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.

If you love old houses and DIY projects, then buying a fixer-upper home might be just the right thing for you. Just imagine buying a run-down property, repairing it, investing your time, money, and creativity, and ending up with a beauty worth much more than what you paid for it. But, first things first, there are a few things you need to pay attention to. 

1.     Setting a budget

This is the essential thing. According to The Porch, only 52% of home renovation projects finish on budget, making it difficult to calculate the costs. That’s why you have to make sure you have enough money for the repairs and be realistic about how much you can set aside. Consulting with a home inspector or general contractor might help you figure out how much work is needed, which will, in turn, give you a better understanding of all necessary expenses.

Another important thing you should consider when deciding on a budget is – will you be able to live in the house while it’s under construction? If the answer is yes, you will save on rent, and, more importantly, you will be able to keep an eye on the work. However, while renovating, it’s a wise choice to consider renting a storage unit for your belongings (compare storage prices here). You could put your things in the garage or someplace else, but storage units are one of the popular options since they guarantee the safety and protection of your items.

2.     Getting permits

Always consult your local officials concerning permits and their costs. Upgrading plumbing, electrical installations, tearing down and moving the walls, etc., require a licensed and insured firm to do the work. That is why it’s crucial to once again talk to your architect or contractor about how they will handle the approval process. Building without the proper permits is cheaper, but it might cause difficulties when it comes to selling the house in the future. But be warned – this process can be frustrating, as the inspectors might not give you their permission straight away. 

3.      Identify your DIY skills

DIY home improvement is usually the most cost-effective route. Apart from all the tools and equipment, you will also need a certain level of home repair and DIY renovation experience. If you have the skills to hang cabinets, paint, build decks, replace windows and install shelves, you will be able to save a substantial amount of money.

On the other hand, if you are not the hands-on type and not willing or able to do most of the work on your own, you should probably stay away from buying a fixer-upper home. Remember, hiring someone to do everything will probably cost you a lot more than you’re ready to set aside. 

4.     How much time are you willing to invest?

Another major consideration – how much time will it take? Let’s face it, renovating a fixer-upper can take a considerable amount of both money and time, and it’s more than a slight inconvenience. All those TV shows renovate a house in a one-hour episode, but they don’t talk about how much time it actually takes. It’s one thing to buy a fixer-upper where all the work can be done in no time by investing in minor cosmetic projects, but it’s a totally different thing if your new house has some serious structural issues. The average rehab might take up to five or six months. 

5.      Plan for complications

We’re not going to lie – the process often tends to be exhausting, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Many problems may emerge after buying a fixer-upper house, and guess what? The TV doesn’t tell you anything about that either.

Acknowledging the possibility that things might start going wrong at the worst possible time is imperative. Take the disclosure with a grain of salt; you never know what might be hiding in between the lines. 

Pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper home

If you’re the type of person who likes things shortlisted, here is a list of pros and cons for buying a fixer-upper house and taking on a major renovation project:

PROS

• Lower purchase price;
• Tax savings – less tax is paid on a fixer-upper than a higher-priced move-in ready home;
• Less competition;
• Opportunity to customize your home;
• Quality control;
• Control of where your money goes;
• Increased property value.

CONS

• Going over budget;
• Expensive renovations;
• Unexpected issues;
• Paying rent and mortgage at the same time;
• A long-term project that might take longer than expected.

In conclusion

The bottom line is – there is no perfect fixer-upper. It all depends on your preferences and the willingness to invest time and money. Still, you ought to remember a few things – every house is a story for itself, and almost everything is fixable. Buying a fixer-upper home and renovating it is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. So, enjoy making that fixer-upper a home that is perfect for you.

The post What to know before buying a fixer upper home 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.

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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.

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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.

Warmer weather is the perfect time for a move. Ice, snow and rain can be really annoying and sometimes dangerous in winter, which is why so many people move in the warmer months. The kids are off school as well which is really helpful in terms of logistics and ensuring they settle in.

The problem is, a summer move can present a whole heap of different problems like heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration and of course, tempers boiling over. Those looking to move house in summer are advised to do everything possible to ensure their move is as safe and smooth as possible.

Here are some top tips to help:

Reduce How Much You Are Moving

Try to lighten your load so you physically have less to move. Sort all your items into four different sections, which you could label to be extra organised. The four categories should be throw (or recycle), give to charity (or friends), keep and store.

• Throw – Anything that is of no use to anyone else. Recycle anything you can like paper or wood and plastic
• Give to charity – anything that is in good condition that you know could be sold on for money. If you have the time to sell it yourself go online for higher value goods, or sell at a carboot for lower value goods. Either way, either your family, or a charity make some money and items go to a good home which is great.
• Keep  – Everything you want to take with you to your new house
• Store in cheap self storage – Items you might want to sell in future, business stock, seasonal items, sports equipment etc. Just make sure your compare personal self-storage unit sizes, prices and features to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Get Help With Your Summer Move

If you have cheap self storage the likelihood is the unit have moving services you can pay for. This could be a great option, especially if you already know and trust the staff. Having help on the day will be a great relief and leave you to have to oversee and get used to your new home – no stress, no fuss.

Alternatively you could hire a moving company, or even just ask friends and family to help. Get tons of drinks, crisps and biscuits in to keep everyone happy and pay in favours to them next time they need a hand.

Have Help Keeping Cool

Have fans going in your new home, have hand held fans for the kids, have a cooler box with water and ice packs in, have cooling spray – whatever you can use that provides relief from the heat, invest – everyone will be thankful.

Stay Safe

Priorities should revolve around safety in the heat. Remember to:

•  Ensure your family is dressed for the weather – prepare the clothes before moving to ensure they don’t get lost and the only options are unsuitable.
• Stay hydrated – you might want to reach for caffeine to keep you going, but what your body needs in this heat is water.
• Avoid moving midday if you can – that is when the sun is at its hottest.
• Have regular breaks.
• Wear sun cream.

Keep Pets Away

Usually animals can be moved with the family, however in serious heat you must check they are safe. To do this, consider putting them in temporary kennels or housing them with a friend, just until you can quickly take them into the new home.

Remember…

When it’s hot and you are moving home, use every available convenience to make life safer and easier. Use fans, self storage, friends help, beverages, frequent breaks – anything it takes to ensure the move is smooth and safe.

The post Surviving The Heat of a Summer Move appeared first on Twits Guides.

When you move home things can be stressful, there’s no getting away from that fact. However, there are plenty of aspects of the move that can be adjusted to run more smoothly, such as ensuring the moving van you use is the right size. The moving van is such an important tool in the moving process if it is too big you pay extra for space you don’t need and if it is too small you are either left paying for extra journeys or you are left with items to transport yourself.

So it definitely pays (literally) to get in the professionals such as specialist packers and movers PackAndGo who will save you time and hassle. But it also pays to know your options so here are some top tips to make sure the moving van you hire is perfect for your needs:

Medium Wheelbase Transit

This is the smallest van you can hire for moving house and it probably isn’t suitable if you’ve got a whole house to move. It is a good option though if you’re moving a bit at a time, or perhaps you’re moving some items into self storage. You can fit around one big piece of furniture like a sofa or bed in the van, or around 25 standard boxes.

Long Wheelbase Transit

A long wheelbase offers you more room than a medium wheel based transit and can take all of the items from one room. It works well for a young couple moving their items to a new home or to cheap self storage.

3.5 Tonne Van

A van of this size can move an entire home with boxes, furniture and other items. This kind of vehicle offers a one-trip move and works well for one or two bedroomed homes.

7.5 Tonne Lorry

This is the largest vehicle available for moving and can move an entire 3 bedroomed home including beds and furniture, plus kitchen items and boxes. You really wouldn’t want to hire this vehicle unless you needed all of this space.

Bigger Options

If you have more to move than a large 3 bedroom house then you will need to use multiple lorries and vans. It may be a case of using several vehicles or making several trips to get the items to your new home or to the cheap self storage unit.

How To Make Sure You Get The Right Size Moving Van

The best thing you can do if you plan to hire the van alone and move yourself is to assess how many boxes and items you need to move, then let the hire company know so they can recommend the right vehicle for you. For larger moves it might be worth using a removal company who will come to your home and assess exactly what you would need to move everything to your home or self storage unit.

Remember to try and be as accurate as possible when it comes to estimating what needs moving. If possible, moving items to a cheap self storage unit in your own time and then slowly moving everything into your new home removes the chance of a manic and stressful moving day where a whole house needs to be moved and in place in 24 hours. With a lot of research and planning you’re more likely to ensure your moving day is as streamlined as possible.

The post How To Make Sure You Hire The Right Size Moving Van appeared first on Twits Guides.

1. Make a list…..or 6

Writing things down will be your saving grace when you move home. You might not think it now but you will certainly think it as you begin to pack up your belongings and again when you try to find them all in your new house.

2. Keep a record

Create a simple record system so you know what is in each box and where in your new house it needs to go. You may want to colour code this system to make it easy to see what box goes where when you arrive at your new home. Consider storage units for your most unused boxes and make sure they’re taken to their temporary home first.

3. Moving strategy

No matter if you are moving a short distance or relocating to the other end of the country, organising your moving strategy in plenty of time allows you to organise transport and arrange timings for the big day. You may be employing a moving company or just getting together a few helpful friends with big cars; either way, organising early will cut stress on the day.

4. Keep your movers in the loop

If you know you are going to be moving several big and heavy items then it is vital you let your moving team know beforehand. You don’t want your move delayed because they don’t have enough men to lift your grand piano or enough room in the van for your 3 door fridge freezer. Better still use professional packers and movers such as PackAndGo to avoid additional stress and hassle if you have extra large, unusual of valuable possessions.

5. De-clutter

Take this opportunity to get rid of all the clutter and old clothes in your home as you pack. Gives you less things to pack and you can finally get rid of those flairs you’ve been waiting to come back into fashion.

6. Use your luggage

Use suitcases and duffle bags to transport clothes on your move. They are easily recognisable and you can put in all of your favourite clothes so even if unpacking each box takes millennia, you will still have your favourite jeans and hoodies when you want them.

7. Personalised boxes

Grab a couple of cheap, coloured plastic boxes; one for every member of the household. Everyone can then put in some bits they will need immediately after moving such as phone chargers, a towel, toiletries and a set of bedding. Then no matter what time you arrive at your new home you all have at least the basics to last until you can face the mountain of boxes.

8. Keep important paperwork with you

Birth certificates, passports, etc. should be kept with you during the move and not shoved in a box in the removal van to ensure they are safe and you know exactly where they are.

9. Keep pets out of the way

If you have a pet it is a good idea to find someone to pet-sit them for a day or take them to a kennel or cattery just for the day while you organise the move. A pet is likely to be spooked by all the activity and you run the risk of them running away or just being under your feet throughout the move.

10. Keep the tea bags and cups handy

Pack your cups, kettle, tea bags and milk last as moving house is thirsty work! A good brew has the power to make things seem brighter and your moving men will sure appreciate a good cuppa too. Following the tips above can make your house move much e

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We’re not all blessed with a minimalistic approach and most of us accumulate a significant amount of stuff over the years. In a large house this may not be a such a problem, but if you’re moving to a new house that’s considerably smaller, you need to face up to the reality that not everything will fit in. The last thing you want is to move to a smaller property, cram all your belongings in, only to find you can’t move around easily.

Fear not, as we’ve got some helpful tips, courtesy of the expert packers and movers PackAndGo, on how to downsize when you’re moving to a new home that will make your life simpler and make moving so much easier too.

Make a wish list

Before you start tackling the possessions in your home, make a wish list of essential items. These are the things you simply can’t live without. Although with this process you also need to be realistic – remember these are the things you need, not necessarily the things you want – so you can’t put everything on the list. If you’re struggling, rope in family or friends to give you an objective opinion on what to keep and what to let go.

Give yourself plenty of time

When you’re moving to a new house always allow yourself as much time as possible to go through your belongings and thin them out, as well as start packing them up in labelled and categorised boxes. Ideally give yourself 2-3 months to sort through everything from the garage and attic, to the kitchen and bedrooms. It inevitably takes longer than you think, but also you’ll give yourself more time to find new homes for the items too.

Sell, donate and recycle

We all know the saying “one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure”, so when you are decluttering and sorting, don’t just throw everything in the bin. You can utilise auction sites like eBay and Gumtree to make some extra cash and donate clothes, crockery and other household goods to friends and family or charity shops and shelters for a new lease of life.

Be methodical

The other important thing is to stay calm during this process, parting with so many things is inevitably going to be tough, but taking a methodical approach will make it more manageable. Tackle one room at a time, going through every drawer, box, shelf and cubby hole, getting rid of anything you don’t use regularly (i.e. you haven’t used in the last year or so).

Make a plan

Another great way to visualise what will and won’t fit in your new home, is by drawing a floor plan. You can play around with furniture layouts virtually to ensure that you don’t end up with cluttered rooms and too much furniture.

With these handy hints, moving to a new home that’s smaller doesn’t have to be such a nightmare, which is a relief as so many people need to downsize as they get older so it’s good to know it can all work out fine.

It can be an emotional wrench to move from a family home where you’ve lived for years but if it means you can manage better it is worth down-sizing for all sorts of reasons such as no longer having stairs to climb to go to bed, having a more manageable garden or being closer to shops and a community.

The vast majority of older people (97%) want to stay in their own homes as they get older so downsizing to a more manageable home makes sense and makes this possible for longer.

Elderly care and health is a subject close to my heart and I’ve written plenty more about it elsewhere – take a look if you’re interested:

Finding common ground with your carer

A Live-in Carer: Someone To Appreciate Your Interests And Preferences

You can have a healthy lifestyle whatever your age

Tips for Seniors – How to avoid falls

Live in care: The Benefits of Personalised Care

If you think you would suit a rewarding career as a live-in carer take a look at this info for more about what it takes:

Personal Hygiene and Mobility Issues

Should Your Elderly Loved One be Taking ALL Those Vitamins?

How often should I check on my loved one’s live in carer?

What can a live in carer help my elderly relative with? 

Finding Companion Care: Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Companion Care? How It Helps The Elderly

Finding Domiciliary Care: Frequently Asked Questions

Live-in Care: Your Questions Answered

And, finally find out what are the cheapest cities for UK homebuyers.

The post How best to move when you’re downsizing appeared first on Twits Guides.

Obviously you would be unlikely to tackle this task if you are moving overseas or hundreds of miles from your current home but if you are moving locally then it is something worth considering. Just don’t underestimate exactly what you get from a professional house removals firm. They know how best to pack a removals lorry to make the most of the space available, they know how to move heavy items around awkward spaces such as staircases, they can even take apart large items of furniture and reassemble in the new place. But if you still want to save some hard cash – here are some top tips:

• Invest in Strong Packing Boxes

Buy strong double-walled packing boxes in a range of sizes – you will need small ones for heavy items such as books so you can actually lift them when they are full.

• Find a Van

Obtain a range of quotes for hiring a van and note that large items like mattresses and sofas can be stacked on their side to make best use of the height of the vehicle. Once you have decided which hire company to use pay a deposit to secure your hire but wait until the moving date os confirmed before confirming the van rental date.

1. It’s Never Too Soon to Start Packing

Once your move is confirmed (even if you don’t have a completion date) start packing anything you really don’t need in the following few weeks. Packing can take much longer than you might imagine so start as soon as possible to take the pressure off. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to do some decluttering (check out the Ultimate Guide to Decluttering) so you are not moving junk that you don’t really need..

1. Packing Advice

• Use plenty of bubble-wrap, newspaper or even towels and linen to wrap fragile items.
• Use strong packing tape to secure your boxes.
• Label boxes with new location by room and also the contents.
• Pack a box of essentials for the first night: kettle, medicines, toilet roll etc.

1. The Big Day

Get up early, have a good breakfast and get started loading the van with the largest items of furniture. Secure sofas, wardrobes and mattresses to the sides of the van. If furniture items have doors or drawers then secure these closed, either by locking them or using string to hold them closed. Once all the furniture is stashed in the van start to load the heaviest boxes onto the floor of the van, with lighter boxes on top. Double check every item is secure and won’t move around when the van is in motion.

The post How Easy Is It To Do Your Own House Removals? appeared first on Twits Guides.