Moving house is an expensive business and some of the expenses you will incur cannot be avoided, such as stamp duty and legal fees. But if you are fairly fit and have some willing hands to help, then the actual removals part of moving home can easily be managed without calling in the professionals. This is not something recommended if you are moving overseas, have a very large house or very valuable possessions, such as antiques. A specialist remover will always be required for antiques to ensure the right insurance cover and the correct type of packing. But for the majority of us this can be done simply by hiring a van, loading it up, driving to the new home, and unloading.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well it is relatively simple; just be prepared for some hard work and you could save yourself a substantial sum by doing it yourself.

But what about the storage service that most removal companies offer if the dates for moving out of your old home and into your new one are not the same? Or if your new home needs decoration or renovation before you move in? Well, there’s a simple option for that too because there are plenty of cheap self storage facilities available all across the country.

So here are the basic steps to a DIY house move:

1. Create a list of everything that will be moving to your new address

If you are in a rented property, much of the furniture may be staying and it might just be your personal possessions that need moving. But if you own your current home, then you are probably going to take everything. And if you have a freestanding kitchen, you may even actually take the kitchen sink. For small items, make an estimate of how many packing boxes you will require. Don’t use boxes that are too large – they will just become very heavy once full and remember you will be lifting them.

2. Sell your surplus stuff on Ebay

Be ruthless – if there are any possessions that you no longer want, then get selling on Ebay as soon as possible. The less you have to transport from your old home to your new home, and possibly store in between, the easier and less expensive it will be. You may even earn enough to pay for any storage.

3. Contact several companies to get quotes for hiring a vehicle

A reputable hire company should be able to tell you over the phone what size of vehicle is necessary if you describe the amount of belongings you have. But also look out for deals that could save you money, especially if you will need storage, such as free collection from self storage companies.

4. Book your vehicle

Once you have a definite moving date, confirm the vehicle hire. Don’t be tempted to book your removal vehicle before your moving date is confirmed. Moving dates are notoriously prone to change and you could end up losing your deposit.

5. Pack non-essential items in advance.

Buy or borrow packing boxes and start packing non-essential items as soon as you can. Books, DVDs, bedding, children’s toys, kitchen gadgets whatever you think you can do without for a couple of weeks. It will take much longer than you expected, particularly if you have to sort through storage cupboards, lofts, sheds and garages etc that have not been used for a long time. Use plenty of bubble-wrap for fragile items and fill any spaces in the boxes with old newspaper. Always tape up boxes once full to prevent anything falling out during the move and label them on all sides with a thick black marker with the room (or other location such as the self-storage unit) where they should be put.

6. Pack out-of-season clothes in advance.

The best way to transport clothes is by using wardrobe cases. These are boxes that have a hanging rail so you don’t need to remove your clothes from their hangers. Clothes can simply be taken out of your wardrobe, hooked into the wardrobe case and put back in the wardrobe at your new home. These are such a great way to keep the creases out of your clothes and save on ironing.

7. Pack essentials on the day

Pack a small suitcase with all the items you’ll need for your first night in your new home such as toiletries and medicines, toilet roll, bedding, and a change of clothes. Use a small, separate bag for valuable items such as jewellery and important documents so these can be kept with you on the moving day.

It may sound obvious but pack a small box with the kettle, mugs, teabags, milk and biscuits. By the time you have arrived at your new home you will need a reviving drink and something to eat.

8. Load the van.

Cover any furniture likely to get scratched with old blankets. Make sure any high pieces of furniture like wardrobes are well secured or lay them on their side if possible to prevent falling over. Tie string around doors and drawers to prevent drawers sliding out or doors flying open when the van is turning corners.

Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom and stack boxes in the lowest piles possible, otherwise they are likely to topple over when the van is on the move.

9. Unload the van.

Once you arrive at your destination, whether that’s your new home or a self storage facility, you simply have to unload everything in reverse order. Since all the boxes were labelled, it will be a simple job to place them in the correct location.

10. Put your feet up and have a well-earned cup of tea.

This is when you will be glad you packed that small essentials box and kept it handy. Now is the time to sit back and congratulate yourself on the money you have saved hiring a van and using cheap self storage and doing your own house removal.

The post A DIY Guide to Moving House appeared first on Twits Guides.

Where we live earlier in life is all about raising a family, being connected to a community or being based near work. When we get older, it is more about enjoying the space, and feeling safe within that space. One of the most common things that we do when we age in regards to property, is downsize. It may have been a decision you always hoped to make. Maybe you always dreamed of living closer to the sea or open countryside, but there may actually be some signs that you need to consider downsizing sooner rather than later: Let’s have a look at what they might be…

1. You’re Struggling To Maintain The Whole Home

If the whole home is too much for you to keep clean or tidy, then that is a clear sign that a smaller property would be easier for you to manage.

2. The Garden Is Too Much

If the garden is unreachable to you because of a physical condition like arthritis, which millions of people suffer from, or it is too hard to maintain (or both) a property with a smaller garden could be a really good idea.

3. You’re Based In One Or Two Rooms

If you are living out of one or two rooms for warmth, because it is easier to manage, or because you simply do not need the rest of the place, then it may be that you really don’t need a property of that size any more.

4. The Place Feels Huge

Sometimes the house can start to feel bigger and bigger, the older we get. Whether it is through kids growing up and leaving, through a different way of life or just because we no longer need such a big property. A house should feel secure and big enough, not far too big and empty.

5. You Would Like Some More Disposable Income

Downsizing is an easy way to release some cash for a holiday, to give some early inheritance to your children, or to pay for expert home care services to help you manage better..

6. You’re Now Living Alone

If your partner has passed away, your pet has passed away or for any other reason you’re alone in a property you once shared, it might be that this property doesn’t suit your needs now.

7. You Want To Move Closer To Family

Sometimes we need to move home because we want to be closer to loved ones. In later life it makes sense to move to a smaller home during this process, for practical reasons.

8. It Is Hard Getting Around The House

Perhaps you find it hard getting around the home because of its size and layout. This can be exhausting and cause you to use up energy you don’t have – if you downsize you could avoid that.

9. The House Is No Longer Safe For You

Maybe what were once quirks of the property like steps, low ceilings, uneven flooring and tight corridors are now causing safety issues like trip hazards. Although you could adjust the property to your needs, the practical choice is to sell-up and move into a house that is better suited to your needs.

10. You’d Like A More Compact Arrangement

When considering a downsize it may be that you would like a new property that suits your needs these days. Maybe you’d love a little bungalow in a sheltered community where you can make new friends. Perhaps you’d love a home all on one floor for convenience. Wanting a more compact arrangement is normal as you age, and it’s much better to make a move when you’re able to, rather than rushing it in an emergency.

If you are thinking about downsizing, it might be time to talk to your friends and family about it. Taking advice from a financial advisor is a good idea first, as well as checking that you don’t need the extra room for mobility devices like wheelchairs, or if you are considering live-in care for help with personal care. The more information you can bet, the more informed your decision about downsizing will be.

The post 10 Signs You Should Downsize appeared first on Twits Guides.

Buying a house is exciting, and the beginning of a new chapter. It is a milestone that means all kinds of opportunities, including making new friends, finding new favourite places, and making new memories in a new place. However, amidst all the great aspects of this change, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that will inevitably come along.

Over 75,000 people buy a house in the UK every year, and 37% say they have found buying a home one of the most stressful events they have experienced. More so than job seeking, planning a wedding and even starting a family. Understanding that this process will be stressful, and ensuring you have different ways to help reduce and manage that stress, is essential to ensure you have a smooth transition into your new home. Let’s take a closer look at how to handle the stress of buying a house:

Getting Started

To get your stress-free house-buying journey started, set a clear budget and take time to list what your house-buying needs are. Understanding exactly what you can afford and what you need in a home is a really great start to this challenging process. Additionally, researching the housing market in your preferred location is really helpful as you get a good idea of what is available, prices and other factors, which can help reduce stress and help you feel more in control of your journey.

Organising Your Finances

Managing your finances is such an important part of the house-buying process. It can be stressful saving for a deposit, but having a budget for the purchase and the moving process can help limit the reach of that stress. Consider speaking to a mortgage advisor, or financial advisor, and they can help provide expertise to help reduce the worry of dealing with the unknown.

Estate Agents Know A Lot

Estate agents are not only there to sell your property, they also have lots of helpful tips and tricks to help make the process less stressful for you. They can simplify the process of selling your house and buying a new property, dealing with the paperwork, offering helpful tips and contacting you about potential houses you could be interested in. They are especially helpful if you are moving to an area you don’t know. They are experts in property in that area, so they can give you all the best insider advice on different roads, pros and cons of different areas, and let you know what is on offer for your budget.

Self Storage Is Your Friend

One underestimated way of minimising stress when buying a house is self storage. Local self storage cuts the moving process stress right down by offering you a safe haven for your belongings. This can be used when you clear your house out for viewings, when you redecorate or renovate your new place, and as a middle ground as you move between properties. It is also helpful if you declutter but don’t have time to sort out the items you have decluttered until after the move.

It’s a really helpful extra service to use for organisation at a time when everything can feel so disorganised and chaotic.

Dealing With Paperwork

Paperwork when buying a house is so stressful. So many documents to look over and sign and respond to, it can be very overwhelming. Luckily, if you have good solicitors then you have a really good chance of having most of that managed for you. They should be taking all the information from the paperwork and only speaking to you about things you need to know. They should be working with the other party’s agents in the background, so that everything is taken care of legally. This is why it is so important to take time at the beginning of the house-buying process to hire a solicitor you like and who is qualified to do a great job.

Home Inspections – Tense But Important

Home inspections can be tense, because you never really know if the report will cause issues in the purchase or not. However, having them done does remove the stress of the unknown. With reports you can be assured you are spending your money on something that is, as far as is reasonable to assume, in great condition. Or, if there are issues, you can purchase knowingly.

Stress Management Matters

Recognising that the process of buying is going to be stressful is really important. Rather than just focusing on how to avoid and reduce the stress, it is important to acknowledge it and to have coping mechanisms in place for when things feel too much. This could include the following:

• Taking time out alone or with friends and family
• Asking your employer for flexible time options throughout the moving process
• Seeking support from talking therapies to vent
• Eating well
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Acknowledging that stress is normal and it won’t be forever
• Exercising to help with stress release
• Spending time in nature regularly

Staying Prepared

When you buy a house, preparing for moving day can be incredibly stressful. So much to pack and organise, even the most relaxed person can begin to feel the pressure. The key to keeping stress levels down is to be more organised than you ever have before. Book removals companies sooner rather than later. Pack as early as you can and have a central checklist that you can continually update and refer to. This degree of control over the process when so much is out of control, will help to keep your stress levels down.

You Can Find Your Path To Serenity During This Exciting Chapter

Buying a house and moving can be very stressful, but if you are prepared and follow the tips above, there is every reason that you can avoid becoming too overwhelmed by the strains of the process. Happy house hunting!

The post How To Handle The Stress Of Buying A House appeared first on Twits Guides.

Organize the relocation of your pets

It is crucial, as a pet owner, to prepare for the relocation of your pets. Frequently, people do not research enough about regulations a country has on importing pets. There are many things to consider and learn about before the whole process of relocating begins. Some countries might require a certain quarantine period for your pets, others demand additional vaccines, while some may outright forbid importing particular species or breeds. These regulations can be challenging to navigate on your own. However, hiring pet relocation services will help you with the task.

Additionally, it is imperative to know the fees of transporting pets and how to safely and properly transport them.  Still, these aren’t the only considerations. You are not the only one who will be anxious before the big move; your pet will be as well. Most pets can sense and imitate the intensity of your emotions. Therefore, you must prepare your pets mentally. Give them additional attention, be slow and patient when introducing them to their new home, and understand it will take time for them to be the same pet they were before.

Only pack what you need before moving internationally

One of the most significant things people often forget to do when moving internationally is packing only what you will need in your new home. In some cases, people forget to declutter, while in others, they purposefully avoid it. People may postpone this chore for various reasons, one of which is that they do not need the extra stress of decluttering before a major move. However, clearing your junk can significantly reduce the stress you experience.

First and foremost, double-check that you have all the necessary documentation, including your ID, passport, VISA, driver’s license, employment, bank, and house documents. Make sure you pack your medicine securely and follow all the regulations the country has on importing medicine. If you have a storage unit, look inside to see if you need to bring anything with you. On the other hand, you may need to rent a storage unit for the stuff you can’t take with you (compare storage prices here).

Determine your transportation needs

Your means of transportation might also change depending on which country you will be calling home. If you plan to drive, be sure you are familiar with the local traffic laws and restrictions. When moving internationally, you may need to alter your plan of action depending on whether you already have a driver’s license. If you already have one, you might be allowed to drive without making any changes. However, in some cases, you might be required to apply for a local driver’s license. Still, all of this might be in vain if you do not arrange for the transportation of your vehicle. But, when organizing an international move, your safest bet is to hire professional movers. They will help in every stage of the process, from packing your belongings, providing you with all the necessary information, to unloading all your items in the new home, including specialty items and your car. When you’re ready to drive in new territories, they’ll make sure you have your beloved vehicle by your side.

On the other hand, if you prefer to use public transport be sure to research it beforehand. Some countries have better public transportation systems compared to others. It is your responsibility to investigate how they work and where you may buy the passes needed. Make sure to check where the closest bus, tramway, or trolleybus stops are. Additionally, if you have children, learn the best ways for them to reach school.

Create an emergency fund

We’ve all been there, believing we’ll spend a specific amount of money on a big change in our lives, only to be astonished by how empty our wallets are. This is the most prevalent issue that people face. Although you cannot prevent it, you should prepare for it. The actual cost of moving house is often higher than expected, which is why you should create an emergency fund for any unexpected expenses. These might arise due to changes in the insurance coverage or the need to replace damaged or lost items.

Having an emergency fund to lean on can be beneficial. There is no set amount of money you should put aside into an emergency fund. Depending on your situation, you will have to alter how much money you want to have saved. Whatever the case may be, no matter how little money you have saved, you will feel lucky you’ve decided to prepare your future self.

Make sure you redirect your mail

One of the most common things people often forget to do when moving internationally is to redirect their mail. You may have informed all of your loved ones about your relocation, but your post should also know you moved. To redirect your mail, you should head to the Post Office as soon as possible to avoid missing any important mail. There are fees associated with this service, however. The Post Office will reroute your mail for up to a year. You should also update the online accounts you use to shop. Think back on all the online services you use to purchase items and make sure to update them as soon as possible, and tick off another task from your extensive to-do list.

International moves are complex. There are so many steps to take and so many things to do. So, it’s no wonder there are many things people often forget to do when moving internationally. However, proper planning always saves everything. Thus, be sure to do some research and create a few to-do lists and you will be just fine.

The post Things people often forget to do when moving internationally appeared first on Twits Guides.

Moving house is tricky and moving your outdoor things can be one of the hardest aspects of packing up, because of various factors that cause challenges you don’t get with indoor items.

If you are moving home and you’re feeling a bit lost when it comes to packing up the garden, this article can help. We’ve collated lots of handy info around the various challenges of moving an outdoor space so that you can have just a little less stress when it comes to this tricky life event and all the challenges it brings:

Digging Up Plants

There might be plants that you want to take with you that are in the ground. Mostly, you can dig up plants where you can easily pull up the root bulb without damaging the roots too much. However, if the plants will be too damaged from digging them up, or digging them up will impact the garden aesthetic too much, you can try cuttings instead. Lots of plants, like rose bushes, can have cuttings taken without hurting the plant at all. You can find out how to take rose plant cuttings here.

Garden Boxes & Sheds

Emptying garden boxes and sheds out with care is important so that you don’t end up throwing everything into a box or bag at the last minute. You should try to wrap-up everything and place them into clean boxes or bags, with extra care added to sharp tools like secateurs and scissors. You may also want to disinfect your tools and other items so that you don’t carry any diseases or pests from your current garden into your new garden by accident.

Moving Large Pot Plants

It is advisable to move large pot plants using a trolley so that you don’t hurt yourself when you move it. You’ll want to wrap any heavy pots in padding to protect it during transit. A layer of wrapping that reaches up to keep the plant itself in a cone can also be helpful in keeping the plant safe whilst it is moved to a new garden.

Dealing With Empty Pots

If you have lots of empty pots, tap them to remove debris, stack them and then tie string or tape around them to keep them together. Alternatively, if you don’t need them consider giving them to a local community garden or person who needs plastic pots for their own project.

If the empty pot is made of terracotta or another breakable material it is a good idea to pad out the pot to protect it. Just some simple bubble wrap or even hessian sacks will do, just to lessen the chance of the item getting broken on its way to the new garden.

Clean & Wrap Ornaments

Hose, dry and wrap your ornaments up and place them in a strong box for transit.

Toys

Packing up your children’s toys can be difficult. Mostly, they can be rinsed, dried and then deconstructed with the small parts being put into bags and taped to the main parts. However, sometimes these items can become stiff with rust, which means it can be challenging to take them apart and take them with you. Consider whether or not it is practical to move the item in its complete form. If not, it might be that you give it away to a local family who do want it, or you actively cut it apart and take the remaining materials to the tip.

Taking Down A Greenhouse

If you want to take a greenhouse it can be deconstructed carefully and moved with proper packaging and care. However, it’s very time consuming to do this. Consider leaving it for the new owners, or selling it/ giving it away to somebody locally. If you love it but you don’t have room for it in your new place you could keep it in affordable self storage unit until such a time when you have room for it again (compare storage prices here). If it cost you a lot and you don’t want to leave it behind, this is a good choice, especially if you can also use the budget self storage space for extra items like garden furniture or seasonal clothes that you want to keep safe until you can use them again. Storing seasonal items can help you be more organised and have a clutter-free home.

Protecting Outdoor Furniture

Protect your outdoor furniture by cleaning it, drying it and then adding lots of padding where it is needed. It might be that a removable glass table top needs taking away from the table and packing separately to ensure it is kept safe. It is also worth checking any wood or metal frames for weaknesses, as those weaknesses might become apparent during the move where a breakage happens, which isn’t ideal. If you catch it early you can repair it before the move, or know that the item needs replacing so you don’t use up precious moving van space with an item that you can’t use in your new garden.

Bird Feeders

Bird feeders and accessories should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before you take them to a new property. This is to avoid the spread of disease between birds. If you can, though, see if the new owners will keep the feeders where they are and continue to put food out. It’s likely the birds have become somewhat dependent on the food supply so it would be great if they don’t have that disrupted when you move away.

Are You Ready To Pack Your Outdoor Space Like A Pro?

If you have to pack up your outdoor space for a move, the tips above will hopefully help you to make an easier job of it. Moving is usually stressful, but with the right care and tactical approach to moving certain tricky areas like the garden, you can limit that stress and get everything to your new place in one piece, too.

The post How To Pack An Outdoor Space For A Move appeared first on Twits Guides.

The O2 arena (the world’s most popular music venue) is just one out of the 300+ music venues London has with over 17,000 performances each year. Not only this, in the summer there are multiple music festivals taking place in amazing areas such as Hyde Park.

2)   We are jam packed with culture

Out of the ten best museums in the world London is home to three of them and has another 170 museums to pick from. It also has four UNESCO world heritage sites.

There are also around 250 festivals in London alone each year so you are bound to find one which takes your interest. And with around 40% of London’s population born outside the UK you can learn about a variety of cultures, without having to travel worldwide.

3)   If you love history you will love London

London is full of history and by just looking at the architecture you can understand the events which occurred, with buildings from the Victorian period, Roman, Tudor and many, many more.

4)   Working in London

Living the London life for many includes working there too; it provides you opportunities which you won’t be able to find anywhere else, for any job you do.

5)   You can pop away for the weekend.

With cheap flights across Europe and five airports to pick from your choice is endless and if you are feeling super adventurous Heathrow airport is one of the busiest – getting you almost anywhere in the world that you desire. And if you are not a fan of flying there is always the train – Paris in two hours doesn’t sound bad to me.

6)   Summer time in the city

England is not renowned for the best weather, I will give you that, but when the sun is out and the days are longer there is just so much you can do. From sitting at a rooftop bar over looking London after work, relaxing in one of the many green parks, taking a boat down the river or simply having a BBQ in the garden with friends, the choice is endless.

7)   Christmas in the City

Christmas is just as good as summer or even better; it is just much, much colder. London really indulges in the Christmas spirit and with the crisp winter air you cannot resist. The Christmas lights are fantastic, you have to stop and take a picture of the lights at least once – it would be rude not to. The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park tops it all, with the Christmas markets and the ride, it is like something out of a movie. And let’s not forget about the amazing New Year firework display we have. Christmas in London is just amazing.

 By Pug Girl (Contact)

8)   Fashion Fashion Fashion

We love fashion in London, just take a look at the London Fashion show. Yes we are not New York or Paris but we are sure close to it (geographically and in the rankings).

  By Adrian Scottow (Contact) 

9)   Let’s not forget about the food

From top notch restaurants to cute food markets London has it all, so you will never go hungry.

 By David Reynolds (Contact)

10) Finally, you will never get bored

In London whether first thing in the morning or last thing at night you will be able to find something to do. With thousands of events going on each year the choice is endless.

The post 10 Reasons To Live In London appeared first on Twits Guides.

If your parents are very relaxed then you may not have any fear in telling them you plan to move out for the first time. However, if your parents are worriers then the task may be a little more challenging. Take a look at these useful tips to help you tell your parents about your move:

Be Absolutely Sure

You do not want to go through the process of telling your parents about moving out only to find out it is not actually able to happen. Make sure the people you are moving in with are trustworthy, ensure there is a house or flat lined up and basically, get all your ducks in a row.

Consider Having Some Moral Support

Are you close with your Auntie or Grandma? Could you tell them first and have them be with you when you tell your parents the news? It can make all the difference to have some moral support during a difficult conversation.

Be Ready To Explain Yourself

If you know your parents are worriers you need to have an answer to every question, even if your answer is ‘I don’t know, and I’m OK with that’. Don’t expect to just tell them the news and then walk away, that isn’t fair on anyone and it doesn’t mean anything is resolved. You don’t have to ‘defend’ yourself, but you should be open to explaining everything so that they know you know what you are doing.

Is It Forever?

It is important to clarify whether your move is forever, or if you plan to move back in. Your parents will want to know whether to keep your room ‘available’ or not. They may want to know where your things will go in the meantime, in which case you could simply look into the cheapest self storage you can find. Cheap self storage could be useful if you’re going on a gap year or an apprenticeship and your parents want the space in the meantime but do check storage prices to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Knowing you’ll have thought all of that through will give your parents reassurance this isn’t just a last minute decision.

Don’t Start The Conversation To ‘Win’

Humans are made of egos and it can be natural to go into a situation expecting a certain outcome, driving the conversation that way in order to ‘win’. However, that will not help anybody and may result in conflict. Instead, go into this chat with openness, honesty and with no real plan as to how the conversation will go. Listening to your parents feelings will help you understand how they feel, helping you navigate this situation sensitively.

Pick The Right Time

Pick the right time to have this conversation. Don’t just drop the news when your parents are stressed or in the middle of something. If they are very conservative you may also want to avoid dropping the news out in public. Choose a time without any time restrictions, when everyone is relaxed and feeling open to a conversation.

Telling your parents you plan to move out might seem daunting but when done in the right way, it enables them to understand you better and eventually, help you with this exciting step forward. Be sensitive, be prepared and choose the time you plan to chat wisely. Eventually, if you show them enough respect to discuss your plans with them, they will give you the respect you deserve and support you during this next stage of your life.

The post How To Tell Your Parents You’re Moving Out appeared first on Twits Guides.

Most potential buyers are looking for a home that is loved; they might not know it but their subconscious will detect an unhappy home more quickly than they will notice peeling wallpaper or weeds in the flowerbeds. For instance houses that are being sold because of a divorce may not have been well-cared for and maintained for a number of years as both parties may not have wanted to invest time, money and energy in a shared home if they knew the marriage was not working out. And this shows – even when a house has been presented for sale no amount of tidying, fresh flowers and the aroma of coffee can disguise a home that has not been cared for. So if you want to sell your home quickly you need to do all those niggling repair jobs that put buyers off.

Of course, a big caveat to this is if you are selling a house that is a renovation project when potential buyers are clearly viewing with an eye to completely refurbishing.

Start sprucing up your home by writing a list of all the annoying things that need fixing: the broken fence panel, weeds on the driveway, the discoloured grout in the shower, the cracked hand basin, the chipped or dirty paintwork and so on. If you have been living in the house for any length of time this could be quite a long list. Most of the items on your list will be inexpensive and easy to put right.

You might even find that some tasks are not as bad as they first seem. Dirty paintwork, for example can look nearly as good as new with a thorough clean and not need a fresh coat of paint. Similarly bathroom tiling, and especially the grout and sealant can be given new life by cleaning with specialist mould and mildew remover or even just good old-fashioned bleach. Pay particular attention to the front of the house – clean the windows and window frames and the front door and step or porch if you have one. If there are brass fittings on the door then give them a good polish. If the front door creaks and sticks then sort it out with some oil. Stand at the front of the house and view it carefully to check for anything that does not look pristine.

Buyers will already be forming opinions on the house before they even enter the front door so make those first seconds count. Fences and gates should be in good repair – you don’t necessarily have to replace them – sometimes a few nails will secure a falling down fence panel and new hinges fix a dilapidated gate. And don’t forget the weeds – weeding doesn’t cost anything except some of your time so make sure the front area of your home is completely free of weeds.

Another benefit of a really thorough clean of the interior of the house is that it will banish any unpleasant odours; bad smells can be one of the most off-putting things to house hunters. If you really can’t manage a complete and thorough clean from top to bottom then consider having a professional spring-clean; it will then be much easier for you to keep the house clean over the weeks or months while you are selling it. The cost of a professional clean is extremely small compared to the value of a home and it could enable you to achieve a higher selling price to offset the cost.

And finally, no matter how clean the interior and exterior of the house are, potential buyers need to be able to see it so you need to get rid of your clutter. De-cluttering is free – all it takes is some of your spare time and a clean, clutter-free home will naturally create the right aura to tempt a potential buyer. Place what you can in your garage or attic and recycle, donate or dump what you don’t have room to store. That way when you come to move house you will have less to pack.

The post Tips for Sprucing up a House to Secure a Buyer appeared first on Twits Guides.

If you’re selling your home during the most competitive selling season, you have to be one step ahead in order to get those all important offers. You have to present your house in its best possible light.

In order to help you speed up interest in your lovely home, take a look at these 7 tips to help you sell your home faster:

Research Your Agents

Try and avoid picking the estate agent with the lowest commission rate. Instead, choose the agency with the most value for money in what they can offer you. They are the professionals and are a huge asset when it comes to selling your home.

Stick To Boosting Kerb Appeal

Kerb appeal is still really important when it comes to getting viewings booked in. A splash of paint here and there, a bit of gardening, a new gate – it all packages your property well and makes potential buyers want to know more.

Clear Some Space

Clearing space in your home using a cheap self storage unit to store excess furniture helps to make your home look bigger. Square footage is important for home buyers looking to get the biggest bang for their buck. Remember to compare self-storage prices so it’s not costing an arm and a leg to store your stuff while waiting for your home to sell.

Depersonalise

It is so important to depersonalise your home to enable buyers to envision themselves living in it. Any strong colours, excess pictures and decor styles should be neutralised by either removing the items, or doing some simple redecorating. Your cheap self storage unit can help with this process by holding items you need to temporarily take out of your home.

Invest In Some Basic Repairs And Redecoration

When potential buyers are looking around a house to buy, they add up the potential cost of repairs in time and money. Every broken tile, every wall in need of painting, every broken fence panel – it all counts against you when it comes to impressing buyers. Although you may not be able to afford a revamp of the big ticket areas like the kitchen, spending a few pounds on some general maintenance will go a long way to impressing potential buyers.

Keep It Clean

Dirty homes can be very off putting for potential buyers, especially homes with excess clutter, or strong smells from pets. Try to freshen your home up with a deep clean before viewings to give a sense of hygiene during those all important viewings.

Boost The Garden’s Look

The garden is a key selling point anyway, but especially post Covid-19. Potential buyers really care about outdoor space, so it is important to give it that bit more attention pre-viewing. Declutter it, mow the lawn, pull out weeds and sweep the paths – potential buyers will really take notice of these details.

Using these 7 tips, you can boost your chance of a quick sale. Even the smallest efforts can make the biggest differences when it comes to attracting buyers during the most competitive selling season of the year.

The post 7 Tips To Help You Sell Your Home Faster appeared first on Twits Guides.

Moving is difficult for anybody but it can be especially scary when you’ve never moved into a rented property before.

To help you with this process we’ve got 8 top tips to help you help everything run as smoothly as possible during this time:

1.Think carefully about what you can afford

It is so important to make sure that you can not only afford the rent of a property, but you have to be sure you can also afford the bills and any extra costs on top. As a tenant you are bound by contract to pay the rent and if that is ever a problem with that, you may end up in hot water. You should budget carefully well in advance of looking for a property to rent.

2.Think very carefully about using private landlords

There are some great arrangements to be had with a private landlord. However, you may not be as protected as you would be with an agency and it is important to know your legal rights before you enter into a contract in any property with a private landlord.

3.Check all the legalities

Check all the paperwork and contracts that you get before signing anything when you apply to move into a rental. Even agencies make mistakes, and it pays to protect yourself when it comes to signing any legal documents.

4.Insurance

There are special types of insurance that you can get to help protect yourself against any accidental damage that occurs to the property that you are renting. This can provide useful peace of mind in case you do damage a carpet, or cause any other damage.

5.Be scrupulous with the inventory

The inventory will be highly detailed when it comes from the landlord or agency. You owe it to yourselves as first time tenants to be just as scrupulous when checking it and to add any existing damage in both written and photographic form. This avoids any disputes in the future when you move out of the property, or when the property is being checked.

6. Consider a trial period

Before you get settled into a rental property, it might be worth keeping your items at your parents’ house, or in cheap self storage until you are sure you want to stay there. This helps you avoid the process of packing and moving repeatedly. This can be a really handy thing to do if you’re unsure on the area you’re moving to.

7. Always ask if you are unsure

When you move into a rental property you can of course take your own furniture from your self storage unit, or from your parents’ house. However, you can’t usually change things like the wall colours and other permanent features. If you are ever in doubt, check with the agency or the landlord to make sure that you aren’t breaching your contract.

8. Be careful in regards to pets

There will be clear indication as to whether or not you are allowed a pet at your new property. Usually it will say that you are allowed a pet but you have to state how many you have and the type. You may also have to pay extra pet protection with your deposit. You should enquire about this before moving into a property if you have a pet.

Moving into a rental property as first time tenants can be daunting. Usually the more informed you are and the more careful you are, the better.

Your landlord wants the property to stay in good shape, and you want somewhere nice to live. The number one rule is to always check if you’re sure.

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