Tag: moving

Categories
Home

Home Renovation Checklist for First-Time Homeowners

When you first move into a home of your own, it can be an exciting milestone. However, it’s important to recognize that it also comes with new responsibilities to maintain and protect your property. Use this home renovation checklist to determine what work your home might need, why it’s so important, and how to keep an eye out for any issues that first-time homeowners tend to miss when they first move in.

home renovation checklist, new homeowners taking a selfie in front of their unpacked boxes
Source

The Roof Replacement

Your roof needs to be reliable. It’s the first line of defense against the wind, rain, snow, and more. However, wear and tear can compromise your roof over time, either through damage to the shingles or the gradual degradation of the materials that comprise it. As a result, you’re likely to experience leaks and energy efficiency. Assess your roof’s condition with the help of a professional. If you have any damaged or missing shingles, you may only need to replace them. If there’s structural damage to your roof is decades old, however, you may need to consider a replacement.

The Plumbing Update

If the plumbing in your home is faulty or outdated, it can drastically affect your quality of life. It can lead to leaks and burst pipes, resulting in costly water damage. Even if it doesn’t get that far, reduced water pressure can be a pain in the neck. Check to see if your home is due for a plumbing upgrade, and consider some improvements like replacing old pipes or replacing fixtures that are likely to pose problems in the future. Even if the plumbing works fine, you might need to consider some upgrades, like using a tankless water heater to provide more hot water for a growing family.

Improving Your Electrics

Outdated or inefficient electricals for the home are less energy-efficient and pose a fire risk. Have an electrician inspect your electrical panel and test the wiring to ensure they’re up to modern standards. If you want to replace or upgrade your existing sockets and switches, such as adding additional ports for your appliances, you can save money by sourcing them directly from wholesale electrical suppliers rather than buying retail. Just make sure that you don’t try to DIY any installations. Any changes to your electricals should be done with professional help. Old wiring systems can cause issues, from drops in your power supply to a higher likelihood of blown fuses. These should be checked every few years, at least.

Replacing Your Windows

Don’t underestimate how important a good set of modern windows is for the home. If the windows are old or damaged, you’ll likely experience more drafts, leading to higher energy bills. Rotting frames, poor seals, and single-pane windows can lead to problems. As such, you might want to replace them with energy-efficient windows that help better insulate the home, keeping it comfortable and less costly. New windows are also a security investment, as they tend to be more solid and come with locks that fit modern standards.

Upgrading Your Flooring

While it might not be quite as vital as the other renovations mentioned here, flooring is a key part of the home’s comfort and style, all the while. If you’re living with flooring that requires more effort and cost to maintain, such as carpets, then replacing it with hardwood, laminate, or vinyl can make your home easier to clean. For wet rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen, you should look into durable, waterproof options that can withstand moisture. Make sure you choose materials that fit your budget and the demands of that part of the home. For instance, if you have kids or pets, choose scratch-resistant and stain-proof flooring.

Recap: Home renovation checklist

With the tips above, you can plan for the additional work that sometimes comes with buying a new home. First-time homeowners can avoid being surprised by these in the future by working with a home inspector to identify any potential issues ahead of time and by asking the sellers the right questions. However, with the home renovation checklist outlined here, they shouldn’t be too much of a problem anyway.

Categories
Moving Parenting

3 Essential Tips For Moving Home With Kids

Moving home can always be stressful, even when you’re doing it alone. When you’re moving home with kids, it can be even more stressful. You’ll not only have to worry about the countless things you need to get done, but also keeping your kids occupied and out of the way.

While they can be helpful if they’re old enough, they might be more of a nuisance if they’re relatively young. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lot more stress because of your kids. With three essential tips, you’ll end up making it a lot easier than you’d expect.

moving home with kids
Source

Moving Home With Kids: 3 Essential Tips

1. Pick The Moving Day Wisely

When you choose to actually move is one of the largest decisions you’ll have to make. When your kids are involved, that’s especially true. While moving during the summer time often seems recommended, it mightn’t always be the best option, despite the logic. If you do it then, they could be under your feet constantly.

Doing it while they’re still in school can be recommended, especially if they’re staying in the same school after the move. It keeps them occupied, and gives you the time to actually pack things up and get things sorted. It could be a lot more straightforward because of that.

2. Get All The Help You Need

Moving home with kids takes a lot of time and effort because of the countless things you’ll need to do. It’s always worth getting help because of that. It’ll take a lot of stress and hassle out of your hands while letting you get everything done. There are more than a few things you can get help with.

From simple pickup and delivery services to hiring someone for your whole house move, you’ve plenty of professionals to choose from. It’s worth researching and comparing them to find the best ones for you. It’ll help with the process more than you’d think.

3. Talk Your Kids Through The Process

Your kids will have quite a few questions during the moving process, and they can often be confused about what’s going on. That’s why they can often ask question after question, which can get irritating after a while. There’s a quick and easy way to prevent this, though.

All you’ll have to do is talk your kids through the process as it happens. The more aware they are of what’s actually going on, the better off you’ll be. They’ll be less confused, and you should have fewer questions to deal with.

Recap: Moving Home With Kids

Moving home with kids can be one of the more complicated and stressful experiences you ever go through. That doesn’t mean it’s something you have to settle for. If you’re about to move home, it’s a matter of taking a few particular steps, and you shouldn’t have to worry.

You’ll get through the home move faster and easier than you’d think. It could even be a relatively straightforward process if you use the right tips.

Categories
Moving

Moving House With Kids: 4 Top Tips Every Parent Needs

moving home with kids

Moving house is already stressful – which means that moving house with kids in tow can feel near impossible. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that it doesn’t have to be that way!

Proper planning can help make moving house with kids as smooth as possible for your family. It can reduce tantrums (from yourself and your children) and keep your stress at bay.

With that in mind, here are some moving tips that every parent needs to hear! 

Source

1. Bring your kids to viewings

While bringing your kids to viewings may sound like a recipe for disaster – especially when you need to focus on the viewing itself, it’s a great way to prepare them for the move. After all, it means they can familiarize themselves with their new home ahead of time, which could get them excited rather than apprehensive. For example, you could show them which room would be theirs and discuss how you will decorate it.

However, only take them to viewings for properties you are seriously considering, such as those you have visited privately beforehand. 

2. Hire a moving company

Whether you are moving countries or around the corner from your current home, hiring a moving company is another way to keep your stress levels to a minimum. After all, it means that much of the hard work associated with moving, such as heavy lifting, is done for you. It also means that the only thing to do on moving day is pick up your keys and wait for your belongings to be delivered safely to your door! 

To find the best movers in your area, start with a quick search for “movers near me”, before choosing whichever company has the best ratings or price packages. 

3. Talk openly about the move

Springing a last-minute move upon your children doesn’t go down well – whether they’re six or sixteen. After all, if they’ve only ever lived in one home before, this change might be unwelcome, especially if they have to change schools or leave behind friends. Involve them in moving discussions as early as possible.

By allowing them to talk openly about their feelings, you can also help ease any worries they may have. You can also begin discussing all of the exciting things you’ll do once you’ve moved, whether visiting local sites or family BBQs in your new yard. 

4. Find the right school

If you’re moving a considerable distance from your home, you’ll likely have to find a new school for your children. Remember that your choice of school should depend on various factors, including the quality of education, extracurricular activities, and proximity to your home. You may want to visit a few different schools (with your child) ahead of time to find the right fit or the place they’d feel the most comfortable.

Categories
Moving

4 Recommended Tips For Moving to a New City

There are many reasons why you may consider moving to a new city. Maybe you’re moving to be closer to your partner. Maybe you’ve been offered a job that represents a significant leap forward in your career. Or perhaps you just feel like it’s time for a change. Whatever the reason, you’ll be happy to know that moving to a new city is easier than it’s ever been before. 

Still, though that may be true, it’s not as if every aspect of moving to a new city is a walk in the park. There can be challenges. But you can overcome them with a little bit of work. In this post, we’ll run through some tips for making your move as smooth as possible.

Moving to a New City
Source

Visit First

This tip is a big one. You might have an idea of what a city is like, but the truth is, until you’ve been there, you don’t. You can’t trust a movie depiction to tell you what it’s like living in a specific city, so consider visiting first. While you’re there, avoid the classic tourist spots and stick to the local neighborhoods. You won’t be living in the tourist areas when you live there, so those aspects don’t matter here. Plus, if you live there, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the tourist spots later. 

Get a Short-Term Rental

You’ll hope to settle into your new city as quickly as possible. But it’s important to be a little patient. For instance, you shouldn’t find a long-term place to live before you’re actually there. Instead, look at putting your belongings in a 10×10 storage unit and get a short-term rental for a month or two. That’ll give you time to find where you want to live long-term. 

Speak To Whoever You Can 

Going into a new city without much prior knowledge can be exciting. But it’s a risky approach. The smart move is to gather as much information as possible before your arrival. There may be some essential tips to know that could help you.

For this, it’s best to speak to someone who already lives there and ideally moved from somewhere else, just like you. If you’re moving for your kids, make sure you ask about schools, parks, and other essentials.

Do you have friends of friends who have made their move? Get their contact information and ask if you can pick their brains about their city. Plus, with this approach, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that you have at least one connection in your new home city. 

Ride Out the Awkward Times 

Finally, remember that while your move will prove to be the right move eventually, you’ll likely have to experience some awkward times along the way. It’s exciting to move, but you’ll also face challenges — you won’t know many people, you might struggle to find work and a place to live, and so forth. It’s best to roll with the punches when these moments arrive rather than letting them get you too down. If you can power through, you’ll eventually feel like your new city is home.

Categories
Buying a Home Moving

The Unsung Secret Hero Of Moving to a New Home

There is an unsung secret hero of moving to a new home – and that is storage. While it often gets overlooked, using storage is one of the most important things for making the move easy. You don’t need to get too creative to make the most of this extra space either.

So if you’re moving and want to make it as easy as possible, here are some benefits of using storage.

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

Secret Hero Of Moving
Source

More Time To Move With This Secret Hero Of Moving

Having a tight turnaround time on your move can make it tricky and more expensive than it might have been. When you have moving and storage on your side, you can extend how long you have to move. Putting most of your items into storage means you can move out of your old place faster and into the new place slower.

Organization 

Moving can be a struggle for unorganized people because it takes a lot of planning and organization. Well-labeled boxes are a great starting point, but it doesn’t take long for boxes to stack up and become overwhelming. You can run out of space quickly, especially in smaller apartments.

Storage is a huge space saver, and you can find many options to help you stay within your budget.

When it comes to unpacking, you can do the same thing. Take it at your own pace, and downsize as you need to. 

Sentimental Damage

One of the worst things about moving is the risk of losing items you hoped to hold on to forever. Another benefit of using storage is that you can put anything sentimental. Then, you know where it all is and won’t lose it during the move.

Put anything small or with a slim chain in a secure box. Then, place it inside a cardboard box because there are sometimes small gaps in the cardboard that smaller items can slip through.

Make sure that everything with any sentimental value is carefully wrapped and protected so that even boxed up and in storage, it won’t get broken or damaged. 

The unsung hero of moving house is having extra space to store things. It is as flexible as you need – whenever you need it. Here are some more tips that can help make moving to a new house less stressful: Stress-Free Moving Day – Click Here for The Best Tips. 

Categories
Home How To Moving Real Estate

Get the Best Price for Your Home With 5 Simple Upgrades

Best Price for Your Home

Putting your home on the market can bring up many emotions, especially if it is your first property. You have made happy memories in your current home, and it may be hard to say goodbye. However, the future is bright for your family, so it’s time to put your practical hat on and consider how to get the best price for your home.

One part of getting organized for a move is ensuring that your current home is in a condition. Although you may start feeling detached from the house after finding a new place, you shouldn’t give up on it. Instead, consider how you can bring more value before selling.

You can get advice from a local real estate agent to see what buyers in your location are looking for. They may also suggest areas of your home to focus on and bring energy to. 

Alternatively, you could check out the extensive list of upgrades below. It will help you get the best price for your current home. In a market that is constantly up and down, many non-negotiables will help you to sell quickly and effectively. Consider the following methods and see if you can incorporate them into your home before putting it on the market.

1. A Modern Front Door

Selling your home might be hard if it’s not appealing from the moment the buyer reaches the front door. A modern front door can go a long way when it comes to increasing the value of your home. When you look here, it is clear that front doors can make or break the exterior of your property. You can choose from beautiful, customizable options that suit the interior decor and the buyer you want to appeal to. Both function and quality are essential when choosing a new front door.

2. Clean Carpets and Flooring

When you walk into a property, you can instantly tell whether the carpets and flooring are in good condition. As a homeowner, you should have your carpets or hardwood floors cleaned professionally every few months. If you haven’t done this in a while, this is your sign to bring in a professional. Not only will your home smell better, but it will also make your entire property more impressive.

3. Have No Clutter and Ornaments to Get the Best Price for Your Home

Clutter and extensive ornaments are a big no-no to making a great first impression on a potential buyer. Clearing out your unwanted items is freeing and boosts your mental health, but it can also help keep your home looking clear and fresh. You can clean shelving much easier, and your home will look more appealing.

4. Lovely Landscaping Outside

Best Price for Your Home
Source

Tidying up your hedges or power washing your driveway is a brilliant way to enhance curb appeal and boost the value of your home. Most buyers want to see that the property is well-maintained from the outset, so this is a must-do.

5. Muted Tones

When it comes to choosing the happiest hues for your home before it hits the market, you may want to think twice before reaching for bold and bright colors. Buyers want to see a blank canvas and be able to put their twist on a property. Try to choose white, cream, and other neutral paints if you’re redecorating anytime soon. Of course, it’s easy to do this, you can opt for painting your walls, get some wallpaper, opt for laundry room wood planks for that specific face, but there’s even the furniture and decor that’s also going to help with getting the room to feel muted and complementary. 

Recap: Best Price for Your Home

Before listing your property for sale, try these ideas. It may seem like a lot of effort but makes a difference in the sales process.

People want to imagine living in the home and don’t want to see clutter when looking around. Remember this, and try to have a buyer’s brain throughout. It will help you make the best possible decisions to get a price reflective of the value of your property.

Enjoy making these fruitful upgrades. Don’t forget to have fun during your adventure toward creating a new home!

Categories
Buying a Home For the Home Moving

Five Smart Tips to Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home is both exciting and stressful. Leaving your home move to the last minute is a recipe for a moving day you would rather forget. But, with the right planning, it can be easy, and you can reduce stress while increasing enjoyment. Here are some helpful tips to make your next home move a breeze:

Make your Next Home Move a Breeze
Source

Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Start Planning Early 

You should start the planning process as soon as you decide to move. Even if you haven’t secured a property or decided on a new location, you can begin the moving process by considering what you must do. Buy a notebook to use as a moving journal and make lists. 

When it comes to staying organized for your moving day, lists are your friend. You will have many ideas and information to write down, so make categories such as household services, paperwork, and packing. Planning helps cover everything for a stress-free move.

Book a Removal Firm 

Some people choose to move home themselves using their vehicles and some help from their friends and family. While this can be a low-cost solution, it is also a high-stress one that can be risky. Without training, amateur movers can damage your furniture and belongings. 

Unlike planning, booking a removal firm can happen closer to your moving date, but don’t leave it too late. If you plan to move on the weekend or a holiday, you might find a firm hard to book or overpriced. Contact North American Van Lines about the proposed moving day. 

Smart Packing Systems to Make Your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home can be stressful mainly because people fail to plan correctly and encounter avoidable obstacles. Some common moving obstacles include broken boxes and furniture that won’t fit through new or existing doorways. Again, a removal service can help you with furniture packing and new installation.

After you declutter your home, it’s time to pack up your rooms systematically. Invest in new boxes of various sizes for individual rooms, then pack the rooms up according to categories. It allows you to shift the rooms to a new location and find everything easily.

Declutter the Home 

Moving is a chance to declutter and downsize the home, something many try to do every Spring with mixed results. As you pack up your home, you might come across items and belongings you haven’t used for some time. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. 

Whether it is clothing you haven’t worn in some time, toys and games your kids have grown out of, or books and magazines you have read and are unlikely to return to, now is an excellent time to offload them. Consider selling them or giving them away online or in local secondhand stores.

Manage the Kids 

Moving day is stressful, especially when you have kids. Their energy levels will be up and down as usual, but you will still have to manage the logistics of the move. The secret to a stress-free moving day is to find ways to occupy the kids with entertainment and pre-planned meals.

Recap: Make your Next Home Move a Breeze

Moving to a new home can be stressful, but these tips can make your next home move a breeze. Do you have any other ideas to add? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
Buying a Home Moving

4 Reasons Property Searching is Better in Spring

Property searching is better in spring when the days start getting longer. It is a good time for viewing homes and getting a feel for the property. The changing weather is a huge help, and many other factors can make your experience more positive.

Property Searching is Better in Spring
Source

Why Property Searching is Better in Spring

The Weather is More Favorable

The spring weather is often unpredictable, but it is much better than in the winter. Additionally, the days get longer, so many sellers are open to allowing you to view a home later in the day. This is great if you have work commitments but are serious about moving. Finally, you can get hold of a reputable moving company on sites like iMOVE much easier than in the winter. Movers are more open to jobs when the weather is bright and dry.

Owners Want to Sell

Spring is known to be the best time to sell a home. And just like you are eager to buy, many owners are eager to sell. And when a homeowner is ready to sell, you will often have a better cushion for negotiating a better deal on the price. It is because, just like you, a homeowner is probably also looking at another house and is eager to move in quickly and easily. You can take advantage of this if you think they will accept a lower offer, meaning more for decorating.

Property Searching in Spring is a New Beginning

As you are aware, spring is the time for new beginnings. New life and plants spring up all around us. And this can give you the sense of wanting to start something fresh, hence the spring cleaning and redecorating rush. But a new home will help get your spring off to a great start. Because of this, you can begin thinking about all the new possibilities a new home affords you, such as having family around for long BBQ dinners.

You Can Get Your New Home Ready for Summer

Summer will be amazing if your new home has yard space, a garden, or patios and decking. You can relax in your private oasis, with no distractions, in maximum comfort, and with many conveniences. However, gardens and patios aren’t always cared for, and your home’s backyard may need some TLC. It means spring is great for getting it ready for the warmer weather. And you can also take advantage of DIY store spring sales on garden stuff.

There is More Choice

October is officially the worst month to list a home. But spring months are also the best. More buyers and sellers are eager to look at properties and accept offers. So, there is a lot more choice in the spring regarding property listings. It can be excellent for negotiating a better price. But while looking at the many more homes on well-known property sites, be aware that competition among sellers can raise prices.

Recap: Property Searching is Better in Spring

You can often find a better deal or what you are looking for when property searching in spring. The weather is better, it’s a fresh start, and you’ll have more choices.

Do you have any other tips for property searching? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
Buying a Home Home Moving Real Estate

5 Simple Signs It’s Time to Move House Soon

You may have thought you were getting your dream home when you first moved into your current house. However, over time, things change. Perhaps you plan to have a family but don’t have enough space. Or maybe your children have moved out, and you want to downsize. There are so many reasons people decide to move, and you shouldn’t feel confined to one place if it’s not right for you. If you are wondering if a change is in the cards, here are five signs it might be time to move house soon.

Time to Move House
Source

Signs It’s Time to Move House

You don’t have enough space

Do you struggle to find a place for all of your belongings? Everyone accumulates possessions over time, but if you have run out of storage, it might indicate that you need to upgrade. Of course, there’s always the chance you might be a hoarder, so it’s a good idea to have a regular declutter. Go through your home and get rid of anything you don’t need. If you have large items that you rarely use, such as sports equipment or sentimental antiques, consider using a storage company such as SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. However, it’s worth looking for a bigger home if your home is still cramped after a spring clean.

Your home needs a lot of work – It might be Time to Move House

Any property will need maintenance over time to keep it in pristine condition. However, older properties often require more work than newer ones. If you’re drowning in DIY jobs, selling your home and finding a newer one can often be more cost-effective. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but you won’t have to spend all your free time carrying out repairs and dealing with tradespeople.

Your job changed

Your commute is one of the most important considerations when searching for a new home. You likely factored in your daily travel time when you first signed the contract. However, if your job changed, you might find your location less convenient than it once was. Perhaps you must travel further to get to the office or drive instead of taking public transport. Maybe you now work from home, so you don’t have to be tied down to a particular place.

Your house is too big

Empty nest syndrome commonly occurs among parents whose children have moved out, and living in a big house can make the experience harder. You can save money and downsize if you no longer need a large home.

You’re sick of living in the city

When you’re young, living in the city is an exciting prospect. You’re close to the nightlife, and there are people around you who you can call up for drinks, dinners, dates, and fun activities. But the novelty can wear off. Maybe you’re fed up with the urban lifestyle and are craving a more relaxing and scenic existence in the countryside. Being close to nature can benefit your mental health and quality of life.

Recap: Time to Move House

If you’ve identified with any of these signs, it might be time to move house. Do you have anything to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
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
Source

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. 🙂