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Room Updates - 2019.05

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Improving the living environment is extremely important for efficient living. However, because we live in it every day, we often become accustomed to it and stop thinking about making improvements. In this article series, I will introduce the improvements and challenges of each month, like a service release note. By writing this, the idea is to promote continuous improvement.

As this is the first time, the format is still experimental.

Summary

  • Basic setup after moving is complete
  • No storage place for laptop
  • Clothes tend to be scattered
  • Smart home integration is in progress
  • Want to make the room Roomba-Ready

Improved Points

Introduction of a drum-type washing machine

Waiting for a sunny day, attaching clothes to clothespins one by one to dry... It's not hard to imagine how time-consuming and mentally taxing this can be. I introduced a recently popular drum-type washing machine, creating a system where dried laundry is produced just by leaving it alone. This is expected to save about 30 minutes per week.

Introduction of Alexa (Amazon Echo Dot)

I had Google Home at my parents' house, but I didn't bring it, so I chose Amazon Echo Dot for a change. At first, Alexa was strict with non-native speakers and didn't respond well, but recently she seems to have warmed up and acts as expected more often. It's possible that my pronunciation has improved, but in any case, it's usually better to set it to Japanese. By the way, the thing on top in the photo below is a Odekake Bebe plush toy and has nothing to do with Alexa.

Currently, I only use it to control the lights (mentioned later) or play Nanahira songs, but adding an infrared HUB will allow it to connect with the TV and air conditioner.

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Introduction of smart ceiling lights

I introduced ceiling lights that can adjust brightness and color from an app or Alexa in conjunction with the Hue Bridge. You might be tempted to buy cheap IRIS OHYAMA lights, but they don't fit well unless the mounting part is double-layered. The one below is more expensive in comparison, but it's compatible with almost all mounting parts, so it's reliable. Please check the website or ask at an electronics store for details (by the way, it was nearly 20% cheaper when I bought it in-store).

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Introduction of hanging refills directly

I introduced an epoch-making product that hangs shampoo and body soap refills directly without refilling. It not only reduces refill time but also makes cleaning the bathtub easier. There are surprisingly many types, and it's unclear which is the best. So far, the one below hasn't fallen even with 800g hanging.

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Installation of a huge unscented air freshener

I tried placing an air freshener for peace of mind. I bought and placed a huge unscented air freshener that I saw somewhere, but it's twice as big as I imagined. It lasts for a long time, so you don't have to replace it frequently. Recommended for interior decoration.

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Replacement with blackout drapes

The curtains I brought smoothly let light through, forcing me to wake up at 5 o'clock. As my eyes started to get bloodshot, I bought curtains with high light-blocking properties from Nitori and replaced them. Conversely, I discovered that if I want to wake up early in the morning, I can just sleep with the curtains open.

If it's "Light Blocking Level 1", it basically won't lose to sunlight, so use this as a reference when choosing curtains.

https://www.nitori-net.jp/store/ja/ec/DrapeCurtain?ptr=list

Challenges

Laptop and books are placed on the floor

Currently, there's no home for the laptop, so I put it on the floor after use. Considering ease of cleaning, I want to create a high stand or a gap that's easy to store things in.

No storage place for documents

I want to push documents that I don't usually use but need to keep into the closet, but there's no space left.

Clothes tend to scatter

Currently, clothes are categorized in plastic bags and placed in the closet, but they overflow and get buried. I want to create stable sorting with color boxes or similar.

Desk and chair are in the way

With the desk and chair in the middle of the room, they're in the way when going to the opposite side. Charging cables sometimes stretch out like traps, so you can't let your guard down. This makes about 1/5 of the floor area difficult to use.

Light control doesn't work well

There are light presets called scenes, but while they can be set from the app, Alexa doesn't recognize them well. It seems that specific phrases need to be combined to set scenes correctly.

Curtains don't close well

They're slightly short in length, and if the middle isn't closed with clothespins or similar, a gap forms in the center. There are pleats, so there's enough length if pulled. The operation with clothespins is slightly troublesome, so I'd like to sew on magnets or similar.

Hair dryer storage is low

The hair dryer, which I use every day, can only be placed in the under-sink storage, which costs a bit to move. I'd like to hang it somewhere.

It's dry

Looking at the recent hygrometer, on sunny days it's around 35%, which isn't a very good environment. This might be why my cold didn't get better for a while.

The refrigerator is noisy

It's a refrigerator I've been using for a long time, but because it's small, the operating noise is loud. It's not so bad that I can't sleep, but it would be better if it could be quieter.

Ideal

Smart home for air conditioning

I want to build a smart environment where the air conditioner automatically turns on when the temperature or humidity exceeds a certain level. This seems achievable just by introducing an infrared Hub.

A workplace where Roomba can work happily

I want to thoroughly not place things directly on the floor and create a clean living environment where Roomba (or similar) can move comfortably. This will save the trouble of vacuuming. It seems achievable by using the bottom-raising plastic available at 100 yen shops.

What to work on prioritarily in the future

As managing clothes affects daily life, I want to work on it prioritarily. It's difficult to find color boxes of the right size that fit well, but once found, it's easy as it just needs to be installed.

Humidity is important, but it's likely to rise on its own due to the season, and rather, the problem of it rising too much might occur. With temperature rise as well, it seems better to prioritize creating a system to smoothly turn on the air conditioner.

Conclusion

I summarized the efforts and challenges so far, and decided to work on clothes and air conditioning next. I want to make a smart home and make things easier. There are still many challenges, but I want to improve little by little every month.

To be continued

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