Tag: house move

Key first steps to take after moving into a new home

Key first steps to take after moving into a new home

Moving into a new home signals a very exciting time in your life. Better still, after avoiding the common buying mistakes you can enter your new home with 100% confidence. Still, there’ll be work to do upon moving in, even if the property feels perfect. Focus on the simple steps below to create a happy home environment in next to no time.

Make it safe

There is nothing more important than feeling safe inside your new home. However, the unfamiliar surroundings can make this a little difficult, especially if you’ve moved to a new area. A Smart home alarm system will instantly deliver the extra layer of protection that you deserve, while also putting your mind at ease. Moreover, it saves you from the emotional and financial fallout of an intrusion, which would ruin your relationship with the home.

In addition to human intruders, you must also implement the necessary steps to prevent pest infestations. When combined with smoke alarms and child-friendly items, where needed, the property will feel more homely.

Add personal touches

Even if you purchased a home that has been recently renovated and decorated, you need to stamp your own personality on it. The easiest way to do this is through personalised décor. This could include adding family photos, holiday souvenirs, memorabilia or awards around the home. Meanwhile, a handful of décor pieces that follow you from the old property create a smoother transition into the new home.

You can continue to embrace the character-defining features and unique elements that caught your eye in the first place. However, ensuring that the home feels like yours rather than a bland show home will make a huge difference.

Focus on function

When moving into a new home, you may have your eyes set on luxury additions. While they’ll certainly come at some stage, practical ideas should be your priority. Jobs like improving the shower pressure or fitting a Smart thermostat are a great starting point. Selecting the right window coverings in the bedroom to promote improved sleep habits is vital. And getting your storage under control should be on the list too.

Similarly, you should invest in the right appliances to make daily chores a little easier. This will mean you can spend more time enjoying the new property. Opting for eco-friendly products that protect your finances and the environment will help too.

Get to know the area

Finally, when moving into a new home, you’re not simply purchasing a property. It’s equally vital to acknowledge that you’re buying into a new way of life. Therefore, it’s vital that you get to know your surroundings. From the location of local shops and finding out the bin collection day to the best driving routes to work, the simple issues will help you settle sooner. With this in mind, you should try to implement those steps ASAP.

If you’ve moved to an entirely new location, networking and making friends is crucial too. It will go a long way to making the property feel like home, which should make you feel a lot happier in the process. You’ve got this!

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Easy ways to DIY your home move

Easy ways to DIY your home move

Moving home can be pricey, and one of the biggest costs is often hiring movers. It’s not just the cost of the van, but also paying for the labour of movers who are going to help you out. For many people, it’s worth it if it means less stress and less likelihood of damage to either themselves or their possessions. But if your main aim is to save some money, you might be thinking about taking the DIY route instead. Doing it yourself may take more time, but it could be a lot more affordable if you do it in the right way.

Get some handy moving supplies

You don’t necessarily need any fancy equipment to move. If you don’t have much stuff, you can even do it with a few bags or boxes and a car. But when you have more to move, it’s much easier when you have some handy tools. Before your move, have a look at Evo Supplies to see if there’s any handy equipment that will make your move easier. A trolley or skate will definitely make it simpler to move around larger and heavier objects. You’ll also want to look at packing materials to get all of your stuff packed up.

Hire a moving van

As mentioned before, a car could be fine if you don’t have a lot to move. Maybe you only need to move a few suitcases of clothes or boxes of books. But if you have any furniture, especially larger pieces, it makes a lot more sense to hire a moving van. You can save a lot of money by hiring the van yourself and doing all the work of moving. It gives you more flexibility too, allowing you to decide when you’re going to complete each stage of your move.

Enlist the help of friends

It’s long been something people have done when it’s time to move home. Get friends or family involved, and then reward them with food or drink. It’s a favour you’re sure to return if they ever need you. Many hands make light work, and your friends can help you load and unload everything a lot quicker compared to if you were on your own. But be careful about having too many people. You don’t want there to be so many of you that you get in each other’s way. You need to be able to delegate tasks in a sensible way.

Be organised and methodical

Take an organised approach to your move. Long before moving day actually arrives, start thinking about how you’re going to do it. Use lists and spreadsheets to organise the tasks you need to do and everything you need to pack. There are different ways to pack up your home, whether you do it room by room or perhaps pack things in different categories. Your move will go a lot smoother if you’re methodical in your approach.

Moving without the help of professional workers can save you money, but it’s also more work. Make sure you’re prepared to do it all yourself.

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Alternatives for moving items not accepted by moving companies

Alternatives for moving items not accepted by moving companies

Moving house is an undertaking rife with stress, anxiety and minute, sometimes overlooked details. Among these details is the sobering fact that there are certain items that moving companies refuse to transport. Whether due to regulatory restrictions, insurance issues or the intrinsic danger some objects pose, the vast majority of moving companies impose limitations on what they can handle. This post seeks to provide alternatives for transporting items not accepted by moving companies, ensuring all your belongings reach your new home, unscathed.

The challenge

After selecting a moving company, typically based on factors such as cost, reviews and proximity, homeowners often encounter a significant challenge. They begin the daunting process of packing their belongings, only to discover that the chosen moving company has restrictions on transporting certain items. These limitations are not arbitrary; rather, they are carefully defined rules that homeowners must adhere to. Understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoid last-minute complications and delays during the moving process. Therefore, homeowners should thoroughly communicate with their chosen moving company to ensure a smooth transition.

Why moving companies refuse to move certain items

The restrictions on certain items stem from various factors including legal constraints, safety concerns and insurance provisions. Perishable goods such as food and plants are typically prohibited due to their tendency to decay, potentially attracting pests during transport. Hazardous materials like explosives, flammables, toxins or corrosive substances pose safety risks not only to the moving personnel but also to other items being transported. Additionally, high-value items such as jewellery or important documents may be deemed too risky for the moving company’s insurance coverage due to the potential for loss or damage. Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners to be aware of these restrictions and make alternative arrangements for transporting such items if necessary.

Alternatives for transporting items not easily handled by moving companies

Having identified these restrictions, the question now remains, how does one transport items that moving companies refuse to transport? A number of alternatives exist.

Private transportation

For the invaluable or sentimental items, private transportation may be the safest option. Slip your jewellery, private documents, photo albums or other small sentimental items into your suitcase or bag when you travel to your new home. Not only does this provide more peace of mind, but it decreases the chances of these items being lost or damaged.

Specialised moving companies

Although standard moving companies may reject certain items, specialised moving companies or couriers provide a great alternative. They have the experience to correctly and safely transport fragile and valuable items such as antiques, pianos and fine art. It’s crucial, however, to meticulously check such firms’ insurance and references to validate their offerings.

Post or parcel services

Smaller and lighter items barred by moving companies can be shipped via post or parcel services. Ensuring careful packaging and obtaining insurance coverage can mitigate the risk of damage or loss. This alternative method provides a secure means of transporting restricted items while adhering to safety regulations.

Hiring a car or van

A larger item that is unsuitable for moving companies but too valuable or awkward for postal services might be best transported through hiring a car or van. A weekend hire could allow enough time to safely move these belongings at your peace.

The procedure

It’s important to acknowledge that utilising these alternatives necessitates careful planning and organisation. Begin by sorting your belongings well in advance, specifically identifying items that may present challenges for moving companies. Pack these items separately and label them clearly to avoid any confusion later in the moving process. By adhering to appropriate packaging and safety standards, you can minimise the risk of damage during transportation. Taking these proactive steps will help ensure a smoother and more successful relocation experience.

Understanding rules and regulations

Furthermore, it’s essential to grasp the diverse rules and regulations pertaining to the transportation of restricted items. Some substances, particularly those deemed dangerous or potentially hazardous, may be governed by specific national or international regulations. Failing to adhere to these regulations could result in substantial fines or even legal consequences. Therefore, it’s imperative to stay informed and compliant with these guidelines to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues during the moving process.

Final thoughts

The relocation process can be a tiring and challenging task. The realisation that some of your items are indeed those that moving companies refuse to transport may feel like a spanner thrown in the works at an already convoluted time. However, with careful planning and the use of aforementioned alternatives, stress can be minimised and a seamless move executed. Remember, the goal is to start your new chapter with all your treasured possessions intact and undamaged. So, familiarise yourself with the rules, start planning early and use the suitable alternatives to make your move as smooth as possible.

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Advice on minimising moving costs

Advice on minimising moving costs

Nearly everybody hates moving. And those who are in fact excited? They get a reality check when they see how much moving places actually costs. That’s why in this post, we’ll give you some useful tips on minimising moving costs, despite you relocating.

Use the right removal company

The first advice we would like to give you when you want to minimise moving costs is to use the right removal company. There are several factors to take into account when deciding whether a company is the right one for you. Ask for removal quotes so that you know if the price is within your budget. Also ask how quickly they are able to help you while moving. Lastly, make sure there are no hidden costs that can cause you problems later on.

Buy moving boxes in bulk

Everyone knows that purchasing products in bulk in a supermarket is an amazing way to save money. But did you know that this is also the case for boxes? That’s why it’s smart to count beforehand how many boxes you need and make the purchase in one go. Do you have friends or family who have a few moving boxes left? Then make sure to ask if you could borrow them, as this will save you money.

Pack everything yourself

You also save a ton of change by packing all of your household items yourself. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but think about the cost benefits. Rope in your friends and family, because many hands make light work! Be sure to clearly label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. Furthermore, packing yourself allows you to handle your valuables with the care they deserve.

Plan everything ahead of time

Planning might not sound like the most thrilling part of moving, but a little effort now means a lot less stress later. Start writing down a to-do list a few weeks in advance. Lock in that moving truck early, decide whether you’re going to ask your friends for help, and figure out the logistics well before you’re surrounded by boxes. Do future you a favour and plan the details now, so you can avoid any last-minute hiccups and make the moving process easier.

Sell stuff you don’t want to bring with you

Before you start wrapping everything in bubble wrap, take a moment to sort through your stuff. Are there things you don’t want or need any longer? Odds are someone else might cherish them. Snap some pictures and list them online or have a garage sale. You might be surprised at how much you can earn from the things that no longer spark joy for you.

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