Nine months might seem like a long time, especially when you are expecting a new life. During this period, we understand that it can be stressful as you deal with this major transition, and part of the change is finding ways to prepare your home for the baby.

For new parents, you might be overwhelmed by what to get, and different parents will have different priorities. Thus, it is important to take your time to deal with one task at a time. Here are some things you can try to prep your home for the arrival of your little one.

  1. Prepare a baby room with the essentials

It would be good if you have a room for the baby so that you will have ample space to move around and also for your baby to sleep and play over time. You can start by checking the big ticket items such as baby cots/cribs, car seats, strollers, baby carriers, sanitisers, baby monitor, diapers, baby bath items, baby bottles and baby clothes. To extend the shelf life of the items, you can opt to purchase items that are more functional so that you can use them even as your baby grows.

For the baby’s essentials, you can also place them around your home instead of just one location so that you do not have to rush to the baby’s room whenever you need something. This will save you time and also the strength to move around.

  1. Babyproof your home

Take a careful look around your home for things that need baby-proofing. This can include moving your cleaning products and placing them on higher grounds. You would also need to find ways to secure your cabinets and doors that your baby can reach.

Next, avoid long curtains and hide your cables and cover the electrical supplies. Babies are naturally curious, and their hands might start to grab things within their reach. Thus, it is important to keep these items and cords out of the way so that they will not harm your baby as they crawl and move around your home. The act of baby-proofing can differ for every family, and it is up to the parents to prepare accordingly as every home layout is different too.

  1. Try to declutter and clean up your home

With the baby’s arrival, it might take a while for you to get used to it as you will have to cater to your baby’s needs first. This is why it is recommended to declutter and clean up your home first when you can. You can start by decluttering some parts of your home that will be a shared space for your baby and you. This will include your living room, bedroom etc.

If you have furniture sets, personal collections or even seasonal décor items and clothing that you do not wish to throw but lack the storage space at home, consider renting a self-storage unit near your home. This way, you can enjoy more space for your growing family by renting a storage space. With a new family member, it does not mean that you will have to give up your personal collection. You can always continue growing your personal collection with the help of an extra storage unit.

If you are new to self-storage, you can try storage providers such as Extra Space Asia Self Storage. The storage brand has been awarded Singapore’s favourite self-storage brand since 2018 and is a trusted brand in Singapore, with over 70 storage facilities in Asia. It is always good to visit the storage premise during operation hours from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm, to understand more and see the various storage offerings in person. Alternatively, you can always contact the storage facilities located in Kuala Lumpur at 1300 22 0288 to find out more storage information or simply visit the website to request for a complimentary web quotation to understand the pricing for the different storage sizes too.

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.

At Extra Space Asia, we are having a Ramadhan Special campaign – where customers who sign up for a storage unit between 3rd April 2023 to 21st April 2023 will be entitled to attractive discounts, rebates and gifts! Visit our website to find out more!

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

First things first, congratulations! It’s no mean feat, and we know how momentous this occasion is! Babies are a blessing, as they bring joy and happiness to everyone around. However, once the initial buzz and excitement settle down, possible worries may set in—are you well and truly prepared to welcome a baby into your life and home? In the early stages, babies are often curious as everything is new to them, so they tend to wander and touch and put everything in their mouths, so do keep an eye on what you leave around! Preparing for a baby’s room is truly exciting, and we’ve compiled some tips and tricks that may come in handy for you!

 

It’s recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this practice for infants’ first six months of life, lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Having your baby within sight of you will also help put your mind at ease, as you know they’re within reach if anything happens. However, you may have to get creative with furniture! Mini cribs are fast becoming a thing, so are foldable, portable and convertible cribs! Your bedroom may need to be bigger to hold a large crib, so do consider moving some larger furniture to other rooms or possibly even a self-storage unit such as Extra Space Asia for the time being!

 

If you have a spare room which can be converted into a nursery, the best colours to paint the nursery are neutral tones. Not only are they timeless and soothing, this palette also makes it easy to mix and match neutral tones with other furnishings and decorations. You can let your kid pick out their fav colour when they grow older!

 

It’s also important to ensure that the room is safe and secure for a baby! Lest we forget, make it comfortable too, as both of you will be spending plenty of time in the room! Prepare for yourself a small corner to rest or an armchair for you to grab some quick shuteye while the baby’s napping. You’re going to need it! Pad the corners of any furniture in the room, and consider installing a rug to cushion the sounds of footsteps. Babyproof it thoroughly! Anchor down bulky furniture to prevent them from possibly toppling over. Conceal any electrical wires, if possible, as well as the power outlets too!

 

Most importantly, do remember to cherish this moment and enjoy it! It’s not every day one gets to go through a process such as this. Savour the moment, and have fun! For all your storage needs, there’s always Extra Space Asia. You can choose to store with us from as short as 14 days, to as long as you need! Who knows, baby number 2 might come along when you reckon you don’t need the extra space anymore! Find out more at www.extraspaceasia.com.my.

 

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 50 new customers to sign up for a storage unit at Extra Space Asia Self Storage and stand a chance to enjoy up to RM288 worth of storage rental rebates. Call 1300 22 0288 today to find out more about the wide range of storage options available.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

Extra Space Bingo – A Xmas Special

Sign up for any storage unit at any Extra Space Asia storage facility and stand a chance to win up to RM100 storage rebates 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. Don’t miss out on this year-end storage promotion! Come on down and sign up for your first storage unit at any of our five storage facilities today.

 

With travel restrictions being lifted and beach holidays being back on the menu, it’s high time to start working out for that beach bod! Oh yes, and also the health benefits you stand to gain from working out are pretty amazing too. However, for many (or is it just me), going to the gym is one of life’s toughest struggles. It’s a constant battle lazing on my bed versus going to the gym, and more often than not my bed wins! Well, if going to the gym is an issue, why don’t we bring the gym to you! It’s actually not as hard as it sounds, to set up a simple home gym! Here are some tips and pointers:

Step 1: Finding and choosing the right space

Picking the right place and having ample space is crucial. Ideally, we should choose a large empty compound, as having more space wouldn’t go amiss. But it is important to also keep in mind the type of workout and exercise you’re aiming to do. You may need as much space as you think, when you’re doing High Intensity Interval Training cardio as compared to strength training, which will require bulky equipment. Do ensure that you like the spot you chose, and that you feel good about it, as having the right mindset will motivate you more to workout.

Step 2: Having the right equipment

As mentioned, determining the type of workout that you will be doing most often is important as you will then know what equipment is needed. Some small and simple equipment to get for cardio training include skipping rope, yoga mat, resistance bands and so on. If you have ample space, you may also opt for a treadmill. For those who are looking to bulk up and do some strength training, will need weights such as dumbbells, kettlebells, barbell and rack especially, and so on.

Step 3: Setting up your home gym

Now that you know what you need, you can begin setting up your very own home gym! Clear out all unnecessary items in the area that you have allocated as your workout space, as it can be distracting. A space that is clutter-free helps clear the mind, putting you in the right mood and motivation to work out. If you’re running out of space to store your excess belongings, know that Extra Space Asia is just a call away! You can store just about anything with us, and enjoy great flexibility in the sense that you can upsize or extend your storage duration should you wish to!

If possible, having a mirror full-length mirror for your home gym would be ideal. You will be able to monitor your own form when doing various exercises to ensure you’re doing it right. Not to mention the fact that you can check out how good you look too!

Step 4: Wipe down and clean after use

Always make sure the area is clean and tidy, especially after use! It would be dangerous to use weights lying around, as one could trip over it. With hygiene being our top priority these days as well, do wipe down your equipment after use. This keeps the place from reeking of sweat, which can be a turn off and demotivates one from working out.

Having a home gym is highly convenient and it would make it hard for one to procrastinate about working out anymore. It does not have to be expensive, and you can always make do with the space you have at home, with the help of Extra Space Asia!

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 Maideasy, Kilat Kilat etc., who will provide professionally trained housekeepers at an affordable cost, starting from just RM30-60/ 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 1300 22 0288 or visit any of our four storage facilities located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and we will be glad to assist you.

 

With Chinese New Year right around the corner, most people are planning to start their spring cleaning activities to welcome the lunar New Year. If you still have not started your CNY spring cleaning, here are three spring cleaning hacks to speed up the cleaning process.

Create a cleaning plan

Never start without a plan. If you are short of time, gather your family and divide the workload to cover different parts of the home. Each family member can clean and handle their personal room for a start. For common areas such as the living room and kitchen, each family member can handle any one of these cleaning objectives: decluttering, mopping, and vacuuming. They can also plan to do it on different days of the week when they are free.

With a cleaning plan and schedule, you will also know who is in charge and how much time is required. This strategy will help reduce the time needed to figure out who and what to do, especially if you are short of 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. Just check out companies such as Maideasy, Made4u, Grabmaid etc., who will provide professionally trained housekeepers at an affordable cost starting from RM25/hour.

If you are new to these cleaning services, you might even enjoy a first-time promotion which could be a good time to try, especially during the Chinese New Year period.

Declutter and organise your home

Planning for your small reunion dinner or gathering at home this year? Start decluttering your home so that your loved ones can enjoy more space. It might also be a good time to recycle or donate items of good condition to people or organisations in need, so you can also share the blessings with them while making more room at home.

For individuals or families who are looking to store their seasonal or festive items and hardly used furniture sets, you can also rent a self-storage unit to store all of these items. These self-storage units can come in handy as they are like an extension of your home space which you can access 24 hours, any time, any day.

This Chinese New Year, be the first 20 new customers to sign up for any wallk-in unit with a minimum of 6 months storage duration, and you will be entitled to a rebate of up to RM300 off your mover’s fee. Engage any movers of your choice to transport your belongings into our units!

Click here to learn more about our Chinese New Year promotions today!

Miss having a casual chit chat with your coworkers in the office? We totally get that feeling! However, with the ongoing COVID situation, working from home will definitely remain the default option for most organisations to keep everyone safe. In this case, why not find ways to make your work-from-home (WFH) more joyful during this pandemic?

Here are 3 tips for you!

1. Give yourself a break

Unlike working in the office when lunchtime is determined by when your colleagues eat, there is no fixed timing (read: milestones of the day) when you are working from home. Time can become unclear, and you might even miss those meal breaks altogether. As such, remember to give yourself a break of at least an hour to eat your meals peacefully away from your workstation. You can order food in advance and eat it when they are hot. Intentional breaks will make your day better, and you can avoid suffering burnout too, which is quite common when people start working from home. Remember to also not overwork as we know it is hard to know when the workday ends. Give yourself a break when you need it cause only you know your body best!

2.Upgrade your home office setup

In the initial stages of working from home, some of us might think that this is a short-term plan. However, as time passes, WFH has become a common default arrangement. When we’re in the office, we probably have an ergonomic chair and a proper workstation. But at home, most of us would just settle for a kitchen table and basic chair or even stool. Why not give yourself some upgrades to improve your work efficiency but also bring overall benefits to your health? These upgrades can include an ergonomic office chair and laptop stands, tech upgrades like a wireless mouse and a good desktop monitor. Another benefit of WFH is the flexibility of choosing where to work in your home, so try testing different spots in your home to find the best place to work. Your body will definitely thank you over time.

3. Create a comfortable home space

When you WFH, it can become common to spend a good 24 hours at home. As such, consider creating a comfortable home space where you can work and rest. Start by decluttering your home and throw or donate items that you no longer require. If you have bulky items or even seasonal items that take up a lot of space at home, you can also try storing them in storage facilities like Extra Space Asia Self Storage and enjoy more space at home.

By storing your items in a self-storage unit, you will still be able to enjoy 24 hours access to your items any time and any day. You can also use the storage unit for your family, personal and even business storage purpose. Click here to find out more about Extra Space Asia Self-Storage.

After you are done with decluttering, you can also try spicing up your home with a new wallpaper or buying some green plants to add some new colours to your home space. Hopefully, with these new additions, it will be more joyful for you to work at home.