Tag: moving

Decorating a new and larger home on a budget

Decorating a new and larger home on a budget

Upsizing from a smaller to a larger home can be a rewarding process. You have more room to stretch your legs, and more freedom to enjoy the things you love. Filling the extra space can also be challenging, however, especially if you have a budget and a specific style in mind that you want to stick to. So, how do you manage this challenge, and what options are available to help the problem?

Budgeting for the move

Before putting any plans into action, you’ll need to ensure you’re in the right place financially. Moving is already an expensive process, often costing more than initially expected. In the long term, the best approach is to start saving with the knowledge that costs will be at least ten percent higher than predicted. This way you’ll have more to pour into decorating in your first months.

Budgets should also be set after you know exactly how much you’ll get for your old home. This can be tricky with traditional systems, but newer online methods can help provide reliable options. If you’re living in the UK and asking how can I sell my house for cash, We Buy Any Home is a perfect example. As the UK’s fastest cash property buyer, offering guaranteed sales on any property, systems like this can help you quickly secure your budget for the next step.

Temporary and flexible solutions

Once you know what you have to work with, you can move onto filling the space. Since each room can easily cost thousands to fill with an ideal setup long-term, short-term solutions can be the best bet. To accomplish this goal, consider low-cost and/or second-hand furniture and decorations until you have enough saved for your preferred choice.

This temporary approach doesn’t have to be the whole room either, as you can start by filling a room with the items you truly want that you can afford, and fill the rest with cheaper temporary stand-ins. Facebook Marketplace groups can be a great help here to find cheaper goods, and websites like Garage Sale Finder can also guide you to local savings.

If the idea and layout you have for a room require more long-term savings, you could also temporarily use the room for something else entirely. It could be used as an inexpensive hobby room with one of the examples listed at Everyday Reading, for example, used for gaming, writing or painting. This way you’ll get use out of the space, while also not leaving the barren unfinished look that you’ll want to avoid.

Ultimately, the central idea here is that even if you can’t yet afford to decorate a room or several rooms as you’d like, you can still find a use for them. These uses can be for exploring new hobbies, jumping into old ones, exercising or even planning their future setups. This way you’ll have plenty of time to plan exactly what you want, look for deals on the perfect items and maybe even discover some new passions and ideas along the way.

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Answer these questions to decide if you should really move in on completion day

Answer these questions to decide if you should really move in on completion day

Moving house can be as exciting as it can be stressful, and the chances are that you’ll have dreamt of living in that space for months before your completion day. Understandably, then, you’re probably keen to get right in there and start making that new property feel like a home. In truth, though, moving in on completion day isn’t right for everyone.

The reality is that exchanging and completing on a property can be incredibly stressful, and it’s also rife with last-minute setbacks that mean you may not even get your keys until late in the day. Rushing to get your things in will then feel more like a marathon than a major life event to celebrate, and everyone will probably be a little worse for wear at the end of moving day.

Of course, sometimes, you don’t have a choice but to move straight out of your old property into a new one. But, instead of assuming that this is your only option, it may be worth asking yourself the following questions to determine whether moving on completion day is the right choice for your situation.

# 1 – Is there much work to do in your new home?

If you’re buying a modern property like a new-build, there’s probably a minimal amount of work to do to make that space liveable. As such, there’s no real obstacle to moving in right away. However, if you’re moving into an older property, you may need to undertake at least some renovation work to transform that space into what you want. In some cases, you may easily be able to live in the property at the same time without major disruption, but improvements like rewiring, plastering or knocking down walls are all best completed in an empty property. If you think you’ll need to embark on these projects, it’s typically easiest to make sure they’re finished before moving all your belongings, or yourselves, into the space.

# 2 – Can you feasibly delay?

If you’re selling one property to move into another, you may have no real choice but to move on completion day, as you’ll need to vacate your old property for the new owners. However, if you’re renting a property right now, or are living with friends and family, then you’ll likely have a little more leeway about when you actually move in. Something as simple as extending your rental for an additional month can buy you a lot of wriggle room for a more relaxed, considered moving process. Alternatively, if you’re keen to complete work or hold off moving right away, it’s worth looking into potential storage for your belongings, and asking loved ones if they’d be willing to let you stay with them for a week or two.

# 3 – What about professional deadlines?

To some extent, your actual moving date will also depend on the professionals you need to help you complete the process. For instance, if you’re having renovation work done, you may need to delay your move for a month or more depending on predicted finish dates. Alternatively, you should talk to a removal company like W Removals about their availability. It may be that they can only move you on completion day, in which case, you’d be best off simply going ahead. Or, they may not have availability until after that date, in which case delay might be best.

# 4 – What’s your preference?

It’s also important to remember that this is your moving day, so personal preference and convenience should also come into play. You may be so keen to get straight into a property you’ve already waited for that the idea of a slightly stressful few hours doesn’t bother you. Or, you may prefer to hold off, so that you can get in and decorate/clean that space before you let your family loose. Either way, it’s important to take your own needs into account. Considering your needs in this way can certainly make your life easier during an inevitably stressful time!

Takeaway

There’s no right or wrong answer to when you should move into your new property, but these questions could, at least, help you explore your options for a moving day that’s entirely suited to your needs. After all, no rule says you absolutely need to move on completion day itself if you’re not comfortable with that. Alternatively, if you think a moving delay would make you miserable or ruin the excitement, there’s nothing to say you can’t get straight down to it and start settling in!

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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 such as cross country movers Los Angeles, 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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