Your questions
ANSWERED
QI’ve lived in my rented home for decades but now noisy neighbours have moved in next door. How can I soundproof my home against the banging of doors, music and shouting?
N Greaves, Lancs Yours says If you neighbours are approachable, have a polite word, as they may not realise their noise carries. Keep a diary and if it continues, report it to your local Environmental Health services. Rugs on a hard floor and thick heavy curtains will help deaden the noise, as will attaching dense foam panels to furniture on the party wall. Permanent solutions will need to be agreed by your landlord.
QHaving downsized, my husband and I now share a wardrobe. How can I give him some extra room for clothes without getting rid of any more of mine?
Pat, Dartford Yours says We’ve tried these HJHY metal multihangers (above) and they do create so much more space, hanging up to six garments in the space of one.
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QI hate coming home to a dark house, but leaving lights on seems like a waste of energy and I’ve given up on fiddly timer switches. Any ideas?
QQMy little dog died last year, and while I’m not able to have another, I miss the companionship, my walks and meeting people on my travels. Can I volunteer through an organisation to walk other people’s dogs? Name and address supplied Yours says You can join a national network of more than 17,000 community service volunteers who provide practical help to elderly and terminally ill owners, for example walking the dog for a housebound owner or fostering a pet for someone going into hospital.
■ If you’d like to volunteer or need help yourself, contact the Cinnamon Trust 01736 757900, visit www.cinnamon.org.uk
I have VHS videos that we can no longer watch, but we’d rather not just throw them out. Is there a charity who would want them?
Mrs Charlie, Herts Yours says Because the technology is obsolete, many charity shops won’t take VHS cassettes, but it’s still worth asking, especially the small independent ones or even community groups. If any of your videos have not been released on DVD, you could try listing them on an auction website. Unfortunately they weren’t designed to be recyclable, so eventually they will end up in landfill.