Category: Moving House

buying a house

5 Hacks To Downsize Your Home Before Moving

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Change is great and part of life but can be challenging for some people. One such overwhelming change is moving. Moves are largely triggered by approaching retirement, but even for younger workers, the prospect of moving someplace smaller can be daunting and difficult with all the stuff that they possess in a larger space.

Whether you’re moving to cut expenses or just to simplifying your life, these pro tips can help you ace the transition by downsizing your home before moving:

  1. Bid a Farewell to some items

It is okay to be attached to that big sweat shirt or that pair of jeans which would be too old but has a lot of memories associated with it, but it’s time to let go. Only to pay haul things that will actually fit in your new, smaller space. It is important that you remind yourself that you’re reducing clutter and not stockpiling it.

It is difficult to just open your wardrobe one day and de-clutter it all at once. The best way to go about it is by thinking as to for how long you have not used that particular thing. If it’s been an entire year or a season, you should probably toss it – unless it’s something like a tuxedo or an evening gown. Ask yourself if you actually enjoy using the item or if it has a place in your life. Be ruthless.

It is imperative that you keep in mind that our activities and interests change over time, and we don’t always review our possessions to keep up with that so maybe we should make room for things that’ll actually align with our current endeavors.

  1. Hop on that online portal

While garage sales help you get rid of items you no longer need, you should also check social media or Freecycle for so-called beg, barter, and buy-and-sell groups that allow you to buy, sell and trade your possessions. It can be an effective, low-labor way to unload unwanted items fast and inexpensively.

  1. Exclude Food

If movers pack for you, remember that they will move literally everything you leave behind—including food. The best way to go about it is to look for a socially responsible mover that is mindful of the perishable as well as non-perishable items that might be present in your pantry. These items can be safely transported to a food bank. This way, you save the cost of moving it and help alleviate hunger in your community at the same time, meaning it’s a win win situation!

  1. Insure Your Valuables

Moving is a tedious process and with the help of professional movers, the possibility of your items being damaged is minimized but is definitely not eliminated meaning it does happen. That’s why valuation—or how much your moving company will reimburse you in case your property is lost or damaged—is necessary and you should be aware of it.

Valuation is highly recommended specially those who are downsizing as they tend to hold back or rather retain the necessities when moving into a new apartment which might be the most valuable pieces for them.

A standard basic valuation is 60 cents per pound but there are various other options worth exploring as per your requirements. So if electronics that weigh only a few pounds or less get damaged, you’ll only be reimbursed a couple of dollars, even though they’re worth much more than that. Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out what is protected under your existing plan and ask how much it would cost to fully insure everything you plan to take with you; then decide whether it’s worth it to upgrade the valuation.

  1. Get Multiple Cost Estimates

If you’re downsizing, you may not think of it as a big move, and you may not take all the precautions you would normally. But you should. You may find a company that’s just as reputable and offers the same services for hundreds or even thousands of dollars less. Experts’ advice to not get trapped in the popularity of certain movers and so get at least three estimates from reputable professional movers. Don’t just go with the first person you talk to. With that, it is also a great idea to turn towards your friends who recently downsized to a smaller space as well to get to know their experience with the movers and the costs involved.

 

Downsizing your home is a highly emotional process. In fact, it can be a lot like grieving. You are changing your life and giving up the things you once loved so don’t feel shy if you’re struggling to reduce your possessions to fit into your new small house, keeping a few things that you’re undecided on in storage or just with your parents is worth pondering over. There are plenty of low-cost self-storage units available to rent for short periods – check out this useful price comparison chart.

 

 

 

Author Bio:

Jenny Harrison is a passionate home and lifestyle blogger. She loves to engage with readers who are seeking home and lifestyle-related information on the internet. She is a featured blogger at various high authority blogs and magazines in which she shared her research and experience with the vast online community. Currently, she is associated with New York moving company ‘All Around Moving Services Company’ Specializes in arranging and assembling services of professional and skilled local movers locally in New York City as well as areas in New Jersey, Connecticut and the Miami Dale area in South Florida. Follow her on twitter @MJennyHarrison for more updates.

 

 

packing tips

Top 5 Tips for Packing Your Most Valuable Possessions When Moving House

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The prospect of finally moving to your dream home is an exciting one.

 

After all, you’ve worked hard through the years, planned, and saved up. Now, finally, your very own place is right there, waiting for you.

 

Moving is more than just about finding a new space or a new neighbourhood; it’s also about new beginnings – and new beginnings are always good. Well, that is, except for one or two things: packing and moving.

 

Sorting through your possessions accumulated through the years is stressful enough; even more so when you have to go through and pack your most valuable possessions.

 

Seasoned home removals experts in Sydney share their top five tips below so you can efficiently pack and move your precious art, jewelry, china, family heirlooms and other must-take knick-knacks with you.

 

1. Make a list and take pictures

 

Let’s say you’re done identifying your most important possessions – items you can’t simply let go of and which you consider as priceless. Then the next step would be to make an inventory list. Your most important items may belong to the following categories:

 

  • Jewelry
  • Art collection (paintings, sculpture, etc.) and other special collections
  • Silverware and china
  • Family heirlooms and antiques
  • Important documents (title deeds, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, passports, etc.)
  • Personal electronic devices
  • Prescription medications

 

Keep your list detailed, and ensure the photos you take are clear. And granted it’s not the most exciting task to do, but this is an added precaution you need to take just in case something goes awry during your move.

 

Also, be sure to have the necessary packing supplies ready:

 

  • Cartons/boxes
  • Tape – packing and painter’s
  • Blank packing paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Silver cloth or other soft fabric
  • Moving blankets
  • Stretch wrap

 

It’s usually better to get these packing materials from a professional removal company as they will have specialized packing supplies ideal for securing valuable items.

 

moving house - signs you are ready

 

2. Label each box for you

 

People are usually advised to label each box or piece of packaging clearly and conspicuously so the removalists know which item goes where. It also helps the owner identify which box to rummage through in case an item is needed urgently.

 

However, when it comes to smaller valuable items, it’s better to label the carton or packaging that, for example, your special gold ring collection comes in, “for your eyes only.” This means you should label these boxes in a code only you will understand.

 

For electronic items like your DSLR camera, it’s always better to keep them in their original packaging if you still have them stored somewhere.

 

 

3. Keep small but important items with you

 

After taking the above precautions, experts say that when it comes to relatively small but important possessions, the best thing to do is to keep them close at all times on moving day. These include items such as jewelry, electronic gadgets, important documents, and doctor’s prescriptions and medicine.

 

If you have a backpack, secure your most important belongings in it since you can carry it around even if you have to make brief stops along the way.

 

4. Let the pros handle large or extra special items for you

 

While you can probably take care of properly packing your precious china and silverware, large or specialist items like family heirloom furniture, a grand piano, crystal chandeliers and valuable pieces of art are usually best handled by professionals.

 

If your chosen removalist does not offer services specially intended for such items, you may need to partner with a professional packing and crating company as well. On top of this, you should also look into securing moving insurance or getting additional insurance for your most precious possessions – just in case.

 

buying a home - finding a solicitor

 

5. Conduct a visual inspection before letting the removalists go

 

On moving day itself, once all of your worldly possessions have been safely unloaded in your new place, do a final walkthrough. Check the condition of the packed items, paying special attention to your precious possessions inventory list. This is where efficient labeling comes in handy.

 

At this stage, you will be able to see if any of your boxes (especially the ones containing your valuables) got damaged or torn in some places during the move. Again, take pictures and bring them to the attention of your removalist. Of course, it’s always a great thing to know that however mangled a carton may seem on the outside, that your items inside are still intact.

 

This is the time when you’ll be grateful that you took the time to purchase the necessary supplies, and packed and prepared well for everything.

 

Plan ahead and stress less

 

Moving to the house of your dreams is a wonderful thing, and something to really look forward to.

 

But weeks before your planned move, you need to take care of getting the right supplies, packing your things, ensuring you have a detailed moving inventory list, and getting your new home cleaned and ready.

 

 

Also, be sure to keep your most prized possessions safe and secure by preparing and planning for everything, and getting expert help in packing them if need be.

 

This way, you can be sure you’ll be off to a great start in your new home.

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.

moving abroad

A Quick Guide to Moving Abroad

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Don’t you often dream about living in another country? When you feel like your country has nothing to offer, moving to another place seems like the best idea.

However, the process is not as easy as it seems. While you’re only thinking about staying in your dream country, you should know that this comes with new problems and responsibilities. There are many things to consider before leaving.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if you really want to move abroad or not.

Pick the location

This is the decisive step when moving abroad. Once something makes you decide that you want to live in another country, you need to ask yourself “Where?”. Maybe you already have somewhere in mind, but if not, you have to consider some things.

First of all, if you have children, you need to think about their studies and well-being. Moreover, a new language might come into play, and it is going to be difficult for your child to get used to it. You also need to think about schools, sports clubs and other activities that will help them settle in.

If you’ve chosen the country, think about what area of the country you want to live in. Find out what it has to offer, how safe it is, and other information that could help you make a decision.

Consider the Downsides

As you already know, you need to consider a lot of things when moving abroad. It should be no surprise to you that you’re going to feel lonely. Whether you’re going alone or not, the friends you’re used to are not going to be there. So, loneliness is something you cannot avoid.

Also, you should consider more things, like getting a job, the living costs, and many others.

 

Get Health Insurance

If you are working that means you may have health insurance as part of your package, but that’s not guaranteed. If you don’t have a job, then you need to check how you can get medical care and whether you will have to pay for it. Each country is different, so you might want to check this beforehand.

You can also talk to your doctor and get a comprehensive travel insurance policy before leaving. Upon arrival, you might have to provide some health certificates from your local doctor.

Get a Long-Term Visa

Depending on your reason for leaving, it’s really important to have a long-term visa. It could be a tourist, work, permanent residency, or business visa.

Also, if your passport is about to expire, it would be a good time to go and get a new one. This will save you some money, as you don’t have to fly back home to get another one as soon as you arrive there.

Enjoy The Experience

Yes, it’s going to be very hard in the beginning, like any new thing. However, you need to enjoy yourself out there. So, don’t be scared of the new place and new experiences. After everything is settled and your life takes its normal course, you can start having fun. Go out, meet new people, and start appreciating the new land.

Final Thoughts

Moving abroad is a big step, and it’s going to be complicated at first. However, with some good planning, it’s all going to turn out great.

 

Author Bio: Jessica is the head of content for Hire A Box – a moving company that specializes in house moves. You can find out more here.

moving house - signs you are ready

Think you’re ready to buy a house? Here’s 4 signs

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“Am I ready to buy a house, or should I just keep renting?”

It’s one of the questions that we hear most often and something to which first-time homebuyers often spend months, if not years, trying to figure out the answer.

Below are a list of four tell-tale signs that you’re ready to bite the bullet and take the leap into home ownership:

Sign #1: You’re ready to settle down

The first sign that you’re in the right mindset to become a homeowner is that you’re ready to stay put — at least for a little while.

Conventional wisdom states that in order for your purchase to make financial sense, you’ll want to plan on staying put for at least the next five years. When you sit down to think about house hunting, you’ll want to use that timeframe as your reference point.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Can you see yourself staying at your job for that long, or will you be looking for new opportunities?
  • If the right position came along, would you be willing to move for it?
  • Do you like the area you’re living in, or would you like to explore other options?
  • Do you see your living situation changing soon?
  • Are you planning on moving in with a significant other or expanding your family?

If these questions make you squirmy, the idea of looking five years into the future still feels a little too far ahead for you to grasp, or you still want to see where life life takes you, you may want to consider renting for a bit longer or thinking about a for-a-few-years home vs. a forever home.

2. You’re done living paycheck-to-paycheck

 

moving house - how much will it cost

 

Let’s face it, becoming a homeowner is expensive.

Not only is there a monthly mortgage mortgage payment to consider, which will likely be more than your current rent check, but prospective homebuyers need to be prepared to come up with a sizable down payment, shoulder a portion of the closing costs, and have the dough to take care of any necessary repairs.

Luckily, there is a way that you can prepare for the added financial pressure before the big day comes and understand how much house you can afford. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate what a monthly payment could based on the type of home you’re looking to buy. Then, subtract the amount you pay in rent each month, and aim to put the the remainder into savings.

Start by working towards a down payment that could be worth 3%-10% of a home’s sale price, and then move onto a seperate emergency fund.

3. You’re ready for more responsibility

 

responsibility of buying a home

 

Once you find a home and actually buy it, that’s really where all the fun begins.

Yes, owning a home means that you have a lot more freedom to improve the property as you see fit — whether that means putting in an entirely new kitchen or redoing the hardwood floors.

However, in addition to that creative freedom comes an added layer of responsibility. As the homeowner, you’re the one who is responsible for any necessary maintenance and upkeep on the property.

Think about what you’re like as a tenant now.

Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and help with small tasks or are you relieved to know that you have someone to call? If you’re less handy, you may want to take some time to familiarize yourself with common home maintenance tasks before committing to buying anything. It always helps to have a fair idea of what you’re getting into.

4. You know what you’re looking for

 

looking for a house to buy

 

Last but not least, though it may sound self-explanatory, when you’re trying to determine whether or not you’re ready to buy a home, it’s useful to have an idea of what you’re looking for.

You don’t have to have every single detail set in stone. (In fact, it’s preferable if you leave some room to flexibility in your home search.) That said, though, having a basic set of parameters in mind will make the homebuying process go much easier.

Here, you’ll want to think about the most important factors that you absolutely must have in a home. These will be the things that you would not feel comfortable buying a home without. This may include details like your preferred location, an ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a target sale price, or any specific must-have features like that perfect picture window view.

If you have a strong idea of your must-haves and can’t see that changing in the near future, and the above signs sound like you, you may just be ready to take the plunge into home ownership. If not, there’s no shame in the game waiting.

 

This article originally appeared on OpenListings.

 

hampstead and highgate - north london

8 Tips For Moving House In London

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There is always an element of stress when moving house. But even more so if you are moving in London! The enormous population and broad cityscape make it one of the most interesting cities in the world – but also a logistical nightmare!

We’ve been helping Londoners move house for over thirty years now and it has been fascinating to see how the city has evolved over this period. The problems people face when moving house in London, however, have remained largely unchanged.

Our clients and friends often ask us advice on moving in the big smoke, so we thought it was about time we put our tips into writing.

Of course, no advice can guarantee a smooth move, but your odds will increase if you pay attention to the following.

1. Timing is everything

Move at the wrong time and you will spend hours in traffic. This is a common stress point. We tend to start the move from 8.00am to avoid the traffic everyday including weekends. Make sure to check big events happening locally that will bring in more traffic to a standstill– football games, concerts, conferences etc.

2. Consider parking

Parking in London is notoriously difficult and expensive. You wouldn’t believe the amount of times clients have called us having arrived at their new home in their removals van, only to find they can’t park it anywhere! If you have your own off-street parking, then great! If not, then you need to consider applying for a parking suspension from the local council. The best way to do this is to visit the website of your local council. If you are using a professional removals company they should be familiar with this process, so you can likely leave it to them.

3. Make us of local short term storage

Sometimes it’s impossible or impractical to move everything at once. This is a classic point of anxiety, especially if you have to move out before you’re allowed to move to the new home. These facilities offer vital flexibility at affordable rates.

4. Consider the Congestion Zone

If you are moving into, or out of, the centre of London, then see if you will be passing through the Congestion Zone. This is fairly expensive if you’re using multiple vehicles (£11.50 for each one, per day) and is also very busy. Avoid driving between 7am and 6pm if you want to get around the charge. If you decide to take the hit, make sure you pay online with 14 days to avoid a fine.

5.Ask your neighbours for help unloading

The stereotype of unfriendly Londoners is largely a myth in our experience. A well-timed knock-and-introduction can often lead to an offer to help with unloading the van. We’ve witnessed occasions where virtually the whole street has got involved! It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your new neighbours.

6. Plan out your route carefully

Some areas of traffic are notorious for heavy traffic. If you’re local knowledge isn’t great, try using the app Waze – we’ve found this to be the best at finding routes around traffic. But be careful to avoid narrow roads if you are driving a big van. We’ve had calls from clients who are quite literally stuck on a backroad.

7. Bring in professional help

Perhaps the easiest way to ensure a smooth move is to hire a local removals company and perhaps also a cheap self-storage unit, as they will probably have a well-oiled process that is tried and tested. Be sure to look at online reviews though, as a bad removals company may end up actually adding stress to the process.

8. Accept that it will be hectic!

The final top tip is pretty simple, but the hardest for many to actually do. Accept that you’re moving in the busiest city in the country and that things will never be simple. So embrace it and expect difficulties. After all, the traffic and the mayhem are all a part of the wonderful joy of living in London!

 

Author Bio:
Max Oldfield founded Ants Removals in 1985. Originally the company specialised in residential furniture deliveries and small removals. Under his guidance the company has gone from strength-to-strength, operating throughout the UK.

Removal Company - ask questions when moving house

Moving? Tips for a Cheaper and More Efficient Move

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Your first move from London to a huge and expensive city in the U.S. like Chicago, Illinois might have been exciting because you were finally getting out of your parents’ house and into your own apartment.

You’re starting a new life in a new city!

Subsequent moves, however, turned out to be costly and taxing, so you’re now looking for ways to move cheaply and efficiently. We’ve got some great tips for you:

Get Rid of Stuff

Stuff. We all have a lot of it, and some of us never stop accumulating it. That very used but serviceable garden wheelbarrow you saw in someone’s trash on the side of the road now has a home in your cramped garage, because you just might need it someday.

Those 13 VGA cables that you have gathered after every monitor change fill an entire drawer in your dresser. That kiddie pool with a slight crack still holds enough water for a couple hours just in case your brother’s children come over, and that broken solid state guitar amp that you mistakenly think might someday become a valued antique claims a prominent place in your bedroom. All of this stuff has one thing in common—if you’re moving soon, that junk needs to belong to someone else. Or at the very least be stored away in a cheap self-storage.

Ways to Do It

Of course, the dumpster is a decent option, but that doesn’t bring in any money, nor does it help the planet. One way to try to turn that trash into cash is to have a garage or moving sale. There’s a Wall Street saying that the stock market operates on the “bigger fool” theory: there is always a bigger fool than you that will buy the stock you want to sell.

Same goes for your stuff and we’re not going to repeat that “one man’s treasure” cliché–although you get the point. Advertise on Craigslist and/or put signs up in your neighborhood, get up early and nicely arrange the things you to get rid of, price them reasonably, and see what sells. If that fails you can take a trip to Goodwill or the dumpster. And maybe Goodwill has a dumpster you can use so you can accomplish everything at once.

Be Organized

After you have downsized by getting rid of unneeded junk, you can start to pack. Think about this before you start, however, as Helter Skelter may have been your dad’s favorite Beatle song, but it’s no way to begin a move. Start with one room at a time—preferably the room you use least—and methodically pack your things.

Of course, you’ll find a lot of stuff you really don’t need, and then you may need to do another sale! When one room is completed, start the next. Mark all containers carefully, and neatly stack them in the now finished room. This way, you’ll see real progress being made. By packing yourself, you’ll know where everything is, and you’ll save the cost of a packing service.

Spend It Now

We know you’re looking to save money (perhaps to buy a home in the future), but we’re interested in saving your life, so be sure to consider professional movers for the big stuff.

Walking up the basement stairs attached to a heavy, bulky and hard-to-handle freezer can be the proverbial recipe for disaster. Pro movers usually have seen it all, have the proper equipment, and know how not to get hurt while moving big and heavy objects.

Get rid of extra stuff by selling it, disposing of it, or giving it away; organize your move, and get pro help when you need it. If you follow those suggestions, your move will be cheaper and accomplished more efficiently.

packing tips

Beat the Heat with These 8 Summer Moving Tips

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Moving during any season can be an exciting but stressful time. You’re eager to take the next step and start your life in your new home, but moving during summer presents its own unique set of obstacles and necessities. When temperatures soar and humidity refuses to take a break, summer moving can easily go from inconvenient to dangerous. That’s why it’s important to devise a plan before moving day so you can ensure your adventure goes smoothly—and safely. If you are moving from a large home it may make sense to part-move in advance by shifting some of your less important stuff into a cheap self-storage unit.

Start your plan with these eight tips:

 

  1. Remember, the Early Bird Gets the Shade

Set that alarm and start your day before the sun does. The sun is typically at its strongest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so avoid doing any particularly strenuous moving during this time. Use this window to plan a lunch break, run any necessary errands or, if you’re moving somewhere nearby and need to make multiple trips, hit the road with the AC blasting.

 

  1. Keep It Light and Breezy

Loose-fitting clothes are ideal for moving in general, as long as they’re not so loose that they run the risk of snagging on anything. Avoid dark colours that absorb the sun’s harsh rays and instead opt for lighter hues. This is a great day to wear your trainers and sweat wicking gym (or couch) clothes.

 

  1. Designate a Water Boy

Hydration, hydration, hydration. The dog days of summer are reason enough to stay hydrated, but when you add long-term physical exertion to the equation, drinking enough water or electrolyte-replenishing beverages is vital to your health. Knight someone in your group the water boy whose responsibility it is remind everyone to take a drink break. If no one volunteers, set a recurring alarm on your mobile.

 

  1. Take (Frequent) Fives

Moving is tough work! You may be tempted to push through even when you’re exhausted just to get it all done, but that’s your body telling you that it needs to rest. If you ignore it, you’re at greater risk of developing heat stroke, which is accompanied by confusion, dizziness, agitation, and, ironically, an absence of sweat. So, play it safe and sacrifice those five minutes of moving time for your health.

 

  1. Get a Child/Pet Sitter

Even if they want to be your little helper, small children are hazardous to your moving day. They’re also more susceptible to heat stroke and less likely to realize when they’ve overexerted themselves. And while you might be tempted to leave Fido and Muffins out, even outside so they’re not underfoot, don’t: The heat can affect animals just as severely, they just don’t have any way to let you know. Keep little ones—two- and four-legged alike—safe and sound with a friend or professional sitter.

 

  1. Have a Cool Break Room

Pick a small, closed-in room that has already been completely cleared out and either leave the central air vent open or keep a small AC unit on. No one likes the idea of spending money to cool an empty room, but when you need to take a break after two hours of moving heavy boxes in 32-degree weather, you’ll forget all about that £2 in electricity and have difficulty tearing yourself away!

 

  1. Eat Light

On one hand, you want to have the energy you need to get you through such a physically exhausting day, but on the other, heavy food can be difficult to digest, especially in extreme heat. Eat foods that are low in density but high in protein and nutrients, like fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, grilled chicken, and tuna.

 

  1. Pack a “Go” Bag

Let’s be honest, at the end of a day of moving in the heat of summer, you’ll want a nice shower and clean set of clothes—but wait, you’ve packed everything away and need to go digging through boxes! Don’t make this mistake. Instead, pack a small bag with clean clothes and a towel, toiletries, and anything else you consider a necessity before you can relax. After all, you’ve earned it.

Moving in the summer can be difficult if you’re not properly prepared, but it can also be a fun and exciting day when done the right (and safe) way! Follow these eight tips and make your journey to your new home your best yet.

 

AUTHOR BIO

By Stephen Schwartz, Co-Owner, Gotham Mini Storage
Stephen Schwartz is the co-founder of Broadway Storage, a firm that specializes in the development and acquisition of industrial properties including Gotham Mini Storage.

 

buying a house checklist

8 Vital Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Removalist

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It’s a big deal to trust someone with your belongings during a house move.

 

After all, each of your possessions has some form of practical, sentimental and/or monetary value attached to it. Therefore, it’s only fitting that, before hiring a local removalist, you should at least ensure that the company is reputable and offers the services you require.

 

Asking questions is the best way to assess whether your prospective removalist can satisfy all your needs for the move. Once you have a removals company in mind, take into account the following questions during your first meeting:

 

1. What is your experience?

This is a crucial question especially if you are also moving rare or precious items that most removalists may not usually come across.

 

For instance, priceless pieces such as fine art, antiques, and a grand piano require skilled moving knowledge to prevent damages. These aren’t items that someone can easily carry and place in a moving truck; they need extra care through proper packing, dismantling and gentle handling.

 

2. Do you have insurance?

There are many risks during the move that may be beyond your removalist’s control.

 

The only way you can guarantee the safety of your items is through insurance. If your removalist does offer insurance, make sure to ask about the coverage and whether it is already part of the quote they have given you.

 

3. What is your rate?

Most removalists will give an initial rate based on the size of your current residence and the distance of the move.

 

Keep in mind that once you decide to move forward, the company should give you a proper estimate in writing and provide you with a copy of it.

 

The estimate document must include:

 

  • All fees/charges for the move
  • Both the removalist’s and your signature
  • Method and date of payment

 

Additional Fees

Ask if there are additional fees and when such charges will apply.

 

Some removalists charge extra for items which are difficult to handle and destinations which are particularly challenging to access. To avoid unexpected costs, take note of what conditions will cause them to go over your budget.

 

4. How long will the transit time be?

This is a crucial question to ask so that you can estimate when your belongings will arrive at your new home.

 

If you’re moving a long way and your items end up arriving early or far too late, you may not be around to pick them up.

 

5. Can you provide references or reviews from your previous clients?

If your chosen removalist is trustworthy, they would not hesitate to give you testimonials of satisfied clients. Much better if they have a website so that you can easily browse through to check if they’re giving factual and legitimate information.

 

Complaints and Claims

Ask your removalist if they have encountered complaints or claims. Details won’t be necessary as long as the company is honest about it, and they were able to handle the problems they encountered well.

 

6. Do you offer packing or storage?

There are people who don’t have enough time to properly pack their belongings inside individual boxes.

 

Find out if your removalist offers packing services so you don’t have to do all the packing on your own. Also, ask if they have a storage facility so that you have a place to secure your items just in case your new place isn’t ready yet.

 

7. Where is your office located?

A legitimate removal company should have an authentic brick and mortar office and contact number. Asking about the address of their office can help you verify the existence of the company.

 

You can even go as far as to check with your city government as to whether or not the removalist you will be dealing with has a licence to operate.

 

8. What are the things I need to prepare or arrange before moving day?

Inquire about what the removalist expects you to do before the actual moving date.

 

The company may ask you ready your boxes and save them a parking space for easy access. If you’re doing the packing by yourself, the removalist may be able to give you advice on proper packing to protect your belongings.

 

Also, don’t forget to ensure that your new home is all set, and spic and span, and ready for occupancy.

 

If you can’t handle the cleaning yourself, you should at least choose a good professional cleaning company to do the job for you.

 

A bit of checking goes a long way

As a client, you should be confident of the removalist you intend to hire by evaluating their background and services. This way, you can make sure that you don’t get less than what you deserve.

 

So, be sure to ask about the all of the above. The best removalists won’t have any qualms responding to your questions.

 

Come moving day, all you need to focus on is getting your new home set up once you get there.

 

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Hill works on Marketing at Adams & Rofe Removals and Storage and has been a dynamic figure in the removal industry for over 30 years. For relocating families, individuals or offices around Sydney or all over Australia, Kim will develop the perfect removal plan to take the stress out of your next move.

Step By Step Guide To Choosing Flooring

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If you’re lucky enough to be moving to a new home you might already be planning how you’re going to stamp your mark with new furniture and redecorations. A major part of any interior, and one that will set the tone for your whole home, is the flooring you choose.

So here’s a great guide to choosing the right flooring in your new home.

Step By Step Guide To Choosing Flooring

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The Disadvantages Of Residential Care Homes For The Elderly

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Residential care homes have advantages and disadvantages and it is important to consider both when looking into care. Here we look at the disadvantages.

 

Residential care homes for the elderly vary in quality, but most adhere to a good standard of care that enables residents to enjoy good quality of life on a daily basis. There are many benefits to residential care homes such as:

 

  • Having company all the time with people of a similar age
  • Enjoying food and drink being provided
  • Help with things like bathing and getting dressed
  • Having somebody there round the clock to ensure you are safe
  • Relatives having peace of mind that their loved one is safe

 

However, there are also disadvantages to residential care homes and it is important to understand them before making a decision about your care or your loved ones care in the future. Here are some of the disadvantages of residential care homes for the elderly:

 

The Cost

A good residential care home is not cheap and care home fees can cost thousands of pounds a year for a person to stay in a residential care home. If the person needs a nursing home the care home fees can escalate even more.

 

Loneliness

A lot of people think that residential care homes are likely to provide more company for the residents when in fact residents can feel lonelier than ever. Taken away from their pets, perhaps their partner, their neighbours and friends and everything they have ever known, they can feel isolated in their new environment.

 

A Lack Of Control & Freedom

If a person has previously led an independent life they may feel distressed at suddenly losing a sense of control and freedom. They have to go with the schedule of the home so they can’t just enjoy a bacon sandwich late at night just because, or watch a film in the early hours because they feel like it. This kind of schedule can contribute to a person losing their sense of self worth.

 

The Worry Of Choosing The Right Care Home

All care homes promise the best possible care for our loved ones, but the horror stories are always there and there is always that worry that your loved one is not somewhere that they will be cared for properly.

 

Health Issues

Studies have shown that every year 5,000 people die shortly after suffering a hip fracture and shockingly 1 in 5 of those accidents happen in residential or nursing care. Despite high standards of care, unfortunately it has been proven that certain health issues like falls are more likely in this kind of environment.

 

Never Going Out

According to the Live-in Care Hub Better At Home report, a third of people in residential care never leave their homes. The report also showed that 4% of those in residential care felt they didn’t do anything that they loved anymore. This means they lose touch with old friends and they stop going out to do the things they love. This can contribute to mental health issues like depression, and a general lack of quality of life.

 

Looking At All The Options

If you are unsure as to whether or not residential care is right for you or your loved one, consider all the options before making a decision. Live-in care could be a great alternative which ensures that you or your loved one are able to stay in your own home and receive the necessary care from a qualified provider. It has many benefits and the costs can compare to residential costs. It is certainly worth considering if residential care is not the ideal solution for your loved one’s care needs.