services, it might be a good time to try them during the festive seasons.

Explore self-storage to enjoy extra space at home

Living in a small space or finding ways to maximise your home space? Why not try renting a self-storage unit? This way, you can store your family and personal items and enjoy extra space at home! By renting a self-storage unit at self-storage facilities such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, you will also enjoy 24 hours access to your items where you can store and retrieve your items any time, any day. These storage units will also come in handy after the festive season as you can use them to store your personal collection or even festive-related items and big bulky belongings that are hardly used.

The best part about renting a self-storage unit at Extra Space Asia is that you are only paying for the storage space you rent, and the storage duration is also flexible as you can rent from as short as 14 days to as long as you need! At Extra Space Asia, we offer both lockers and walk-in units, which you can choose to rent according to your storage needs.

If you are unsure about what storage size you might need, you can simply contact us at 6771 3100 or visit any of our 11 storage facilities located around Singapore, and we will be glad to assist you.