Running a business can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. It also comes with its fair share of challenges like managing tasks and time efficiently. As a busy business manager, you’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving you with little room and time to spare. In this blog, we’ll share some invaluable time-saving tips for busy businesses.
It seems like robots are taking over the world. From supermarkets to hospitals, technology has never been more present in our lives than it is today. We are even inviting robots into our homes to help, or do, chores. But the question is, are these robots better at keeping our houses clean than we are?
A washing machine is a staple in any household. They ensure that clothing is clean, fresh, and bacteria-free. Smart washing machines come with the added benefit of connecting to your homes WIFI so that you can benefit from additional functions. These include, controlling your washing remotely, monitoring the progress of your washing via an app, and voice activation. Although these functions can making doing the laundry easier, they don’t improve the quality of the wash that you receive. Being able to see the progress of your laundry will help prevent leaving wet clothes sitting in the washing machine for extended periods of time, but with smart washing machines costing hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of pounds, it doesn’t seem worth it.
Vacuuming is an arduous task. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is vacuum your home. But if you don’t, then you’ll be left with dust, hair, and bacteria clogging up your flooring. The robotic vacuum cleaner could be the answer to this problem. Robotic vacuum cleaners are small, often round, vacuums that use sensors and artificial intelligence to map a cleaning route around your home, so you can leave them on whilst you’re out. The only downfall to these futuristic vacuums is that they can’t reach curtains, high surfaces, or climb stairs. That being said, there is no doubt that these features are being worked on and will be hitting the shelves soon. For now though, a robotic vacuum cleaner is definitely worth buying for those busy individuals who need a little assistance when it comes to keeping their floors clean.
Vacuuming is arduous, but mopping is tedious. With a similar structure and design to a robotic vacuum, robotic mops can be left on whilst you are out, so on your return your floors are spotless. What is more, because of the small design of these mops, they can reach hard-to-reach places, such as under your appliances. Although there is no doubt that a robotic mop is a useful device, they are not to be mistaken as a replacement for a normal mop. Robotic mops don’t have the power to clean big spills or undertake deep cleans, they simply prolong the time between deep cleans. If you are looking for a handy device to help keep your floors clean, then a robotic mop is definitely worth the investment, just don’t mistake it for a device that will allow you to never mop again.
Mowing the lawn is the outdoors equivalent of vacuuming. So it should come as no surprise that there is a robot that can complete the task for you. Robotic lawn mowers have the same design as robotic vacuums and mops, with the addition of blades to cut the grass with. They are programmed to work on a continuous basis, so once your lawn has been cut to the length you want, your robot lawn mower will maintain that length. This leads to a healthier, thicker-looking, lawn, which is aided by the lawn mowers ability to reach hard to reach corners. This amazing invention does come at a price though, and it’s high. Robotic lawn mowers can cost thousands of pounds, however, they are much cheaper than petrol mowers because they run on electricity. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with lawn maintenance, invest in a robotic lawn mower. It will save you a life time of hassle.
If you own a cat then you know that one of the worst jobs is cleaning the litter box. It’s never pleasant, but we do it because we love our pet. But what if you didn’t have to do it? By scooping themselves, self-cleaning litter boxes only require you to dispose of the collected waste once a week. This sounds like every cat-owners dream, in practice, however a study by the New York Times showed the underwhelming ability of these robot litter boxes. They found that the automated scoop often got stuck and therefore could not perform its purpose, the litter beds were too small for one cat let alone multiple, and that most self-cleaning litter boxes came with a short warranty. All in all, the hassle of a self-cleaning box is not worth it. Although disgusting, it’s best to stick with cleaning your cats litter tray yourself.
The advancement that we have seen in technology is mind-blowing. That being said, sometimes it’s best to get the job done by a human. We guarantee that at Laundryheap, we are 100% human, and 100% here for all of your laundry needs. To book your Laundryheap order head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
Dublin is a small but largely populated county, everything is accessible but, as an expat, you still have to get used to how things work. From getting around to discovering new places, here are 5 apps that you may find useful if you’re living in Dublin.
To start with, you’ll definitely need a transportation app for getting around. It is especially useful and convenient if you want to visit the smaller towns just outside Dublin.
The Irish rail app lets you plan your journey and gives you real-time information on arrivals, departures and delays. It also includes DART trains.
Dublin’s Luas is a lightrail/tram service, great for when you’re navigating around the city and to tourist destinations.
Unfortunately, Dublin’s bus services aren’t that reliable in terms of arrival time. So, it will be super helpful to download the bus app to check routes, see the timetable and plan bus journeys. You can also use it to check your fare. This app is only available on iOS.
If you want to keep up with the latest movies, TV shows, events and more, in Ireland including Dublin, this app gives you all the information you need to stay updated. This app is available on iOS and Android
Living in Dublin can be pretty pricey, especially when it comes to buying or renting properties. Daft lets you search for houses, apartments and other properties that are on sale and available for rent. It also allows users to put their property up for sale too. Get the app on iOS and Android
For days when you have a massive pile of laundry that you need to catch up on or for emergencies, you can schedule a collection with Laundryheap for a helping hand. Collection and delivery is free and it’s all done within 24 hours. Download the app on iOS or Android.
Need a helping hand in life as new parents? or simply want to be prepared for when the baby arrives? These apps will help keep your day-to-day routine with the baby that much easier.
With these apps, you’ll be able to focus on the precious moments of being a new parent and watch how your baby develops. No need to worry about keeping record of your baby’s schedule.
We can also help make doing house chores easier by doing the laundry for you, so you can have the extra time to relax and focus on the baby.
It’s clear that robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing how we do things in our daily lives. We can see that AI has already taken over some daily activities, whether it’s home automation or automated retail. The collaboration between robots and humans are increasingly developing.
Aeolus and Moley Robotics have yet to launch their robots to consumers, whilst the other robots are already available to order or pre-order.
Although there isn’t a robot that will take over your entire laundry routine just yet, there are AI technologies that will fold and iron your clothes for you- but this requires a BIG investment! These will also, no doubt continue to be advanced and redeveloped.
The best option for you is to outsource your laundry by giving it to Laundryheap. An on-demand collection and 24 hour turn around is great for when you don’t want to or have the ‘time’ to do the laundry.
You’ll find that there are many smart phone apps as well as appliances that allow us to have an automated home.
Here are 4 apps for a smarter home:
Thanks to the help of these apps; all it takes is the tap of a button or voice command for a ‘smarter’ home. The development of software and technological systems have allowed us to take control over how we do things in our daily lives, especially at home! The benefit of this is that we don’t always have to be physically present when doing specific tasks, like turning off the light. Let’s take a look at how these apps work:
If you’re one who has SmartThings appliances at home already, this app will connect and control multiple devices such as smart devices, home appliances, TVs and speakers that are registered on the server via Wi-Fi AP. You can automate actions contextually and control your devices even when you’re not home. Check out these appliances that work with SmartThings.
This app is NFC supported which allows you to control and monitor your home appliances from the lights, switches and fans, to various sensors/meters like temperature, gas and water consumption, and much more! Through geo fencing features, Domoticz allows you to control these appliances even when you’re almost reaching your home. You also have the option to control your home from your wrist or via talk back features.
Sure Universal is a Smart TV Remote Control app. It lets you control your home entertainment and smart home. The app can also cast music, videos and photos on the TV and other smart devices. You can also have full control of your smart home, Chromecast, Kodi, Roku and smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, Sharp, TCL, Toshiba, Hisense, Panasonic and more) , with built in Alexa and the power of your voice.
Only suitable if you have Nest products. The Nest app give you the ability to control all of it’s products from the Nest learning Thermostat to arming and disarming your Nest Secure alarm system.
In case you, let’s say for example, forgot to turn off the heating before you leave the house, Nest uses sensors, algorithms and your phone location to automatically turn it off
If you haven’t already, download our FREE Laundryheap app to make your laundry & dry cleaning collections easier! Available on iOS and Android.
In this day and age, there are so many ways to outsource tasks you do in everyday life. It has become so easy to find individuals who can do almost any task for you, at a reasonable fee.
Through the convenient accessibility of an app or through the click of a mouse, you can outsource either your least favourite chores, tasks you find difficulty in doing or tasks that you need to stay on top of.
Let’s take a look at some ways you can outsource your life:
For the days where you don’t have time to physically go out to shop for groceries (or you’re just feeling a bit lazy), major supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda have delivery services to save you the time. You can also use online supermarket services like Ocado.
If you can’t quite decide what meal to cook let alone what ingredients you’ll need, Hellofresh let’s you choose what meals you’d fancy eating and sends you the recipe with fresh ingredients! You can choose how many people you’re cooking for (2-4) and how many recipes you’d like per week (3-5), it’s also great for vegetarians.
Finally, if you don’t want to do any cooking at all or just can’t, numerous services such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat will deliver restaurant food straight to your door!
For daunting chores that nobody likes doing but has to be done, there are services that provide help with laundry, general cleaning and handyman work.
Who best to go to for your laundry except for Laundryheap! If you’re new to our services, we collect and deliver your laundry (or dry cleaning) to your door within 24 hours, for free!. We also offer Ironing services. That’s laundry day done!
For cleaning tasks, and I mean any household cleaning tasks (even the cleaning of household appliances) you can book services like Helpling, Handy, Bizzby or Taskrabbit. They’ll take care of all that dirt for you.
Handy and Taskrabbit can also take care of general house tasks like housekeeping or assembling furniture. For more handyman kind of tasks, Bizzby specialises in helping you with plumbing, electrical, appliance issues and all that stuff that causes inconvenience.
Your general taxis and cabs have been around for a long time, but now with taxi apps like Uber, it’s become more convenient than trying to find a number to call. Just pin point your location and where you want to go and a driver will be there in a few minutes!
If you need or prefer to travel by yourself, digital guide maps such as Citymapper help you get around via public transport and can also gives you directions for if you wish to travel by uber. Waze is an app that navigates you whilst you’re driving and takes you on the best route. Both of these apps gives you an ETA and warns you of any real-time traffic.
Buying tickets to go abroad for a cheap price just got easier with hopper. This service finds the best dates to fly out for a cheap ticket price. It also tells you when to wait for both hotel and flight ticket purchases to make the most of a bargain.
For a more personalised trip, Skyscanner compares multiple airlines, hotels and car rental services to help you get the best prices.
Maybe your work load is getting a little too hectic and you think there are just some small tasks that can easily be completed by someone else. Services such as Fiverrr and Upwork provide a variety of experienced freelancers to get your business tasks done.
If you procrastinate a little too much or you’re one who gets easily distracted, RescueTime will help you get productive again. This service monitors your daily digital habits and gives you a detailed report on your activities. This should help you to manage your time and minimise spending time on things that need less of your attention
If you need an extra day-to-day helping hand, Zirtual gives you your own personal assistant! It’s basically a real person but helping you digitally.
You probably don’t realise, but the most important thing above everything is your health- mind and body! But sometimes work life balance gets a bit difficult and other priorities come first that we forget to look after ourselves.
Exercising can become easy without going to the gym. Apps like Keep trainer, Sworkit, and Zova give you short but effective workout videos that you can try anywhere and helps you keep track of how many calories you’re burning, as well as showing you your exercise duration.
If you find yourself stressing, feeling a little emotional or overwhelmed with troubled thoughts, apps such as Headspace, Wysa and Calm will give you guided mindful and meditation exercises to keep you at ease. You can also talk to an AI bot on the Wysa app if you feel the need to vent, work through an issue or if you simply need cheering up!
Let us know in the comment section what other ways you can do to outsource your life!
Have you noticed? Technology is slowly taking over household chores and you know what that means… more ‘me’ time. After a busy day, home maintenance is the last thing we want to think about especially Laundry. Luckily for us, we’ve reached an era where AI (Artificial Intelligence) can take on daunting household chores.
From technological advancements of mini robots cleaning mess on your floor, giant machines that fold your clothes to advanced laundry pickup and collection services. We’re definitely well on our way to receiving the break we need.
Let’s take a look in to how technology has significantly developed how we do our laundry.
Washing Machine: Washing clothes is a chore that’s been done for centuries. From washing clothes in rivers by hand to the invention of the washboard in the 1700’s. The first actual ‘washing machine’ started and developed in the late 1800’s and has, since then, been continuously developed into the washing machines that you see today.
Tumble Dryer: Before the tumble dryer was invented, the first actual clothes ‘dryer’ was a clothes line. Then came the invention of drying clothes in a metal drum and placed over an open fire. It wasn’t until the 1800’s, where a hand tumble dryer was invented and the start of developing electronic tumble dryers began n the 1900’s. Since then, the use of new technology was able to put the tumble dryer in our homes.
Dishwasher: The mechanical dishwasher was invented in the mid 1800’s, which was a wooden barrel that needed to be hand cranked whilst water was sprayed onto it. With development overtime, the first domestic motor powered dishwasher was introduced in the early 1900’s that incorporated design elements in dishwashers today.
Okay, so this is the exciting part, the more advanced. Check it out…
Laundroid: I see and read everywhere that folding clothes is a chore that is pushed to the side for like days, if not weeks! With this technology, you no longer have to think about folding your clothes. Why? Because AI can do it for you! All you have to do is put your clothes in the drawer and let the folding be done for you. See below for video preview by CNET on how it works:
Foldimate: This is quite similar to Laundroid with the aim of having your clothes folded for you. This machine is smaller and compact and instead of dumping your clothes in a drawer, you have to clip it in. Watch the video below by Foldimate and you’ll see what I mean:
Swash: Okay, say you’ve only worn a piece of clothing twice after washing but it smells unpleasant or it’s just soo wrinkly. Put it into the SWASH machine, 10 minutes later, bam! Good as new. This technology is designed to de-wrinkle, remove odours, restore original shape and preserve it’s ‘life’. Not quite washing your clothes but good for just a refresh for those ‘in-between’ clothes. Watch the video by Swash official below on how it works:
Effie: This domestic appliance can iron, steam and dry your clothes for you, 12 items at a time! Simply hang all your garments on the rail with the provided hanger and with the press of button, your clothes will be dried and de-wrinkled, ready for you to wear within 3 minutes. Clothing items that can be ironed include: Polo shirts, t-shirts, trousers, skirts, bedding and tops.
Final thoughts
Yes, technology is advancing in ways we couldn’t imagine, but they will always come with a few downfalls as they’re not 100% the perfect solution yet and they require a big investment! Whilst AI still continues to develop, Laundryheap remains the perfect solution for your laundry chore takeover! We’re cheap and come with human interaction at least.
What are your thoughts about technology taking over chores?
