Tag: Guardian Tips

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5 Sustainable & Affordable Methods to Furnish Your New Home

One red and one green chair sitting on both sides of a small table

As a property guardian, furnishing your new space can be both exciting and challenging. You want to create a comfortable home without breaking the bank or harming the environment. Luckily, there are several sustainable and affordable methods to furnish your new home.

SECOND-HAND SHOPPING

Second-hand shopping is a great place to start. Check out local thrift stores and online marketplaces for unique, affordable pieces. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also give pre-loved items a new lease on life. For those with a creative streak, upcycling offers endless possibilities. Transform old wooden crates into bookshelves or turn a vintage suitcase into a quirky side table.

A table made of wooden crates with a cake and four small plates with a cookie on top

FLEXIBLE FURNISHING OPTIONS

If you’re not ready to commit to buying furniture, consider rent-to-own or furniture rental options. These services allow you to furnish your space without a large upfront cost and offer flexibility for your temporary living situation.

UPCYCLING IDEAS

For the crafty guardians, DIY projects using sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or bamboo can be both rewarding and eco-friendly. These projects not only allow you to customise your living space but also provide a sense of accomplishment and a unique talking point for visitors.

COMMUNITY FURNITURE SHARING

Lastly, explore furniture exchange networks or ‘freecycling’ groups in your area. You might find exactly what you need for free while helping others declutter their spaces. These community-driven initiatives not only promote sustainability but also foster connections with neighbours and fellow guardians, creating a supportive network in your new living environment.

By adopting these methods, you’ll create a unique, comfortable home that reflects your style and values. Plus, you’ll be doing your part for the environment and your wallet. Remember, sustainable living is all about creativity and resourcefulness – qualities that make for excellent property guardians!

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Staycation Adventures for London

People in a London park

Have you considered staying in London for your holidays? Staycations offer a wonderful chance to explore and experience the hidden gems right in your own city or town. There’s no need for plane tickets or pricey hotel stays – just take advantage of all the incredible activities and sights in your own backyard. Here are some budget-friendly staycation ideas to make the most of your summer. 

TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND

What better way to experience London’s diversity than an international food crawl? Map out affordable eateries featuring global cuisines and spend a day feasting your way through the city’s incredible flavours. From Venezuelan arepas to Sri Lankan hoppers, your taste buds will be permanently staycation happy.

Person holding a food wrap in hand

GET CULTURAL FOR FREE

London’s world-class museums and galleries are a staycation dream come true. Make a day of wandering the British Museum’s ancient treasures, admiring art at the National Gallery or Tate Modern, or visiting quirkier spots like the Cartoon Museum. Many have free admission and incredible exhibitions rotating often.

Image of a dinosaur at the national history museum

GROOVE TO FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

One of the best parts of a London staycation is taking advantage of the city’s incredible free music festivals during the summer months. Make a day of it at the iconic Notting Hill Carnival, where the streets come alive with vibrant parades, pulsing Caribbean music, and delicious food stalls or post up in a picturesque park like Brockwell Park for their summer performance series featuring everything from reggae to pop acts. The Southbank Centre’s Summer Festivals and Kings Cross Summer Sounds also offer weeks of free music.  

People in a crowd at a music festival

PARK IT FOR A DAY

Pack a picnic and soak up the sunshine at one of London’s gorgeous parks. Spend an afternoon rowing a boat across the Serpentine in Hyde Park or wander through the idyllic gardens of Regent’s Park Stretching out on the grass has never felt so refreshing.

People sitting in London park

CRUISE THE THAMES

Grab a group of fellow guardians and experience London from the water with a cost-effective boat cruise along the River Thames. Multiple companies offer reasonably priced sightseeing tours that let you view iconic landmarks from a new angle.

Boat sailing on the River Thames
People walking through a park

GET HIKING

London may be an urban playground, but you’ll find surprising green spaces and hiking trails all around. Escape the city bustle with a peaceful walk-through Hampstead Heath, explore the Epping Forest trails, or conquer the Thames Path National Trail one section at a time.

With so many low-cost activities available, your London property guardian staycation can be as simple, or adventure packed as you’d like. Get creative, gather friends, and make some unforgettable summer memories without ever leaving the city you call home. 

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5 Ways to Maximise Your Space

Man potting a plant at his desk

As a property guardian, saving money is a major perk. Whether your temporary digs are compact or more spacious, it’s smart to make the most of your space. We’ve rounded up five ways to maximise your space to help you create an efficient, organised, and welcoming living setup. Read on to find out how to make the most of your digs.

STORAGE SAVVY

Don’t let storage shortages cramp your style. Get creative with smart storage hacks like ottoman benches with interior storage, wall-mounted shelving units to utilise vertical space, and sturdy plastic bins to corral anything from clothes to hobby gear.

Home office space with two computers on desk and shelves to the left

DUAL-DUTY FURNITURE

Why settle for single-use furnishings? Multipurpose pieces like futons, sofa beds, and kitchen carts that add prep space do double-duty to maximise your square footage. The more a piece can multitask, the better.

STREAMLINE AND DECLUTTER 

While you may have more room to spread out, avoid the packrat trap. Stay on top of decluttering to keep your living area feeling open and clutter-free. Edit down possessions regularly using a minimalist mindset – only keeping items you truly need or bring you joy.

LIVING GREENERY

Potted plants and greenery make any space feel homier and more alive. Low-maintenance succulents, ivy, and snake plants are ideal options if you don’t have a green thumb. Or go all out with your favourite blossoms and greenery if tending plants is your thing!

FLEX YOUR DIY SKILLS

Get handy and craft custom, space-maximising solutions on a budget. Repurpose bookcases as room dividers, mount racks or shelves to the walls, or build your own multipurpose furnishings. With some DIY ingenuity, you can hack your space into an ultra-efficient, personalised oasis.

Two plant boxes with one vase in between on the ground

So here you go, five ways  to maximise your space. Whether your property guardian abode is petite or more generously sized, a few smart strategies can help you feel right at home without compromising on organisation or style. Get creative and make it your own!