Unfortunately, the tumble dryer is a significant contributor, generating around 159kg of CO2 per annum (about the same as flying from Melbourne to Adelaide return).

The airer is, however, a truly viable alternative. This remarkable laundry item has been around for several centuries, so it couldn’t be more tried and true.

However, while the concept of using a folding frame to dry clothes remains the same, technology, design principles and quality have greatly improved. Nowadays, lifestyles are a key part of the designer’s thoughts, for example, with more of us living in apartments, new generation Airers now stand no higher than balcony railings, making them invisible to neighbours.

Apartments are not the only households embracing the airer, with many house dwellers taking up this green alternative.

One of the biggest changes over the years has been quality. Once, an airer was a flimsy affair that blew over at a gust or collapsed if bumped. This has changed as demand for more robust solutions emerged. Essentially, today’s airer is sturdy, folds flat, is made of materials that won’t ruse or damage clothes and has been designed with today’s lifestyle in mind.

Synonymous with quality, the Foppapedretti brands is known for engineering excellence coupled with Italian design acumen. Made from solid satin beech wood, the Gulliver Clothes Airer has twin side arms that can extend the overall hanging space to 27 metres. Amazingly, it folds to just 9cm thick. It’s design excellence with brains, beauty and brawn – the Rolls-Royce of airers! $499

The Metaltex Ciclone Airer is tall, rather than wide, for smaller spaces, yet doesn’t skimp on drying space. Extendable, telescopic feet give added stability. $169.

Offering a potential 20 metres of hanging space, Leifheit’s Pegasus 200 Deluxe is the perfect balcony solution. Robust, high-quality manufacture and a stable, sturdy design keeps the Pegasus upright on even the windiest days. It comes with five wind-resistant hangers, a bag for pegs, two holders for small items and mesh for soft drying delicates. $199

To help you get started we have come up with a simple equation:

(A + B + C) / D = More time for you.

Taking the above equation and insert:

A = A Pre-sorting Hamper

Have each family member pre-sort his or her own clothes into whites, colours and darks, A quality hamper will ensure that “pre-sorting” is a job that can be wiped from your “to do” list.

B = A Laundry Basket

Buy two to save time. While one is used to transport wet clothes from the machine to your airer, the other is used to carry dry clothes from your airer to your folding station.

C = Airer

With the cost of living on the rise and Mother Nature in overdrive, invest in a good quality airer. It’s better for your clothes than tumble drying, will reduce energy consumption and save you money.

D = Distribution Basket

Invest in a distribution basket for each family member. You fill it, and have each family member distribute his or her own clothes. That’s one more job that can be taken off your list.

Check out the new product on the HSW block. The GRID-IT!

It is an organisation system constructed by a rubberised woven elastic retention system, made to fit your gadgets.

It is ideal for organising your tablet, laptop and all other digital devises as it holds all the accessories in one place. It is a versatile organisation system with endless configurations.

The back of the GRIT-It! Doubles as a mouse pad and even has a convenient pocket for additional storage. Comes in three convenient sizes to suit all needs.

If you stop to think about the role a mother plays in a family, it is an important one. She is the ultimate multitasker, a superhero. Her role includes a multitude of jobs. She becomes a chef, a cleaner, a taxi driver, a carer and a friend.

Thankfully there is a day set aside to celebrate that special lady in your family. It is a time to spoil Mum and show her how much she is loved and appreciated.

To help with selecting the perfect gift this year, here at Howards the Gift Selection team has developed the ultimate gift finder. We are helping you take the guess work out of selecting the perfect gift.

Does your Mum love shoes? We would suggest:
• Shoe Boxes
• Clear Store Stackable Shoe Boxes
• Inflatable Boot Supports
• Easi Store 6 Pairs Of Shoes Underbed Organiser

Maybe your Mum loves to cook? If this is the case, what about:
• Zeal Hot Lips Plate Grab
• Mastrad Top Chips Crisp Maker
• Mastrad Crème Brulee Set
• Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel Set

If your Mum likes fancy things why not give her:
• An Oasis Bath Caddy
• Vacu Vin Party People
• Muse Ring Holders
• A Piano Finish Jewellery Holder

If your Mum is Super Organised she would love:
• A Grid It Organiser
• A Glam Cosmetic Organiser with Drawer
• An Allure Necklace Organiser
• A Borne Naked Handbag Organiser

Maybe your Mum is someone who is always Out and About. If this is the case she may love:
• A Fit N Fresh Insulated Lunch Bag
• A 4 Person Picnic Basket
• A Sunglasses Case
• An Aztec Insulation Coffee Mug.

If you still can’t decide, a gift that every Mum would love is a Howards Storage World Gift Card. You can buy one today and let her decide on the perfect gift herself.
P.S Leave us a comment and share your family’s Mother’s Day traditions. We would love to hear about them.

#1. A good night’s sleep is essential

Ensure the whole family is sleeping on Aerobeds, they are fast to inflate, super comfortable and deflating them is so simple that even the kids can do it.

#2. Pack at least three Tubtrugs in varying sizes

Made from food-safe plastic Tubtrugs can be used for all sorts of purposes. They can be used for: wet washing, dirty dishes, recycling, shoes, yabbies, washing up, as an ice bucket, basket, holding sports equipment or assisting with carrying heavy items such as the gas bottle.

#3. Use good watertight containers for your food

Keeping food cold in an Esky or small fridge requires careful management if you want to avoid a soggy, waterlogged mess. OXO Top containers are ideal because they have leak proof seals, are space efficient square design, can be frozen and microwaved and they are available in lots of handy sizes.

#4. Sort everything into tub and label them

Camping chaos is so easily avoided with the humble plastic tub. They’re easy to pack, keep items grouped, watertight and even double as a drinks table.

#5. Pack at least two Pop-up Laundry Hampers

If you like to run a ‘clean campsite’ then managing the laundry is made easy with a couple of pop-up hampers.

#6. Make it easy with an airer

An airer is handy for drying bathers and towels as well as your washing, a good airer puts you in control of your washing as you can position it for best available sun.

Here are a few simple yet effective tips for families preparing for the big move. The Howards’ philosophy to STOP, SORT, SOLVE will ensure this experience is as pain free as possible.

Reduce and cull
A great rule of thumb when getting rid of items is to first STOP and evaluate your home, if you have not used any items in the past year then chances are you’re not going to use them in the year ahead. Moving house is the perfect opportunity to start fresh.

Be realistic
Know how much space your new living environment offers and decide how much you will be able to comfortably store. Make a list and SORT your items by those that you absolutely must keep and start from there.

Invest
SOLVE the problem of not enough space in your new home with solutions such as elfa?. Cleverly designed for use in any room, you can add to your storage requirements as your budget allows, as your needs change and better still you can take it with you if you ever move again. With a free measure and quote it couldn’t be easier to get the storage solution of your dreams.

Store and label
Clear boxes and baskets such as the popular Marie Baskets ($4.95) and Easi Store Underbed Boxes ($34.95) are terrific because you can quickly see their contents. By labelling your boxes or baskets you will always know where everything is and other members of your family will know where to put certain items.

Visit our eshop or pick up a catalogue in store for a wide variety of products to help organise all rooms in your new home.

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Together we have customised a selection of products on the basis of their usefulness for people with Spinal Cord Injury.

We would like to give a special thanks to Jenni Thompson and Sheree Hurley for their insights about these special needs.

You can find the selection of products here and also within our stores Australia wide. To view the complete custom selection list and recommendations click SCIA

I have put together some hints and tips that make life in the kitchen easier, click here for my recommendations.

1. Create extra bench space with an easy build cooking station
2. Save time by making sure your everyday items are easily accessible
3. Keep the kids plastic plates and drink bottles on a low shelf so they can access them and save you the hassle
4. Make it easy to find your pots and pans with a simple human cabinet organiser
5. Avoid the kids grabbing for juice and spilling it everywhere with the no spill jug
6. A spice tower displayed on the bench top looks stylish and allows for easy access when cooking

1. A well organised pantry will save you time and stress when you’re multitasking and need to quickly grab additional food

By creating a practical and well organised space you’ll reduce the chaos and stress and make cooking fun again!

• Prepare the night before – This may seem obvious, but if you get the kids lunches (and yours) made the night before you’ll avoid last minute stress and free up more time. It’s also a good idea to get the kids bags packed with any special projects or sports gear they may need
• Create an area for the kids to keep their school bags and shoes, so when it comes to grabbing it all in the morning, everyone knows where their stuff is!
• Have a calendar in a central location so you can check what everyone has on each day
• Keep the kids’ permission slips and other notes on a note holder or pin board to save you scrambling for them each morning

Now you’re on your way to simplified morinings with a lot less stress!