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Buying a Home For the Home Home Moving

4 Easy Tips for Moving Home in the New Year

The new year is an ideal time to implement the change you want to see in your life. 2023 could advance on what you already have in place or be a fresh new start. Only you can know what will best work for you! For some people, the new year will bring positive change in the form of moving to a new home. The rental and buying markets are in full swing at this time of year because many people make their best plans for the year ahead. Here are some tips to secure the home of your dreams in 2023!

Moving Home in the New Year

Find the Right Home

The biggest step of the moving process is finding the right home to meet your needs. You need to ensure that you and your family are happy and comfortable. Do you need multiple bedrooms? How many? How many bathrooms would you like? Would you like a garden for your kids? Or perhaps you need a yard for a pet? Do you want a garage or driveway? Only you can know what you’re looking for. Make sure to create a comprehensive checklist that will allow you to understand what you want and need. It will help your estate agent to whittle down appropriate options.

If you need help creating a checklist, you can always work with a property management company like The Realty Medics. Property managers can help you understand what type of property would be best for you and your family. Plus, they can help you understand the available features in different properties and yields in certain areas.

Finding the right home isn’t just about ticking boxes and finding the perfect property. Take the time to research local amenities, such as schools, supermarkets, parks, and entertainment opportunities, because you should also be comfortable with the neighborhood. Talk to people in the area about their experiences with the community, too. 

View and Survey

Viewing properties is essential. It is likely to be the biggest financial investment you make in your life. You need to make sure that it lives up to expectations in person. Property listings are designed to be appealing and show space in its best light. You can’t determine if a home is right for you until you visit it. You should also schedule inspections from professionals. It ensures that the property is structurally sound and as described.

Use Removal Services

Removal services are popular for good reasons. Sure, it may feel tempting to rent a van and shift your belongings from A to B, but this comes with many difficulties. Removal services come with highly trained and experienced professionals who know how to get large, bulky, and awkwardly shaped belongings downstairs and out of your home. Plus, removal companies tend to come with insurance. If anything gets damaged in the moving process, you will be compensated. It includes your belongings or any properties that they could scratch, dent, or damage along the way. Call popular local services, or if you’re moving further afield, you may want to consider interstate moving services.

Settle In

Take your time when it comes to settling in. Unpack and set up essentials and kids’ belongings first. Then, once the essentials are unpacked, give yourself time to move in at your own pace. It will reduce pressure and help you ease into your home as comfortably as possible.

Recap: Moving Home in the New Year

Hopefully, some of the tips above will help you move to a new home in the coming year. Do you have any tips to add? If so, leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
Home Moving

4 Easy Ways to Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Moving can be an exciting and stressful time for any family. Not only do you have to plan and organize the move, but you also must figure out how to keep everyone entertained. It is especially true for families with children, who can get bored quickly. Read on for tips on keeping your kids entertained as you prepare for your big move.

How to Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Organize a Fun Activity Box 

One of the best ways to keep your kids entertained during a move is to create a fun activity box filled with age-appropriate items like coloring books, puzzles, craft supplies, and small toys. Having these items handy during the move can occupy younger kids while ensuring older children don’t get too bored. Pack the activity box in an accessible spot where they can quickly grab it when they need something to do.

Plan Out Family Activities 

It can be a good idea to plan some family activities before the move. Try planning one last outing or adventure before you leave so everyone has something positive and memorable associated with the experience. It could include walking around town together or having a picnic in the park. Or, it could include anything special and unique that eases the adjustment for adults and children alike. 

Encourage Creative Expression 

The moving process can be overwhelming for children of all ages, especially cross-country moving, so it’s important to encourage creative expression throughout this time. Allowing your child some space and freedom can help them constructively work through their feelings. It can also allow them to express themselves artistically through music, art, or writing. This can include anything from singing songs together as you drive down the highway or allowing time alone with their favorite instrument or sketchbook. Make sure that whatever creative outlets they choose are age-appropriate.

Involve Them In The Process

 Finally, involving your children in the moving process is essential. Make sure they understand what is happening and why it’s necessary. It helps them feel like an equal part of this experience. You can also give them small tasks to help with, including packing their room or unloading the moving truck. Not only will this help them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, but it can also help keep them busy and entertained during the process.

Recap: Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Moving with young children doesn’t have to be a negative ordeal. With some preparation and planning, it’s possible to make it fun instead of stressful!

Packing an activity box filled with age-appropriate items will provide plenty of entertainment along the way. Plus, planning out family activities beforehand ensures that everyone has something enjoyable associated with their move into their new home.

Additionally, encouraging creative expression and involving them in the process gives your kids some much-needed breathing room as they adjust. With these tips in mind, your next big move should go smoothly!

Categories
Buying a Home For the Home Home Moving

6 Effective Ways To Cope With Downsizing Your Home

When you decide to move from a house to apartments, it can impact the way that you lead your life. Downsizing isn’t an easy task, but it’s possible to successfully adapt to your new sense of normal without feeling cramped.

This guide contains some of the most effective steps you can follow to cope with downsizing. Check below to uncover innovative ideas to settle into your smaller home in no time.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Downsizing Made Easy

Focus On Smart Storage 

One of the essential steps that you need to follow to ensure you can settle into your new home is to focus on implementing smart storage. You will likely have lots of stuff compared to the size of your downsized home. Having somewhere to store your items while you think about what to do with them will make a difference.

Some of the best storage ideas include options such as storage benches that double as both storage and seating. You can also look into storage that takes up otherwise useless space. Consider building another set of cupboards in your kitchen between pre-existing ones and your ceiling. Providing yourself with enough storage will prevent clutter, helping your house feel more like a comfy home despite its smaller size.

Learn To Live With Less

Living within your means benefits your bank balance and quality of life inside your new home. Accepting that you can’t have lots of decor and furniture is the first step in adapting to long-term downsizing.

Learning to live with less doesn’t have to be complicated. You can improve your efforts by adopting a minimalistic interior design style that follows the ethos of “less is more“.

Minimalism is ideal for smaller spaces and helps you make the home feel more open and airy. Consider removing wall art and reducing decor so you can keep things simple and tidy. It’s not always easy to learn to live with less, but you’ll get used to it. Once you get into the hang of things, you’ll question why you needed so much stuff in the first place. 

Final Thoughts: Downsizing

Figuring out how you can better cope with downsizing doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can take the time to utilize some of the tips and ideas in this informative guide. Get out there and source smart storage while learning to live with less.

Categories
Moving Travel Travel Tuesday

Moving Countries? These Are the 7 Things You Must Research

One of the most common experiences we’re witnessing today is people wanting to relocate themselves by moving countries. This may be fuelled due to their desire to see new places and immerse themselves in different cultures. Additionally, the pandemic made quite a few of us realize the value and privilege of traveling. So, if you’re one of the moms wanting to move countries and start a whole new adventure with your family, this blog is for you! Most of the time, international immigration and relocation aren’t extensively covered, which is why we’re listing seven points of reference that you need to do research on.  

Things to Research When Moving Countries

1. The country’s immigration system

Some countries make it simpler for other international citizens to relocate, vehicle others have an entire obstacle course of hoops and hurdles. While you may think that immigration is a lengthy process, there is help available for you before, during, and after you arrive in the new country. Especially with stringent laws in countries like the US, get the help of an immigration law firm to smooth out any issues that arise. This will protect your interests and keep your paperwork in check. 

2. Employment and work visa policies

If you plan to work in the country you’re immigrating to, it’s better to find a job first and then move. Several employing companies sponsor a working visa, so make sure to be transparent with the hiring manager. Or, if you receive a working permit post arrival, finding jobs becomes easier since you don’t need a sponsored visa. 

3. Standard of living

One of the main factors that come into play while searching for countries you could move to is the standard of living. Is the economy stable enough to ensure your family’s wellbeing? What are the taxation policies and how well does the Government look after the residents and non-residents? You also need to look at the overall living expenses and figure out whether it is feasible for you to move there. 

4. Permanent residency statistics

Researching this factor may take a while since there are multiple scenarios. However, it is imperative that you have a fair idea about how long a company may take to give you and the family a residential status or PR.  

5. Dependent family members policy when moving countries

Some countries do not endorse bringing dependent elders such as parents to the country while immigrating, while others highly support it. Based on your priority, make sure to select the right country so that this is not a problem later. 

6. Healthcare and education system

Two of the pillars of any country are the healthcare and educational system. If the country has a high literacy rate and low mortality rate, they are serving its citizens well. For instance, Finland is a great country if you wish to pursue academics. 

7. Social security and infrastructure

Law enforcement, public safety, anti-racism, and also public infrastructure will show you how amiable a country is. If the crime rates are high and social security poor, this is a location you would like to skip. 

Wrapping Up: Moving Countries

At the end of the day, moving to another country across borders and oceans is not easy, but can be life-changing. We hope that these references give you a lot to research and zero on the best choice!