HOW TO... NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

Start by identifying the source of the leak. Check the joints between sections, any splits or cracks in the guttering, and look for blockages.

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Fix a leaky gutter

'If you have metal guttering, then check for rust holes, too,' says Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage & Roofing Central. 'It's easiest to spot leaks during or just after heavy rain, but if it's dry, you can use a watering can or a hose to pour water along the gutter to locate the spot instead.' Next, clean out the gutter, focusing on the area where the leak is coming from. If the gutter joints are the problem, you'll need to fix these. Take the joint apart and clean it thoroughly before refitting. 'Make sure the gutter sits within the expansion marks on the fitting,' says Jess. 'This is a common issue with plastic gutters, as these joints usually snap together with a rubber seal inside. Leaks happen when the seal perishes or the joint becomes misaligned over time.' For metal gutters, you'll need to apply waterproof sealant where there are gaps or corrosion, or tighten screws if it's a bolted joint.

Organise your hallway hooks

Take a moment to identify your needs and evaluate the space available. 'Consider what items you most frequently use and need to hang. This helps determine what deserves a spot on your hooks,' says Ava Wilson, professional organiser and chief editor at Unclutterer. Start by taking everything off the hooks and going through each item and deciding whether to keep, donate, or discard it. Next, 'Assign a specific purpose for each hook - this could be hats/bags or one for each person. Then, identify the capacity, and reassess often,' says Laura Haddy, APDO member and founder of Clear the Chaos.