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Top Tips On Managing A Move

Buying a new home is an exciting time, but even the most straightforward of moves comes with some challenges.


house key


Let's take a look at the art of managing a move effectively to ensure a smooth journey to your new home.

Packing Protocol

The number one rule of packing is to start early! Don’t wait for a moving date; as soon as you get the wheels in motion, it’s time to declutter and have a clearout. Be ruthless and, as the experts will tell you, only keep things that are useful or bring you joy!

You can start to pack up all your non-essential items long before you move. In terms of clothes, keep out a capsule wardrobe for work, alongside what you would need for a two-week holiday. The rest can be packed away.

If you’re against the clock, consider hiring a professional packing company that will streamline the process and guarantee that everything will arrive safely at your new home. They’ll ensure everything is properly protected during transit and even label and organise your items. They may also offer to unpack everything at the other end too.

Keep The Move Moving

Be on the ball when it comes to communication, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone if you suspect things are going to slowlu. Keep a log of any phone calls and maintain a checklist of pending documents and paperwork. This will help you keep up the momentum of the move and stay on top of what needs to be done.

If you’re moving to start a new job or you have children and need to be in a school catchment by a particular date, chances are you’ll feel the pressure of keeping to your timeline more than most.

If time is of the essence, it may be worth looking at a reputable house-buying company. These companies can give you a guaranteed cash offer in minutes and therefore prevent your house chain from falling through. They will also allow you to choose your completion date, meaning you can be all settled in your new home for the start of a new job or school term.

Do Your Research

It’s easy to get caught up in period features and the size of a property's garden but remember that the location is just as important as the house itself. If you have children, make sure that the property falls within catchment for your school of choice. If the school is highly subscribed, a single street could make all the difference so it’s time to get out the map and pins!

Chat with the neighbours or the people in the local shops and cafes to get a sense of the community. You could also drive around in the evening to ensure the area is safe.

If you have tweens or teens transport is going to be key. Ensure they have safe access to public transport and can easily get to and from their school or college.


couple moving
Despite what the cliches tell you, moving house doesn’t have to be stressful! With attention to detail, proactive measures and perhaps the assistance of professionals, moving house can be a manageable and even rewarding experience, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

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Summer Packing And Moving Tips To Stay Cool and Healthy

With the warm summer sun in full glory in this part of the world, many people are getting ready to move. Like them, you may be busy packing your belongings and working out papers for car shipping to transport your vehicles to a new home. Many people choose to move during the summer season for many reasons.

The housing market naturally picks up during the warmer months as people make the most of the fair weather. Moreover, summer break for the kids makes it easier to move to a new place and transition to a new school.

However, moving can take a toll on your body, especially when the temperatures outside are at their peak. And here’s a fun fact: moving furniture and belongings in summer can burn at least 300 calories per half-hour. The last thing you want amid your move is to suffer from burnout and heat stroke. But with proper planning and safety precautions, you can accomplish your move without overexertion. Check out these helpful hacks to keep you cool and cosy during your summer move.

Make a Game Plan

woman with moving box

As the famous adage goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Check the weather forecast, especially the temp and humidity. You also want to plan your route, especially if it involves a long drive. After all, you don’t want to be stuck on the hot and humid road. You also don’t want to take a break in a place without air conditioning.

For best results, map out your route and research places along the way. It’s best to have more information so you can prepare better. Pinpoint potential rest stops for your physical and mental health. Everyone needs a break now and then, especially in something as stressful as moving during summer.

Pack Accordingly

You may have sensitive items that don’t move well in the heat. Examples are perishable food, certain electronics, indoor plants, and even candles. Since you invested money on these precious belongings, you don’t want them damaged during a high-temp move.

You have to make an extra effort to pack them well. Plan for these items and prepare special bins. For example, you can use coolers with ice packs for food. You can also use a protective heat cloth for your electronics. Separate these sensitive items and move them ahead so they won’t have to stay longer outdoors. This will prevent food spoilage and material damage.

Stay Hydrated


woman drinking water

One of the essential things you need to pay attention to during a summer move is your water intake. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water on average per day. After all, the body is made up of 60% water, and it needs the optimal amount to perform normal functions.

But when you’re engaged in lifting heavy boxes while fully exposed to the sun, you need to drink more to stave off dehydration. Your body sweating requires more water for thermal regulation. To keep you safe, replenish your fluids with cool water. You can also take sips of electrolyte drinks to prevent you from sweating out precious minerals.

Wear Sunblock and Reapply

When you’re moving in the summer, you’re likely to transport things from the car or moving truck to the house repetitively. With the risk of exposure to harsh UV rays, you must wear sunblock with at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum coverage. Bear in mind that sun rays can result in the following: 


  • Sunburn
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Photoaging
  • Melanoma or skin cancer

Therefore, you must stay vigilant with sun protection. And it’s not enough to just apply in the morning. You have to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re staying outside and sweating. It would help set a reminder in your cell phone and keep the sunblock in your pocket for easy application.

Wear Suitable Clothing



Dress in comfy clothes made from lightweight, breathable material. This promotes airflow and prevents you from overheating. You can also opt for clothes with built-in SPF to protect you against sun rays.

You can opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from the body so it evaporates fast. Consider dressing in layers so you can take them off as your body temperature gets warmer through the day.

Try to Get Things Done in the Morning

Pack up and unload your moving truck as early as you can. You want to avoid the midday heat when the sun is at its peak and harshest. Besides, you’ll be a lot comfier in the morning sun while getting your dose of vitamin D.

Usually, the heat peaks between noon and 3 p.m., so it’s best to avoid staying outdoors during this time. Make early preparations, drive the moving truck when it’s still dark outside, and begin unloading things to your new home just as the sun rises.

Work Smarter

packaging equipment
When moving in summer, working smarter and not harder gives you the most benefits. Follow your game plan, but rest when your body calls for it. Moving can be tiring, especially when it’s hot and humid. It’s important to rest to avoid overheating, overexertion, and dehydration. Taking breaks is more productive than forcing yourself to power through when you’re already exhausted.

And don’t be ashamed to ask for help. When you get assistance from family and friends, you reduce your working hours and get things done faster. Or employ professional packers and movers to make moving house even easier. As a result, you don’t have to stay out in the summer sun for too long, letting you look forward to chilling and unwinding in your new abode with the people you care about.

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How To Choose A Cross Country Moving Company

Moving house takes time to organise, especially when you are moving out of state or cross country. With some careful planning, you can reduce the stress to minimal levels so you can enjoy the experience and focus on the excitement of your new home.

Getting the best price

moving box

You may decide to go it alone and hire a van to move your own possessions. Or if you need some extra help with bulky items or a high volume of boxes, you will need to look at a moving firm.

When you select cross country moving companies, you will need to source online moving quotes to get the best price.

There are lots of options out there, so a moving cost calculator can be a good start to planning your move within your budget.

Put the paperwork in place

When you have settled on the right moving firm to use, there is some core paperwork to get in place. This ensures both parties are on the same page, and you have everything documented in the event of a dispute.

You also need to take care of your budget because the costs can vary. With a non-binding estimate, the moving firm is not under any obligation to stick to that price. In other words, additional fees can be added for extra services provided, or for additional boxes or furniture. Your estimate should clearly state whether it is binding (fixed price) or non-binding (potentially variable).

Packing everything up

packing

You also need to choose who is responsible for packing your items up. This service obviously costs more but can save you a lot of time. If you have children or pets to consider, you may need to look at childcare or pet care to allow you to focus on this important task.

As you go, label each box with the room it will be going to. This will mean your movers know where to put things and you will not be trying to reorganize everything once it is in your new home.

The moving company will also check your packing to ensure the boxes are securely and safely packed and will not bring any danger to the shipment. This could mean lighter items at the bottom of a box with heavier items on top, which could lead to the box becoming unstable in transit. Poor packing is legally classified as an ‘act of omission’. This means for any comeback on the shipping firm, the damage must be caused due to their responsibility.

How to find the best cross country moving company

Carry out a comprehensive online search to find the best cross country moving companies to fit your needs. Spending a little time on this could potentially save you a lot of money. If you are moving to the US the Fort Worth Moving Company could really help you take the stress out of moving. 

It also means your possessions will be in the best possible hands if you choose a mover with the best reputation. Look for positive customer reviews on third-party review sites and social media networks. This way there is nowhere to hide for the moving firms, and you are almost certain to find the best one for the job.

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5 Ways to Save Money When Moving Home

The cost of buying a new home doesn’t begin and end with the purchase price. There are a number of fees to pay too. You’ve got solicitor’s fees and if it's not your first home purchase, estate agent fees as well. Then there’s the stamp duty to pay unless you’re a first time buyer (who is exempt from paying stamp duty on properties up to £300k). 

If you are a first-time buyer too, perhaps on a shared ownership or help to buy scheme, you’ll also need money to furnish your home from top to bottom. I know places like Ikea are cheap for furnishings but furnishing every room does add up. Even if you already own or rent a property you may still need to buy things like new curtains or blinds. 

All these costs and you haven’t even moved in yet, phew! Speaking of moving in, have you thought about removal costs? Get a free quote from a company like www.suprememanvan.com. You’d probably love someone to pack all your stuff up, move it to your new home and unpack it all while you’re skipping off happily to the estate agent to pick up the keys to your new home.

While yes, this is entirely possible and there are companies who will manage the actual move from start to finish for you, this doesn’t come without a hefty price tag.

You probably have other things you’d rather spend your money on such as that sofa you were coveting online the other day, so here are five ways to save money when moving home.

Do it yourself

New home sign
It’s entirely possible for you to move home yourself. Hire a van and do it yourself, alternatively, to save even more money, borrow a van and do it yourself. You can perhaps rope a friend in to drive for you too, taking some of the stress off you, and you never know they may help you pack too!

Find free boxes

If you are thinking of buying expensive packing boxes - don't. Shops and supermarkets will give you boxes freely. These boxes might be a bit smaller than your average packing box, but smaller boxes are perfect for heavier items such as books. Fill a big packing box with books and you’ll never be able to lift it.

Local Facebook groups, forums and websites such as Freecycle are a great way to find free packing boxes. People who have just moved will be more than happy to let you have their boxes as it gets rid of some clutter in their new home and means they’re doing their bit for the environment by not sending the boxes off to the tip for recycling.

Use newspapers to wrap fragile items

There’s no need to buy expensive, un-environmentally friendly plastic bubble wrap to wrap your fragile items such as glassware. Newspapers will do just as good a job to protect your breakables and newspapers don’t literally cost the earth.

I'm not actually suggesting you go out and buy newspapers to wrap stuff in but if you don’t have any newspapers in your current home, I’m sure you can find people who will be happy to let you have some. Again, ask in local Facebook groups, on Freecycle, or ask around with family and friends. 

Sell your belongings


Not actually having anything to move would certainly save you money, and I don't expect people to not have any possessions but have a declutter and sell your unwanted belongings before you move. This will save you money by having less to move in the first place, therefore incurring fewer trips in the van and you’ll have the added bonus of starting afresh in your new home.  You don't want lots of boxes that will remain unpacked for the next eight years do you? 

So dust off and clean your old jewellery, get rid of the unwanted kids' books and sort out the clothes that no longer fit and sell them for some funds to help you move or give them to charity.

Do some if you can't do all

If you really can’t face the thought of doing all the moving yourself, do some of it instead.  While there are removal companies that will do all the packing and dismantling of furniture for you, then unpacking and reassembling the furniture in the new house, you can save money by doing this yourself. So arm yourself with an electric screwdriver, and some bags for the screws and you are away.

Moving house is undoubtedly a stressful, expensive business, but with a bit of thought and organisation beforehand, there are many ways to save money when moving home.

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Things You Want To Avoid When Selling And Moving Home

Selling your home and moving can be very stressful. You have to get your house ready to sell, sort out a valuation and put it on the market. Then there is the decluttering, the packing and the actual moving. There are so many mistakes you can make. So here are some mistakes you don't want to make when selling and moving home. 

Asking too much

house and key


It's important that your home is realistically priced and there are a number of things you can do to ensure your house is priced correctly for the market. Firstly, check how much similar houses in your street have sold for on sites like Right Move. You can get an idea of how much your home could get and also track house price trends nationally. If you are using an estate agent to put your home on the market, they can help and advise you on the price, taking into account their experience in the area. It's important to price your house realistically to sell your house fast.

Neglecting repairs



People want to pay the lowest price when they are looking for a home to buy. Ensuring your home is looked after and safe is important to get the best price possible price, so don't neglect repairs. Broken tiles, misted double glazing or even peeling wallpaper can give your home a neglected look. If you are on a limited budget get the repairs done that affects safety first. It's never good to neglect any problems with your property anyway.

Not staging your home


Staging your home is a skill that can earn you money. At the very least you should ensure it is spotlessly clean, decluttered and tidy. A lick of paint can make everything look fresh as well, and if you are doing this neutral colours work best. Why not try the well known but clever idea of baking some bread or brewing some coffee, to make your home smell inviting? The trick to staging your home is making it look the very best whilst still making it looked lived in. You can even pay someone to stage your home for you if you have the money.

Moving everything yourself

man with a van

Moving as I said is incredibly stressful and even if you are trying to save money, one thing I would highly recommend is to hire a removal service or even just, as they say, the man and a van. Some of these removal services will help you pack, whilst all will transport your boxes safely to your new home. You don't want to be moving your possessions in the back of a small car that's for sure. The amount of petrol for starters will not make it economical and your nerves will be in shreds by the time you've fully moved!

Not saving enough


When you sell your home you hope it will make you money but selling your home costs money too, so ensure you have a pot of money set aside to sell your home before the process starts. Repairs to your home, paint and wallpaper cost, as well as paying someone to stage your home.  Estate agents fees can be anything from 1 to 3 per cent for example. This is before moving costs. So be sure to have a pot of money saved before you sell your home.

So these are my things you want to avoid when selling and moving your home. Do you have any tips?

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How To Carry Out An Eco-friendly House Move

If you moving home you know how stressful it can be and one of the last things you may be thinking about is how to make it an eco-friendly move, but being eco-friendly has many advantages. Let's have a look at how to carry out an eco-friendly house move and the benefits of this.

Declutter

key

Before you move home don't forget to declutter. Why? Well many companies charge based on the amount of possessions and the number of van trips (and thus petrol used). Rather than chucking it out, save it for going to landfill by selling secondhand via eBay, Facebook marketplace and other such sites, giving to friends and charities and local good causes like schools and playgroups. You will then be moving less possessions to your new home saving you van trips, money and CO2. Don't forget to recycle white goods too if you can no longer use them.

Donate food

When you are cleaning out the cupboards and even the fridge freezer and come across food you don't want to take with you, think about donating it. You could give any food you don't want to family and friends, the local food bank or donate it through the Oli app. With over 4.5 million tonnes of food every year going to waste and producing harmful gasses, anything is better than throwing it away and you will be doing a good deed too.

Choose packing material wisely

Packing materials often end in landfill so try and minimise this. Ask around in local community groups to see if anyone has any spare boxes for packing, consider the use of old newspapers, towels, tea towels and bed linen for packing fragile items, or buy eco-friendly packing materials like biodegradable bubble wrap. You can even rent plastic boxes if you have to that can be used again. For more packing tips check out my blog post here. 

Use eco-friendly cleaning materials

When leaving your old home and preparing the house for the new occupants, use eco-friendly cleaning materials to prevent harmful chemicals from going into the environment. Brands like Method and Ecover produce cleaning products that are effective but kind to the world.  Even household products like vinegar can be good for cleaning glass, just be careful to wash it off properly and not let it get onto metal as it can corrode. 

Check out eco-friendly moving companies

Many strides have been made in recent years and moving companies are now starting to take notice of the value of providing an eco-friendly service. The main point of these companies is that they providing vans that are electric and are charged with renewable energy. They may also use biodegradable packing materials. If a moving company makes a point of saying they are eco-friendly it's worth investigating further to find out their environmental credentials. 

Upcycle in your new home

Rather than buy new consider upcycling your furniture in your new home. You can recover or reupholster your own sofa, paint your furniture, and your new kitchen cabinets at a fraction of the cost of buying new. You also get the satisfaction of creating a new look too with minimal cost. You could also check out charity shops and other places selling second-hand homeware and Freecycle too, a site that gives items away, to save you money.

As you can see you easily can carry out an eco-friendly house move, and with a little thought, it doesn't have to be a stressful experience and can also save you money.  Click here for more tips on how to move and for house moving quotes. Let me know, have you ever thought about moving home? Did you use any of these tips?

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Hassle-Free Tips To Make Your Next Move Fun

To suggest that the moving process can be fun might seem unlikely to some, however, moves are to be celebrated, because they mean that your life is moving forward and that a new, exciting adventure awaits you. Whether you’re going it alone or sharing the experience with a loved one, there’s a lot of fun to be had during this new adventure you’ve embarked on.

So, how do you eliminate all the dreaded hassle to lighten the load and make things enjoyable in the moving process? Well, check out some tips below.

Unpack Sensibly


Unpacking is where most of the hassle around moving is centred, so drumming up some solutions here is a good place to begin.

While many people move to better their prospects and fortunes, some downsides about moving are almost unbeatable – like unpacking. However, with the right tricks and tips, even this side of things can be done relatively easily with some fun along the way.

The first tip is to park well so that you have less distance to walk between moving vans and the property. That way, the process of lugging boxes will be far less taxing, and when you feel good physically, you’ll be more likely to feel good mentally and emotionally too. Minimising the exertion is a good idea and don't forget to keep your back straight when you lift to help avoid injuries. 

You should also take care to stack boxes in an orderly fashion, away from walls with the harder and larger stuff at the bottom. That way, the process of getting to your goods and arranging furniture can be done without things toppling over or needing to be moved yet again.

Yet how does this make everything fun? Well, with the irritable elements of unpacking removed, you can spend more time taking pictures and admiring your new place and less time tediously moving boxes around and getting grumpy. 

Get Storage Support




Whoever said that moving to a new house needed to be done completely alone?

For example, it’s a good idea to look into the services and storage prices provided by Safestore. They’ll ensure that the awkward ‘in-between phase’ of moving houses is as smooth and stress-free as possible, looking after the belongings you choose in their safe facilities until you have need of them. Location, length of stay, and unit sizes can all be flexibly arranged, so no matter your situation, you have some support if you need it.

Cutting down on the hassle of having too much stuff in your new home can boost your overall mood. When your home is less cluttered you will feel less stressed.  

Make The Most Of Friends and Family



Sticking with the theme of teamwork and unity, calling your friends and family for some help will undoubtedly give the mundane chores of moving a bit of sparkle.

When you and your friends are all unpacking boxes together and taking tours of the property, memories can be made. Take some snaps of before you move everything in and celebrate with a takeaway!  Teamwork always brings an element of spontaneity and creativity, and both can lead to good things that were previously not thought of. Maybe they can give you some design inspiration!  

Sometimes, moving can be quite a lonely experience when done alone, so knowing that you’re not alone in things can be quite freeing. When you have others to share the event with you, they can be a comforting presence, helping you move forward confidently without self-doubt and worry.

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Typical Costs Involved With Buying A New Home In The UK

Buying a home in the UK can be costly, there are no two ways about it. So if you are thinking of buying a new home then you need to budget for these costs. Let's have a look at some of the costs involved with buying a new home in the UK. This is an ad.

Deposit

new home

When you buy a property, if you are needing a mortgage (a loan to buy your home) you will need to put a deposit down on the house. This could be anything from 5% to 20% or more. As you can see that's a large amount of money and it's a good idea to set up a savings account beforehand, in some cases years in advance to get your deposit ready.

Valuation Fee

The mortgage lender will assess the value of the property to establish how much they are prepared to lend you. Depending on the type of mortgage you may need to pay a valuation fee which is around £250 on average. 

Surveyors Fee

Before you buy a property it is important to get a survey done. This will show up any problems with the property such as structural damage. This can help prevent you make a mistake in buying the property but can also be a bargaining tool to get a cheaper price if there are problems. A surveyor's costs will vary depending on the type of property, its size and location and will cost anything from £350 to over £800. 

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax to the government paid when you buy a property. You pay this to your solicitor and then they pay the government for you. This applies to properties in England and Northern Ireland and is a percentage of the value over £500,000 but over £300,000 if you are a first-time buyer. In Scotland and Wales its a devolved issue so they have their own rules. 

Legal Fees

moving

Legal fees are carried out by a solicitor or conveyancer and are typically from £500. These can be a set fee or a percentage of the property so it's best to check carefully. Local searches are also carried out and will cost another £300-£400. 

Land Registry Fees

The Land Registry keeps records of all properties in England and Wales and charges a fee for registering a new owner. This can depend on property price but it is typically in the region of £100 to £150. 

Mortgage insurance

Ensure you get mortgage protection so that if something serious happens such as death or disability then the mortgage is paid off. This is really important for peace of mind. There are two main types - Level term cover and decreasing term cover. 

Moving Costs

There are some significant costs with moving. You may want to pay for a professional cleaner to clean your old property first. Then there is the cost of hiring a removal service or van hire if you are doing it yourself. You may want to put some of your items in storage so you need to factor in that cost. Mail redirection can be set up with the Royal Mail. Check out my 9 ways to take the stress out of moving for more advice. 

So as you can see buying a new home costs a lot of money so start saving now. 

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9 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Your Next Move

Moving home should be an exciting and pleasant experience, free from worry or stress, and packed with fond memories. You should be able to look forward to this time, though a lot of people find themselves feeling stressed about it. I'm going to take a look at nine of the best ways to take the stress out of a move, giving you the chance to breathe easy when you go through this process for yourself. This is an advertorial.

1: Record Your Plans

packing list

While it may sound a little obvious, most people don’t take the proper steps to prepare when they are moving home. You need to consider every aspect of this day, making it difficult to feel confident that everything is covered. Keeping a record of your plans will make it much easier to tick every box. This can start with a simple checklist of each of the things you have to do, but you need to make sure that each element of given the same level of attention.

2: Find The Right Removal Experts

Most cities and towns are home to plenty of removals companies. This gives you access to all of the support you’ll need when it comes to moving home, but it’s worth spending the time to find an option that will be good for you. You should look at reviews for each removals company you find, making sure that other customers have had a pleasant experience with them. Alongside this, it’s also worth exploring your options to make sure that you’re getting the best deal.

3: Figure Out The Floorplan

Next, it’s time to think about your new home a little bit. Your floorplan should be available to you, and this can give you the chance to plan where everything is going to go. Each piece of furniture should have a destination, but you can go even further with this if you have the time for it, giving all of your possessions a place in your new home before you get there. This will make it much easier to create a smooth unpacking experience at the other end of your trip.

4: Buy Some Boxes

packing boxes

Boxes can make a huge difference when you’re moving home, but most people find that simply saving old boxes from products isn’t enough. eBay and Amazon are packed to the brim with listings for boxes that will be great for moving, and your removals company may even provide this for you. Thick cardboard is a good option, though plastic boxes will often be better for more fragile items.

5: Pack According To Rooms

With a floorplan mapped out, you can start to think about how you’re going to pack everything up. Boxes should always be assigned to rooms, ensuring that everything destined for a room is consolidated into a range of boxes. These can be labelled, and you can also prepare them for shipping by padding out your boxes. With your boxes packed like this, you will be able to move them straight to the rooms they are destined for.

6: Keep An Inventory

While having items in the right boxes will help, it can also be a good idea to make a record of which boxes your most important items go into. It can be all too easy to be stuck without something that you need when you’ve just moved home, with a lot of people having to unpack everything into a big mess. You can save yourself this pain by simply taking some photos on your phone.

7: Assign Jobs

Your removals company will do a lot of the work for you during your move, but you can pitch in and make the whole process smoother. Your family members can all get involved with this. Assigning jobs to each person ahead of time will mean that everyone can get down to business with their work in the new house without wasting time talking about it. Of course, though, you need to make sure that you don’t get in the way of the pros.

8: Give Yourself Breaks

taking a break moving

Packing everything into a day or two for your move will leave you with very little time to think. Planning ahead will help with this, but it also makes sense to give yourself breaks throughout the day to ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed. It doesn’t always feel like you have time to take a break, but it can be well worth doing it. This sort of action can clear your head, saving you from making costly mistakes that don’t need to happen.

9: Leave Plenty Of Time

Time is always an issue when people are moving home. You will have a limited window to coordinate all of this work in, and it can be all too easy to run out of time. It’s always worth starting your packing early, booking ahead with your removals company, and giving yourself the chance to take breaks when you are moving home. If you think you’ll need a day, it makes sense to have two available, ensuring that you can’t run out of time no matter the delays you face.

Having all of this organised before the day of your move will make the whole process feel a lot smoother. You’ve got a lot of work to do before you can settle into your new place, and it’s always worth taking the time to plan it out and consider every step along the way. This post should be enough to get you started, but you still have plenty of research to do, and there’s no time like the present to take the plunge.

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Why You Should Consider Self Storage

Self storage is a fantastic option if you are looking for a particular amount of space to store your possessions. There may be a variety of reasons for this - a move to a smaller property or items you would rather not store in your home, for example where a mini storage space would come in handy. So why should you consider self storage? This is an ad.

What is self storage?

packing box

Self storage is a place where you can store both business or personal possessions. It provides flexibility so you can access your items at a convenient time to you. Now Storage self storage in Swindon is one such place that offers such a service. All you need to do is bring the items to the store and you carry your own key to the unit so you can access it whenever you need to or want to.

Why would you use self storage?

There are many reasons why someone may choose to utilise self storage. There are reasons for both short term use and long term use. Someone using it in the short term may be using it to store items from their home whilst a renovation is going on or to store items that they need to go through but don’t want to store in their home, perhaps with a house move,

A longer term use may be storage for business items or excess possessions that do not fit into their current property but that the person may not be quite ready to get rid of. Other people choose to store stuff they want to keep separate from their day-to-day life such as items in a collection or stuff to do with certain hobbies, such as windsurfing equipment.

What are the benefits of self storage?

fragile box

The benefits of self storage are plenty but perhaps the biggest one - and the most obvious - is space. Self storage allows you some extra space to store anything you need to. You may be running a successful business from home but don’t quite have enough space to store all of your business stock. By renting out some self storage, you can be safe in the knowledge that your stock is secure and your business can still keep running.

There are also other benefits to self storage too - security being one of those. Most self storage units are completely safe and secure with extensive CCTV and security measures. Whilst your home may be secure, the self storage unit is probably more secure!

How does self storage work?

self storage

The process of hiring self storage is easy and accessing it is even easier still. All you need to do is visit the business and arrange to rent out a unit before being handed the key and being able to come and go as you please (within reason). You choose how much you need to store and it will be worked out exactly how much space you will need.

Do I need self storage?

That is completely up to you - only you know your situation. Self storage is a wonderful option for many people though, whether they are moving house, storing business stock or simply want somewhere to store an excess of their possessions. If any of these sounds like you, then you may just want to look into it!
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Smart Ways To Save Money When Buying A House

If you are thinking of buying a house, whether it's your first home, downsizing due to a change in circumstances or upsizing to somewhere like one of the homes for sale in Boiling Springs, PA to accommodate a bigger family, almost everyone can agree that it's an expensive process. No one likes to waste money that's for sure. So let's have a look at some smart ways to save money when buying a home.

Check out special deals



Check out any special home buying deals that apply to you. First-time buyers that are under 40 have several schemes available to them such as the Lifetime ISA and there are also many Government-backed buying your home schemes which you can find about too if you are remortgaging.

Save a larger deposit

If you can afford it, it makes sense to save as much money as possible as a deposit for a mortgage. A normal deposit could be between 5 to 20%. The larger deposit you have the smaller monthly payments as you are taking out a smaller mortgage.

Shop around with fees



There are several fees associated with buying a house, such as legal fees, surveyor fees, valuation fees and stamp duty on a house over £125,000. Some of these fees such as stamp duty are fixed but others can vary, so shop around for the best rates and get some quotes in writing. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer is needed to buy a home and the later is usually cheaper.

Compare mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates can vary depending on your mortgage provider, how much the mortgage is and the loan to value.   For example, wholesale lending tends to offer better rates as it allows individual home buyers to take advantage of discounted prices that these wholesale lenders offer.  An online comparison site can let you see which mortgages are best for you. A site such as Mortgage Calculator will also help you find out the true cost of a mortgage and how much your outgoings will be, and help you work out if you should reduce the length of time of the mortgage which can save you money in the long run.

Insurances are not all equal

Buildings and contents insurance, as well as insurance for a buy to let, is virtually essential in this day and age to help insure your property and possessions from any damage and loss. Shop around for the best quotes online and carefully compare policies. Usually, a smaller excess or more comprehensive insurance will cost more but you may want to pay it for better coverage. This is one area where saving money on a cheaper policy may be a false economy.

Moving costs



Don't forget to factor in moving costs such as hiring a removal company or a van, getting mail redirected, packing equipment, and the inevitable takeaways until you get sorted.  

When looking to move you will probably need a minimum of a van to move your possessions.   Check out moving companies where you currently live or where you are going. Personal recommendations cannot be beaten, and also compare the prices quote for quote. Sometimes online recommendations can be misleading so be critical when reading them, check what you get for the money and also if they are insured. This article by Which magazine will help you choose the best moving company.

So here are some smart ways to save money when buying a house. Moving home doesn't have to be stressful or ridiculously expensive either, check out my article on packing tips for moving home to help you prepare for the move. Let me know if you have any hints or tips on how to save money when buying a house.

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Moving Your Office As Stress Free As Possible

If you've done your fair share of moving in your time - both home and business - you will know how it can be very stressful. If you have ever considered having to move all the stuff from your office to another location - you will realise, it isn’t just your own personal belongings that you need to think about. There are so many different things to consider such as your IT equipment, your furniture and your stationery, among plenty of other things. This is an advertorial.


Luckily there are companies such as M25 Movers London that can help you with office removals. Here are my top tips for making your office move as smooth and as seamless as possible.

Hire trusted office movers

You may want to try and do it all yourself but trust me, those trained in office removals are worth their weight in gold. Many removal companies such as this will arrange the move to have minimal impact on your business - helping you to move either in the evenings or at weekends when you are closed.

Movers such as this will also help pack your boxes with great care but quickly and efficiently. Some may even offer storage facilities if your new location isn’t quite ready yet - be sure to ask about things like this when obtaining a quote from them.

Assign everyone a job

If you work in an office, you’ll have plenty of employees or colleagues. Assign everyone jobs to make the move a lot easier. Make everyone responsible for clearing out their own desk or area and ensure that communal areas are sorted as well.

Consider your technology

An office move can be very stressful when it comes to technology. Everything needs to be disconnected properly but reconnected properly at the new property without impacting on the business in any way.

Label your boxes

Just like there are different rooms in your house which house different things, there will also be different areas or rooms for your different office stuff. By labelling the boxes for each different area, you will make sorting stuff out a lot easier.

Think about your communications

Start getting your address changes in place. You will probably need some new business cards, letterheads and other similar things with your new address so consider ordering them before you actually move. Also, get in contact with your clients and let them know your new address and what day you will finally be moved into your new property.

Move non-essential things slowly but surely

Whilst you may be hiring a removal company to deal with the furniture and technological equipment, you might want to consider transporting some of the smaller stuff across as and when you can. Office plants, tea and coffee for the big move day to offer the movers and the staff, these kind of things.

An office move is a big undertaking but it can be a simple and easy process if you bear in mind these top tips. With everyone knuckling down and working together, you will be able to celebrate your new office in no time at all!

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Mistakes Not To Make When Moving Home

Moving home can be a very tiring and stressful experience and there is no room for errors. You want to make sure everything is packaged up in time and that it all makes its way safely to the new property. But there are many mistakes people make when moving home that could easily be avoided. Here are some mistakes you need to make sure you don’t make next time you move home. This is an advertorial.

Not giving yourself enough time


Time can really run away with you when you’re moving house. You may think you will only need a week to get everything ready but that week will go by so quickly and if you’re not ready by moving day, tough. You need to make sure you have enough time to pack - perhaps even start packing weeks ahead of time to ensure you have everything ready by the big day. Then you don't have to rush and can take time to stop and have a cup of tea when you need to.

Not taking the opportunity to declutter

Why take a load of stuff with you that you don’t need? It is a waste of time and packaging materials. If you declutter as you go, you’ll ensure that you won’t be taking stuff over to the new property that you are going to get rid of anyway. Go through the kids toys - donate the stuff that they don’t longer play with, take the toys that are broken to the tip. Use the time wisely to make sure you get rid of anything you need to.

Not labelling your possessions

If you’re boxing stuff up, you’ll want to label them so you know exactly which box goes in which room. Otherwise, you will be doing a whole game of guess what is in this box and having to move them from room to room. With labels, you can put them straight in the room they are meant to be in so you know you can simply unpack them there and then.

Not hiring someone when you need the help

Sometimes you need actual professionals to help you move.  A prime example of this is if you have a vintage or authentic car that you need help moving. The likelihood is, it won’t be road legal, so you’ll need to look for a firm similar to Cars Arrive Auto Relocation to help you relocate it safely.

 If you don’t have much in the way of possessions then you may be able to move everything yourself but if you have large, heavy or awkward bits of furniture or appliances, you might want to hire some help. You can opt for professional movers who know exactly what they are doing, such as The Man Van, and can offer you a really reliable service.

Not setting up mail re-directs

Did you know you can get your mail re-directed? Don’t spend your packing time changing your address for various different things. Focus on changing it for the important people like tax office, driving licence, bank accounts. Get your mail re-directed so you can focus on all the other places when you’re finally all settled and moved in.

I hope this helps you not to make the same mistakes that other people have done in the past - it can be so easy to fall into these traps so make sure you’re completely focused on the move. Good luck in your new home!

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Important End Of Tenancy Cleaning Checklist - Commonly Overlooked Spots

You’ve packed up everything into the boxes and the moving truck and are ready to go, your mum is taking care of the dog and the kids while you do the cleaning up, and you’ve got yourself organised with lots of rags, rubber gloves and cleaning sprays. We’ll assume that you haven’t made the common mistake of packing up your cleaning tools like the vacuum cleaner and the mop and sending it ahead to your new home like I did once! This is an advertorial.


However, in your enthusiasm or, more likely, your desire to have the whole flipping lot over and done with, you may easily overlook some of those spots that are out of sight and out of mind. Every house has places that get forgotten during the end-of-tenancy cleaning. Usually, time pressures have a lot to do with this, but you sure end up kicking yourself when the landlord points out the forgotten spots and you lose some or all of your deposit money.

You could, of course, call in a team of professional house cleaning specialists to help with the cleaning.  After all, trained professionals usually have a checklist and because every house or unit is new to them, they see and notice things and places that you don’t. What’s more, if you can produce that receipt from a moving out cleaning company, such as Modern Maids which provides a maid service Fort Worth, landlords tend to be a bit happier and more satisfied – and you get your deposit money back. 

What Do Inventory Clerks Definitely Check? 


However, if you’re still keen to do the job yourself, you need to think about these commonly overlooked spots so you can do your end of tenancy cleaning properly.

The Garden Shed

If your house has a garden and it’s got a shed (I have hardly ever seen a garden that doesn’t have some form of a shed somewhere) then the shed often gets overlooked. You might make sure that you take the kids’ bikes and the lawnmower out of it, but there are all the other bits and pieces in the dark corners – and whatever you’ve got stashed behind the shed as well. Although cleaning out the garden shed isn’t something landlords fuss about too much, some can. In the case where you’re selling your home, the new owners will appreciate the garden shed being clean and free from your old junk.

The Cupboard Under the Stairs

Thank you, Ms Rowling. We now refer to this sort of cupboard as the Harry Potter cupboard, or at least we do in my house. This seems to be the hiding place of all those things that don’t belong outdoors but need to be kept somewhere. This is often the ideal spot for storing cleaning equipment. When you’re doing your end of tenancy cleaning, you will certainly take the vacuum, the mop and the buckets out from the cupboard under the stairs but once they’re out, don't forget to clean it thoroughly.

The Lightbulbs 


Lightbulbs are something that we use to look at other things; we don’t usually spend time looking at them unless they’re some sort of feature. Even so, light fittings are often overlooked during the end of tenancy cleaning – in fact, this one thing that picky landlords can often get bugged by. This is mostly because light fittings and lightbulbs are collectors of fly spots, dust, cobwebs and dead moths. The amount of dirt they can collect is quite astonishing.

Toilets

Yes, of course, you’ve remembered to scrub out the toilet bowl and give the seat and the top of the tank a good wipe down with disinfectant. However, when you’re moving out, you need to really deep clean the toilets. This means getting into all the weird little nooks and crannies. It may mean unscrewing the seat and lid so that you can get rid of all the old dried-on pee that will inevitably have collected under there if it has ever been used by a man (in other words, all toilets anywhere except the ones in a convent that aren’t used by visiting priests and nephews). 

You’ll need an old toothbrush to do the job really well – this is something that professionals just about always do! Don’t forget the outside of the toilet and around the back on the floor.

Washing Machines

If you own your own washing machine, well and good. It’s up to you whether you clean it or not. However, if a washing machine was one of the appliances provided by the landlord, then it’s going to have to be cleaned as well. It may seem counter-intuitive (the fancy way of saying “totally bonkers”) that something that’s designed to get things clean can actually get dirty. However, just go and have a look at your washing machine. Look around the sides of the interior, in the detergent dispenser and under the lid – and look down the back! The good news is that most of the gunk is pretty easy to wipe off. You can also try running a cycle with the machine empty on a hot cycle and a generous dollop of white vinegar instead of detergent to make it super clean.

Blinds


Yes, we know that cleaning blinds can be a right pain in the 'you know where', especially cleaning Venetian blinds. However, they are still absolute dust magnets, and flies and spiders love all those little hiding places in a nice sunny location.

For roll-up fabric blinds, unroll them completely and have somebody hold it out for you while you use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. In the case of Venetian blinds, you may need to get one of those special tools that slide between the slats to get the dust off – or improvise with an old sock slipped over your hand. 

If the blinds are in really bad condition, it might be worth your while replacing them – you’ll probably be able to find something that fits more cheaply than your landlord can, so you’ll end up better off buying a new blind than if you forfeit your deposit money. Just make sure that it fits and is the right colour.

Walls

You would think that a smooth vertical surface wouldn’t get dirty, but the odd coffee spill, artistic scribble from a toddler, fly spots and scuff marks can mean you definitely need to wipe over your walls.  You can bet that your landlord will see all that as well, especially in a well-lit room  At least glossy and semi-gloss paint is fairly easy to wipe down with a damp cloth and a bit of detergent or your favourite cleaning product.  Don’t forget baseboards, dado rails, skirting boards and architraves. An inventory clerk will definitely have a peak there.

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Packing Tips For Moving House

Moving house is exciting but it can also be a stressful experience. Moving house can be a transition in life and combined with the packing stress, it's one event that can send your blood pressure soaring. So let's have a look at some packing tips for moving house that will mean you will get to your new house relaxed and refreshed as possible and ready to make your new house your home. 

 Of course, if you don't want to do it yourself you can always use a company like  2removal - The Movers and Packers, this post is an advertorial in conjunction with them. 

 Get organised

Organisation is key when moving home and packing, so make a list, or many lists and check them more than once. 

 Make a list of what you need to move like boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and labelling. You may be able to buy this from a moving company if you are using them or try Amazon. 

 You also need a list of who you need to inform when you leave your home and who you need to inform when you move in and a list of local services and takeaways in your new area. When you get to your new address you will be pleased to have your local takeaway number and a number of the local plumber.

 First steps


When you move into your new home the essential things need to be sorted straight away, like somewhere to sit, somewhere to sleep and something to eat and drink. So make sure these areas are addressed. 

 For your bedroom and lounge, you should ensure your sofa and bed is easy to move into your home first, and if you have to dismantle your bed make sure to keep all the parts and screws together and the mattress covered in a dust sheet.

 Pack a box which is last in the moving van or kept with you in your car which will contain a kettle, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, or squash and some snacks. You want this easily accessible when you get to your new address.

 Also pack a suitcase with your immediately needed clothes, chargers and laptops. It helps that this is a suitcase that is easily identified so you can get out what you need straight away with as less fuss as possible. If you have kids, get them to pack one for themselves with their toys, clothes and other essentials.

 Label, label, label


 Label the boxes with each room and what is in the box. This may seem like it is time-consuming but it will help you immensely when you are unpacking. It can help the movers (or you) move the box to the correct room saving time and effort.

It's also important to label on the box any fragile items, sharps like knives or toxic materials like bleach and household cleaners. Moving companies may refuse to transport half-empty containers of hazardous substances, so think about disposing of these safely or giving them to someone you know to use.

 Packaging and protection

It helps if you have original boxes to move large or awkward items like TVs but if not be sure to wrap well as you don't want to get any items damaged. Towels and duvets can be used for extra protection if needed.

 Valuable and small items like jewellery need that extra protection too. Why not allocate a family member to look after these items, and be responsible for them so they get that extra looking after? If you are moving antiques and highly valuable items check that your insurance covers these, you may want extra insurance.

 Sort through any paperwork you have before you move and then ensure all your essential documentation is accessible in one place, like your birth certificates,  whether that is a folder, filing cabinet or storage box.  Again be sure you know where this information is. 

 Some moving companies will not move plants so think about how you are going to move these. Can a friend help you with this? Plants need to be kept watered and protected from extremes of temperature. 

 Tools need to be cleaned and stored in a toolbox safely, and sharp items like saws are protected well in appropriate storage containers. 

 When you get there

Unpack the box with the kettle, tea and coffee. Put on the kettle, sit on the sofa you moved into your home first, make a cup of tea and relax. You've made it to your new home!

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