Category: Moving House

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How to Start a Home-Based Business While Relocating

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Starting a business is a challenge. Moving while starting a business makes it doubly challenging. However, with the right attitude and some planning, it can be done. You’ll need to decide what kind of business you’ll run and where you’ll have your headquarters. If it’s a home-based business, assess if you have the space you need. If your current location doesn’t work, you need to buy and move into a new home. Here are some tips from Moving House to help make your move a success.

Make a Plan and Get Started

A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step, and a successful business starts with a primary business plan. You’ll want to write a plan and make sure it covers some important details, including:

  • Type of business. Are you selling products or services?
  • The offering. What are you selling, and how does it set you apart from the competition?
  • Customers. Where will you get paying customers or clients?
  • Funding. Financing can come from loans from banks, savings, friends, and family.
  • Supplies. Where will you get materials and inventory?
  • Legalities. Consider the structure of your organisation, such as sole proprietorship or limited company, and licenc

If you have a product or service in mind, you can research how you’re going to get started in between house shopping.

Find and Purchase a Home in the Perfect Location

To start a home-based business, you’ll need to find a house that can be suitable as your dream home and in a good location for your business. That could mean a home with a larger home office, more storage, and a proper setting for meeting clients if necessary.

An estate agent can help you to find the right property. Once you find that perfect place, an agent can work with you to find a mortgage and compare different lenders and lending options.

A conventional mortgage may be the best option because:

  • It’s low cost. There may be fewer fees and smaller down payments compared to other loans.
  • It has multiple options for down payments. In some cases, houses can be purchased with a small down payment.
  • Rates can be adjustable or fixed. Options include fixed rate or variable rate, such as an ARM. Research what is the current interest rate of available mortgages to find a loan that works for you.
  • Mortgage insurance can be avoided. If you put down 20%, you won’t have to pay mortgage insurance.

Make an effort to set aside time every day for business, then work with your estate agent to finalise the home purchase.

Keeping track of the various documents for one’s business in addition to the paperwork for a move can be challenging. Fortunately, keeping digital records has never been easier—just follow these 4 steps to convert multiple pages into a single PDF. This means you can create PDFs that contain all relevant documents in a single file. Having a single reference point can be quite helpful when tracking various documents.

Set Up Your New Home Office

Once you’ve made the move, you’ll need a place to get work done. For that you’ll need:

As soon as you unpack your computer, you can get to work even if you’re not fully unpacked.

Finish the Move and Get Down to Business

As far as handling the logistics of the relocation itself, you’ll want to minimise the stress and hassle as much as you can, so you can concentrate on the important things, such as managing and growing your new business. For more information and resources to help you have a smooth and successful move, visit Moving House today!

 

 

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6 Secrets to Sell Your Home Fast

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If you have finally decided it is time to sell your house, you are already ahead of the game. In London, timing the market and making the decision to sell a house is often one of the hardest decisions for people.

If you have sold a property before, you must be aware of how things work in the property market. When you decide you want to sell your house, it is time to start interviewing estate agents, staging your house to attract prospective buyers, and take listing photos.

However, with a new era of technology, a changing, and slightly uncertain property market, it is important for sellers to take note of the top tips or secrets to sell your home instantly.

1.   Hire the Right Estate Agents

When you consult the right estate agent, for example, experts at Fish Need Water, they should be able to guide you about the ins and outs of the property market, right down to your neighborhood, as well as your block. They should have the right amount of knowledge about the families buying near you and the present value of your home. A good agent might be able to recommend ways on how you can stage your home to attract buyers, and more tips to highlight your home.

2.   Consider Latest Gadgets

Sellers are turning to all new ways of showing off their home’s best features. This means that hiring a professional photographer might not be enough for you. Experts in the estate market suggest homeowners should create 3D virtual reality tour to make their house stand out in the competitive market. An increasing trend this year is drone photography too.

3.   Emphasise Those Listing Photos

When it is time to advertise your home, you need to have it well represented in the listing photos. Many estate agents these days recommend that you should work on a few renovations to highlight the appearance of your home. Your home has to stand out, so you can work on tile enhancements, repaint or fix new lights along the front deck.

4.   Freshen Up Your Home Space

One of the most inexpensive ways to make your home smell and look newer is through a coat of fresh paint. When you go to an estate agency, usually the agents would guide you to work on a repainting project. Why is this so? The truth is that when a place shows really well, buyers try to visualize themselves in the home space. This way, you can also increase your chances to sell faster.

Another trick is to declutter your space – especially removing personal items like photos, artworks etc. If you have nospace tostore those things in your home then rent a cheap self storage unit for a month or two.

5.   Try To Go Social

When your home finally goes into the records of an estate agency, make sure that your agent highlights your home on places where buyers often search – online! These days, people turn to social media sites to search for recent updates and everything new and happening in their city or area. Ask your agent where your home’s listing would appear online and make sure they take advantage of marketing capabilities on social channels.

6.   List Your Home at the Right Price

You have to consult an estate agent and carry out research of your own to know the market value of your property. This will help you to price the property right up front and it will usually sell for more money. A concern for most property owners to avoid being a part of the price drop game. To sell your home faster and for more, you need to price it correctly.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Scoff at the First Offer

A small bit of uncertainty is clouding the predictions of the current market, and when uncertainty appears, it is a smart decision for sellers to take the first offer they get or end up taking the risk of losing big. Sellers can no longer dictate their terms as the market is shifting towards a buyer’s market. Do not scoff at the first offer; it is best to take it. After all, something is better than nothing at all.

Keeping these tips in mind when selling your home could help you to sell faster. Although it may seem like a difficult choice to make in the end, when you consult the right estate agent in any area in London, you can rest assured you will be able to sell your home at the right price and the right time. Just take your time to explore your options, interview a few estate agents, go through their portfolio, and the prospective buyers they have for you. Try to set a price quote that fits within the present property market, and when you finally feel that you have the right buyer in line, you can go ahead and sell your home.

extending your home

Extending Your Home: The Pros and Cons

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At some point, you might at least consider the prospect of extending your home. It can be a great way to add some much-needed additional space, but it can also add value to your property if you do it right. As with anything, extensions come with a list of pros and cons that need to be carefully considered before you make the commitment and decide to extend. In this article, we look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages, helping you to decide whether or not an extension is the right path for you.

 

Sell or Extend?

The most common question people ask themselves before they even look into extensions is whether or not they should sell or extend. After all, moving house can provide a lot of adventure, but it can also wind up being a very expensive affair. Similarly, while extending your home tends to be a cheaper route for many and can add value to your home, the costs can add up to more than your expected.

The main thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you need to move. Do you want more space? Will an extension provide you with that space? Is the reason you are looking to move due to no longer enjoying where you live? These are essential questions, and they need firm answers before you can make any decisions regarding extending your home or not.

 

Why Extend Your Home?

People like to extend their homes for a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Need additional space
  • Have family members coming to live with them eg. to help with live-in care
  • Want to add value to their property
  • Don’t want to move from their current neighbourhood
  • Don’t want the stress that comes with moving house
  • Like the neighbourhood they are in and don’t want to move

If you are still undecided with regards to whether or not you should extend your home, continue reading this guide. Below, we explore some of the biggest pros and cons when it comes to extensions – helping you to make a more informed choice.

modern extension

The Pros of Extending Your Home

#1 Can be Cheaper Than Buying a New Home

Purchasing a new home can end up being very expensive. Of course, you have the cost of the house itself, but you also have the additional fees that you need to pay in order to buy your next house. These are things like stamp duty and conveyancer/solicitor fees – all of which can add up to be a few thousand pounds by the time you are done. And, of course, you have to sell your existing home first, which isn’t always easy depending on economic conditions at the time.

An extension will usually cost a fraction of what you would end up spending purchasing a new home. Of course, the price of an extension can vary greatly, as it depends on the size, shape, and general layout of the additional space that you wish to have constructed. Prices can start as low as £1,500, and range far beyond the £50,000 mark.

So, if you are looking for a way to create new space in your home, but you also want to save money, an extension is an excellent option. Plus, it means you don’ have to leave your current neighbourhood – which is especially great if you have become a little attached to it.

 

#2 Certain Extensions Increase Home Value

It is true that some extension can increase the value of your home. The first of these is a conservatory. This is seen as a very desirable addition to any home, as it provides a place to relax with friends and family during the summer months, as well as the winter. For this reason, orangeries are also a popular choice. These are similar to conservatories, but are made with brick as well as glass.

If you are adding additional rooms to your home, it is important to make sure that you add bathrooms where necessary. For example, if you are adding new bedrooms upstairs, a family bathroom and an ensuite are very desirable. Similarly, having a bathroom upstairs and downstairs will certainly add a little more value to your home.

kitchen-in-my-new-house

An office or study can also add some value, especially for those who are self-employed and work from home. Having it listed as an option when you go to sell your home can be very beneficial, and may also increase the amount of interest in your home.

Loft conversions are also a good choice to make if you are looking to increase the amount of space you have, but also add some value to your home. It allows the buyers to use it as a bedroom, study, or other room when they buy it, making it a versatile choice of extension. These are becoming increasingly popular, and so it is important to make sure that you have the conversion done professionally.

 

#3 Less Stress and Hassle Than Moving Home (Usually)

When you move house, it comes with a great deal of stress and hassle. After all, there is a lot to organise, a good deal to pay for, and the waiting period can be stressful at best. A solicitor and conveyancer will deal with the paperwork for you, yes, but you still have to pay them once this is done.

On top of that, you also need to pay stamp duty, and you must also higher someone to survey your new home to ensure that it is not damaged in any way. All of this together will end up costing thousands of pounds. Plus, you have to factor in the additional costs to repair damage to your home before you sell it – even the small cosmetic items.

Aside from the cost, you also have the stress of the sale. Until the contracts are signed, and the exchange finalised, the whole thing could fall through at any time – especially if you are part of a buying chain. If the chain collapses, your sale falls through, as does your purchase. If this happens, you still have to pay all of your legal fees, which will leave you out of pocket.

The moving process can also be stressful, as you need to move all of your possessions from one home to another, which requires hiring and using a moving van. Plus, you need to make sure you have the manpower to lift all of your heavy items into the new house. Aside from hassle, this also adds additional costs.

interior-of-a-new-house

#4 Allows You to Stay in an Area You Like

One of the top reasons people choose to extend their home is that it allows them to stay in an area that they know and love. When you move house, you never really know what kind of area you are going to end up in, nor do you know what your neighbours will be like. Even if you do a lot of research, you know nothing until you arrive.

If you like the town, city, or village that you live in, then you may not want to move away from it. Many people form close friendships with the local people, and not everyone wants to leave that kind of atmosphere or routine. As a result, extending your home can be the better option. It means that you can expand your living space and play around with the layout, all without the hassle of moving.

 

The Cons of Extending Your Home

#1 Garage Conversions Can Decrease the Value of Your Home

If you convert your garage, it can add a lot of extra space to your home. This may seem great, but it can actually cause the value of your house to decrease. If you convert the garage, but leave nowhere to park, people will often be dissuaded from putting an offer on your home. After all, many people prefer to leave their car in a locked garage, and some garage conversions mean that you have to park on the road.

You need to consider the balance in your home as well when you go to extend. An unbalanced layout will cause the value of your property to decrease. A lack of bathrooms can be a big minus, as can extending the living room instead of converting loft space. Similarly, a lack of bedrooms and a tiny kitchen are very unattractive to families who are looking to buy a home.

The best thing you can do is talk to your estate agent before you put your home on the market. Ask them what they think, and also which extensions are popular and which will add the most value to your home. Speaking with an expert in the field is your best bet.

 

#2 Limited Space

One of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to extending your home is the fact that you are, ultimately, limited by the amount of land that you possess. Of course, if you own many acres, this might not be an issue, but for many, the available land is small. This means that while you may be able to extend your home, you could end with little to no garden (which will devalue your home), or you might not be able to extend as much as you originally wanted.

If you extend your house to the point where it appears to be squeezed into its lot, this can leave many buyers feeling put off and disappointed with the appearance of your home. It can also be unsightly for neighbours, and ultimately leads to you running out of space outside of the house.

 

#3 Can be Limited by Planning Permission

Planning permission is the bane of many extensions. After all, it only takes a few complaints for the council to consider denying you the permission you are looking for. This can be a very stressful period, as the waiting time for planning can last a few months, and in that time your neighbours are free to state whether or not they agree (and accept) your choice of extension.

You may also live in an area (or a home) that has limits on the amount of planning permission that can be granted. This can massively impact your extension plans, and sometimes even thwart them completely. Getting planning permission can be a tricky, time consuming, and stressful process. Before you extend, make sure you think carefully about whether or not it’s worth it.

 

#4 Extensions Can be Messy and Time Consuming

One of the things you can never predict about an extension is how long it will take to build. You will be given an estimate, but the majority of the time you will find it takes several months more than planned. Delays happen, and sometimes you may need to demolish and reconstruct parts of the extension if the council inspector deems the current building work to be outside of the guidelines and rules.

Before you opt to extend your home, it is first important that you decide if you are comfortable with the process being completed at least six months after the expected date. Putting this extra time on gives you a good estimate and helps you to be prepared – emotionally and financially.

Having an extension built is also messy work a lot of the time. Your house will practically be a building site for the duration of the extension work. You can expect to find dust, debris, and muddy footprints throughout the main area of your home while it is being worked on, and there will likely be a few cold nights when new areas are being constructed. Before building work commences, you need to take this into consideration and ask yourself if it’s really worth it.

 

Other Things to Consider

Here are some of the other things you may want to consider if you are thinking of having building work done on your home. After all, there is more to think about than the pros and cons listed above.

 

Finding a Good Builder

If you have made a choice to go forward with your extension, you need to make sure that you employ a good builder, and that they have reliable workers. Of course, this is never a simple task, especially with the number of ‘cowboy’ companies that are out there. A lot of people feel quite tense when they go to choose a builder, but a lot of the time it will work out well.

Recommendations from family and friends are a good place to start, as they can tell you about their own experiences, as well as which companies they think are the best. Often, you will be steered towards online reviews on websites like Facebook. While this can be a good place to get a general idea, reviews on these sites are often left by friends and family to get the rating higher.

The council can also be a good place to look, as they will have a list of companies that they have used for work in the past. If you are struggling to find a company based on recommendations and reviews, this can be one of the best paths to take. Generally, the building companies used by the council are reliable and offer a fair quote, which is always beneficial.

Before you make your choice, make sure you get a quote off each of the builders you have spoken to. That way, you will have a list of prices so that you can choose one that suits your budget. However, it also gives you some space to negotiate a higher price with your chosen builder if they have a higher quote than your other options.

Most will be open to the prospect of negotiation as long as you are both polite and fair when you initiate the process. Asking for too much off is insulting, so make sure you are prepared to haggle and that you treat the builder with respect when negotiating.

 

Stay or Away?

When extensions are being built, and work is being done on the home, some families choose to move away from their houses while the job is being done storing furniture and belongings elsewhere, and others choose to stay. This is something you will need to consider should you decide to expand your current home.

For those that work nights, and for those that have children, staying away from the home can often mean a less disruptive schedule. Night workers are less likely to end up with disruption during the day when they are trying to sleep, and children are more likely to remain in their usual routines.

Staying away usually means that people take one of the following options:

  • Stay at a hotel or B&B
  • Stay with relatives
  • Stay with friends
  • Rent a flat or house

Some of the choices are more expensive than others, so make sure you consider the cost before you make a decision if you are staying away. Remaining in the home is often the cheapest and easiest option, and it also leaves you with the freedom that comes with having your own house. Just make sure that you won’t find yourself too disrupted by all the building work.

 

Who is the Extension for?

This is a question that you might not have thought too much about. When you go to extend your home, ask yourself who this extension is for. Are you building it for your parents or adult children? Is it to give you extra space to work? Do your young children need a larger place to sleep and play?

An increasing number of families are moving in together, with parents and adult children having separate houses on the same land. It is cheaper, easier, and it also means that everyone is close together just in case they need anything. However, it also offers everyone their own space that is completely private.

If this is your plan, you need to carefully consider the extension, but also the amount of land you have to play with. Is it worth moving house and finding somewhere that comes with more land so that you can build an additional house? Some people will convert the space over the garage for a parent that is moving back, but others will require additional space for a larger number of returning family members.

The reason for your extension should be something you put a lot of thought into. It’s good to ensure that you are extending for the right reasons, but also to make sure that it’s worth it and that it’s easier than moving house. Once you have confirmed the reason for your extension, as well as who it is for, you can then take a look at how to go about it.

 

To Conclude

Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into the advantages and disadvantages of extending your home. It’s never an easy choice to make, nor is it a decision that should ever be taken lightly. As with anything, it also comes with a number of risks that could end up causing the project to cost a lot more money, but also take up a much larger amount of time than previously anticipated. However, once the job is done, you should be left with a wonderful extension that allows you to open up your home and use some much-needed extra space. Despite the risks, it can be a wonderful solution for those who need space but don’t want to leave their home (or their area).

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How to cut the cost of moving house

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Smart savings on the cost of moving house for an expensive time of life.

 

Alongside divorce and the death of a loved one, moving house is said to be one of life’s biggest upheavals. Uprooting yourself – and your family, pets and possessions – to another location presents some pretty steep logistical challenges and costs can soon spiral out of control. However, if you’ve got to move house to a strict budget then there are ways to help cut the costs.

 

Estate agent fees

 

The new generation of online estate agents has caused buyers, sellers and renters to re-examine whether it’s even necessary to pay agent’s fees anymore. Many online sites offer fee free sales – “no commission” – and there’s no doubt that this can considerably cut the cost of your move. Estate agents usually charge 0.75% – 3.5% of the price of the property, which can end up being a substantial sum. The key is to work out whether a full service estate agent is likely to be worth their weight in gold if you don’t have time to manage any of the process yourself. Or whether cutting them out of the loop will provide a bigger saving.

 

Removals

 

If you want to absolutely slash the cost of your removals the cheapest ways to do it is to hire a van and manage the entire operation yourself, perhaps with the help of friends and family. Depending on your possessions and where you’re moving to this may not be possible. If you’re bringing in the professionals then shop around before agreeing to anything. The range of quotes you’ll receive is likely to be vast so it’s worth the effort to find the cheapest. Remember if your belongings need to be stored becasue you are moving a long distance or you can’t move into your new home straight away then use a cheap self-storage unit rather than other more expensive options from removals companies, Don’t be afraid to negotiate and if you find a cheaper quote elsewhere then ask other companies to match it.

 

The cost of your mortgage

 

According to Lloyds, mortgage fees have more than trebled over the last decade. This extra expense can add substantially to your moving costs and rarely feels like value for money. If you want to reduce your mortgage fee – or remove it altogether – you can opt for a fee free mortgage. The trade off is that your interest rate rises slightly. However, if you’d rather bear the cost of the mortgage via the monthly payments, rather than in a lump sum on moving day, it can be a more attractive choice.

 

Reduce stamp duty

 

Stamp duty is one of the most significant moving costs but things have changed in recent years with a system better designed to be less expensive. Although you can’t haggle stamp duty, you can haggle the price of the property down so that it sits within a cheaper stamp duty threshold. Some new build homes also offer stamp duty paid as part of the deal – and it’s a feature of negotiations that you can always request.

 

Buy the freehold

 

Although buying the freehold will add to your initial moving costs it’s something that could save you thousands further down the line. If you’re not the freeholder then you’ll have to pay ground rent and service charges each year to whoever is for as long as you own the property. If you’re the freeholder then there’s nothing to pay.

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Senior Homeowners Will Want to Downsize After Reading These Benefits

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Downsizing is a major decision and one that is often met with many questions. Senior homeowners may be concerned about covering the cost of a move, being able to fit all their belongings into a townhome, or finding a buyer for their current place, and while those are all valid concerns, the benefits tend to outweigh any potential cons. Not only does downsizing give you the opportunity to save money, but it can also help reduce the amount of housework and upkeep you have in your current home, leaving you more time to do the things you enjoy.

 

Here are some tips from House Removal to help you sell your home at a nice profit and find the perfect place for the next chapter in your life.

 

Fund your move, and then some

 

Selling your home is a big step, especially if you’ve lived there for a number of years, but if it’s in good shape you’ll be looking at a nice sale price that will allow you to fund your move with some left over. It’s a good idea to do any small upgrades you can to your old house before you sell. Some fresh paint and window repairs can add good value. Just be sure to save receipts and records.

 

Because there are always a few fees associated with selling, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly how much you can expect to take home when it’s all said and done, so get your finances in order and look for a handy home sale proceeds calculator that will tell you its value while subtracting taxes, fees, and commissions. Once you’re armed with a solid number, you’ll be able to plan more efficiently for the move.

 

Many seniors who downsize also make extra cash by selling items they won’t need in the new house. Try having a garage sale or posting on a resale app so you’ll have more space after the move.

 

Get ready to save

 

Not only does selling your home bring in some extra cash, but you’ll also be able to save each month with lower mortgage payments, smaller utility bills, and fewer maintenance costs. For many homeowners who choose to downsize and move into a townhome, this is the main attraction because it allows them to save for things like family vacations, retirement, or college funds for the kids. Once you have a new home in mind, add up what your monthly costs will be and compare it to what you spend now. You may be surprised at the difference. There are a number of ways seniors can save, including taking advantage of senior discounts or joining a discount club.

 

Relax

 

Saving money is a major perk of downsizing, but it’s not the only one. Once you have a smaller place to take care of, you’ll have fewer chores and maintenance—like yard work—to worry about, which means you can spend more time doing the things you love and focusing on your health or your family.

 

The process of moving will allow you to declutter, which Psychology Today notes can lower your stress levels and boost mental health in general. Reducing stress will have an effect on many parts of your lifestyle, from the way you sleep to your ability to handle responsibilities at work. You might even have more time to spend on a hobby that can be turned into a side-gig or create a home-based business!

 

Getting rid of a lot of stuff before a move can help you save money during it. One major savings is that you won’t require a large team to get your things moved effectively. You’ll likely be able to accomplish it with a man-and-a-van service.

 

Consider it an adventure

 

Whether you want to start a new career or prepare for retirement, downsizing will give you the opportunity to do so in a new town if you wish, which could turn out to be a major positive. When it’s time to search for a townhome, don’t be afraid to branch out in other cities or states. Do some research on the area to find out more about the local culture, school ratings, crime rate, and interesting landmarks and attractions, all of which will affect your lifestyle or job choice. If you’ve been thinking about making a fresh start, now is the perfect time.

 

Downsizing definitely comes with a lot to think about, but with so many benefits it would be a shame not to at least consider it. Do some research to find out how much you can expect to get for your home and how much you’ll save in the first year, which might convince you to take the plunge.

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A Guide To London House Prices By Area

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Are you thinking of buying a property in London? Whereas a lot of people have flooded the coast in search of a better life, London remains a desirable choice for many people who want to be amongst the buzz of the capital. To help you get started on your search, here’s a guide to London house prices by area:

 

A Quick Note…

 

The housing market in the UK (2022) is volatile and changeable. Any amounts mentioned below should be taken as a rough guide, and any specific information should be sought from local estate agents. This is especially true in the case of a market crash or economical recession.

 

A Guide To London House Prices By Area

 

As of June 2022 the average house price in London is around £529,829 which includes the price of flats. This is over £200,000 pounds more than the average house price in the UK and has risen by nearly 8% over the last year, a little below the average of 11.9% in average property price growth across all of the UK.

 

A popular newspaper also suggested the following London average house prices for different areas of the capital:

 

Kensington And Chelsea – £1,736,077

Havering – £475,150

Westminster – £1,44,340

Sutton – £540,305

Merton – £716,574

Bromley – £615,304

Barking and Dagenham – £365, 907

Hillingdon – £550,386

Harrow – £621,808

Kingston – £692,018

Waltham Forest – £548,390

Redbridge – £510,191

Bexley – £466,015

Croydon – £488,310

Haringey – £663,498

Barnet – £700,085

Wandsworth – £830,747

Richmond – £922,614

Enfield – £503,096

Islington – £771,669

Greenwich – £484,228

Newham – £455,380

Southwark – £652,140

Ealing – £593,052

Hackney – £680,016

Lewisham – £509,431

Tower Hamlets – £580,978

Hounslow – £583,290

Camden – £1,000,952

Hammersmith and Fulham – £964,916

Brent – £614,062

Lambeth – £661,069

 

 

Trends are suggesting that most areas are seeing a rise in value, although with a potential global recession glooming, that may not last.

 

What’s The Next Step?

 

If you are hoping to move to London, remember that helpful services like budget self storage can help you to live in a smaller property without having to worry about where you put your stuff. Utilising affordable self storage can make owning or renting a property in London more achievable, because you don’t need as much storage space and London self storage is much more affordable than owning or renting in the capital.

 

To take the next step on your journey to buying a house in London speak to a local estate agent who can give you the latest lowdown on prices by area. You may also want to get a valuation on your own property too, so that you know exactly what you need to do to take the next step.

 

 

 

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Finding the Best Man and Van Hire Services

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There are various Man and Van Hire service providers that are friendly, reliable, and affordable. They offer professional removal services to their private and business clients in and around London and right across the UK. They have many different sizes of mobile trucks and a fleet of many vans to choose from, you can choose between a van and a driver or up to three assistants to help with any heavy lifting. You can hire them by the hour or at a fixed price. They do not charge any additional fees as it is all-inclusive. They can transport individual items in full truckloads locally or nationally within the UK. This type of van is also insured as standard. They offer clean, fully equipped vans with experienced, CRB-approved drivers and carriers to ensure you and your belongings are in good hands.

 

They are your solution for any removal or delivery service from anywhere in London and also offer long-distance removals. An experienced Man and Van Hire service makes sure that everything goes according to your plan. They know that their clients have different relocation needs such as the size, budget, or times of access to their property.

 

Whatever your moving needs, they offer a full range of people and van services so they can customize any move to meet your needs. They also offer free advice and tips before you move.

 

Why are many people already using the Man and Van Hire service?

Whether they’re moving into a new family home or office, people look no further than an experienced  Man and Van Hire service to keep removal costs down. The goal is to make a house or business move as easy and stress-free as possible. A man-and-van is your best choice for hassle-free and affordable moving services anywhere, anytime.

 

Look out for these services:

 

  1. Professional, uniformed and friendly staff.
  2. Great personal insurance service.
  3. No hidden costs.
  4. Clean and fully equipped vans.
  5. Reliable service.

 

There are also service providers who act as agents for customers, all of whom are hard-working, well-trained, and highly experienced individuals with many years of knowledge and experience. Whether you need their services for a local move in and around London or an international courier with a package that needs to reach its destination safely, they have a man-and-van for you.

They combine level of knowledge with low prices and customer focus. They are ready and fully equipped to deliver your belongings to your desired location on time, seamlessly, and with a smile.

 

Other Considerations

A Moving Van Hire service should always be fully insured so that you can rest assured that your belongings are fully protected during the move. They should also be available 7 days a week so you don’t have to worry about fitting them into your busy schedule and moving at week-ends when you don’t need to be at work. Many people will also need the service to operate locally, nationally, and even internationally for moves across the country or overseas.

 

 

Reasons to avoid a DIY move

How to set up utilities when renting

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Utilities

Whether it’s your first rental property or your third, setting up gas and electricity should be one of your priorities. This is because you need your utilities to be turned on for a decent standard of living, such as being able to cook and access clean water. If you’re wondering how to set up your utilities while renting, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s a standard step-by-step process to get you going. Before you begin, it’s recommended that you find out which utilities you’re responsible for as a tenant, as this varies depending on the rental. Generally, you’ll be expected to pay for your own gas and electricity but this isn’t always the case.

1. Gather the relevant information

Before you begin it’s useful to gather all of the information you need for setting up utilities for your rental. Again this varies depending on the provider you choose but a general rule of thumb is that you’ll need:

    • A recent meter reading
    • Your new address in full
    • Preferred start date

If you’re unsure, the preferred start date is usually the day that you intend to move in.

2. Research various utility providers

There are many different providers of gas and electricity in the UK. Some tenants like to shop around separately for their gas and electricity, but it’s often cheaper and more convenient to get a package deal if possible. If you want minimum hassle, you can simply stay with the providers set up by the previous tenant. However, check that their tariff rates are suitable for your budget before you do this.

While you’re researching gas and electricity providers, you may also want to consider other utilities such as water, as well as other essentials like broadband. Consider making notes on your research, including possible providers for each type of utility and what the average costs for those utilities are shaping up to be.

3. Get in touch for a quote and switch-on date

Once you’ve started to research providers and have made a shortlist of preferred companies, start getting in touch for personalised quotes, if you haven’t done so already. These quotes inform you how much you can expect to pay per month for utilities. There are many different packages available so take your time to research thoroughly.

Getting utilities set up is easier than before as many providers now have online portals that you can log in to. These portals allow you to sign up for a utility plan and arrange a start date – all without speaking to a single member of staff.

If everything goes accordingly, your rented property should have access to all of the necessary utilities on the agreed start date. Make sure your provider has agreed to this date or acknowledged it in some form, however.

moving mistakes - period home

The Three Biggest Moving Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

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Moving home is an exciting time. Perhaps it means an interesting new job, a larger place or even being closer to your friends or family. Whatever your reason is for moving, we all want a smooth stress-free home move. This is why we’ve pulled together this article to highlight the three biggest moving mistakes and exactly how you can avoid them.
So, let’s jump right in.

Mistake 1:

The Primacy Bias, Why You’re Spending Too Much Money

There is a natural bias we have as humans called the primacy bias. This basically means that your judgement of something is affected by what you saw earlier. The classic example is when you walk into a bridal dress shop and see three dresses all for £5,000 or even higher. Then, the shop assistant brings out a dress for only £1,995. Bargain, right? By comparison the new dress seems to be cheap but it’s only because we have seen the more expensive ones before.

But what has this got to do with moving home?

If you’re buying a home you can have tens of thousands to spend, so costs such as pricey mortgage brokers or “recommended” solicitors can seem negligible in comparison to the total value. This therefore means that you’re more likely to spend more and actually buy items you might not otherwise because the costs seem less in perspective of your entire move. This also applies even if you’re renting, just on a smaller scale.

This isn’t to say these services aren’t worth it or you don’t need those items, it’s just important to really think about it .

Mistake 2:

Making More Work Than You Need To

Moving home is often seen as a stressful experience. In part that’s because we can make a meal out of what should be simple activities, meaning we have to spend lots of our time on the non-glamorous stuff. So, what can we do about it?  The good news is that there are some simple, easy-to-follow tips you can follow that will save your hours of time when moving home

  • Spring clean weeks before you move. Get rid of most of the stuff you haven’t used in the past 3-6 months. This can dramatically reduce the amount of stuff you’re taking to your new place – stuff you don’t use anyway
  • Label your boxes with the room they’re destined for. This one seems obvious but you’d be surprised the amount of people that forget to do this. Once you move into your new place it will be a complete time-saver
  • Update your address online. The team over at SlothMove have pulled together an online service where you can update your address online. Instead of spending up to 7 hours telling everyone that you’ve moved, you can tell them all within 5 minutes. That’s time better spent doing other things!
  • Book everything in advance. The further in advance you can make arrangements such as childcare, pet day-care, van rentals & storage the easier and smoother your move will be.

 

Mistake 3:

Stressing Too Much

Recent studies show that two thirds of people placed the process of moving home at the top of their stress list, suggesting that it caused more anxiety than breaking-up, divorce or even starting a new job.

If this is the way we perceive moving home, we might be less inclined to do so which can reduce our geo-mobility. Therefore, it’s important that we change our perspective about moving home itself.

But, how do you do that?

The first thing to bear in mind is that taking a break from the home move is completely fine and should be done. You don’t need to be a machine and get it done as quickly as possible. Feel free to take the afternoon or the weekend off and do something completely different. This will help the home move feel more part of your natural routine.

Secondly, try to take some time off work. Don’t try to squeeze everything in between your work and at your weekends. The impact of doing it in the evenings and weekends is that it compounds stress and gives you a completely full schedule. Just taking a week or even a few days off work can make a massive difference in delivering a stress-free home move.

Finally, remember why you’re moving in the first place. You might be moving for something really exciting. In the typical chaos of the home move it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that what you’re doing is really exciting. Contrary to popular opinion, moving home should be fun and is something to be enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you’ve found this article of value; with there being so much to do with moving home and it can be tough to stop and consider if there is a better way to do something. However, if you can take five minutes and apply just one of the principles we’ve covered today you can save yourself stress, time and even money.

Sustainable house move

How to Have a Sustainable House Move

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In 2020, ignoring the climate crisis really is not an option. While we trust that you are doing your bit, we also imagine that the environment is not your greatest concern amidst your house removal. We are here to change that by showing you how to have a sustainable house move.

 

Did you know? On average, moving house emits a whopping 17 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. While moving house is an imperative, and we recognise cancelling your move altogether is simply not an option, why not try and shave a few kilos off that total by following the simple tips outlined below. Remember, being more eco-friendly means greater efficiency, and greater efficiency means saving time and money. That’s killing not two, but three birds with one stone!

 

Before Your Move

A sustainable house move requires you to start off on the right tracks, and get your eco-hat on well in advance of your actual moving date. The following steps show you how.

 

Choose an Eco-Friendly Moving Company

Bet you did not even know that such a thing exists! While there are of course limits to how sustainable a removal company can be, there is no doubt that some try to do their bit more than others. Reward those who do for their efforts, and when requesting quotes, or researching your removal company, consider this a factor in your selection process.

 

The key things to look for when working out whether a removal company endorses eco-friendly behaviours are:

  • Do they practice corporate social responsibility?
  • Do they carbon offset some of their emissions?
  • Do they drive eco-friendly vehicles?

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope it gives you some pointers to start selecting a sustainable mover. Need a bit more guidance? Sirelo’s list of top eight international moving companies considers corporate social responsibility as a deciding factor in who made the cut!

 

Reduce Your Load

Thinking of bringing your neglected armchair? Or the lamp collecting dust in the cupboard? Think again – that isn’t the route to a sustainable house move.. Naturally, the greater the volume of your move, the more carbon dioxide emissions it will emit, and equally the more expensive it will be. It therefore goes without saying, that reducing your load is essential to ensure both a sustainable and budget-friendly move.

 

Don’t Dump!

You may think we are contradicting ourselves a little here, but stay with us. So you have been ruthless in selecting what furniture to bring with you, and now you are stuck with mountains of unwanted goods. Rather than taking these to landfill, think about doing one or some of the following things instead:

  • Sell it! Save the environment and make money at the same time? A double win. There are many platforms in which to sell second-hand goods. Anything that is in good enough condition is worth finding a new home for.
  • If you can afford it, an even better option is to donate any unwanted furniture to a charity shop. Alternatively, there are NGOs dedicated to collecting and redistributing unwanted furniture to vulnerable people. If you are strapped for time, they will often do the legwork for you.
  • Even if certain items of yours are damaged beyond repair or use, many people fancy their hands at upcycling. Wooden furniture in particular can be useful, so donate your furniture to a creative and watch your old side table transform!

 

During Your Move

If you have managed to be sustainable up to this point, you are doing incredibly well. But the hard work does not stop just yet. The following measures will help you ensure that you keep up the good work throughout the moving process.

 

Pack Wisely

So you have managed to narrow down what to bring with you on your adventure, but there are also ways you can pack those that made the cut in a sustainable manner. Consider some of the following:

  • Second-hand boxes. Why not have a look to see if you can source boxes that have already been used. Given that the price of moving boxes can add up, you will save some money along the way too.
  • Minimise packing materials. Think twice before you buy heaps of bubble-wrap and other padding materials. Why not use blankets, towels and scarves instead? Another way to cut back on both your moving expenses and carbon emissions.

 

Transport

At this point, your efficiently packed, reused boxes are safely packed and ready to go. If you are moving yourself, think about the best way to avoid multiple trips in your vehicle, again reducing both petrol costs and emissions. Sensing a theme here?

 

If you and your boxes are parting ways, and a removal company is taking care of them, you will still have to get yourself to your new home. If possible, avoid flying. We know this is not always an option, so if jumping on an aeroplane is the only viable option, think about carbon offsetting your flight, if you can afford to do so.

 

After Your Move

Start good habits in your new home, and think carefully about how to reduce your carbon footprint, both immediately after your move and in the weeks, months and years to come. We have outlined some of the ways you can do this below:

 

  • Go paperless. We imagine that your house move has been somewhat plagued with exhausting amounts of admin. Moving often requires you to get in touch with you bank, doctor and many other services, in order to change your address. While doing this, why not also opt to go paperless? May as well, while you are at it.
  • Buy second-hand furniture. What goes around comes around, quite literally! Replace all that furniture you so generously sold and donated with someone else’s unwanted goods. Both charity shops and platforms such as Facebook Marketplace often have real steals!
  • Choose eco-friendly utility providers. Much like you did when selecting a removal company, ensure your new utility providers have eco-friendly policies. This is becoming more and more common, so it should not be too difficult to find.

 

First of all, congratulations! Moving house is no mean feat, and you seem well on your way to making it success and a sustaniable house move. Remember, every little helps; we know implementing all of these tips into your move may seem overwhelming, but even just a couple can go a long way to help save our planet.