It is normal to want to protect items that you value, whether this is your living space or the possessions within your home. You can protect your home itself by ensuring that its structure is sound and that you are keeping up with regular maintenance.
Personal possessions, such as designer fashion items, can also be protected, albeit in a different way. There are practical tips to keep in mind regardless of what you are protecting, and it is important to not ignore some often overlooked aspects.
How to protect your home:
Your drainage system is one of the main parts of your home that keeps it protected from damage. Even though you often never think about your drainage system, you will certainly begin to notice it when something is wrong.
There are a variety of ways in which water can damage your home when you do not have an adequate drainage system. For example, if water is able to enter your home it can cause structural issues by damaging the foundation of your home and it can also lead to the development of mould or damp.
Gutters and downpipes play a vital role in diverting water from your home to prevent these issues from happening. Robust materials, such as steel guttering, are designed to last for a long time and efficiently channel rainwater away from your home before it has the chance to gather and cause a problem.
How do you maintain the systems that protect your home?
However, it is essential that your home’s drainage system is properly maintained to keep it effective.
Ideally, you should aim to clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in spring and then once in autumn. If you live in an area that frequently experiences heavy rainfall or your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to consider cleaning them more often.
When cleaning, inspect your gutters for any signs of damage like leaking joints, rust and sagging, as these can indicate that there is a buildup of debris that will affect the performance of your guttering. If you are not confident enough to check your gutters yourself, you can hire professionals who will clean and check them for you.
Professional checks are especially beneficial if your home has a more complex system, for example those that have septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems as they are unable to connect to mains systems.
Other features that can protect your home:
Beyond your drainage system, there are other features that are with investing in or regularly checking to keep your home protected.
Ensure that you are checking your roof often, especially after extreme weather, as this enables you to catch minor problems earlier before they have the chance to escalate into major issues.
Similarly, checking the seals of your windows and doors can help to keep your home watertight, and they can also stop warm air from escaping your home, keeping it warmer in winter.
If your home does not already have one, a security alarm or security system can help to give you peace of mind that your home is protected when you are not present, and it will also contribute towards protecting your physical possessions on top of your home itself.
How to protect your possessions:
Although physically protecting your possessions is important, investing in well-made items is also a form of protection as they are designed to last for longer.
For example, carefully crafted designer or boutique handbags are popular accessories as they will last longer than their cheaper counterparts when maintained properly.
How should you care for your possessions to make them last?
In order to make possessions such as handbags last, the way in which they are stored is vital. Most higher-end bags and accessories will come with their own dust bags that should be used to store the item when not in use, as they protect it from dust and dirt.
When stored inside a dust bag or a cupboard, items are kept out of direct sunlight that would otherwise make their colours fade or dry out the material (especially leather). Before storing, stuffing items like bags with paper can help them to keep their shape if stored amongst other items.
How should you clean items to prevent damage?
Similarly to aspects of your home, keeping your possessions clean will help to protect them and prolong their longevity. Before storing, items should be shaken gently to remove loose dirt and debris, and most things can be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth in gentle strokes.
Stubborn stains and certain materials may require the use of specialist products, and items should be allowed to dry completely before being put away. Some products, such as leather bags, can be protected by frequently conditioning the material as this will provide a barrier to shield from future dirt and stains. Items like bags should also be protected from the elements, particularly water, as water can damage their material just as much as it can damage your home.
If you are moving or storing precious items for longer periods of time, using sturdy packing boxes will protect fragile or easily damaged possessions.
Regardless of whether it is the foundation of your home or a treasured handbag, being proactive to protect your valuables is key. Although it can feel like an annoyance to keep on top of maintaining your possessions, these small, consistent efforts will help to prevent bigger problems or more extensive damage in the future.
