Home Upgrades To Consider

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Your home is where you spend a lot of your time so it only makes sense you’d want it to look nice and put together. There will likely come a time when you’ll glance around your property and realize that there are certain features that are outdated or that could use a little extra attention.

Know that there are a few upgrades in particular that you may want to consider implementing in your space to make it more appealing and attractive. Start by reviewing all of the possibilities and then narrowing it down to what you want to begin tackling first.

Remodeling Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an important part of a house because it’s where you spend a lot of time and sprucing them up will also help increase your resale value. Now is the perfect time to look into making a few updates that will help enhance the appearance of your bathrooms. A few ideas include replacing an old vanity, installing a new shower and adding a fresh coat of paint. Also, take time to decorate and make the space your own by adding a couple of personal touches here and there. You won’t regret the time and money you put into improving the look and feel of your bathrooms since they’re an essential part of your home.

Updating Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is another area you should evaluate and start considering what upgrades you might want to move forward with in your home. Determine if you need to refinish or replace the floors and countertops, add an eye-catching backsplash and invest in new appliances. You could also think about installing a kitchen island and replacing old cabinet hardware to boost the overall ambiance. If you like to cook or entertain, then it’s a wise idea to put a lot of your efforts into updating this space and having it truly make a statement when you walk in the room. Taking the time to create a stunning kitchen will certainly make your space more enjoyable to be in, and it’ll be a good selling point to show potential buyers one day.

Installing A New Roof

Although you can’t see it that well, and may not even pay much attention to it, it’s possible you have an old, leaky roof that could need replacing. Get someone to check it out and see if it’s time to completely replace and upgrade it all together. One idea is to turn to solar power San Diego and install panels that are going to help you save on energy costs and make your home more energy efficient. It’s a great time to make the switch and finally get on board with going solar, so you can help save the planet and upgrade your home all at the same time.

Enhancing Your Landscaping

Curb appeal matters a great deal, so don’t wait any longer to start working on the outside of your home. One area that will help the appearance of the exterior is to update your landscaping by planting trees, bushes and beautiful and colorful flowers and plants. Get on a schedule so your grass is being cut on a regular basis and you’re continuously working hard to upkeep the appearance of your outdoor space. In addition, consider building a deck or patio in your backyard and planting a few extra shrubs to provide you with more privacy around your property. Either find the time to do it yourself or hire the professionals to come out and assist you with maintaining a good-looking yard.

Creating Lighting Options

It can be easy to forget about the importance of lighting when considering what upgrades you want to make to your home. However, it can make or break a space and has the ability to set the mood in each room of your home. For example, sconces could be attractive in your bathroom while you may want to install recessed lights that are on a dimmer switch in your living room or finished basement. The key is to always have lighting options in each space so you can adjust them according to the time of day and what you’re doing at the time. Don’t forget about the outside and backyard when thinking about new lights such as illuminating the area around your garage, a walkway or your patio area.

Cleaning up Your Windows

Another home upgrade you may want to consider looking into is replacing or power washing your windows, especially if you have a lot of them throughout your property. The more natural light you have available to you the better, and the cleaner your windows are, then the more likely it is that you’ll be able to enjoy this benefit. Also, your windows will appear nicer overall when you dress them up with attractive window treatments on the inside and shutters on the outside. Bare windows do much for your home, so it’s worth your time and energy to research your options further and move forward with making them look complete. Utilize what is already there to add an extra touch to your home.

Adding A Fireplace

One home upgrade that you may not have considered because you don’t currently have one is to install a new fireplace. They truly help create a better atmosphere in rooms such as your dining or living area and add warmth in the cold winter months. If you have one but don’t use it or like the appearance of it, then this could be your chance to make a few upgrades to it such as painting it or replacing the old material with a more striking option such as stone. There are more choices for types and styles of fireplaces then you may think so be sure to do your homework before making a final selection.

Conclusion

Your home is where you go to unwind after a long day of work and where you should feel the most comfortable. Make it an even better space to dwell in by thinking about following through with some or all of these upgrades. Take one step at a time and work your way to tackling each project until you feel your property is at a place that brings you the most satisfaction and enjoyment.

Best Value-Add Home Improvements

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Whether you are new to the property market or are settled in your beautiful home, there is always that niggling thing in the back of your mind of how you potentially add value to it if you were to sell. Unless you are in your forever home, most people will be looking to make money on their investment, whether this is a short-term solution or something for long-term family goals. For small additions, you can perhaps add some initial value, but if you’re looking to make a substantial impact on the sale price, renovating is likely to be the way forward.

Of course, with renovation work comes initial investment and costs so considering the amount you spend compared to the value you can add will weigh up whether it is the right option for you. There is also the issue of building control and regulations in the property location and checking the legal aspects of structural change and renovation that will need to be carried out before you start work. This, in turn, can also add time and money to your project, which needs to be factored in the cost.

Financing your project is also something that has to be considered, as there are several options including sourcing finance from lenders such as Bonsai Finance or perhaps using the equity in your home already to undertake the work. Whatever you choose this finance cost will also have to be considered alongside the overall costs to get the true value of your investment.

To consider whether it is a worthwhile investment, a few questions need to be answered before you start planning your big change. These big decisions can offer value but how much can depend on how you change the property. Check out some of the best ways to add decent value to your home to make the renovations worthwhile.

Adding an extension

This is one of the most popular renovation projects for homeowners as they see it as a surefire to add value due to the increase in space inside the property. Although this is mostly the case, there are several factors to consider to make it a worthwhile option. Speaking to a property expert before deciding on a large project such as this will help you understand whether this type of extension will fit in with what people want to buy in the area. There could be elements such as the renovation eats into the garden space which makes your external areas look smaller, or perhaps extension ideas won’t be large enough to add a fully functioning space for your interiors, which will actually hinder the property rather than increase its value.

Building permission is also another significant factor for this type of renovation as you won’t just be able to start a project without getting everything signed off beforehand. This can eat into your budget, and if there are modifications to be made on original designs, you may have to reapply or wait for a decision before starting. However, this type of renovation is one of the best options for making more money on your property, and strategically extending areas such as the back of your home for added kitchen or living space is ideal for families looking to enjoy a more spacious and inviting family home.

Property presentation

Most people get a feel for a property from the moment they arrive at the curbside so if your home doesn’t present the wow factor then it is less likely to attract the type of buyers willing to pay the asking price. Improving the appearance might not seem like a difficult task, but if you have lots of little things that need completing, then this can start to mount up. By investing in these areas, you can add some value (although it might not be a substantial amount) to your property. Alongside adding value, it will also make your house more appealing to potential buyers, which will help sell faster, and closer to the asking price.

Check out some of the top areas to address to boost its appeal:

• Windows can make or break the outside appearance of your home so it might be time to upgrade them to add a little more value.
• If the roof is in need of some TLC, fix it to ensure there are no apparent signs of damage.
• For properties that have garden frontage, ensuring this area is tidy and well presented can help to draw people in.

Kitchens and bathrooms

These are often two rooms that can sell a property so ensuring they are looking clean, fresh and attractive will help to improve the selling power of your home. The beauty of renovating these spaces is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make some decent money back, but designing a multifunctional space in the kitchen is a must to ensure it presents the perfect room for the hub of the house. When redesigning kitchens and bathroom, you should consider everything by replacing from the ground up, so flooring, cupboards, appliances and wall décor all have to be changed. Both areas also need to be practical as they will be in use all the time, so thinking about the layout and how it can work in the space you have will ensure it suits all users from adults to kids. The finishing touches can also make all the difference in these rooms too, so door handles, lighting fixtures, and even light switches can help to boost the aesthetics of these essential rooms.

There are several things you can do to help improve the look and value of your home, and these are just some of the best examples to get you started. Whatever your budget, adding some value, however small, is achievable, but it can also assist in beautifying your home to attract potential buyers when you come to sell. By considering your options and making the best choice for the space, you will reap the rewards in the long term. 

Renovating Your Home on a Budget

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With the housing market so unpredictable, many people have chosen not to look for another property if they want to change. Instead, they choose to renovate the home they already have and make it as they would want. There are many advantages to this, you don’t have the hassle of moving, and you can make the home as you like it. However, if you are short on budget, it can make things more complicated, but here are a few tips to help you renovate your home with limited funds.

Refresh the Front Door

Your front door is the gateway to your house, and the first thing your visitors see. If your front door is looking a little worse for wear, then you should think about giving it a refresh. Sometimes with a wooden door, you can sand it down and give it a new coat of paint. It can make the door look good as new and won’t cost a lot of money. If you do take this option, then ensure you use a suitable outdoor paint that can withstand the rigors of the weather without cracking or flaking. If your door is too damaged, or if you want something that is more secure, then you should invest in a new door. Although new front doors can be a little expensive, the security they will give your home is invaluable.

Use Luxurious Panel Curtains

Fabric can be expensive, especially if you are looking at the more luxurious fabrics. However, with a panel curtain, there are no pleats so you won’t need any additional fabric. Because of this, you might be able to afford a better-quality fabric to use. Another option is to scour the local charity shops to see if there are any curtains that you can reuse. They don’t necessarily have to match completely, but if they have a similar pattern, then that is a bonus. It also helps if you or someone you know is good with a sewing machine as you can then create the curtains and adjust them yourself.

Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles might look hard to do, but they are actually fairly easy to fit. All you need is the time and the patience to see it through, and the right cement and tools for the job. Having tiles, especially around the worksurfaces is essential to being able to keep the area clean. Choose tiles that are not too expensive, and if this is your first-time tiling, then think about the size of the tiles as well. You might think that larger tiles will be quicker because it covers a greater area. However, you might also need to do more tile cutting to fit them in. Smaller tiles can usually be fitted with less cutting, although it might take slightly longer to place them all. Time is the key factor in this job, you need to be slow and steady, or you will make mistakes. You also need to give the tiles the time they need to set.

Kitchen Work Surfaces

If your countertops need to be replaced, then there are cheaper options than going for a stone or marble effect. For example, you can get a laminated MDF type board that is great for kitchens and can be easily cut to size. Not only will this be cheaper than other types of worktop, but it will also likely be something you can fit yourself. Think about what the overall look of the kitchen will be before you choose the worktops as they will need to blend in nicely with the tiles and paintwork.

Add Blinds to Your Windows

Adding blinds to your windows can create a great look and also give you instant privacy. There are usually a few types you can choose, made from wood, plastic, or metal. Plastic and metal are ok, but they don’t always give you the look you want. Wooden ones are usually thicker and larger and give your windows a great look. If you have windows that aren’t the standard shape, then you will most likely need to cut the blinds to fit. It is a fairly simple task providing you have the right tools to do it. You can buy blind cutters that snip the metal and plastic blinds, but these have to be done individually so can be difficult to line up. An easier idea is to mark where the blinds need to be cut, and use a miter saw to cut them all at one time. It will give you a nice neat edge, and they will all be aligned.

Update Your Shower

Once you have mastered the art of tiling, you can use it anywhere including your bathroom. Many people are now choosing to tile their whole bathroom rather than just the wall near the shower. It makes cleaning easier, though it will take time and money to complete. While you are tiling, think about replacing your shower or creating a wet room instead. Building a wet room take some work, and you also need the budget for materials, but it can be done as a DIY project. If you have low water pressure, then you should probably invest in a pump to increase the power of your shower. You might be able to fit these yourself, but you will need tools such as those on wrenchguru.

Make Use of Existing Features

If you live in an older house, then there might be some beautiful existing features that have been covered up or painted over. For example, there might be a lovely original floor in your hall that could be restored to its former glory. Not only will it add some character to the house, but it will also be a cheaper way to make the room look different. Don’t be afraid to look under the carpets or to strip off the wallpaper to see what you might find.

No matter what size your budget may be, there are always things you can do to your home that will make it look and feel refreshed and new.

Switzerland Trip in July

We spent eight amazing days in Switzerland back in early July, and I am still mesmerized by the breathtaking sceneries this country has to offer. If you are like me who grew tired of the European old towns and their similar architecture, and was in search of something more refreshing and mind-blowing, I strongly recommend giving Switzerland a try. However, being the world's richest country, Switzerland definitely ranks very low on the affordability ladder. So don't be surprised if you ordered a bowl of ramen and the bill came back at $100! 

Picture below: the stunning scenery from the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland. Every corner put me in a constant state of awe. 

Our itinerary went like this: 

• Day 1: departure from Toronto, 3-hour stopover in Milan. 
• Day 2: arrival in Zurich in the late afternoon. Our hotel Glockenhof Zurich is in the downtown core (financial district to be exact), so the location makes it easy for us to explore key tourist sites. I recommend booking directly with the hotel. We saved over $2,000 from it. 
• Day 3: Zurich Kunshaus (Art Museum), Altstadt (Old Town), Limmat river banks. Enjoyed lunch and snacks at the La Rôtisserie.  
• Day 4: Zurich -> Interlaken -> Lauterbrunnen, took a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg; another train to Jungfraujoch. Took the Grindelwald route back to Zurich. 
• Day 5: Zurich -> Berne -> Thun.
• Day 6: Zurich -> Lucerne -> Engelberg -> Mount Titlis. 
• Day 7: Zurich -> Rapperswil-Jona -> The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. 
• Day 8: return.

If you are considering renting a car in Switzerland, don't. We rented a 7-seater because we were travelling with my friend and her family from Copenhagen. It was probably the most stressful place to drive on earth! There were traffic cameras every where, so a slight violation would trigger the cameras to go off. We are still biting our nails over how many tickets we might be getting in the mail! That said, driving through all the alpine winding mountain roads with windows done was truly an amazing experience. 

Picture below: Lindenhof avails you the best views to the Limmat and Zurich old town. 

The sunset in Zurich was magical. 

We spent a few hours at the Zurich Kunshaus. As usual, we were attracted to the modern collections and sculpture garden. There's a lot of construction (expansion) going on at the Kunshaus but you wouldn't notice it from the inside. 

Bird in Space (L'Oiseau dans l'espace) sculpture by Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. 

The iconic Staubbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. 

Paragliders from Schilthorn. 

Jungfraujoch, one of the most recognizable peaks that make up the Alps. I could feel my ears popping as we hiked up. Oxygen level did get pretty thin inside the train station and caves, but it was hardly noticeable outside. I felt a bit light-headed at first but soon overcame it and was completely distracted by the otherworldly views.  

I believe this is the Eiger. 

Berne old town

Thun

Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis Suspension Bridge

I highly recommend the Rotair (cable car) ride to the top of Mount Titlis, if you are not acrophobic. Make sure we take a stop at the 1,800-m and hike around the Lake Trübsee. 

The iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. 

Seedamm Rapperswil-Hurden Bridge in Rapperswil-Jona. 

Rhine Falls in the Schaffhausen

Stylish Eco-Friendly Options For Your Home

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In today’s world, everything you do is impacted by how you treat the planet. With global warming on the rise, people are constantly looking for ways to do their bit to help. There is no better way of doing this than to focus on where people spend most of their time: in their homes. Although being eco-friendly traditionally implies you must compromise your style for the planet, the two are now a perfect pairing when it comes to improving your home. If you are struggling to find the best ways you can update your home style, while keeping your carbon footprint low, make sure you follow the five handy hacks.

Re-evaluate your heating

When the winter months roll in, it can be easy to put your heating on full to avoid any late-night chills. Not only does this increase your energy bill, but it also does lots of damage to the environment. To minimize this risk, it’s wise to invest in aluminum radiators from retailers such as warmrooms.co.uk, which use much less water to heat up and have a smaller energy rating. This kind of radiator also adds a more polished look to any room.

Choose thermal curtains

When you want to keep your home toasty without increasing your energy usage, you can go one step further by buying smart features like thermal curtains. Not only are these a huge help if your double-glazing isn’t keeping the heat in, but they can be a great style statement if you choose some that have bold patterns on them. Popular fabrics include heavy cotton and velvet, which can also bring some texture into a room.

Use natural fabrics

When you buy soft-furnishings, you may not usually stop to think about what they are made of or where they come from. Usually, they will be made of synthetic fibres that can give off a chemical smell when you first buy them. To help the air quality of your home and to promote recycled fabrics, it’s a good idea to shop at natural fabric stores when choosing your blankets and cushions.

Always go second-hand

When you are updating a room with new furniture, you run the risk of increasing your carbon footprint by choosing brand new styles. To keep your footprint low and introduce a vintage feel to your home, going second-hand is always preferred. Then, when the time comes that you are finished with those furnishings, you should put them on a second-hand website or donate them to friends, family or charities for free.

Bring plants indoors

Bringing plants inside has immeasurable benefits to your home, from adding a bright pop of colour, to improving the air quality around the house. Having a few scattered around each room means you are less likely to need an air humidifier, which reduces your energy usage. Not only this, but you are doing your small bit to help plants grow. If you want to go one step further, you can also make your own allotment in your garden, where you can grow your own fresh produce. This way, you reduce your carbon footprint further and add a rustic feel to your home.

3 Simple Tips to Make Moving Home Easier

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While moving house can be a really exciting moment in a person’s life, it can also become a long and stressful process. You spend months at the local estate agents trying to find the perfect new home, while looking for a buyer for your current home. Then you end up spending a lot of money on moving fees, and finally there is the extra cost of having to move all of your belongings from one location to the other. With all of this in mind, here are three simple things you can do to make moving home an easier and less stressful process for you and your family.

Don’t spend extra on packing materials

Most people end up spending a lot of money on moving house, from the cost of hiring the removals van, to paying for a babysitter to watch the kids for the day of the move. However, you can save a little bit of money on moving house by not spending so much on the price of packing materials. Instead of buying lots of boxes, bubble wrap and tape, try and utilize items that you already have around the home. You can use suitcases to pack away clothes and use linens to protect delicate items, such as plates and glasses, rather than wasting bubble wrap.

Pack with precision

While it might be tempting to just chuck items into random boxes and seal them up without a second thought, you will definitely regret it once you arrive in your new home. Instead, take the time to create an organized packing system. It might be best to pack one room at a time, as that way you are only losing the use of one room, rather than losing items from all over the house.

Plus, when you have cleared out the first room, you can then use that space to store boxes in so that the rest of the house doesn’t become too cluttered. Label everything precisely, with a note of what room the items are from, and a general description of the contents. This will help you to decide how to transport each box; for example, some items might go in a moving truck, while the essentials can go in your car. If you don’t have enough room in your car, you can always get a 4WD Supacentre roof rack, to give yourself some more space. It might also be worth writing a list of each box, so that you know if anything goes missing.

Try to avoid moving during busy times

During busy traffic hours, moving home is going to be made that much more difficult, especially when it comes to finding parking at the other end. Therefore, it is important to think about what time of day you are going to move; for example, you might find it worthwhile to take the day off of work and hire the moving truck for use during the late morning or early afternoon, when most people are still at work or school.

Tips To Help Make Your Home More Appealing

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Whether it’s for your own good or because you’re trying to sell your house, there will come a time when you feel like your home is in need of a makeover. It could be that it appears drab or you’re simply sick of the same old look and feel.

The following tips will allow you to make your home more appealing and a better place to live and spend your time overall. Instead of stressing over the updates, take it one project at a time and have fun recreating and fixing what needs some attention in your space. This is your chance to get creative and allow for your visions and wishes of what you always wanted your home to look like to finally come to life.

Keep it Clean & Declutter

A messy home is typically going to make your property less appealing no matter what. Therefore, spend time cleaning and decluttering on a regular basis. Come up with a schedule that helps you stay on track and not get too overwhelmed with the task. Also, stay organized and make sure all of your belongings are stored away and labeled correctly so you can always easily find what you’re looking for. Picking up as you go or in the evenings before you head to bed will allow you to stay on top of this responsibility and it’ll be less likely that you’ll have it all pile up into one large undertaking.

Focus on Curb Appeal

People and passersby care about what the outside of your home looks like and you should too. You want onlookers talking positively about your property and not complaining that it’s bringing down the ambiance of the neighborhood. It’s worth the investment to keep up with your landscaping and spend the time cleaning up a bit on the outside. Some ideas you may want to consider that boost curb appeal are power washing the driveway and siding, replacing old garage doors and making your porch appear attractive by adding plants and a sitting bench. In addition, replace a worn down mailbox and think about painting your front door a bold hue that catches your attention.

Spruce up the Backyard

You don’t want to forget about the backyard when you’re working on coming up with ideas for how to make your home more appealing. Pay attention to the details and work to create an oasis where you actually want to spend time. You’ll want to offer plenty of seating and privacy if you like relaxing in your backyard or are someone who entertains often. You can read more online about what signs to look for when deciding if it’s time to replace your deck and install a new one. Not only should you contemplate replacing your deck, but also planting some colorful vegetation and maybe even adding a pergola that will spruce up your space even further.

Consider New Paint

Consider a new paint job when brainstorming ways for how to make your home more appealing. Paint has the ability to instantly transform a room by making small areas look bigger and dull spaces look brighter. It can be a fun DIY project that you complete with the entire family, or hire someone to help you out and guarantee it gets done quickly and looks professional. Remember to touch up the trim and any doors while you’re tackling this project. It’s a wise idea to see if both the interior and exterior need to be refreshed when you’re determining what to paint.

Remodel the Kitchen & Bathrooms

The most used rooms in your home are the kitchen and bathrooms, and buyers always look at these spaces when shopping for a new home. Invest in these areas, and your home will not only look better in the present for you to enjoy, but you’ll likely be able to sell it a lot faster when the time comes. Be proactive and do your homework so you can figure out what features you like and feel you can’t live without when it comes to the design aspect. A few ideas to help you get the ball rolling include painting or refinishing cabinets, replacing floors and installing a unique backsplash.

Take the Time to Decorate

A happy and attractive house is one that’s decorated and looks like someone lives in it. Avoid leaving walls blank and not spending the time to add your personal touch to your space. Make your home more appealing by hanging colorful artwork, putting down rugs on cold floors and placing plants throughout your home to make it more lively and inviting. Display a few family photos here and there, and purchase decorative pieces that speak to you and your home’s style. This is your chance to add a little bit of extra character to your home and showcase your taste as well.

Rework Your Lighting & Fixtures

You’ll be able to instantly make your home more appealing when you explore the idea of updating your lighting and fixtures. A dark and dreary home will cause you to feel tired, and you won’t have any desire to be in your space. Shop for beautiful fixtures that light up your rooms and give yourself options for setting the mood such as putting your lights on a dimmer switch. Add lamps, install recessed lighting and replace or wash old windows to draw in plenty of natural light to your entire house. The point is you can never have too many lighting choices for daytime or in the evening, so make sure you have a wide variety of solutions incorporated throughout your space.

Conclusion

There’s no reason to settle for mediocre when there are so many ideas for how you can make your home more appealing. Use these tips to get you started in the right direction and excited about all the new possibilities that exist for updating your space. Most importantly, be sure to sit back and enjoy these upgrades and take the time to admire all your hard work once you get your house to a better place.

Tips and Tricks For New Homeowners

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Moving houses can be one of the most stressful life events, but with effective planning, you can ensure this can be as smooth and stress-free as possible. You can also ensure you are prepared for any unexpected occurrences and reduce the stress of moving to a new house.

Plan well ahead of moving day

It is best to plan ahead and make sure your schedule is free on moving day. This can help reduce the stress of what will already be a very stressful life event. Consider moving on a Friday to allow you to have the weekend to settle down in your new home and organize your things and thoughts.

Don’t leave packing on the last day or the night before to prevent stress and prevent you from forgetting anything important. It is probably best to make a list of everything you need to move, anything you will take with you and anything you will need to do once you arrive at your new house.

Ensure that you have all the information you need if, say, your children are moving to a new school, such as their start dates and times, any meeting you may have with a teacher and similarly if you are also moving to a new job.

By keeping all these in mind, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and stress once you arrive in your new home.

Keep key contacts at hand

Key contacts when moving home can be along the lines of your internet service providers to help you set up your new house’s WIFI, local technicians to help you in setting up your TV or help with water damage cleanup in case you need help in checking your kitchen and ensuring it is functional for your first week.

It might also be a good idea to have the contact details of the moving company if you are using one, in case boxes are lost in transit and require frequent communication to arrive on time.

Likewise, any emergency numbers might be useful to note down. Particularly when you are moving to a new neighborhood or a new city, you may not have the same connections as you had in your past home. Therefore, it is best to have these contact details on hand in your first few weeks.

Label boxes clearly

As part of your planning and for ease of unpacking, you can label boxes well ahead of moving day. This will ensure you have everything you need, and you will not forget anything. You can also set aside a box of unused items or items you will not take over to your new house and can send to donation or set up for sale. This will lessen clutter in your new home and give you space to redecorate!

Likewise, write a list of everything you intend to bring to your new home and everything you do not need and can be thrown away or donated. This way you can easily tick off important items and ensure that they have arrived safely in the new house. And if they are delayed or lost, then you know exactly what is missing.

Pack a small bag of essentials

Things can get lost in transit or delayed, and unexpected inconveniences can occur. It might be best to prepare a small bag to store essentials such as medicine, painkillers, a spare change of clothes, toothpaste and toothbrush, chargers and anything else that you may need in your day to day.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

With the stress of moving to a new house, all the preparations and management it requires, it is easy to forget your own well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep on the night before moving day, so you have the energy to handle the day. Fatigue can affect your focus and concentration increasing the likelihood of forgetting things and getting enough rest will ensure you have enough energy to tackle the rest of the day.

Likewise, keep vitamins and any essential medication at hand on moving day and in the first few days. Stress can affect the immune system and the stress of new environments, and can also affect life events such as moving to a new school or home or job, can reduce your resistance to something like the common cold.

As stressful and hectic as moving to a new house, with planning and organization, you can ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible. And once the move is complete and all your belongings safely arrive at your new home, it will be time to celebrate this new chapter of your life!