At Simple Styling Solutions, preparation is part of our DNA—whether it’s prepping a home for sale or safeguarding our entire operation during extreme weather events. When a recent cyclone warning was issued, we activated our emergency response plan to ensure the safety of our team, clients’ homes, and our extensive collection of styling inventory.
Raising the Bar—Literally
One of our biggest investments this past year has been our new mezzanine level. With reports of previous floods reaching up to 1.2 metres (before we occupied the space), we didn’t hesitate to lift everything to 1.4 metres off the ground. Our entire team rolled up their sleeves to get this done efficiently, moving quickly but carefully to protect our stock.
Anything That Couldn’t Be Lifted? We Moved It Off Site
Some pieces simply couldn’t be safely stored at that height, so we made the call to relocate them to an off-site facility. It wasn’t the easiest task, but ensuring the safety of our furniture, artwork, and accessories was worth the effort.
All Vehicles Were Relocated
Our fleet of vehicles is a huge part of what keeps our styling services running smoothly, so we relocated every van and vehicle to higher ground. Protecting them from potential floodwaters was a top priority.
Double-Checking Our Insurance Coverage
Before the storm had even passed, we were on the phone confirming all our insurances were up to date and fully covered for storm and flood-related incidents. Peace of mind is priceless when facing unpredictable conditions.
Client Communication Came First
Every client with a property currently staged by us was contacted personally. We ensured all styling elements were brought inside and protected wherever possible. We also took time to identify which properties were in low-lying or high-risk flood zones to monitor them more closely.
Protecting What We Couldn’t Move
For stock stored on high shelves near the ceiling, we added additional covers and protection in case of any potential roof leaks. It might seem like overkill, but when it comes to storm prep, we believe in covering all bases.
Monitoring the Situation Closely
Throughout the weather event, our team monitored local updates, weather warnings, and flood alerts to stay informed and ready to respond if the situation worsened.
Post-Storm Check-Ins and Recovery
Once it was safe to return, we immediately contacted all clients again to check in and assess any damage. Out of 75 homes currently staged, we’re relieved and grateful to report that only two experienced minor damage—an incredible outcome given the severity of the warning.
Back on Track
With the storm behind us, we got straight to work moving everything back. While we lost four days of installations during the weather event, we’re pleased to share that we’re now fully caught up and back on schedule. It took a team-wide effort and a little patience, but the silver lining is the confidence we’ve gained from the experience.
A Valuable Learning Curve
This exercise, while stressful at times, has reinforced our team’s resilience and our ability to respond effectively under pressure. We now feel more confident than ever in our cyclone preparation plan and are proud of the way our team rallied together.
At Simple Styling Solutions, our commitment to our clients goes beyond beautiful spaces—it’s about being prepared, professional, and ready for anything.