Sam Curcio, Founder – Caulk In Colour
2020 is shaping up to be a challenging year; there are businesses struggling, closing. People are unsettled by this worldwide event and throughout this we all aim to do our very best.
Caulk In Colour remains open and will strive to provide both a service for the community and essential work for our team, for as long as we are permitted, while maintaining the highest levels of hygiene to keep our team and clients safe.
The home and work lives of our clients, communities and families have all been affected, as have we, and with this comes change and hardships. In the coming months, our team will have limited availability, as we look after our children, our parents and our families.
However, it also comes opportunity, to focus on our own homes and families, and has us wondering – what can we do while Social Distancing at home? DIY around the house and garden! This presents a unique opportunity for us all to confront those tasks we may have put off for far too long. I for one have been neglecting to caulk around my own house!
1. Maintenance – Cleaning the gutters
Perhaps, it’s time to clean the gutters to prevent water ingress?
Why: Any guttering around your home close to trees may become clogged from leaves. As autumn comes you may find your gutters filling up quickly!
What you’ll need: a ladder, some gardening gloves.
How: Simply climb the ladder next to a problem area, reach in with gloved hands and remove any clumps of leaves, sticks or nests! Be mindful of any cut or rusted guttering as it can be sharp.
Who: If you’re looking to hire someone to complete this task for you, then consider reaching out to your local handyman, and support your community!
2. Home grown veggies, make a planter box! (basic)
Why: Because it’s fun and fulfilling. Oh, and it will bring you fresh organic produce in the comfort of your own home!
What you’ll need: A box. You can re-purpose a timber or Styrofoam box you may have laying around – otherwise your local Bunnings store has raised garden beds and the like from under $40! And they deliver!
How: Make small holes (finger width) in the bottom of the box to make sure it can drain water. Fill the box 2/3 with quality soil. Add your favourite autumn seeds or seedlings spaced out well. Keep the box in the sun and water it every few days. Depending on variety, seeds should grow to seedlings in about two weeks. Seedlings to vegetables will follow and before you know it you’ll have a tray of oven baked veggies on your kitchen table!
Bonus tip: If you’ve got kids becoming stir crazy, try painting the planter box. Also, choose some vegetables the kids are likely to eat raw; maybe carrots or peas!
3. Organise your storage!
Why: Because unless you’ve recently watched Marie Kondo on Netflix, then you’re probably behind on this task!
What you’ll need: A few hours to a couple of days on your hands. Access to Marie Kondo books, audio-books or Netflix series!
How: From arranging your wardrobes to kitchen utensils and garage storage, Marie will start you off with a huge pile like you’ve never seen before in your home. Follow her advice, and take it one step at a time!
Not only have my wife and I done this ourselves, we benefited from it and encourage our friends and families to give it a try too.
Bonus tip: If you feel a little guilty after ‘saying goodbye’ to some of your clothing items, you can always do an online shopping spree and re-right your wrongs?
If there are other DIY tips or questions you want answered, respond on this blog and I’ll see what I can do!