|
|
Posts Tagged ‘storage’
Saturday, April 13th, 2013
At Way Basics, we are all about helping you personalize and organize your home. But what do you do if you are moving from one home to the next? Guest blogger, Grace has some tips about how to make the move as smooth as possible!
When you have a move ahead, you might think its an easy task that may easily be done in a weekend or two. Well you should stop for a minute and think ahead before you allow things to progress that far. There are plenty of tasks that need to be completed long before the arrival of the moving vehicle. Planning ahead ensures you won’t suffer from last minute changes and trouble. Check out the following tips so you can be prepared well ahead of time:
You will most likely need professional movers to handle heavy lifting and the sheer volume of possessions you need to move when the time arrives. If you put off hiring them for a long time however, you risk not being able to do proper research of the moving companies available in your area. Make sure you begin checking out and calling companies at least a month ahead of time so you’ll be able to figure out the best deals, prices and chances to work with them. Calling up and checking as many of them as you can will allow you to even let companies know of better deals offered by their rivals, allowing you to maybe get a better deal yourself.
Once you have done this, you need to ensure you understand the agreement you are signing before the contract is finalized. Ask a number of questions that give the best information all around. Know whether the company will charge you by the hour or by weight of the items, whether they will do the packing for you, what type of insurance they offer and so on. Ensure there are no surprise fees or hidden charges and make sure everything you are promised is promised on paper as part of the contract.
Before you begin the packing process you will of course need boxes. You can buy them off a retail store, office supply store or even the moving company itself if they offer such services. The main thing is that you will need a lot of boxes to get the job done. Make sure you pick a wide range of boxes from varying sizes so you’ll have no trouble fitting everything you need safely. They have to be strong and possibly reusable. In some cases you can even find boxes for free from a number of sources, such as retail stores, liquor stores and more.
You should focus on rarely used items first, packing them at least a month or two in advance. Most of us keep a staggering amount of personal possessions that accumulate around our homes as the years go by. Begin packing those who are out of season at the moment, starting with clothes, blankets and more, slowly working your way toward the final day. Ensuring that is done early will allow you to deal with the stress of last minute moving troubles.
Moving is the perfect moment to downsize your belongings to a more manageable size. Any items you don’t consider vital or that you have not used for a long time should simply go, opening the way for something new or more useful. Although this may seem a bit drastic at first, you should consider the prices involved in moving everything you own. The more you move, the more expensive the final result will be, so making sure you are only moving what you care about is vital to keeping your expenses low and at the same time ensuring a stress-free move.
- Organize a yard sale or donate unwanted items
Doing so will either help someone else obtain what they want or you could lessen your moving expenses further by using unwanted items as fuel, so to speak. Put up fliers or even a listing on a classifieds website such as Craigslist to spread the word. Donate your unwanted books to your local library to enrich the community and so on. There is much you can benefit from, both financially and as a philanthropist.
Grace is an expert in the field of real estates and relocation, working on a behalf of SM6 moving firm.
Tags: checklist, moving, storage
Posted in Home Organization, Live Simply | No Comments »
Sunday, February 3rd, 2013
According to the DailyGreen.com, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air pollution can be 2 – 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Mind numbing, isn’t it?! Our homes are supposed to be a safe haven and yet they can cause allergies, asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions. At Way Basics, we would like to help you cleanse your home so it truly can be a place of solitude and health! Here are some of the most common causes of indoor pollution and what you can do to combat the dangers!
1. Smoking - Sort of a “duh” moment there but think about how dangerous second hand smoke is in the outside world, and then trap all those carcinogens into an enclosed space. Even after cleaning, cigarette smoke sinks into everything. Suggestion: Make a designated outside smoking area. I know, I know, it isyourhome but think of your guests and family members, children, pets etc.
2. Paint – It sure is pretty but also extremely toxic. Of course lead isn’t an ingredient in paint anymore, but there are still other toxins that are released many days or months after an area has been painted. Suggestion: Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate! Also look for low VOC or no-VOC paints (VOC is the organic compound that is toxic). If you are getting a professional to paint for you, specify what you want because the toxic compound stays in your house long after they are gone!
3. Dirt – Another no brainer, but dirt on the floor and furniture is the perfect breeding ground for allergens. Suggestion: This is a no fun one, but necessary, get your vacuum out and use it! Put on some music, pretend it is a mic, whatever it takes to suck those dust bunnies up!
4. Household Cleaners – As they wage battle against the dirt in your home, they also attack your lungs and brain (metaphorically of course… sorta). Chemical cleaners are extremely dangerous especially for children and women who may be pregnant. You know that tip about processed food? Look at the label and if you don’t understand the ingredients, don’t eat it. Same sorta thing, if you don’t know what is in the cleaners, chances are there are toxins that are killing the dirt and your brain cells. Suggestion: Buy or make non-toxic cleaners. Check out our Facebook tomorrow for our top suggestions (or Google “Home Made Non-Toxic Cleaners”!
5. Formaldehyde – This is the one that we especially wage war on! Formaldehyde is just as dangerous as asbestos and mold and yet it is found in most of your furniture! Formaldehyde is used widely in the manufacturing of chipboard/ particle board (the stuff that all IKEA furniture is made out of). This stuff is extremely hazardous as it continues to release toxic gas into your household for as long as you own it. Scary, huh?! Suggestion: Buy furniture products that do not contain PCB or formaldehyde. Example, all of our zBoard products (ie. Storage Cubes) are completely non-toxic. Pretty cool, huh? zBoard storage shelves look and are in the same price range as IKEA bookshelves and yet are not releasing toxins into your home!
Phew, that was a long one. I think I should go open a window and let in some fresh air while I let all this learning sink in (ps. opening windows in your home- KEY to decreasing pollution). This is just the start of our Healthy Home Campaign. Check our Facebook/ Google + tomorrow for some non-toxic cleaning product suggestions!
PS. I, Deborah, am the Marketing Manager for Way Basics and coordinating this month of Healthy activities! See me here —-> 
and contact me through Facebook or by commenting below for any questions and suggestions!
Tags: Healthy Home Campaign, storage, Storage Cube, Way Basics
Posted in Eco Friendly, Healthy Home Campaign | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
The zBoard product line has been Way Basics’ pride and joy for years. Its modular capabilities have unleashed our creative side. Its strength and durability have supported us (and our possessions) in times of need. Its peel-stick-done assembly process have kept us tool- and frustration-free. Its recycle-ability has kept our planet a little greener. And its brilliant colors have lit up our day.
However, we think it’s time to make a new addition to our Way Basics family, one that offers a whole new spectrum of possibilities. The best part about it? It has all the favorite traits and core values of Way Basics. Way Basics is proud to present to you our entirely new product line: Modlife.
Modlife is a series of shelving units made of high-grade plastic that is made in Switzerland, ensuring top-quality material and design. Assembly is simple: just plug, snap, done! No tools required and no room for error. As the name suggests, all modlife products are capable of anywhere from three to six different configurations depending on the shelf. Our four basic shelves have a total of 17 different possible designs! Be sure to check out the different configurations on our website [hyperlink to Way Basics' modlife page]. These shelves provide plenty of space for convenient storage for audio equipment, books, files, textiles, toys or ornaments. Different configurations, different possibilities. With modlife, creativity knows no bounds.
The Lucerne shelf is perfect for making the most use of small spaces, but is simple and savvy enough to stand on the main stage as well. The low tiers make the Lucerne great as a shoe rack, a magazine holder, or even desk shelving. Configure it into one of its two other forms and you have yourself a nightstand or coffee table.
The Lugano shelf represents all the creativity and innovation of the modlife line in its most basic form. Its particular configuration possibilities make it one of the most efficient modlife products, able to be used in an endless variety of situations. The original configuration is well-suited as a stand for low-lying furniture or as a footrest. In its tall configuration, it’s a perfect size for shelving in the office or in the bathroom. Lastly, use it as a simple cube to add playfulness or boldness into a room depending on what you put on it.
 
The Geneva shelf boasts five different possible configurations, making it truly a shelf for all occasions. Its size sits at a nice median, so you can configure it to meld into the background, or use it to display a collection in the center of the room. Because of its many configurations, it can be used as anything from a coffee table to in-closet storage, to a bathroom shelf, or even in the office. The possibilities are endless and the choice is yours!
As its name suggests, the Zurich shelf is our largest and therefore most variable shelf. Its size allows for it to fit some roles that none of the other midlife shelves can approach, such as a room divider or a staircase shelf. Put two side-by-side and fill an entire closet with ample shelving space. Of course, it can still serve as more traditional space for displaying a collection, holding large quantities of office supplies or clothes, or livening up a room. You’ll definitely want to spend some time looking at the additional images to see which of the six distinct configurations you’ll want to choose.
We’re very proud of our new modlife line, and hope you’ll love it as much as we do! New colors coming soon!
Tags: Cube, modlife, modular, office furiture, shelf, shelves and racks, storage, storage shelf, swiss made, Way Basics, zBoard
Posted in News, Product | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 6th, 2012
It’s finally here! Due to popular demand, we have decided to release our amazing cubes in a new, super size! Now sporting an increase in all three dimensions, the SuperCube is here to store an even greater variety of items: extra-large stuffed animals, vinyl records, textbooks, purses, anything! As with all our products, they’re perfect for designers or lovers of elegance in simplicity. Mix and match them with our storage baskets and other accessories to make yourself a personalized and gorgeous shelving system. Take a look at some of these neat configurations, and send us some of your own creative flair!
Tags: Cube, eco, environmental, furniture, individualize, innovative, modular, personalize, recyclable, shelf, shelving, storage, super, Way Basics, zBoard
Posted in News, Product | No Comments »
Friday, January 20th, 2012
   
We know how difficult it is to keep a clean space with minimal effort. That’s why we’ve developed our newest product to fit that role and help you a bit in sweeping the proverbial mess under the rug! Because we all need that nice-looking box that we can throw all our stuff into and shut the lid. We are pleased to introduce to you our newest product: The Manhattan Storage Bench and Coffee Table!
This brand-new storage bench has a secure lid so a space remains clean no matter what mess you throw in! Use it as a footrest in front of your couch, or a footstool to reach high places. It’s also perfect to use for storage in your garage, entryway, kitchen, anywhere! And of course you can sit on it while whittling a wood sculpture or just tying your shoes.
Keeping things simple is one of our hallmarks! The assembly process is so simple, it doesn’t even require words. Just take a look at the photos below!
 |
Outside: Depth 15.0″ | Width 30.0″ | Height 15.6″ |
|
Inside: Depth 10.8″ | Width 25.7″ | Height 14.8″ |
Tags: bench, Cube, eco, furniture, manhattan, storage, Way Basics, zBoard
Posted in Product | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Our Modern Bookcases are now 25% off! If you’ve been eyeing one, now is your chance to get it! Each comes with easy-align pins to make the world’s easiest assembly even easier. Sale lasts until next Friday…don’t miss it!
Tags: bookcase, display, eco friendly, Madison, News, paper furniture, promotion, recycled, recycled paper, room divider, storage, sustainable, zBoard
Posted in Product | No Comments »
Monday, October 11th, 2010
These recycled paper modular cubes from Way Basics are an eco-friendly way to store your stuff. Build them, pile them and then fill them. great for adults and children alike. Depth 11.3 in, width 13.4 in, height 12.6 in. available in many colours $20. Ecolo Panda 759 Commerciale, St. Jean Chrysostome, Quebec. 418-839-3299 ~ www.ecolopanda.ca. In the U.S. available at www.waybasics.com
Tags: Architecture, Canada, design, display, Eco-friendly guide, gift guide, modular, Modular Cubes, Montreal Home, organization, storage
Posted in As Seen On | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
We got a chance to sit down with the most popular item at waybasics.com for an interview. In this interview, the Cube talks all about how it came to be, what it’s made of and plans for the future.
WB: So Cube, what makes you so popular?
Cube: Well, I come in 9 different colors, you can accessorize me with storage baskets and decorate me with the new decals from Wall Candy and Wee Gallery. Not to mention, I go great with all the other zBoard items.
WB: Very cool. But what makes you so different from all the other Cubes out there?
Cube: Glad you asked. For starters, I’m made of 99% recycled paper.
WB: Wow, really? How’d you manage that!? And what about the other 1%?
Cube: It’s true. I’m actually made in Taiwan, which is much more advanced than the rest of the world in their paper manufacturing technology. Necessity is the mother of all invention you know, and with resources in short supply in Taiwan, it’s important to make good use of the materials they have. So here I am! The other 1% is actually virgin paper.
WB: So why is that necessary?
Cube: Eco friendly ink is printed directly onto the virgin paper, and it’s made into the paper veneer that wraps my inner core.
WB: We’ve found that almost all household furniture contains MDF or particle board, which also contains VOCs and formaldehyde. Please don’t tell me that you have that harmful stuff.
Cube: I’ve heard about that too, and worry not! There’s no VOCs, formaldehyde, or ANY toxic materials in me. I’ve actually undergone third party testing, so you can lay your worries to rest. Many families are concerned with off gassing and other toxins being present, so I’m happy to say that you’ll get none of that nonsense with me.
WB: Wheeew.. That’s a relief. So there really isn’t any comparison is there?
Cube: You guessed it. Now the only trick is gonna be finding some sunglasses that’ll fit my stylish self.
WB: Well if that’s the only thing you have to worry about, life is good! Any plans for the future?
Cube: The possibilities are endless you know. My main goal is helping people to live simply. With everything getting more and more complicated, I feel like we should slow things down and bring it back to the basics.
WB: Very true. Well I’d say good luck, but I know you’re not gonna need it. You might need a little luck with the shades though lol. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to talk to us. We really appreciate it.
Cube: Of course! You know, if you have any other questions, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have. Drop me a line at talktous[at]waybasics.com any time.
Tags: basic, cardboard, Cube, design, eco, fun, furniture, modular, organization, paper, paper furniture, recycled paper, storage, sustainable, Way Basics, zBoard
Posted in News | No Comments »
Saturday, September 25th, 2010
Introducing the newest furniture line at waybasics.com, TOGETHER. Way Basics is the exclusive distributor of TOGETHER furniture and storage products and is happy to welcome this wonderful line of storage and furniture to our offering at waybasics.com.
Versatile, stylish and cleverly designed, the pieces of this all wood furniture, are cut to fit together perfectly, making it clean and very sturdy. Assembles and disassembles in a snap, each piece also ships flat, so your table will be ready for use in seconds. No tools or hardware are required for assembly. CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified and harvested from sustainable forests. The pieces have a beautiful unfinished look, so you can leave them as is or finish them to match your décor.
About TOGETHER
TOGETHER was developed and patented by architects, Roger Berent and Kyle Hulewat of MAP (Metropolitan Architecture Practice). Their vision was to create stylish and cleverly designed products for use in our everyday lives.
When Berent and Hulewat started their architecture practice in Detroit, the economy promptly fell apart. With a bit of extra time and a love for furniture and product design, they decided to take a chance creating a furniture line that is simple, affordable and efficient.
It took hours of brainstorming, designing, and prototyping to get the furniture line to the perfect specifications. After consulting with other top developers, the contemporary designs that would soon become TOGETHER were set in motion. Berent and Hulewat are focused on “small batch” production, with the idea that the quality of the product, rather than the size of the market, is what matters most. After cutting each piece of furniture to the proper specifications, they are hand sanded to make sure their high quality standards are reached and exceeded.
TOGETHER is 100% designed and made in Michigan, USA. Using natural materials and handcraftsmanship, TOGETHER is designed to be practical, functional, and look great!
See the entire TOGETHER Collection here
Tags: basics, bookcase, bookshelf, organization, storage, sustainable, table, together, unfinished, Way Basics
Posted in Product | No Comments »
|
