The advice thread for random problems #2

[Bellaboonew_12]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

 

[Purrrrrrr]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

A couple of things.
Get a beware of the dog sign (s) and put it somewhere visible

Get a simple motion detector that lights up when you walk past. not one that is too sensitive and is set off by everything

these things do work

Also, join your local selling and reuse groups and sites because people give away or sell really cheap doors they are having replaced and there is nothing wrong with them other than the owners wanted a change.

 

[shadowcat5]

This is so stupid but has anyone got any advice for a decent washing up liquid? I am happy for natural alternatives as well.
I’ve used Asda own brand and fairy but both have been absolute rit, my £3 bottle doesn’t last long at all as they don’t seem to bubble until I’ve put a lot in. I’ve tried different scrubbing utensils too but it’s not that

 

[CoffeeMamma]

This is so stupid but has anyone got any advice for a decent washing up liquid? I am happy for natural alternatives as well.
I’ve used Asda own brand and fairy but both have been absolute rit, my £3 bottle doesn’t last long at all as they don’t seem to bubble until I’ve put a lot in. I’ve tried different scrubbing utensils too but it’s not that

I use the Splosh one in a Dishmatic, always been a winner!

 

[littlepup]

This is so stupid but has anyone got any advice for a decent washing up liquid? I am happy for natural alternatives as well.
I’ve used Asda own brand and fairy but both have been absolute rit, my £3 bottle doesn’t last long at all as they don’t seem to bubble until I’ve put a lot in. I’ve tried different scrubbing utensils too but it’s not that

Method and Ecover don’t beat Fairy IMO and I’ve not found an own brand to match, they’re usually cheaper but use more. I love the old dishmatic sponge thingy though. Rather than fill the sink (unless it really need a soak) I do a shallow sink, put the plates in to wet/mini soak then wash then with the dishmatic under a trickling running tap. The water that builds up from that I’ll then put the glasses in, as it’s deeper, and do them the same way. Still only a sink full of water but works well as they dry quicker being rinsed if bubbles. That’s if there’s not enough for the dishwasher Tbf

 

[Crybaby Tania]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

Look on your local police website, they might give advice about making your home more secure.

Make it look likes a man lives there, leave some men's secondhand wellies/workbooks outside the back door. Peg a man's jumper on washing line.
Hang some windchimes inside the doors, or any downstairs windows so that there will be a racket made if they are opened during night. That may put snoopers off even trying to open them.
The dog sign suggestion is a good idea.
Keep a box of dog biscuits/tins of dog food in kitchen window, just to make snoopers think that a (large) dog lives in the house.

 

[CoffeeMamma]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

My friend put a Ring doorbell on the back door as a cheap CCTV situation! I know they’re not super cheap mind. Can you put locks on any of the internal doors? Or at least a bolt. We didn’t have to get any permission to do that even in our private rental.

 

[yeoooo]

I recommend the blink cameras - they have motion detection on and can record xx

 

[HoGi]

You can get ring cameras too so all on the same app.

Can also get door sensors and a siren so it would go off if someone opened the door.

 

[Snippysnips]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

Am assuming your UK, there used to be a program on TV few years ago called beat the burglar, it might be on YouTube, basically showed you how people could get into houses an then told the house owners what they could do to put off people from doing so, you might get a few handy tips off it, I can't remember too much but most things they told home owners to get was things at doors that caused noise so like another poster said wind chimes, or having a sensor light if anyone got near to the door go off, obviously this was before all these ring doorbells were out but you might be able to get a few ideas from that

 

[Pinhead Larry]

What would you choose in this situation? I feel like I am going mad

I own my home, but have been given the opportunity to get 2 of the 3 things below for my house for free as part of a council warmer homes scheme. My partner is moving in with me in March and we intend to stay for a year or more, then look for something bigger together and rent my house out.

Solar Panels
Replacement back door (Mine is wooden and draughty)
Air source heat pump to replace boiler (would include new radiators)

My immediate yes item is the back door, from a heating and security point of view.


Air source heat pump thoughts
My radiators are old, and not very pretty as the paint has gone a bit funny on them so would be nice to replace for free
The only gas item in the house is the boiler, so if i get it i won't have any gas usage. (might reduce bills)
Tank looks a bit big, wouldn't be bad if they could put it somewhere like the loft, as its a small house
Having no boiler in my kitchen gives me a massive cupboard of extra storage
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

Solar panels thoughts
Cheaper leccy
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

 

[Slaybutter]

@Pinhead Larry Nice!! I would go for the air source heat pump and solar panels so as to fund running the pump. Until I got the funds to replace the door I’d draft proof its seams, hang up a blanket, and install security.

 

[NordieGal]

What would you choose in this situation? I feel like I am going mad

I own my home, but have been given the opportunity to get 2 of the 3 things below for my house for free as part of a council warmer homes scheme. My partner is moving in with me in March and we intend to stay for a year or more, then look for something bigger together and rent my house out.

Solar Panels
Replacement back door (Mine is wooden and draughty)
Air source heat pump to replace boiler (would include new radiators)

My immediate yes item is the back door, from a heating and security point of view.


Air source heat pump thoughts
My radiators are old, and not very pretty as the paint has gone a bit funny on them so would be nice to replace for free
The only gas item in the house is the boiler, so if i get it i won't have any gas usage. (might reduce bills)
Tank looks a bit big, wouldn't be bad if they could put it somewhere like the loft, as its a small house
Having no boiler in my kitchen gives me a massive cupboard of extra storage
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

Solar panels thoughts
Cheaper leccy
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

Air source heat pump, 100%
In Ireland they're putting these in all new council houses and from what I can see (a lot of my clients have them), they're incredibly cost effective & you always have hot water etc.
As a homeowner, you might actually find it adds value to your property when the time comes for selling.
I'm actually jealous, I wish our council would offer this initiative to homeowners

 

[littlepup]

What would you choose in this situation? I feel like I am going mad

I own my home, but have been given the opportunity to get 2 of the 3 things below for my house for free as part of a council warmer homes scheme. My partner is moving in with me in March and we intend to stay for a year or more, then look for something bigger together and rent my house out.

Solar Panels
Replacement back door (Mine is wooden and draughty)
Air source heat pump to replace boiler (would include new radiators)

My immediate yes item is the back door, from a heating and security point of view.


Air source heat pump thoughts
My radiators are old, and not very pretty as the paint has gone a bit funny on them so would be nice to replace for free
The only gas item in the house is the boiler, so if i get it i won't have any gas usage. (might reduce bills)
Tank looks a bit big, wouldn't be bad if they could put it somewhere like the loft, as its a small house
Having no boiler in my kitchen gives me a massive cupboard of extra storage
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

Solar panels thoughts
Cheaper leccy
Is this a good or bad thing when you're potentially renting out or selling a house?

Solar panels and air source are hugely expensive - £ thousands. If you can fund the door yourself, even find one second hand, get the other two done for free.

 

[becca7721]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

 

[Emmelina Ball]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

Hope you’re ok. Sounds like you have a lot going on! You should telephone citizens advice and explain to them what’s been going on with gp and swap and they might be able to sign post you in the direction of getting some help and support with your disability and also about about your bins and scary neighbours! Can you request a second opinion from a GP or an appeal with the dwp? I’m not entirely sure how it works but citizens advice should be able to offer some knowledge. Might be worth contacting the council or whoever is in charge of your bins and explaining that you aren’t able to put your rubbish in because they’re filled again as soon as they’re emptied and see what they suggest. I’m not sure re the rats to be honest but it sounds like your neighbours are just horrible!

 

[Purrrrrrr]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

Do you have Adult Care Services in your area? and maybe Complex Needs

Contact them they can get all the other services you need together. Also, Mind can help and deal with paperwork etc.

You might be best contacting them via online email (contact us ) as then you can put your thoughts down clearer

Make some lists and on the list put what is the problem .. IE money Break down everything into smaller potions to do with money. another list hoarding, another list neighbour problems .. , because when we are in crises everything is one heap and we make a huge thing out of the little things and the actual huge things are an afterthought,

 

[rainbowlemon]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

I just spent the past few days helping a relative fill in an appeal for PIP after it was originally rejected. Please appeal the decision. The DWP has admitted to falsely rejecting 80,000 people in 2022. The assessors themselves aren’t even medical doctors. If you appeal your case will be looked over by another independent person and another medical professional if it has to go to a tribunal. Personally I think they do it deliberately because it does take a lot of emotional energy to appeal and they’re hoping the majority of people will just give up.

Someone else here also pointed me to two facebook groups which were helpful. Can you contact your local Citizens advice? For help with the disability benefits? If you search on facebook the name of the benefit + support group you will find it. I believe you and that you’re not faking it. You’re entitled to support you deserve.

My sister’s building doesn’t even surprisingly have any bins outside. Just for recycling. We have just started going up the road to use the local bins on the high street. I would suggest contacting the landlord and asking for a bin for yourself. One which can be locked.

The hoarding isn’t your fault. I know it’s easy to be overwhelmed, but could you ask for help from family or friends?

 

[Crybaby Tania]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

I'm sorry to read about your situation. Maybe Citizens Advice could help you make the initial contact with a voluntary group, or a church group. I hope that your problems get resolved.

 

[Snippysnips]

I’ve been hearing scratching some nights in my ceiling, but only when my upstairs neighbours are out/asleep. I’ve a severe hoarding problem, and thanks to my selfish upstairs neighbours can’t even get rid of few things I did before (they’re filling the waste bins literally after theyre collected - there’s several in property and none of us can put stuff in them). I’m really struggling today, lot of tears and fears about hoarding and having lost benefits so no electric. I overheard someone saying it must be rats because of me being so filthy and lazy just now is that even possible? It’s sunny but very cold here and still wet from getting caught in storm yesterday. I’m stuck re benefits as Drs don’t believe I’m disabled (everything still telephone only here yet are having meetings saying I must be better as not being seen when I can’t). They’ve already told the dwp I’m better. No one will help as everyone’s assuming I’m a fraud when I’m not. The thing re scratching is they make such a massive racket and jump on/off furniture/trampoline so much the ceiling is bowing and I know there’s no sound proofing and the space is tiny. The neighbours are VERY scary and aggressive so I now barricade myself inside; I can’t talk to them, contacting landlord makes abuse worse (they’ve made fun of my disability).

Sorry your going through so much, not sure I can say anything to help you as I don't know what I'd do in that situation but I hope you manage to get everything sorted out

About the rats, I can't see it being that, rats tend to stick by all these takeaway places because it's a constant food source an it's rare they go towards homes, however it might be a mouse, we at one point kept getting mice in the attic because we had a small hole at the side of the house so they would come in an climb up an you'd be surprised at how much noise such tiny little things can make an it's nothing to do with how clean or dirty the house is, I have ocd an can't have mess an got them so mice go to where ever they can for shelter, if it's from the ceiling an someone is above you then unfortunately it's going have to be them that lift the floor boards to lay traps since it's on their property that they will be

Am not sure apart from the landlord who you could contact though as really it would need to be them you raised it with