Moving home checklist: What you need to know

Published on: 30 March 2018 Last Updated on: 25 July 2024

They say that moving home is one of life’s most stressful events. However, to make the process as streamlined as possible, we have compiled a quick-moving home checklist in collaboration with Yopa so you don’t have to worry about forgetting vital items when making the leap into the wild blue yonder.

6 weeks before the move :

Plan how you are going to move. If you need to hire a van, decide whether you want to load it yourself or whether you want a professional packing crew. Vehicles tend to get booked up rather quickly, so make a reservation well ahead of time.

6 weeks before the move

If you do decide to move your items yourself, you will need to get boxes and gradually get everything packed. Clear the loft, clear any rubbish you have, and make sure that every item that you take to your new home is something that you need or want to keep. Expect several trips to the local charity shops or to the local tip.

4 weeks before the move :

Now is the time to inform various suppliers that you will be moving house. Utilities, mobile phone companies, banks, and care providers need to be told, as does your local council and employer. If you can arrange a continuation of service to your new home, great – it will make the move so much simpler. Don’t forget to update various websites, especially those that deliver (Amazon and eBay in particular!). You can also arrange for the Royal Mail to redirect your post from a specific date.

You also want to consider emptying your freezers and fridges and gradually eating all the items in them. Make sure you also get everything from the back of the cupboards. The average British home only has a few weeks’ worths of supplies so prepare for some interesting meal combinations over the next few weeks – tomato soup with peas, anyone?

1 week before the move :

Pack, pack, pack! You need more boxes, packing tape, bin bags and everything else than you ever thought possible. Work your way through all your items, packing up the least used first and saving the major stuff for last. On the day itself, you definitely don’t want to have to do any packing apart from the few items that you need to function.

2 days before the move :

Prepare a travel bag with two days’ worth of clothing and the toiletries that you’ll need. In addition, check around and make sure that you haven’t left anything in the garden, the shed or the loft. All of these places can result in last-minute panics if you don’t take care of them in advance. Your house should mostly be boxes with only large items remaining.

It’s moving day! :

By now, everything should be packed, so all you have to do is move your earthly possessions into the vehicle. If you’ve paid for a moving and packing service, just sit back and relax – it’s being done for you. Once everything is out, vacuum the floors, pick up your travel bags, drop the keys off (if necessary) and head to your new home.

Don’t forget to order a takeaway when you get there — unpacking is hard work, and if you arrive there late, you might want to crawl into a sleeping bag and have a good snooze. Perhaps have a bottle of champagne on ice too…

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7 Ways to Build a House on a Tight Budget

Probably you are busy on the web looking for actual home designs that fall within your budget. Or a way to build your dream house without inflating the cost beyond your savings. You are not alone, and many people planning to build their home on a budget are stuck looking for a solution to find a way to own a home making sure quality is not compromised. Well, the first step for you is to look for a real estate developer to guide you through the process because they know a thing or two more than you do. So, instead of sitting there searching online for solutions that don’t make sense, here are ways to build your home below and still end up with a quality house when everything is complete. 1. Build smaller: The first step of minimizing expenses when building your house is to cut your overall housing needs. You don’t want to end up with unfinished structure after your money diminishes; therefore, plan for a small house because it will need few materials and the same with spending. Also, a small house will require you to install few cooling and healing resources to maintain the house temperature. But before reducing everything, including the size of your house, first, know what your house requires and the family. Planning earlier before you start spending will avoid overspending or going beyond the allocated budget. Never assume that you only need a few items to complete the house just because the house is small. So, try to balance everything, and this is achievable if you work with a professional to guide the items and the required materials. 2. Look for reclaimed materials: Looking for reclaimed materials helps you to stay within your budget and void costly things. It saves you money, and you may end up getting high-quality and stunning building materials similar to new ones. You can even look for old houses that are no longer in use and see whether they can sell some of the valuable materials from the houses. Many people who use this approach save thousands of dollars that would have purchased new materials. If you get a good deal with reclaimed materials, you may end up expanding your house if the budget becomes reasonable. However, compare what you are buying with the market prices for you may spend more than expected. 3. Use natural building techniques: Natural building techniques can save you a great deal of money. For instance, you can use Cordwood in your house to save on purchasing costly materials. It can replace sheathing, studs, insulation, drywall, siding, and finish coverings. For Cordwood, you only need a beam frame built within a post to make your house walls stand. Even choosing natural methods does not mean you escape from spending too much money. And that's why budgeting before starting the building process saves you the headache later. 4. Look for cheap or free materials and services: Going for this option does not mean using used items to build your house. You can look for building materials for low cost or discounts in the market and still get good deals for items that would have cost you a fortune. For services, enquire from family and friends. They can recommend people they know or service providers they have worked with within the past. That means you get a good opportunity to negotiate building services to amount you feel will not press you financially. 5. Keep water usage areas together: Trying to combine water usage areas is a great way to save you money. This may save you excess money on plumbing materials spread all over your house. So, the ideal approach is to clump your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen as close as possible to minimize piping needs. You should include the clumping idea in the plan before the house building begins. 6. Forget the costly finishes: If your budget does not allow you to spend further, you can skip some finishes for a later date. For instance, you can postpone countertops and floor installation until you save money for specifically that work. Your entire focus should be on building a strong foundation that will guarantee your house stability. Building a house is a lifetime affair; therefore, you need something solid that will shelter you for many years to come, even on a budget. 7. Do-it-yourself as much as you can: If you can handle most of the building work, it will save on materials and labor. This is where you have to bring your expertise and at the same time know your limit to avoid shoddy work that may end up costing you more to rectify. Alternatively, rather than hiring many people to handle the project, you can work with architecture and follow their guidelines to save those extra dollars. Some of the task involved does not require a professional to handle them, but observation and application. Conclusion: You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a house. There are many options available that you can apply for and end up with a good-looking house. The idea is to build your dream house without spending much money. Read Also: Utilizing the Strength of Concrete to Protect Your Property Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property Home Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19 6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

Secrets to Choosing the Perfect Second Home & Make Money Out of It

Do you own a house, and are you considering buying another one? The purchase of a second home is usually decided to enjoy a rest or family vacation. Having a second home is a dream that many families want to have, and the summer can be an ideal time to choose that desired home. A second house offers the possibility of unique moments, especially in summer. These are the benefits of buying a house for a vacation or another household. But before decision, do the following: Think About your Goals You may want a holiday home that you can visit during the holidays. Alternatively, maybe after your retirement, you might want to lay back and enjoy your retirement years. This can also be a vacation home, which you can leave for your children after you pass away. If you are looking for tax deductions as an incentive for buying your second house, you are doing it right. However, a lot of it boils down to how you are going to use the second home. There are differences in insurance coverage when it comes to a second home. A vacation home cannot be brought like an investment that will generate income. The difference can run into thousands of dollars. So, before you purchase a second house, you must settle this debate. Thoroughly go Through the Actual Figures and Numbers To begin with, you need to consider the mortgage factor. You really need to decide whether you want to invest your life’s savings as a down payment. You also need to plan on where the second mortgage might come from. If you are sorted on the above two fronts, you need to start considering other avenues of additional expenditure that you might incur for your second home. These might include issues like- Taxes on Property. Insurance of the house. House Maintenance Annual Charges. Redesign and repair. Furniture and fees for property management. What will your tax depend on what kind of property you are planning to buy? Before you do anything, it would be wise to seek an expert opinion from a tax professional. He will be able to give you the complete picture of any financial expenditures you might be facing in the future. You might also be interested in knowing whether you will get tax breaks or interest deductions on your new home. Establish a Budget Establishing a budget for the purchase of a second home is important because it will be key when calculating the mortgage fee. The budget should include the initial expenses of buying a house. Choose several areas to track to find your second home. It is important to be clear about what use will be given to the Property and, depending on that, choose the area. Do not focus only on one geographical location; consider several options and make sure you have the necessary services for the purpose of buying the house. The distance will be important since you will always be able to use your second home whenever you feel like it. Know your Mortgage Options A bigger chunk of the payment is made at the down payment stage, which ensures fewer monthly installments. This, in turn, will make your borrowing from the bank of a lesser denomination. However, there is a huge difference in the interest rates of loans for primary residences and households deemed vacation homes. One expert you should see is a Loan Officer. This professional is the best person to aid and advise you on your requirements. He will also be the best person to tell you about the qualifications required for the loan processing stage. The typical procedure involves the loan officer appraising your current economic status and suggesting which loan packages will suit you the best. He will also look at your proposed dream home before making the suggestion. If you apply for a loan at a bank where you are already a customer, you might receive some additional benefits. The process itself might become easier, as the bank would already be aware of your economic and financial holdings and advise you accordingly. Beware of Fashionable Places Every so often, a city becomes a fashionable holiday destination. Be careful with fashionable places among most of the population because they are usually much more expensive and travel to them is complicated. There are traffic jams to go and to return, queues in the supermarkets, shops, and other businesses, and 100% occupation. There are some problems arising from going to summer to the best destination. Renting it Out for Extra Income Many people justify buying a second home by renting it out when they're not using it. It can be a good way to cover some expenses, especially in popular vacation spots. However, it is important to do your homework before diving into this. Some areas have strict regulations regarding short-term rentals. You should also consider the additional management that comes with renting—a property manager, cleaning fees, and handling guest complaints. Plus, there’s always wear and tear to think about. But if you play it right, renting could be a significant source of passive income. Just weigh the potential profits against the extra work and possible stress. However, remember, dealing with tenants can be challenging sometimes. However, you will have that extra. Do you want to deal with tenants on your summer weekends? Understand the Local Market Before buying, take a deep dive into the local real estate market. Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? What’s the long-term growth forecast? These are essential questions because a second home can be a personal retreat, but it’s still an investment. The value of that investment depends heavily on the health of the local market. Talking to local real estate agents who understand the area's nuances is key. They can offer insights into future developments, community trends, and potential shifts in property values. Even things like upcoming infrastructure projects can greatly impact your decision. Think Long-Term It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of owning a second home, but it’s wise to think long-term. Your needs today might not be the same in five or ten years. Consider how flexible the property is. Can it accommodate changes in your life, like starting a family or changing your mobility needs as you age? Also, consider the costs you might face down the road. Roof replacements, plumbing upgrades, and other big-ticket maintenance items will eventually appear. Planning for those expenses from the beginning can save a lot of stress. Be Ready for Unexpected Challenges Owning a second home isn’t all sunshine and beach days. Unexpected issues will arise. Things like broken pipes, pests, or dealing with snow removal if it’s in a colder climate. So, when these problems come up, you’re not always nearby to deal with them immediately. That’s why having a trusted local contact is important, someone who can check on the property regularly and handle emergencies. People often overlook these hidden headaches when dreaming about a second home. Be prepared for the unexpected, and it’ll save you a lot of frustration. Final Thought: If you are planning to purchase a second house, please be rest assured that it will be a huge life-changing decision for you and your family. However, if you play your cards right, you might just be able to have the most comfortable retirement holiday home. This is where experts can help you make an informed and well-calculated decision. Read Also: 4 Tips For A Successful Home Renovation Things To Know Before Buying A New House A Quick Guide To The Legal Steps Of Buying A House Reasons To Stay In A Vacation Home Rather Than A Hotel Buying A House Vs Renting An Apartment: Which Is More Affordable?

How Real Estate Factors into Business Decisions

People tend to think of real estate in a very direct, narrow sense. We factor our rent into our monthly budgets and see property taxes as only a small slice of the larger bill we pay every year. We rarely think about the fact that real estate and housing costs have incredible ripple effects that dictate the success and failure of several industries. Consider the housing bubble in the United States and how it eventually prompted the greatest economic setback since the Great Depression. The woes of the housing market permeated into virtually every other facet of the American economy, and they had a gigantic impact on the lives of so many people who felt the pinch in ways that seemingly had little to do with housing. For business owners, real estate is a much bigger piece of the economic pie than they might initially assume. Though there is little we can do to influence the policies of banks who give out loans or the real estate prices in our markets, we can look at how real estate factors into our bottom lines. Factoring Real Estate Costs into Your Budget The first consideration you should make is how property costs will directly impact your budget. A business owner might decide that they are best served to own the property they’re using, or they might find that perhaps their interests are best met by a rental space. Whatever solution you’ve decided is best for your business, don’t forget to factor in the costs of property tax, insurance requirements or legal expenses that you might encounter and how those costs could add to your initial estimates. Remember that buying a property, especially if you’re building or renovating a commercial space, comes with many costs. You will carry the responsibility for repairs and maintenance, for example. You’ll need to determine whether your business can sustain these costs, and you’ll need to leave room in your budget for unforeseen circumstances. Your Location Will Also Affect Employees If you are poised to hire workers, you will also need to consider how your real estate choices might impact them. If you are relocating, will you be able to offer your employees compensation for relocating with you? If you are hiring new employees, will they have to travel to reach your business? The size of your workforce will also dictate the size of your workplace. Remember that if your business will be adding more employees in the near future, you will need to accommodate those workers. Using Real Estate as a Barometer If you’re starting, expanding or relocating a business, you might be able to determine what location is most advantageous by looking at real estate prices in your new location. There are many things to consider. Is the area you’re looking at booming, or is it stagnant? If an area is showing signs of growth, can you afford the costs of a property in a competitive real estate market? How much does your business really depend on being located in a prime area of your community? Being Realistic in Your Expectations Just like any other decision you’ll be making as a business owner, you’ll need a healthy dose of realism when you are factoring in how real estate will impact your bottom line. Is it reasonable to buy a big, plush location in the most booming part of a city, or is your business model best served by renting a space and keeping costs down until you know how much income you will be generating? In the beginning stages in the life of a business, it is best to cut any expenses that are not absolutely essential to the operation of your company. Find out how many expenses you’ll be facing that you might not currently be factored into the equation, and look at all of your options before making a decision. Real estate impacts our lives in many ways, some of which might be out of our control. But so many of the decisions that business owners make can be based on predictable costs that we might fail to overlook in the excitement of beginning or expanding a business. Be cautious, realistic and thorough when determining the role property will play in your operations. Rebekah Damen Lusk a partner at the Maryland law firm Thienel & Lusk, LLC Attorneys at Law. Her practice includes civil litigation, business, employment, landlord/tenant, real estate, family, equine and animal law. Read More: DC Metro Area Real Estate Update What Makes A Strong Foundation For Your Home Buying Your First Home In St. Louis Why You Must Embrace Green Home Technologies?