inPlace 11

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inplace EE

Summer 2013 • Issue 11

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magazine

WIN! AN ATTIC

MAKEOVER WORTH $7000!

New year

new you!

Your organised year starts here!

Back to school All you need to make mornings hassle-free!

Plus: Simple steps to create the home office of your dreams! simply organised

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contents

Issue 11 Summer 2013

GET IN TOUCH!

14

We love to hear your thoughts!

email us at inplace@hsw.com.au

10 18

22

28

From the Editor 4 Indulge

20 Your Chance to Win!

The latest news and products from Howards.

Win an incredible $7000 attic makeover courtesy of Attic Group and Howards.

8 Q + A with Howards Our experts find solutions for your storage needs.

22 Master Your Man Cave

9 Sue Blake

Discover how Howards restored order to an overcrowded garage.

Sue shows us how decluttering can be life-changing!

10 The Kitchen Revolution Loads of incredibly quick clean-up ideas to help you defeat kitchen chaos.

14 Home Office Happiness Want to create the perfect home office? Check out these great hints and tips!

18 Attic Attack

Cover photography: ACPSyndication.com

Need more storage space in your home?

Sometimes the answer is just overhead...

26 Back to School Special (Pt. 1) My Big Nutshell blogger Gemma on how to beat those back-to-school blues.

28 Back to School Special (Pt. 2) More tips from Howards’ star organiser, Cathy Player

30 Simply Efficient Fabulous home solutions from the elfa® range.

32 Quick Fixes Home storage ideas that take only moments.

Not all products or advertised prices are available in all stores.

Prices valid to 31/3/13. Every effort is put into ensuring that products shown are available. However, from time to time some products may become out of stock, discontinued or be replaced by new models. Please check with your local store to avoid disappointment. See page 34 for more information about store locations.

The New Year brings a whirl of activity to any home, especially if you have kids.

We've put together some great strategies for making your New Year cool, calm and collected, with tips from the experts for getting your kids off to school, your kitchen under control and your garage working like a dream.

In addition, we've taken a closer look at the increasing number of people choosing to work at home, with some excellent solutions for setting up a home office. And thinking outside the box, we also have a great feature on attic conversions – along with your chance to win a $7000 attic makeover of your own!

All in all, it’s another bumper issue with loads of fabulous solutions.

Happy New Year!

Gil ian

Gillian Serisier Editor

QR codes

Throughout the magazine you’ll see QR codes, like the one above. To use them, download a QR reader app on your smartphone and follow the instructions.

inplace magazine 3

news

indulge

FIND OUT MORE! Go to hsw.com.au to find more handy products and gadgets.

The latest Howards news

Even brighter ideas!

T

ubtrugs have become an absolute favourite for organisers right around the world, and rightly so.

Strong, flexible and food-safe, they look terrific and come in a fabulous rainbow of bright and cheerful colours. They're also good for just about any storage solution, from laundry basket to picnic hamper or ice bucket.

The latest additions to the Tubtrug range are two brand new sizes, allowing for a host of practical new possibilities.

The super-mini Tubtrug is just 370 ml (CRS0372 $2.95), making it just perfect for planting a bright little flower, stacking your pens and pencils, or for party treats on those celebratory occasions.

Just as adorable is the five-litre Shallow Tubtrug (CRS0507 $7.95), which features a new, shallow shape. This darling addition is a fantastic solution for storing moveable projects including knitting, craft items, gardening hand tools, bike maintenance items and more.

Inspirations offer!

To help you stay organised as you return to the office, Howards has a great Back to Work offer for Howards Inspirations members. Purchase a Fridge to Go Mini Fridge (FTG3000 $34.95) and Cheeki Coffee Mug (CHK3644 $22.95) for only $44.95.

That’s an impressive saving of $12.95!

The Fridge to Go is ideal for daily use, with a removable chilling panel and slim-line design that will keep your food cold for up to eight hours!

It's perfectly paired with the Cheeki Coffee Mug, which uses a unique non-spill lid and an insulating double wall to keep drinks hot for up to five hours.

This sensational offer ends February 17, 2013, so be sure to take advantage while you can!

4 inplace magazine

Locked-in freshness If you have a passion for perfectly prepared coffee, the Coffee Vault (VLL6800 $39.95) is the ultimate container, keeping your coffee fresh for longer. Eliminating the four big no-nos – carbon dioxide, light, air and moisture – this little gem really is a vault for your coffee. The unique design features a reverse filtration system, which draws carbon dioxide out of the canister, leaving your coffee fresh, pristine, and never bitter.

Something to tweet about

We're absolutely loving this on-desk solution for paper clips that comes in the form of a darling little bird sitting on a nest.

The Nest Sparrow (OUT0596 $14.95) is a wonderful piece of design with a magnetic base that keeps your paper clips in place and creates that nesting look. The fact that it's magnetised also means your paper clips will stay in place and be on hand when you need them. What's more, the ingenious design will ensure your home OTHER office remains colour coordinated, as the sparrows come in red, white COMBINATIO N or black to match the colour of your AVAILABLE S INSTORE paper clips. We'd suggest being the early bird for these!

COLOUR

hsw.com.au

news

Style master When it comes to hair styling, the typical Australian bathroom resembles a professional salon with curlers, straighteners, dryers and crimpers. All are fabulous for staying fashionable, but disastrous for keeping your bathroom looking like a minimalist haven of tranquility.

To get your equipment under control, enlist the help of the expert Style Station (DNE4485 $29.95). The separate front compartments of steel mesh and silicone base help cool each appliance, while separate compartments in the rear keep cords in check. Great for on the counter, over the towel rail or even wall-mounted.

Thinking with a twist Nothing says party time like a sombrero-shaped lime juicer! Umbra Sombrero Juicers (ANA90022 $9.95) Simply pop the sombrero into the top of a bottle and apply your lime or lemon in a rotating motion for instant, fresh juice that goes straight into its destination – instead of all over the kitchen counter! Perfect for margaritas and mojitos, it's also excellent for making lemonade, or for any other occasion when you feel like adding that citrus zing!

An office staple!

The Eco Stapler Cube (OUT0422 $16.95) is more than just a wonderfully quirkylooking cube of happiness; it is also able to fasten four pieces of paper together simultaneously, and it does so without using traditional metal staples. Unbelievable, but true – you will never run out of staples again. Rather than pinning your paper together with metal, this nifty device cuts out tiny strips of paper and uses them to securely stitch the pages together. Safe for children and good for the planet, this is an idea you'll soon be attached to as well!

The smarter storer Need a unique solution for keeping dry foods fresh and your kitchen organised?

Airtight and space-efficient, these brilliant OXO POP Jars are the answer. Featuring a unique push-button mechanism that creates an airtight seal with a single touch, they also have a flat back designed to sit flush against your countertop or wall. Available in three sizes (WKI08416) from $29.95. inplace magazine 5

news Going greener

Al dente, perfecto!

With summer still spilling warmth into our days, cooking should be as quick as whipping up a bowl of pasta. But getting it right can be tricky if you don't have the tools and tricks of the trade. Here are the basic steps for cooking pasta al dente.

Cooking pasta to perfection Step 1 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Adding the salt not only improves the flavour of your pasta, but decreases the boiling point for faster cooking.

Step 2 Measure your pasta to suit your needs, set your timer and place in the boiling water. Adding the pasta causes the water temperature to drop, so your pasta will

need the occasional stir to prevent any sticking in the early phases.

Step 3 Cook the pasta following cooking instructions until the pasta is al dente – Italian for ‘to the tooth.’ The simple test is the bite test. It should be cooked sufficiently, but still slightly firm at the centre so that you feel the bite. Drain and serve in your favourite fashion either with sauce ladled over or by tossing in the pan to really absorb those delicious flavours.

Top tips

Never add oil to the water as it stops the sauce from sticking to your pasta.

Also, avoid rinsing your pasta, as the starch helps your pasta absorb flavours from your sauce. Buon appetito!

What can we say about this big beige composter, except that it's fantastic? In fact, it has the potential to revolutionise your life and make home composting a breeze.

The design of the Full Circle Compost Collector (FOC11301 $39.95) is simply brilliant, with a ventilation system built in to allow oxygen flow. Effectively, this means slower, drier composting, which minimises odour, mess and attractiveness to flies – great!

The benefits of composting Composting helps reduce household waste while giving your garden a well-deserved boost by regenerating soil. It adds healthy microorganisms – think of them as probiotics for your garden! These marvellous organisms turn your compost into humus, adding a vital shot of nutrients to your soil. It all equates to far less need for chemical fertilisers and more bountiful crops.

A new way to pasta time Perfecting your portions and making sure your spaghetti is perfect every time just got a whole lot easier. So simple you'll wish you'd invented it, the Mastrad Spaghetti Timer and Measurer (TRA77908 $19.95) is an all-in-one gadget that measures out portions for one, two or three hungry tummies and has a timer for getting cooking time spot on! What's more, it's magnetic, so you can stick it on the fridge, rack or oven for timing whenever you need it.

6 inplace magazine

See yourself clearly with iForm.

inspirations

Why become a Rewards member?

It's free to join the Howards Inspirations Rewards program, and there's a host of great benefits: ● $10 Vouchers Activate your membership online and receive a $10 Welcome voucher.

Earn a $10 Reward voucher for every $200 spent, plus a voucher to celebrate your birthday. What better way to celebrate your big day than with a special treat at Howards? ● Special offers Receive regular and exclusive Member-only offers. ● VIP events On special occasions we will hold VIP events and organise workshops with exclusive free entry for Inspirations Members. ● Competitions

Sweet Serenity Congratulations to Lucy Orth, the winner of our Inspirations family holiday to Castaway Island, Fiji.

Enter our Member-only competitions for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

● It's easy With Howards Inspirations, there's no need for another plastic card and no points to calculate or exchange.

Member views Helen Plummer Adelaide, South Australia Helen shops at Howards Mile End. She says: “I love browsing and shopping at Howards! I love the rewards program too and recommend it to friends all the time.”

Denise McKeough Newcastle, New South Wales A member since November 2010, Denise shops at Howards Kotara.

She says: “I love the Inspirations Rewards program. As a heavy user of Howards products, I really appreciate the vouchers usually being available every time I walk into the store. It's a real bonus that just gives me a lift.”

L

ucky Lucy, who is currently expecting, will be able to ease away the stresses of pregnancy with a relaxing five-night family break on a perfect Fijian island after having her name randomly drawn from more than 100,000 entries.

Howards Inspirations members were automatically given two free entries, as well as gaining extra entries for every purchase made during the promotion period.

Lucy, who has been a Howards Inspirations member since February 2012, was thrilled to hear the news. She said: “I'd like to say the biggest thank you to Howards Storage World. I love shopping there and feeling so organised and tidy.

“We are so excited to have won this amazing holiday. With baby number three on the way, it's perfect timing as we will need a holiday. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

As holidays go, it's going to be a special one. The private island's 174 acres are covered in rich tropical rainforest, surrounded by white sand beaches and azure waters.

The prize includes accommodation on Castaway Island, flights for four people, land and sea transfers, and a full meal package.

Look out for more exclusive Howards Inspirations member competitions soon!

How to join Visit a participating Howards store and a staff member can enrol you. Alternatively, sign up online at howardsinspirations.com.au

inplace magazine 7

your questions

Q+A

i nsider

Our Howards experts are on hand to find solutions to all your storage needs!

Howards Insider asked the simple question: Which area of your home do you struggle to keep organised?

The response was amazing, but some problem areas seem to be shared by many. Here are just a few of the topics our insider blog has been addressing. If you have a question, you can also visit our Facebook page – we're here to help with all your organisation needs!

THE KITCHEN Elysia Fisher: “The kitchen! It's an ongoing drama, from the jumbled drawer of utensils to the bowls stacked on plates. What to do?”

Hi Elysia. You're in luck, because this is one of the easiest problems to fix in the kitchen.

All you need to do is group like items together and make a home for them with the use of expanding or modular drawer organisers.

Additionally, the Bamboo Stacking Shelf (EIC10061 $22.95) might help to solve your plate problem.

PANTRY Michelle Kavenagh Sands: Like many

FAMILY ROOM

CUPBOARD

Leonie Price: “The family room, which

Tracey Richardson identified the plastic

doubles as my son's toy room – Lego, Hot Wheels cars, and general stuff everywhere…”

containers in her cupboard as an area of continual frustration.

Hi Leonie. Our hint is to create a room with accessible, fun storage. This will help with teaching your son tidy habits – and it will look cute to boot!

Have a look at our Kids Storage Solutions pinboard on Pinterest by scanning this QR code.

Hi Tracey. Firstly, group like containers together.

Separate the ‘high use’ containers from ones used on occasions. Stack the containers, without their lids, into each other. A Lid & Packet Tidy (HLL4260 $4.95) will help keep your lids together.

It can screw or stick on the back of the door and you will know where each lid is at all times.

CRAFT AREA

Ann Percival: “The craft area. But then, most of the house needs help.”

Hi Ann. A quick solution for storing ribbons would be our Ribbon Box (STE42870 $19.95).

It has compartments to store all ribbons so they don't become a tangled mess. Another handy product that can be used a multitude of ways is the 22 Pocket Organiser (LTW5216 $21.95).

Great for storing smaller items such as buttons and beads.

8 inplace magazine

of our readers, Michelle finds getting the pantry organised and under control a constant chore. So how do you go about fixing this most chaotic of areas?

Hi Michelle. The secret to organising your pantry is to ‘zone’. This helps create a fully functional pantry high on visibility and accessibility. We recommend using organisers to help you group items and make high-use items easy to see. Quality, airtight stackable storers are a real investment to save you time, money and space. Check out Marie Storage Baskets (PLF028 from $4.95), Aamina Storers (PLF004 from $14.95) and our range of OXO POP Containers (WKI81595 from $18.95) as they are all customer favourites.

For more information on zoning, check out our insider blog by scanning this QR code hsw.com.au

column

In an

Organised Fashion with Sue Blake

Professional organiser Sue Blake describes how decluttering can be a life-changing experience.

“I

can't believe it,” she said. “The room feels so much bigger – it's as if the walls have receded! And when I sat down to dinner with my son, I found I was really listening to his conversation. I didn't realise just how distracting the clutter was.”

It is the day after our first session, and my new client has called to tell me how she is feeling.

The word clutter is derived from the Middle English word, clotter, which means “to coagulate.” Clients contact Professional Organisers when clutter has logjammed

their homes and, as a result, their lives have clotted and congealed. They can't get started. Clutter is Kryptonite to clarity and, at the risk of sounding like a politician, it stops us moving forward.

Clutter is not limited to the physical.

Emotional clutter is the stickiest of all, a veritable bed of quicksand. We hold on to anger, resentments and secrets and are bombarded with requirements, and expectations. Mental clutter is the epidemic of our time.

Professional Organisers deal with

A new year is filled with a palpable sense of portent and possibilities.

The air is saturated with desire for new beginnings and hope bubbles along with the champagne. We make resolutions, we talk of the future and we dare to dream new dreams. But a new start need not be as big as a new job or moving house. It can be achieved as simply as

“Clutter is Kryptonite to clarity, and at the risk of sounding a little like a politician , it stops us moving forward”

■ Does clutter have you on the verge of eruption?

people's possessions, but in doing so, create a clean canvas for fresh beginnings.

When a client commits to the process, it is astounding how often things become ‘unstuck’. They suddenly land that dream job, solve a relationship problem, lose some weight.

Get together any group of Professional Organisers and you will find these stories abound. We are not psychiatrists, and do not pretend to be, but anyone who has worked in this profession knows that clearing the material has a mental impact. I don't pretend to understand it, but it's as real as it inexplicable. Moving the physical has psychological consequences.

The act of decluttering is powerful; it has the potential to give us a new start.

re-evaluating, decluttering and mining the existing for sparkly new gems of possibility.

As for my client, we continued our sessions and, as her home improved, her relationship with her son slowly took a turn for the better. So what does your new start look like? Will you reclaim that spare room, clean out the garage, tackle the paperwork? I promise it will be a cathartic and liberating experience that gives you a whole new start on your home… and who knows what else.

In the meantime, if you have any stories of how decluttering has impacted your life, we would love to hear them. Share your story on Howards' Facebook page!

Sue

Sue Blake is accredited as an Expert Professional Organiser by the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers.

To find a Professional Organiser in your area go to www.aapo.com.au inplace magazine 9

kitchen revolution

The Kitchen Revolution Want to learn how to defeat kitchen chaos in no time at all? Check out these quick solutions that cover it all – including the kitchen sink!

10 inplace magazine

www.hsw.com.au

kitchen revolution

T

he kitchen is an amazing place.

It’s where we hang out with friends, cook for family and start the day. It’s also where we toss things into drawers, cram things under sinks and lose jars of jam in pantries bulging with food. Getting the kitchen organised may seem like a huge job, but it needn’t be. In fact, there are plenty of storing tasks that take just a few minutes. We know, because we timed them!

inplace magazine 11

kitchen revolution

■ An organised fridge makes stocktaking a simple task!

h o w to...

QUASH THE PLASTIC BAG INVASION Free an entire shelf, drawer or under your sink in seconds by placing your plastic bags in a simplehuman Grocery Bag Holder (ALB1000 $29.95). Brilliant!

■ simplehuman Grocery Bag Holder $29.95

“Sorting the fridge is a task you can do in one fell swoop without breaking the bank” CHOPPING CHAOS GETS THE CHOP The most logical place to store your chopping boards is right on your kitchen counter, but chopping boards never seem to stand up as neatly as you intended.

Thankfully, the wonderful designers at Joseph Joseph have come up with the Index Chopping Board (IDS60030 $79.95), a set of chopping boards that come in an upright storage container. The boards are even colour coded to help prevent cross contamination. How clever is that?

SECOND DRAWER SYNDROME Getting a utensil drawer working efficiently and looking good is all about having the right tools. The right tool in this case is a drawer organiser that fits perfectly and has all the key zones you need. Howards has plenty of excellent options, but the best is the one that works for you. Simply measure the groups of items, length and bulk to determine which drawer organiser you choose. Bring your drawer into any Howards store if you'd like some expert help!

FRIDGE RESCUE

Each board is earmarked for a specific task!

12 inplace magazine

Sorting the fridge is one of those tasks you can do in one fell swoop without breaking the bank. Once you've sorted the contents (discarding empty and out-of-date jars), use baskets and Lazy Susans to store food. Condiments should be stored together, while favourite items should be at the front and clearly in sight. Marie Fridge Baskets (PLF028 from $4.95) make short work of

Brings order to hard-to-stack pan lids! keeping items grouped and easy to access.

Choose the right containers from Howards' huge range to keep food fresh and save loads of space.

CUPBOARD RETHINK Create precious cupboard space with the Euro Kitchen Organiser (SPE32078 $29.95). This rack's eight divided sections allow you to organise your plates, lids or baking sheets with ease. Made of sturdy metal, the Euro Kitchen Organiser's clean design is a smart take on a classic idea that adds a modern touch to every home. It can also be used in the office as a desktop organiser as it's perfect for folders and files too! www.hsw.com.au

kitchen revolution Pantry perfection in two 1-hour tasks…

Cu pboard magic

Task 1

Transferring packaged goods to airtight containers will extend the life of the products. It also increases your storage space, as the products can now be stacked. Make sure everything is labelled with a used-by date clearly displayed.

1

Task 2

The key to a good pantry is a well-organised and accessible storage system. How you arrange your pantry items will depend very much on your family, but the key ideas will always be the same. That is, the high-use items need to be centre front. Rollout baskets are a great way to activate your bottomshelf storage, while the top shelf should be reserved for bulky-but-light items such as bags of chips. Labelling shelves is a great way to keep everything in its place.

2

What you will need to get started

Baskets with handles are particularly useful in the pantry. They are excellent for items you like to move as a group, such as condiments, or items that don't store easily.

Try grouping items in a Marie Medium Storage Basket (PLF028 $4.95).

Create a simple labelling system that indicates what goes in each basket (jams, soft drinks, salad dressings, etc.) as it'll help family members stick with the system and encourage them to return items to the correct container with Avery labels.

Storing bottles can be tricky, as they tend to topple when you reach past them.

Keep all your bottles in place and intact with Mimi Wide Separator baskets (PLF008 $9.95).

For dry goods, such as pasta, flour and cereal, Aamina Easy Access Storers (from $14.95) are ideal, with handles for ease of use.

■ Marie Medium Storage Basket (PLF028 $4.95)

Kat the Organised Housewife has always stored her cups and bottles in a low cupboard. However, she recently discovered the joys of coffee and now must access her cups on a regular basis.

“I spied these simplehuman Cabinet Organisers (ALB01118 from $79.95) and I knew they would suit perfectly,” says Kat. It's amazing how much space she has found with a bit of organisation! Follow Kat's blog at theorganisedhousewife.com.au.

3

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5

Get the look !

1. Aamina Storers 9.6l PLF005 $19.95 2. Aamina Storers 4.8l PLF004 $14.95 3. Amalie Narrow Pull Out Organiser PLF009 $9.95 4. Amalie Wide Pull Out Organiser PLF010 $14.95 5. Mimi Wide Separator PLF008 $9.95

Kitchen Malisketover check

❑ Grocery bag holder ard set ❑ U pright chopping bo ❑ Drawer organisers ❑ Fridge baskets er ❑ Plate/lids organis ❑ Storage baskets ❑ Avery labels r dry goods ❑ Containers fo nisers ❑ Cabinet orga

inplace magazine 13

get the look

Working a Treat How to get your home office off the kitchen table and ready for action!

Orla Kiely's elegant designs add an extra dash of style to any home office

Keep files in order with a dedicated set of drawers!

Store important magazines and books in style!

â– Three-ring wall-mounted magazine rack EIC4004 $19.95 â– 8 drawer cabinet on wheels EIC006 $199

14 inplace magazine

www.hsw.com.au

get the look INSPIRATIONS OFFER

Orla-la h!

T

here's no need to find your desk disappearing under a pile of papers!

Whether for business, household accounts or correspondence, a working home office is all about systems. From the in-tray to the filing, everything must run smoothly from one zone to the next. Here's how to make it work for you...

Home office happiness

Before you set up your home office, think about how you intend to use it. Will you be distracted by family noise? Ideally, your home office should be separated from the rest of the home by a door. Not only does this create a quiet working area, but – if you're a home worker – it also allows you to mentally separate office time from home life.

Whatever the primary function of your office, keep all items you use on a daily basis close at hand; for example, a pot of pens on the desktop is endlessly helpful. Items that are handy but less regularly needed – a stapler or ruler, perhaps – can have a designated space in a drawer.

Most importantly, items that are only required quarterly or less can be filed in a box and placed on a shelf, or in the attic.

For example, you are unlikely to refer to your tax returns from last year for another 12 months, so they should be carefully filed away to ensure they're not cluttering your daily space.

A large wall planner placed near your desk will help you to keep track of your projects, as well as ensuring you don't forget about the ‘bigger picture’ when you are focused on smaller tasks.

Multi Stem Buy two A4Boxes and Storage ic Stem get a Class worth Notebook ee! $14.95 fr

One of the most exciting designers to emerge from the UK in the past decade, Orla Kiely was perhaps always destined for fame.

Indeed, she was still in college when upscale London department store 1 Harrods first placed an order for her range of products.

Inspired by simple, stylised shapes such as leaves and flowers drawn in muted shades, Orla's designs have become synonymous with elegance around the world.

Her list of famous fans includes Kirsten Dunst, Zooey Deschanel, Keira Knightley and Helena Christensen!

Orla's latest project is a range of folders, files, pens and storage boxes bearing classic Orla Kiely motifs.

As stunning as they are practical, 5 with generous proportions and a variety of sizes to fit a variety of needs, the range fits perfectly with the rousing philosophy of making your home office a beautiful and creative environment that you will love to work in.

To welcome Orla Kiely's brand of elegance in-store, Howards is running a special offer for Inspirations Members, until February 17, 2013.

Members can buy two A4 Multi Stem Storage Boxes and get a Classic Stem Notebook worth $14.95 free!

Create a filing system

When it comes to filing, labelling is key. The simplest way to label then arrange files is alphabetically. But even within that you might wish to give some thought to how your system will grow. For example, do you file people by their first name or their surname?

We would suggest surname, but no matter what you decide, the important thing is to keep to the system, sorting the Brown family in clearly marked files as Brown, Andrew; Brown, Jenny; Brown, Susan; etc.

It's also worth labelling three boxes 'In-tray', 'Processing', 'Filing'. Remember, though: a filing tray is strictly short-term parking. Don't let it get out of control!

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3

4

6

Orla Kiely Multi Stem Range 1. A4 Storage Box OUT5210 Large $34.95 2. Expander File OUT5209 $29.95 3. Magazine Organiser OUT5692 $32.95 4. Ring Binder OUT5691 $17.95 5. Classic Notebook OUT5200 Med $14.95 6. Ball Pen OUT5733 $17.95

Purge your paperwork

If your in-tray is already overflowing, here's how to fix it. Gather all the piles of paper on your desk and perform a general sort. You don't need to read everything, just throw away the clear trash – empty envelopes, old magazines, junk mail, etc.

Once you're down to a pile of important letters and bills, go through each item and decide whether to sign it, post it, fax it, forward it, file it or trash it. The key is to only touch each piece of paper once. Don't put it onto a new pile or you'll have to read it and deal with it again!

When you're done, you'll only have items that relate to current projects on your desk. inplace magazine 15

get the look

What you will need to get started Creating a home office or study nook that suits the needs of your whole family requires a flexible design.

The elfa® range of products is perfect for this. For example, the organisation station pictured right allows a child to take control of his/her study space – no more school bags left in the hallway.

Wire drawers allow objects to be seen, plus, the height of the desk can be adjusted as the child grows!

The space is divided into a homework zone, a storage zone on the top shelf for keeping certificates, artwork, etc., and a uniform zone.

A clock and notice board finishes off the study space perfectly.

Children's study zone

With the kids going back to school and homework being part of the routine again, it might be worth considering whether your home office could be best used as a dedicated study area.

Obviously, if you are a home worker this solution won't apply – but if your home office isn't getting regular use, then reconfiguring it for your children could make all the difference. Research has shown that a study space devoid of distractions and multi-tasking leads to a better learning outcome.

“Even if you do learn while multi-tasking, you cannot retrieve information as easily,” says Associate Professor Russell Poldrack of the University of California. Providing your child with a study area also encourages good study habits, such as establishing a routine, which can help them later in life.

The basics of a study nook are no different to the home office: a table, chair, drawers, a filing system, sufficient lighting, a computer, and the necessary stationery.

A shelf that operates as a library is also useful for school books, reference books and files from previous years.

16 inplace magazine

■ elfa® offers a range of solutions that are totally flexible.

“If your home office isn't getting regular use, then reconfigure it for your children” Locate your child's study area away from diversions such as the TV and busy familyorientated rooms such as the kitchen. Natural lighting from a large window is a bonus, if possible, as it's a more pleasant way to read.

Help your child create a study routine, with the same hours set aside each day for homework. With sport, music and other

extracurricular activities on the schedule, the right balance needs to be achieved between hobbies and homework. The ideal way is to use a calendar to ensure all goals are being met and that your child is managing their time effectively.

Last but not least, make sure the area isn't dull. In fact, the best way to beat study blues is to let your child pick colours and folder designs they love to make it a zone all of their own.

If you follow all of these tips and remain diligent in their application, you'll be able to make more of your space and quickly be on the way to home office happiness! ■ inplace www.hsw.com.au

get the look

Organise every home, one room at a time.

Introducing the new range of Avery Home products ®

Freezer Safe Labels

Oval Labels

Dry Erase To-Do List

Now you can communicate, co-ordinate and organise with ease, thanks to the Avery Home Organisation Range. It now includes a huge choice of labels (including Freezer Safe and Removable Photo Labels), Peel and Stick Dry Erase Monthly Calendars, Personal Expression Products for gifts and parties and much more. So, no matter how busy your household, you’ll always have it under control.

Little things that work in a big way.™

For your FREE sample pack*, call us today on 1800 644 353 (free call) *While stocks last

Innovative Products | Easy-to-Use Templates and Software | Service and Support |

averyproducts.com.au inplace magazine 17

attic attack

Lofty Goals How to convert your attic space and expand your home by up to 30 per cent!

W

hen everything is organised but you still need space, finding that much-needed extra room may be as simple as looking overhead.

Attic conversions are fast becoming the spare room miracle many have been looking for – and a great alternative to moving.

Indeed, this conversion is being championed by professional architects all over Australia, including Lucy Vader. “Using the attic space in your home makes a lot of sense,” Lucy says. “It's cheaper and often quicker than moving, while adding to your lifestyle and your property's overall value.”

Cameron Elkins of roof-space conversion experts Attic Group adds: “People are becoming aware that up to 30 per cent of unused space in their home is right above their head. Homeowners are waking up to the fact there is this roof-space that they can do something with.”

Whether your attic space is best suited for extra storage, an extra room or both will depend on your needs and its size. That said, what you choose to do with your new room depends entirely on your imagination, and can range from an extra bedroom to a home office, sewing room, media room, kids' room, parents' room, music studio or even a home gym. In fact, one enterprising family has converted their attic to a year-round campsite with billowing tent walls, Persian rugs and laid-back day-beds, making it perfect for hanging out, parties and taking a quiet afternoon snooze.

Home offices in particular are increasingly 18 inplace magazine

hsw.com.au

attic attack ■ Believe it or not, this was once an unused attic!

WIN!

AN ATTIC MAKEOVER SEE NEXT PAGE FOR DETAILS

“People are becoming increasingly aware that up to 30 per cent of unused space in the home is right above their head” popular, with more people opting to work from home or shift their household accounts to a designated area. Essentially, this means getting bills off the dining-room table and into order with stationery, receipts, filing and papers all in the one place.

Moreover, optimising the space in your home with an office not only adds an extra room, but also adds value to your home, according to Marc Fitzpatrick of Liberty Property. ”The addition of a study to any

Before

home can add exponentially to its market value, especially when competing with properties without,” he explains.

Converting your attic requires thought and expertise to optimise space and ensure it's a room you will love. Cameron Elkins continues: ”An attic conversion can be as simple as installing an attic ladder to give you access to your space, or it could be a premium room with a much nicer finish and much higher weight-bearing load.”

Typically, a premium room starts at about 20 square metres and features a structural floor, gyprocked walls, lighting and skylights.

And of course, as Cameron also points out, adding ceiling windows for light and ventilation can give you easily the best views in the house!

Once your attic has been converted, fitting it out to suit your home office needs also requires thought. Getting this right takes skill, as the spatial dimensions of an attic aren't the simple four square walls of a traditional room. Rather, sloping walls and tricky corners are the order of the day, and it will take time to figure out the best solutions inplace magazine 19

attic attack

■ Roof space can be utilised easily with elfa®

A Roof Storage Makeover valued at

$6,000!

Plus a $1,000 Howards gift card to start making use of the space Do you have unused attic space that you feel could be better utilised? This is your chance to win...

Prize includes:

After

■ 2.8m Premium Australian-made

“Stair Ladder Deluxe” attic ladder ■ 10sqm of flooring and battening ■ Perimeter kickboards, wall framing and roof lining ■ Wireless sensor lights ■ Access hatch to non-storage roof space ■ All fully installed by Attic Ladders’ qualified carpenters ■ $1,000 Howards Gift Card

Before

How to win:

Simply tell us in 25 words or less why an attic storage area would be great for your home!

When you've got a great answer, visit atticladders.com.au/competition to enter. Good luck!

• The closing date is 31/3/13 • The competition will be drawn on 1/4/13 with the winner notified by email.

• Entrants must upload at least one external photo of their roof (and also one of the inside of their roof space, if possible) • All entrants must be owners (either outright or via mortgage) of the home they have nominated their prize for. Entrants cannot be renting or temporarily residing in the property.

• Competition only available to residents in the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane metropolitan areas.

• To view terms and conditions, visit atticgroup.com.au/competition

20 inplace magazine

WIN!

for optimal use of space. Of course, this is where the experts at Howards Storage World are at their best, with a solution for most spaces, no matter how unusual.

When creating a new room in your newly converted attic, take advantage of the clean slate and consider your long-term needs.

For the ultimate big fix, think custom-built with an easy-build system that provides storage and archival space as well as loads of functional areas.

If you have previously been using your attic for storage, converting it to a home office, bedroom or media room may have actually worked to reduce your overall amount of space for storage in your home.

This, however, does not automatically mean that you're forced to reduce the amount you store. Compression is the answer.

Archiving out-of-season clothes is as simple as getting out the vacuum cleaner and a Space Bag Hanging Dress Bag (TRA57014 $22.95) that can turn 10 coats into the width of three – virtually tripling www.hsw.com.au

get the look

your storage space! For storage of large amounts, a Compactor High Volume Flat Family Case (STE4025 $49.95) can handle 180 litres of storage, while the High Volume Family Trunk (STE4024 $44.95) can compress 150 litres of storage into a neat, stackable box.

Of course, many treasured items simply cannot be compressed, and these will need to be archived in sturdy plastic boxes, keeping them safe from dust and household pests.

Try Easi Store from $9.95, with a range of sizes available. â– inplace â– Compactor Trunks (STE4023 from $36.95)

inplace magazine 21

garage makeover

Master Your Man Cave

Feeling fishy

Racor Fishing Rod Rack (STE104 $29.95) Here's the catch of the day: storing up to four rods, this outstanding rod rack can be mounted on the wall or even the ceiling.

Great garage solutions!

T

he dream of a pristine, perfect garage is possible with all the right tools – no pun intended!

Check out the various garage storage solutions on this page, and then turn over to see how Howards brought order to the most chaotic of garages.

■ Racor Garden Tool Rack (STE103 $63.95)

CUSTOMER FAVOURITE

le ■ Racor Doub ck Floor Bike Ra (STE101 $99)

■ Latch boxes (STE1882 from $12.95)

22 inplace magazine

www.hsw.com.au hsw.com.au

garage makeover

Bike bliss

Racor Iron Wedge Bike hook (STE105 $14.95) Store bikes safely on the wall with a durable Racor wall hook.

Includes moulded rubber hook to guard tyre.

Just hanging

Hole in one

Space Bag Hanging Dress Bag (TRA57014 $22.95) Compress, protect and organise your ski gear with these airtight, watertight bags. Also keeps away dust, dirt and mildew.

Racor Double Golf Rack (STE102 $39.95) For the avid golfer, keep those clubs on the wall for easy access and storage every time. Includes hooks for one pair of shoes.

Easy storage

For more, scan this QR code!

Tubtrugs 26L (CRS $14.95) Genuine Tubtrugs are super strong and flexible. Use them for storage, weeding, washing the dog, or even as an ice bucket.

Organisation is at its best with a custom designed garage solution from elfa速. Strong, epoxy-bonded steel makes this system tough enough to resist even the sportiest of families. Ask for a free design, measure and quote from any Howards store.

inplace magazine 23

garage makeover After

Before

Garage makeover!

In the real world, the garage is generally a pretty chaotic space. In fact, it tends to act as both a dumping ground for junk and a storage area for things we use on a regular basis. With this in mind, we set about creating a garage makeover for Life Love and Hiccups blogger, Sonia, and her sporty family of three lovely boys and a surfing husband.

Sonia focuses her blog, as the name suggests, on love, life and everything in between – with an emphasis on the real.

“I write about the hiccups; the stuff that happens in everyday families that one day we hope we can look back on and laugh about.”

Taking this approach, Sonia set the

■ elfa® plastic bracket covers prevent scratching ■ Tubtrugs ($14.95)

“It’s absolutely brilliant. I’m going to be able to get at the boards I haven’t surfed for ages!” challenge of taking on a truly chaotic garage, describing her expectation of the Howards team with humour. “I thought they would turn and run!” she laughs.

What surprised Sonia most, though, was the overall approach, which focused on the family rather than the products. “The whole idea of zoning blew me away,” she says. “The fact they stood there and really thought 24 inplace magazine

Scan here to see the makeover!

about it and asked questions about how our family works and operates before they made any suggestions – that was really impressive.“ Ultimately, what Sonia wanted was a system the whole family could use. She also wanted it to appeal to her aesthetic sensibility for order: “I like things to look nice and be organised so that I can pull them out and put them away simply. When I need to find one of

■ Sonia Stackhouse from Life Love and Hiccups

the kids' mouth guards or shin pads, I want to go straight to the right place. I also want it to be manageable for the whole family. I have a five-year-old who needs to be able to follow the system – nothing too complicated.”

For Sonia's garage, Howards' solution was an elfa® system of ‘zones’ allocated to activities. “They organised the space into areas specific to a hobby or need,” she says. www.hsw.com.au

garage makeover

“A wet-wall for water sports, a building and home decor zone, a kids' sport zone for bikes and skateboards, a pet zone to store big bags of dog food and leads, and an everyday living zone. I have three boys and hate smelly shoes in the house, so an area to remove all the gear before coming inside helps control the clutter.”

The wet-wall was the first stage to be resolved. There was a considerable amount of customisation due to an unusually shaped wall, and the installer took about four hours to create the system. The result, however, has been terrific, according to Sonia. Her husband was particularly impressed with the access to his boards: “It's going to be brilliant, absolutely

brilliant. I'm going to be able to get at the boards I haven't surfed for ages!” Sonia also points out that “he loves the incorporated hanging space for wetsuits – something he'd never have thought of.”

While the first phase was for Sonia's husband, the next will be for her own true passion: home decorating. “The building and home décor zone will be next,” she says. I love decorating and can't get to my paints and bits and pieces. When things aren't cluttered I'm so much more inspired.”

Follow Sonia's garage transformation on the Howards Insider blog at hsw.com.au or on Sonia's blog Life Love and Hiccups ■ inplace

Get the look!

hours

Wet-wall: ■ elfa® inc. installation ■ Tubtrug storage x5 ■ Fishing Rod Racks x3

$1288 $74.75 $89.95

TOTAL $1452.70 To see more of Sonia's garage makeover and take a look at the fabulous changes Howards put in place, visit the Howards insider blog at insider.hsw.com.au!

inplace magazine 25

back to school

Lessons for a Smooth Return Gemma of My Big Nutshell with tips from the front-line!

■ My Big Nutshell blogger, Gemma

■ Create a homework zone with ample supplies

■ Fridge to Go lunch boxes keep food cold up to 8 hours

T

o help get your kids back to school, we asked My Big Nutshell blogger Gemma to share some of her thoughts and tips.

Describing herself as a “stay-at-home mother to three very hilarious children,” Gemma started her blog after realising she was over-sharing on Facebook.

She explains: “I write from the heart about what it's like to resign from a career in human resources. You'll find absurd accounts of wardrobe malfunctions and rants about social justice. Just because I'm home, it doesn't mean my brain has stopped!”

One of the biggest problems faced by parents is the shift from the slower pace of holiday mode to the frenetic pace of the 26 inplace magazine

back-to-school period. “During holidays, most families like to keep a slower pace with more free time,” Gemma says. “This often means casual eating and grazing, later nights and sleep-ins with an unstructured morning (read: Mum is desperately trying to get over Term 4, Christmas and a massive New Year, so let me sleep!).” However, she also points out that starting early and being organised is key.

Handing opportunity to your children not only gives them a smooth start to the day but also sets them up for a more organised approach to life. “If everyone knows what must be done and carries out their responsibilities, you can expect a smooth morning,” Gemma says. “On the

fridge is a chart with words and pictures of the sequence for the morning routine. I refer the kids to the chart so they learn to take responsibility for themselves.”

She also points out the reality of family life: “Throw slow-moving kids and rushing parents into the mix and something is bound to be forgotten.” To get the routine rolling, Gemma starts early: “For the first couple of months of Term 1, I get most of my morning work done the night before, such as lunches and bowls for breakfast. Supervise the kids as they lay out their uniforms including shoes, socks and requirements for the next school day.”

The age-old problem of how to get kids to do their homework is another area hsw.com.au

back to school OTHER

Gemma tackles with good organisation: “The secret is establishing a family system that is uncomplicated, fun and accounts for your routine. Weekday homework happens after the kids have eaten a snack – although I advise against giving a two-year-old a Slurpee in the car. The floor of the Territory is now stained red! I still can't talk about it.

“Having a homework zone and wellstocked homework supplies is key to getting them started. Have a box of supplies like rulers, erasers, pencils, scissors, working paper and glue ready to go.”

Above all, Gemma suggests keeping systems simple so everyone can follow them – and, most of all, to persevere! ■ inplace

Back-to-school offer!

COLOUR COMBIN

ATION AVAILABLE S INSTORE

To get the year off to a flying start for both you and your kids, Howards is offering Inspirations members an excellent back-to-school package.

This great offer includes a Fridge to Go Small Lunch bag (FTG30603 $29.95), a Contigo Autospout Kids Water Bottle (ZLS50921 $16.95), and a reusable Sandwich Wrap (DNE8862 $6.95) all for only $39.95 – a saving of $13.90!

Take advantage of this fantastic offer in your local Howards store today. Special offer valid until February 17, 2013.

“Handing opportunity to your children not only gives them a smooth start to the day but also sets them up for a more organised approach to life”

My Big Nutshell's Top Ten Tips for getting back into the morning routine! #

1

Honestly review what routines and activities worked. What can you cull to make everyone's life less complicated?

What can you concentrate on to enrich the learning and fun of each family member?

#

2 # 3 # 4

It's a stressful time. Build in some moments for yourself, to regroup.

Make sure you have crisp new lunch boxes and drink bottles.

Set up a school hub, a place where bags and equipment can be easily accessed, an area for schedules and routines to be clearly seen and a place for homework to happen effortlessly.

#

5

Get a folder or big plastic sleeve to file school notes for your action.

Regularly sit down with a diary, moneyfilled purse and envelopes and keep spending until you've got nothing left.

#

6

Ask the kids to pick their favourite baked treat and help them make enough of them to last for the term.

Freeze them quickly, or else the purpose of the exercise is void.

#

7

Start a countdown two weeks before and include a surprise back-to-school activity each day.

#

8

Invite school friends around for a play date. This is a particularly good idea for kids who are a little anxious about returning to school.

#

Learning starts at home and your child 's mood affects how well he/she learns. Sending them off feeling calm and positive is the best thing you can offer!

9

Plan for holidays for the end of Term 1 – before everyone else – so you don't miss out on anything.

#

10

Tell your kids how proud of them you are and remind them of all the wonderful things they have to look forward to for this school year.

inplace magazine 27

back to school

School Systems Putting the brakes on back-to-school stress...

W

hen it comes to going back to school, family stress levels can go through the roof. We asked our resident expert, Cathy Player, for her sure-fire tips for getting the chaos under control. inplace: How organised do families need to be if they want to beat backto-school stress?

Cathy: After a carefree six-week holiday, back-to-school time is like mobilising an army. It’s a process that takes time and care – plus lots of checklists. Each year is a great opportunity to learn from the previous year's mistakes. Leaving everything to the last minute is never a good idea; we insist that kids don't leave their homework to the last minute, so why not set a great example for the year ahead with an organised start? Being in control is a major stress reliever and puts the whole family in a better position for a good start.

SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH US ON FACEBOOK!

inplace: What are the most vital organisation tasks for a smooth backto-school transition?

Cathy: There are three major areas that benefit from the back-to-school makeover, and Howards has some innovative suggestions for organising these spaces:

1

Study space

Has the desk become a dumping ground? If so, it's time to clear the decks, make sure ‘last year’ is packed away and start with a clean slate. Have all stationery items 28 inplace magazine

neatly organised in labelled caddies and storers. The new Avery labels make it easy to pick a colourful theme and make this space just the way you like it. Aim for a totally clear space by installing shelves above or beside the desk. Older children benefit from subject folders with dividers for coursework, sheets, assignments and tests. Younger children need nice new pencils and a lovely new ‘important box’ for school notes and homework.

2

Kitchen

Empower the kids to make their own healthy lunches by making all the elements easy to access. Snacks and drinks have their own caddies in the pantry and cold snacks can be stored in a basket in the fridge.

Consider pre-making lunches on a Sunday and freezing to save time with lovely, fresh ingredients. Label them with Avery freezer labels and the kids will love you for it! No more stale bread by mid-week. hsw.com.au

back to school ■ New Avery Peel & Stick (AVE13099 $8.95) weekly calendar is a great addition to your fridge

■ New Avery Peel & Stick Homework List (AVE13094 $5.95) can be stuck to the wall and easily removed leaving no residue.

“Back-to-school time is like mobilising an army. It's a process that takes time and care”

3

Bedroom

With busy days, the kids' rooms become their sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Have a fresh look at your children's rooms and see if you can find clever ways to tidy toys and tame clothes. Clutter is just as stressful for kids, and January is the perfect time to sort this room out, pass on clothes that don't fit, put in clever storage and make the most of the space. inplace: What's the big-picture solution for controlling the back-to-school chaos?

Cathy: Starting with the big solutions, elfa and easy-build shelving are ideal for creating the main infrastructure of your storage, including hooks for the many bags used.

With this in place, caddies help everyone keep items nicely grouped, from stationery to school socks. Labels are essential as they keep the system simple and visual. inplace: When it comes to staying on top of things, what are your top four everyday routines for long-term organisation?

Cathy: Day to day, there are many simple routines to enable everyone in the house to contribute: 1: Kids pack their own lunch.

2: Have a checklist of daily activities (including uniform/equipment needs).

■ Decor RealSeal Compact Lunch Starter Kit $24.95

3: When kids return home, as they walk in the door they must: ✔ hand over notes to mum; ✔ empty out lunch box and put cool bricks back in freezer; ✔ put used uniform(s) in the washing.

4: Allocate a regular homework time and call it ‘Homework Happy Hour.’ No distractions allowed during this time.

If you put time into establishing ingredients for an organised house (e.g., creating checklists and pre-making lunches), the kids can operate independently throughout the week. inplace: When it comes to organising the kids for school, what's the greatest challenge?

Cathy: There are many challenges faced during term time and this is made more complex the larger the family and how committed they are to extracurricular activities. The most common complaint is “no time.” The greatest relief for this is, of course, organisation. Many of the tasks are repetitive, so putting in place simple systems and empowering your children to help can save you lots of time every day.

With these simple suggestions, Howards wishes you and your family a happy start to the New Year. If you would like further assistance and inspiration, visit a store, pick up a catalogue or visit our website at hsw.com.au ■ inplace inplace magazine 29

elfa®

Keep rarely used treasures up high in the archive zone

Simply Efficient

Whether getting the kids ready to go back to school or organising your home, the elfa® range can help you win the space race.

Easy-to-access drawers for everyday items

30 inplace magazine

■ elfa® units can easily transform any space www.hsw.com.au

elfa® ■ Drawers from the elfa® classic range offer instant storage solutions

T

here's something deeply impressive about elfa®. It's Swedish made, elegant, endlessly customisable and practical in an array of situations.

One of the most brilliant things about the elfa® range is its ability to be configured in endless ways to suit your needs. Indeed, the modular sections can be raised, lowered or even rearranged to suit.

Every elfa® attachment is made of steel for strength, while all the wooden shelves and fascias offer real luxury. It even comes with a 10 year warranty.

Flexibility is the key to the elfa® experience.

The wall-mounted units attach to the wall using the top hang track. Once you've checked that it's level, everything else will automatically be straight and true!

As well as being totally adaptable as your needs change (drawers, shelves and hanging rails can be added and removed as you wish) elfa® comes into its own when it's time for you to move, as it can be easily disassembled and rebuilt in your new home.

So, who is the pioneer behind this brilliant idea? elfa® was actually established in the late 1940s by the Swedish engineer, Arne Lydmar.

Like many pioneers, Arne was especially passionate about a single concept. For him, it was the possibility of creating more space through smart storage solutions. With his exceptional eye for detail, elfa® fast became the leader in the industry.

Over the past 70 years, elfa® has continuously improved its products as new technologies have become available. In fact, elfa® has been stocked by Howards ever since Les and Edda Howard opened their first store in Northbridge in the early '70s.

Today, Howards proudly offers free elfa® consultations. Feel free to bring a sketch or photo in store, or we can come over and provide a no-obligation measure and quote at your home.

Once you've selected your perfect, bespoke elfa® solution we can even arrange delivery and installation. It genuinely couldn't be easier! ■ inplace

Learn more about the elfa® range on the Howards website

“elfa can be used to organise any room in your home , from the garage to the kitchen” ®

elfa ® basics Available for a limited time only, the elfa® basics range is an inexpensive way to get started with your elfa® solution.

Starting from $129, elfa® basics is a standalone drawer set that comes with a choice of two drawer depths: 540mm deep or 440mm deep.

The practical white frame and white wire baskets (which include three one-runner drawers and one one-runner drawer) are ideal for creating instant, affordable solutions around the home.

Whether you want to store extra towels in the bathroom, give your kids a simple home for their toys or keep tools tucked away in the garage, elfa® basics is perfect!

Pop in-store to take a look at elfa® basics and see how they could help you! inplace magazine 31

around the home

Quick Fixes

■ Coat & Hat Stand (EIC8045 $129)

When you need things sorted in a matter of moments…

W

hile many storage solutions require planning, sorting and storing, sometimes a ‘quick fix’ is what you really need. These are the fabulous solutions that turn mayhem into clarity in moments.

Coat stands. Why did we ever stop using them? In minutes, you can have coats hung, bags off the floor, umbrellas easily locatable and hats no longer getting crushed in a corner. A good coat stand is well balanced yet slim enough not to be an obstacle in its own right. It also has to have sufficient prongs for your family's needs without looking like a cactus. Try the Coat & Hat Stand (EIC8045 $129.00) for perfection.

The quickest fix for the shower is an Over The Door Shower Caddy (EIC3048 $49.95).

It gets everything off the floor and keeps shampoos and conditioners separate from soap. The additional hook for a loofah or washcloth is a great bit of design savvy.

Shoes are next. We all love them, so why do we abandon them at the bottom of the closet when getting them organised and stored can take merely a matter of moments? A Shoe Rack with Wooden sides (EIC0502 $74.95) is a product of outstanding quality that promises to keep your shoes looking smart for longer.

There never seems to be enough room for towels. In summer, there are a million beach towels; in winter, sport ups the tally again! Teenagers can cause plenty of towel nightmares, too, with their habit of leaving wet ones pretty much anywhere they please. Adding a beautifully designed towel rack of exceptional quality is all about choosing the right style for you. Try the Chrome Towel Rack (EIC99521 $49.95); and, of course, the 3 Rail Towel Rack with Bamboo Shelf (EIC90215 $79.95) ■ inplace

Keep wet towels off the floor

CUSTOMER FAVOURITES

■ 3 Rail Towel Rack with Bamboo Shelf (EIC90215 $79.95)

32 inplace magazine

■ Chrome Towel Rack (EIC99521 $49.95)

hsw.com.au

Bring your own bottle… what a Chee ki idea!

Hooks on the dry side too!

Australians currently spend $500 million on the 6.67 billion plastic containers we consume each year. Of those, the Total Environment Centre approximates that only a third are recycled.

The rest become litter or landfill. You can make a difference – as Simon Karlik, the founder of Cheeki (Australia’s leading brand of stainless steel water bottles) has done: “I was at our local shops on a Sunday morning and there were coffee cups and disposable bottles everywhere, and I thought, ‘People should go back to reusing things.’ ” This was just the beginning for Simon, who is keen to wake people up to the environmental impact of plastic. “Things that take a million years to form, we create it, we use it for about 30 seconds and chuck it out and it lasts for about 500 years. It doesn’t go away; it goes into the ocean and everywhere,” says Simon. Indeed, he has gone so far as to create the Text bottle, with the truth about plastic written on the surface by founder of Take 3, Tim Silverwood. The bottles are all recyclable stainless steel, keeping water cooler and coffee hotter. Using food-grade stainless steel, the bottles are robust and won’t rust. Moreover, the sports bottle is ideal for cyclists as it does not require the head to be tilted back!

More economical ■ Stainless Steel Over the Door Shower Caddy (EIC3048 $49.95)

Healthier for you

The water tastes better

Healthier for the planet

Coffee stays hotter

“A good coat stand is slim enough not to be an obstacle in its own right ”

Shoes can quickly get out of hand without a rack Australia’s Leading Brand

of Stainless Steel Lifestyle Products available at Howards Storage World • Premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel • No inside lining • Toxic free inks

www.cheeki.net.au inplace magazine 33

facebook.com/cheekistainlesssteel

Howards Storage World stores Visit hsw.com.au to find your local store with the ‘Store Locator’.

Springvale Springvale Homemaker Centre (03) 9545 5499 Wantirna NEW STORE! Westfield Knox City (03) 9800 4507 NORTHERN TERRITORY Darwin Shop 20, Jape Homemaker Village (08) 8948 2088 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Cannington Shop 1, 38 William Street (08) 9356 3511

Scan for our store locator!

NEW SOUTH WALES Artarmon Home HQ North Shore (02) 9437 1955 Bathurst Bathurst City Centre (02) 6331 4044 Belrose Homemakers Supa Centa (02) 9986 2480 Bondi Junction Westfield Bondi Junction (02) 9387 5733 Brookvale Westfield Warringah Mall (02) 9907 2200 Burwood Westfield Burwood (02) 9744 8077 Campbelltown Macarthur Square (02) 4627 5222 Castle Hill Hills Home Hub South Building (02) 9634 4200

Erina Erina Fair (02) 4367 0433 Hornsby Westfield Hornsby (02) 9987 2700 Kotara Homemaker Centre 150 Park Ave (02) 4952 9333 Leichhardt Norton Plaza (02) 9518 1425 Miranda Westfield Miranda (02) 9542 8566 Moore Park Homemaker Supa Centa (02) 9697 2777 Northbridge Northbridge Plaza (02) 9958 4699

Rhodes Rhodes Shopping Centre (02) 9736 3111

Mackay Canelands Shopping Centre (07) 4951 0607

Rutherford Harvey Norman Centre (02) 4932 4655

Maroochydore 50 Plaza Parade (07) 5479 3833

Shellharbour Stockland, Shellharbour Square (02) 4297 0811 QUEENSLAND Aspley Homemaker City Cnr Gympie Road & Zillmere Road (07) 3862 7633 Cairns NEW STORE! 108 Scott Street (07) 4054 4966 Fortitude Valley Homemaker City North 650 Wickham Street (07) 3216 0222

Robina Robina Town Centre (07) 5575 7133

Gepps Cross Gepps Cross Centre Home HQ (08) 8162 9160 Mile End Homemaker Centre 122 Railway Terrace (08) 8152 0400

Springwood The Logan Mega Centre (07) 3209 2777

Norwood 220 The Parade (08) 8332 0415

Toowoomba Harvey Norman Centre (07) 4613 5315

Port Macquarie Port Home Zone (02) 6584 3500

Jindalee Homemaker City (07) 3279 2611

Upper Mt. Gravatt Westfield Garden City (07) 3422 2003 Pinterest

Share things you love!

Mt Barker NEW STORE! Homemaker Centre (08) 8391 4755

TASMANIA

Townsville Helensvale Domain Central Homeworld Helensvale (07) 4779 9411 (07) 5502 6677

34 inplace magazine

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Rockhampton Redhill Homemaker Centre, Cnr Richardson Road & Yamba Road (07) 4928 6511

North Ryde Macquarie Centre (02) 9888 6655

Like to know a little more about Howards Storage World?

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ACT Fyshwick Homemaker Hub (02) 6280 5552

Hobart 140 Liverpool Street (03) 6234 8422 VICTORIA Chadstone Chadstone Shopping Centre (03) 9568 6200

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Cheltenham Westfield Southland (03) 9583 9155 Essendon Homemaker Hub (03) 9374 2903 Maribyrnong Highpoint Shopping Centre (03) 9318 1855 Mornington Peninsula Lifestyle Centre (03) 5973 5399 Nunawading Home HQ, 372 Whitehorse Road (03) 9894 8411 Richmond Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre (03) 9428 4060 Shepparton Riverside Plaza Shopping Centre (03) 58235877 South Wharf Homemaker Hub (03) 9682 0911

Karrinyup Karrinyup Shopping Centre (08) 9244 4333 Myaree Primewest Melville, Shop 8, 276 Leach Highway, Melville (08) 9317 8700 Rockingham 2 Commodore Drive (08) 9528 5044 Southern River Cnr Ranford Rd & Boardwalk Bvd (08) 9394 0900 Subiaco 427 Hay Street (08) 9381 4599 GROUP OFFICE No. 4 Forest Central Business Park 49 Frenchs Forest Road Frenchs Forest NSW 2086 Tel (02) 9452 8888 Fax (02) 9452 8899 mail@hsw.com.au e-SHOP hsw.com.au eshop@hsw.com.au 1300-ESHOP-1 INTERNATIONAL STORES Now open in: New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Ireland, Philippines and India. Opening soon in Canada.

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hsw.com.au

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Inspirations Rewards Program Join in-store or online today

2013 ECTION COLL HOWARDS FAVOURITES OF

NEW

SIMPLY ORGANISED

Can’t decide?

Give a Gift Card Gift Cards are available for amounts over $20.

Redemption is only available through Australian stores.

It’s fine to change your mind We’ll gladly exchange or refund on presentation of a docket where goods are in original packaging (saleable condition).

An exchange is offered where a docket is not presented.

Products, Solutions & Clever Ideas Inside!

Shop online You can shop 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. Need some extra help getting organised? Our website has loads of tips: visit hsw.com.au

Free measure and quote Your local store is happy to assist with your elfa® easy-build wardrobe and wine rack planning with an obligation-free measure and quote. We can even arrange delivery and installation.

Bear Cottage Bear Cottage is a medically supported home away from home providing support and respite for children with terminal illnesses and their families. At Bear Cottage they believe life, however brief, should be enriched and celebrated.

With the support of franchisees, staff, customers and suppliers, Howard’s reached its 2011 donation goal of $100,000. Money was raised through the sale of Pocket Pads, bon bons, sample sales, City2Surf and generous donations.

Help Howards support Bear Cottage by purchasing a Bag for a Bear ($4.95). All profits go to Bear Cottage.

2013 catalogue out now!

Come in-store for more information or visit hsw.com.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION Prices: Some Howards Storage World stores are independently owned and operated. Prices are recommended retail prices only and the price at your local store may be different. Advertised prices are valid only until 31/3/13. and after this date may not be available. Listed prices include GST and do not include accessories where shown.

Availability: Not all products in this magazine may be available at your local store. Some products may become out of stock or in some instances be discontinued. We recommend contacting your local store by telephone to confirm product availability and price to avoid disappointment.

Product specifications: All care is taken to ensure that product information is accurate at the time of print (November 2012). However, some modifications to product specifications may occur during the life of this magazine. Dimensions are included as a guide only. Some products may require self assembly.

Warranty information: At Howards, we respect your rights and our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

Howards Storage World® is the registered trademark of Howards Storage World Pty Ltd ©

inplace is published by Citrus Media on behalf of Howards Storage World. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. © Howards Storage World 2012.

inplace magazine 35

Space Bag, compress, protect and organise

Stay organised and triple your storage space with Space Bag

Turn 4 plastic bins into 1 Space Bag Tote

R

These stackable Totes store equivalent of 4 plastic bins of clothing and bedding.

Before

Jumbo Stackable and Large Underbed versions available.

Space Bag Travel

Halve your luggage space

Before

After!

After!

AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF SIZES AND DESIGNS: HOME STORAGE:

Medium, 1 Large, 2 Large, Extra Large, Jumbo, Cube, Hanging Suit, Hanging Dress

With Space Bag Travel range you can reduce your luggage by half.

TOTES:

Jumbo Stackable, Large Underbed

Perfect for any carry on luggage, backpacks and suitcases.

TRAVEL:

And everything comes out looking great.

www.spacebag.com.au

Travel Cube Push Down, Roll Up Travel To Go, Large Dual Use

l

Available now from Howards Storage World