Tag Archives: house

Sep21

Prepping Your Home For Winter

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Prepping Your Home For Winter

When the cold weather comes around, there is nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a good book or your favorite show while the snow falls. However, there is much to be done to prepare your home for winter before you can sit back and enjoy. Let’s discuss a few key things that must be done so you can stay warm, comfortable, and safe all winter long:

Check Your Heating System:

Right now is the best time to have a routine maintenance check on your heating system. The longer you wait, the more booked up your local professionals are going to be and you want to make sure your heating is in check well before the super cold weather hits. Schedule a check up ASAP so that any potential problems can be solved quickly and you and your family can stay nice and toasty this winter.

Make Roof Repairs:

One of the most critical things that you can do is get roof rejuvenation before winter. If you are handy, you can examine your roof yourself and check for leaks, cracks, and weak spots. If not, that’s okay too and you can hire a professional team to get everything back in order. You could have the best heating system in the world but that means nothing when all of that glorious warm air is escaping through your rooftop!

Pest Control:

Just as we want to retreat into the warmth when the cold weather strikes, animals do too. There are countless DIY projects that you can undertake to keep your home pest free this winter. Start by looking for entry points in and around your house that little critters can get in through and patch them up accordingly. Mice can squeeze through even the smallest spaces so you must look things over with a fine toothed comb. And, as always, if you are unsure of anything, it is best to call in the local professionals so you can rest easily and safely this winter.

All Of The Extras:

The bitter cold and snow is enough to keep anyone inside during the wintertime so make sure you have plenty to do in your home to keep you occupied! Games, books, streaming services, and literally all of the soup recipes can go a long way on a snow day!

Prepare your home for the winter now so you can hibernate with the best of them until spring!

Sep13

The Revival Of The Billiard & Leisure Room   

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The Revival Of The Billiard & Leisure Room   

From the Great Gatsby to Agatha Christie’s crime novels, the most famous novels that defined the 1920s painted a world of entertainment. The U.S. experienced a long period of prohibition between 1920 and 1933. However, the Volstead Act was tricky to enforce, so it’s fair to say that the prohibition didn’t put an end to social hobbies and leisure activities. Homes from the 1920s often contain a stylish hobby space, where party-goers met to play cards, have a pool game, read books, or talk about everyday life around a glass of booze and some tobacco. The original gaming cave existed already one hundred years ago!

Why is it so appealing?

The 1920s were a period dedicated to free-spirited individuals. After the first trauma of the First World War, the 1920s marked a turning point in the world’s mindset. Worldviews changed and, as a result, new lifestyles appeared. For a start, the war enabled women to play a more active role in society. When women started to earn an income, they also discovered the joy of spending their money freely. The inimitable Flappers were born. They loved amusement. They loved games. They celebrated their freedom with songs, dances, and cultural exchanges, along with young men. It’s hard to think of the 1920s without thinking of the independent women of the time, who were not afraid to participate in every aspect of society, including games. Billiard and leisure rooms welcomed both genders in a great get-together party.

Stage the room:

What would a modern, 1920s-inspired leisure room look like? It would be a lovely idea to refer back to the original leisure room by adding subtle Art Deco touches. Art Deco brings back to life all of the glamour of the Roaring 20s, combining bold geometric shapes and luxurious colors. Exuberance with a deep sense of streamlined symmetry rules this unique style that can elevate any room.

You don’t need to build a historic decor from scratch. But you can inject a soft Art Deco feel through simple decorative accents and focal points, from huge geometric frames to glam lighting. You can bring the room together through modern features that can seamlessly blend with the freedom-loving 1920s, such as statement window frames using the Renewal by Andersen custom windows services or gold and animal patterns for your rugs and textiles.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Make it your hobby room:

Now it’s time to give your leisure room a purpose. Granted, a beautiful wooden pool table would be the ideal addition to the space. But not everyone has got a room big enough to host a billiard table comfortably. The good news, though, is that 1920s parties included a lot of self-exploring hobbies that could be done freely from home. Artistic hobbies, such as canvas painting and sculpting, grew in popularity during the Roaring 1920s. The truth is, that these hobbies are just as relevant today. Most of us rediscovered the soothing benefits of painting during the pandemic. When it comes to sculpting, you might prefer a modern and stackable approach, such as using LEGO bricks which let you build anything you can think of without causing a huge mess!

Make it convivial:

If you are not familiar with 1920s party food, you are in for a treat. Appetizers were highly popular during this period, so you can find plenty of inspiration to create a style platter of snacks. Deviled eggs, olive platters, cheese platters, and mixed nuts are also a winning combo. They’re ideal for sharing with friends, and at the same time, they don’t interrupt your hobbies. You can enjoy a cubed cheese skewer with one hand and still carry on with your LEGO construction with the other. Finger food is instantly friendlier and more enjoyable.

Embrace modern gadgets and textures:

Can a 1920s inspired room introduce modern tech without missing the point? The answer is yes. The 1920s were all about embracing modern shapes and technology. The epitome of the period is skyscraper architecture, which was so popular that interior designers also used to refer to the stylized shape of skyscrapers. Therefore, it makes sense to bring some of the most popular technology and trends of the 2020s into your leisure room. From a smart hub to energy-efficient solutions, modern gadgets belong in your stylish get-together room.

The free-spirited 20s are back, and they are here to stay! After a traumatic pandemic experience, it’s time to tap into the mental strength and free-thinking joy of the 1920s. We deserve to have fun again, and nobody managed it better than the Flappers. So get your imaginary Charleston outfit on and create a room that marries style, modernism, freedom, and feel-good hobbies. May the best Flapper win!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

 

 

 

Sep9

Buying A Fixer-Upper? Fix These Essentials First!   

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Buying A Fixer-Upper? Fix These Essentials First!   

For some people, one of the low-cost ways into becoming a home owner is by purchasing a property that needs some remodeling: a “fixer-upper”. As you can appreciate, such houses are cheap because they often need extensive repairs and updates to become habitable again. You’re probably thinking of buying a fixer-upper as your first property project. If that’s the case, make sure you fix these essential items first:

Roof:

The first thing you need to do is have the roof inspected by a Roofing contractor in Rockwall, TX or your local area. If there are broken or missing roof tiles, for example, rainwater can cause a lot of damage to internal ceilings and walls. The roof is like an umbrella for your home so you will want to get this fixed ASAP. You may need some minor repairs or it might transpire that you need a new roof. The only way you will know whether the roof is okay or not and the extent of any required repairs is by having a professional go up and inspect everything.

Plumbing:

The roof isn’t the only part of your fixer-upper that you need to check and repair. You’ll also need to find out whether there are any issues with the plumbing in your property. Do any water pipes leak, especially near faucets or underneath wooden flooring? Are the waste pipes intact and clear of obstructions from the bathroom and kitchen? What about the pipes going to heating radiators and the radiators themselves? You’ll also need to check that the main water can enter without any problem and, similarly, that wastewater goes to sewage pipes without any blockages, leaks, or other issues.

Chances are, your fixer upper is going to have plumbing problems that need solved. We urge you to not attempt the DIY route as this can lead to even more issues. Rather, search online for a “plumber in Windsor, CO” or your local area to find a professional who can do the job right.

Heating System:

Whether you plan to live in the house or want to fix it and sell it for profit, you need to make sure that the heating system in the property is working. For example, you’ll need a heating engineer or plumber to check that your furnace is operating as expected. If the house has a combined HVAC system, you’ll need an expert to check that it’s fully operational. In an old, dilapidated home, it’s probably cheaper to have a new HVAC system installed instead of trying to fix the existing one.

Electrical Wiring:

The trouble with electrical wiring, irrespective of whether it gets fitted to a domestic or commercial property, is that it degrades over time. The plastic insulation on wires can break down or even melt in some cases. Old switches and sockets can be challenging to operate and might easily break due to their age. If you doubt that the electrical wiring in your fixer-upper isn’t safe and reliable, you need to have an electrician inspect all of the wiring, switches, and sockets. If you do not have a regular electrician, be sure to browse different options online to learn more about the services they can provide, quotes, and previous work.

Again, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to have an upgrade instead of trying to repair what’s already in place. Note that you may need to plaster walls and ceilings if you have a full rewire at your property.

Windows and Doors:

Lastly, you want to ensure that the house you are buying keeps warm air inside and cold air outdoors. Plus, you want it to be safe and secure when there is no one at home. With that in mind, you should check if the windows and doors need repairing or replacing.

Once you’ve completed the above essential checks and repairs, you can then concentrate on other areas like decorating. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Aug19

Cleaning Check List

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Cleaning Check List

When people think of cleaning their homes, they often think about the usuals of dusting, vacuuming, and clearing clutter. However, there are surely some things that most people forget when it comes to cleaning up their property so let’s discuss a few key areas to tend to during your next cleaning day:

Your Car:

Cleaning up your car isn’t an obvious choice when you are tidying up your home. But, if you’re like me and are constantly throwing Diet Coke cans into the backseat, then it might be time to give your car some love! Purchase some car cleaning products and get to work so your vehicle looks just as nice as the day you took it home. After having a massive clear away in my car, I realized that the incessant rattling of pop cans was something that I could do without!

The Lawn:

Paying extra attention to your back and front yards is another thing that people might breeze past on cleaning day but I promise it is worth the effort. The exterior of your home gives people an instant first impression so why not let it be a great one? Pull weeds, mow and fertilize, and try cleaning the windows you can reach while you are out. A well maintained lawn is some people’s pride and joy. If nothing else, it will be nice to spend some time outdoors. 🙂

Nooks & Crannies:

If all you do when you clean is tend to things on the surface level, then it might be time to engage in a deep clean because there could be a lot of yuck that you are missing. Crumbs and fallen food under appliances or furniture is a welcome smorgasbord for pests. Even forgotten remnants of dinner on the inside of your garbage bin can attract bugs, which would be a horrible surprise when you open the trash can. Pay attention to nooks and crannies as well as hard to reach places. Hard to clean? Somewhat. However, it is imperative to keeping a safe and sparkling clean home.

Frequently Touched Surfaces:

If you have been somewhat lax about cleaning frequently touched surfaces, then there is no better time than the present to start that up again – especially with the rise of the Delta variant. Wipe down doorknobs, telephones, and light switches and don’t forget the TV remotes, computer keyboards, and buttons on appliances. This is a chore that can be completed quickly and is paramount for keeping yourself and family safe.

Of course, cleaning can be a hassle but you will feel so good once all of the tasks are complete, especially the ideas above!

Aug19

Looking To Move? Here’s Some Advice

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Looking To Move? Here’s Some Advice

Moving house is an exciting, albeit stressful, event in your life. There are so many odds and ends to take care of and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Today, we are going to explore a few areas to help get your moving process started and, hopefully, make it a lot easier on you! Let’s get to it:

Work On Your Credit:

If you are thinking of moving house in the future, then it is important to start working on your credit now. Poor credit can make or break you when applying for a house or a loan. This doesn’t mean you have to go hog wild on making purchases on a credit card. However, it will help if you begin using one for specific things like groceries or filling up your car. And, this should go without saying, but never spend more than you can afford to pay back when your bill arrives.

If you have poor credit, Loan Ridge provides quick loans for Missouri residents even with bad credit and can be an invaluable tool if you use it wisely. Do some research and see if there are similar programs in your area.

Buff Up Your Application:

It is important that your application for a home makes you stand out so what can you truthfully add to yours that will achieve that? Perhaps you just got married and are looking for a starter home. Or, maybe, you have small children and want them to go to school in an excellent district. You could even be running a business and need the additional space. Whatever it is, it should make you seem like you are going to add value to the neighborhood and that is crucial.

Research Moving Companies:

Spending time researching moving companies prior to your move will save you time and a whole lot of hassle. Make sure you select a company with excellent reviews so that you don’t have to deal with damaged property when you are settling in. The movers should be well equipped to handle everything from large pieces of furniture to delicate and breakable items. Be sure to schedule well in advance so you are completely covered on your moving day.

Tour The Property:

Virtual tours of a property really don’t do it justice so do be sure that you are scheduling in person property tours. This gives you a chance to get a good look at your potential home and any repairs or work that might need done on it. A poorly maintained home could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run and you don’t want any unexpected surprises once you are already settled. Talk about a nightmare!

Ease some of the stress of moving with the tips above and best of luck!

Aug17

Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

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Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

Shopping for furniture, accessories, and appliances for your home or apartment can be so costly that it almost seems easier to leave things as is rather than updating or upgrading. Believe you me, I get it! However, I also know how effective budget shopping can be because I furnished my entire apartment on secondhand items. Today, we are going to explore a few different budget friendly options for your next home makeover:

Secondhand Stores:

The most effective eco and budget friendly option for making upgrades in your home is, hands down, second hand shopping. Buying secondhand is amazing because you are repurposing old things and preventing them from being dumped into a landfill. Your local Goodwill could be a treasure trove of unique furniture and accessories that you didn’t know you needed. This is also an ideal option for people who don’t want their homes to look like everyone else’s because of all of the cool accessories and knick knacks you can find. My art wall in my apartment is completely made from old pieces of art that I bought at the Goodwill.

Facebook Marketplace:

Another great option, similar to secondhand stores, is the Buy, Sell, Trade marketplaces on Facebook. This could be perfect if you are looking for used appliances for sale, furniture, or other odds and ends. The beauty of the Facebook Marketplace is that once you find the replacement for something in your house, you can list the no longer needed item and make some extra cash too. 😀

Always remember if you are purchasing from someone selling on a marketplace type website that your safety is paramount. It is best practice to meet up in a public location like the parking lot of a busy grocery store or coffee shop. You can never be too careful.

Apps:

The OfferUp app is a virtual garage sale where you can both post items for sale and make purchases. I haven’t used this app in a while but I have had a lot of luck in the past selling things on it. I have seen everything on OfferUp from cars, appliances, outdoor equipment, and clothing. The nice part about this app is that it categorizes all of the items on there which will really help narrow down your searches for something specific. You definitely don’t get this luxury at a local thrift store.

Yard Sales:

Summer is the best season for people to host yard sales due to the promise of good weather so now is a great time to do some browsing in your local neighborhoods. It might be a mixed bag but it is another option to save some money while making purchases for your home. You all know the old saying of one man’s trash!

Making updates to your home doesn’t have to break your bank. Get started with the ideas above and see how much you can save today!

Aug16

Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

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Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

What does your perfect bedroom include? A nice big bed? Soothing lighting? How about a plush carpet or rug? Today, we are going to explore some easy changes that you can make to revamp your bedroom to turn it into the ultimate place to relax after a long day. Let’s get to it:

Sweet Dreams:

The most important part of the bedroom is, of course, the bed! Start off by finding a good mattress for sale. This might mean getting a newer model of the mattress size you already have or treating yourself to a California King sized bed! Just like any good outfit, it is not complete without accessories so don’t forget the soft bedding, decorative pillows, and a nice comfy quilt or comforter. In fact, once you have a color theme sorted for your bedding, it will be simple to decorate the room accordingly from there.

Paint, Please:

Never underestimate the power of some fresh paint on the walls. The purpose of the bedroom is to help you relax and get a restful night’s sleep. This means that you are better off with softer, muted colors on your bedroom walls. A pale blue accented with cream colored decor should do the trick just fine. While pops of color are fun, they are much more appropriate in rooms like the kitchen or living area.

If you’re looking for a bigger project than repainting, you could try your hand at making your own bedroom furniture if you have the skills. Find some machine tools for sale and create one of a kind masterpieces!

Don’t Bring Work To Bed:

It is so important to use your bedroom for its intended purpose, rather than extra office space. It can be hard to get into a relaxation mode at night when you are working in there during the day! Rather, use technology to your benefit in the bedroom with music set to something soothing like waves crashing on the beach or the rain falling. Lighting is essential too, and there are lots of handy tools to put projections of the night sky or a forest right on your walls.

Play With Texture:

There are so many fun textures that you can play with when it comes to your bedroom decor. Some washable area rugs beside your bed and the entryway is a great place to start. Not only will your feet be nice and toasty but you can’t beat the convenience of being able to machine wash in case of spills. You can try billowy curtains on the windows or even go totally lux with a velvet headboard! The bedroom is not the place for rougher textures like burlap or canvas, so keep things soft and plush when you are choosing your decor.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above for simple suggestions to revamp your bedroom. Turn on your calming music and have sweet dreams!

Aug13

House Flipping: A Lucrative Opportunity For Creative People

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House Flipping: A Lucrative Opportunity For Creative People

House flipping is a term for house renovations and resale. House-flippers are house renovators who intend to sell a house after renovating it. The house flipping process can be lengthy, but it can also be lucrative if done correctly. These house flippers will do minor repairs like Drywall Repair, plumbing upgrade, cosmetic repairs, all the way to complete house renovations, including adding additional features or even building an entirely new house.

Flipping houses is not a new concept, it has been done since colonial times. It operates on the principle of house resale value > house renovation expenses. Many house flippers will buy distressed properties with the help of a specialist in property bridging finance and the intent of quickly renovating and reselling them at a higher price. Some house flippers specialize in specific skills which can make house renovation more efficient, such as plumbing or electrical work.

To learn more info about house flipping, it is helpful to brush up on the fha flipping guidelines. After all, you want to start a major project off on the right foot! Now, let’s learn some more about what goes into flipping a house:

Tax rules:

House flipping can be a great investment, but house-flippers need to be aware of the house flipping tax rules before they invest. House-flipping is not different from house investing in that house flippers must pay taxes on their income earned by flipping houses.

House flipping is generally viewed as an attractive investment, especially for those who know construction and renovation. It generally requires a house flipper to have these skills if they are planning on doing major renovations such as adding or removing features of the home.

flip1

Unsplash Image

House flipping can be done by both individual investors and business entities, but it is generally more profitable for individuals due to the tax treatment of house flipping income. Individuals who earn house flipping income are taxed on the expenses which are used for improvements and renovations. A house flipper can increase their profit from house flipping by taking deductions for renovation expenses on the federal tax return. If a house flipper uses their residence as a rental property or second home, they may also be able to deduct house flipping expenses on their house income tax return.

All of this tax talk can be extremely overwhelming and we recommend not only consulting with a tax specialist but an accountant too. House flipping involves a lot of money management and it is so easy to make mistakes with that. You will want to look for an accountant that specializes in construction and real estate like the team at CharCounting (or a similar business in your local area). You can never have too much help during a project like flipping houses and a trusted team can be invaluable.

Increase value:

House flippers are not the only investors who can benefit from flipping properties. Property managers and real estate agents can also gain a great deal by house flipping because it benefits property management. House renovations will often increase the value of houses, which increases property values for property managers, house flippers, and property owners. If you are looking for property management for your newly flipped homes, simply enter a search for “residential lettings doncaster” (Or your local area). The experts will be able to make this form of income as valuable as possible.

House-flipping is not for house hackers who are looking to do renovations on the cheap. House hackers can house flip, but it may be more difficult for them because they do not have the skills or construction tools necessary to complete larger renovation projects. On the other hand, house hackers will have house hacking skills which can make the renovation cheaper and more efficient. House hackers may also use flip tax deductions for improvements done on the property they are flipping.

House flipping isn’t just for HGTV. If you have the knowledge and skills, this could be a new business opportunity for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug10

Keeping Safe At Home During A Heatwave

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Keeping Safe At Home During A Heatwave

When a heatwave strikes, everything becomes more dangerous. Spending too much time outdoors can lead to an array of serious issues, and many activities become off limits as a result of high temperatures or water limitations. It can be hard to figure out how to stay safe during a heatwave, especially if you haven’t had much experience with extreme weather in the past. Thankfully, there are a few key tips and tricks that you can make the most of to protect yourself despite the unrelenting sunshine. Read on to uncover some of the most effective steps that you can follow to keep cool and calm this summer:

Protect Your Property:

Your home should act as a safe sanctuary during a heatwave and there are many different ways that you can create a cool, refreshing environment in which you and your family can stay refreshed and healthy. The color of your home’s exterior can contribute massively towards its overall temperature as dark colors are more likely to absorb the heat whereas light colors like white can reflect it.

It’s a good idea to invest in a set of shutters that you can install outside of your windows because once closed this will act as a barrier between your home and the intense sun outside. You will be able to keep your windows open to benefit from a breeze without filling the room with sunshine, so it’s the perfect solution for a hot day. Installing an air conditioning unit may be something that you want to consider, but it’s important to note that the unit itself will emit a lot of heat which can intensify under the harsh summer sun. Stick with a simple fan if you want a cooler breeze, which is also far more environmentally conscious.

Adapt Your Garden:

It’s absolutely vital that you make an effort to adapt your garden to better suit the heatwave and its risks, as there are certain features that can pose a serious danger in the event of severe sunshine. For example, leaving piles of old branches, leaves, and grass cuttings out to dry may have been an acceptable activity during the winter, but this can easily lead to a fire if you make such a mistake during a heatwave. You don’t need to read a property damage restoration FAQ page to know that a fire in your garden could spread to your house in less than a couple of seconds, so you must be vigilant and adapt your outside space to suit the extreme weather that’s headed your way.

Heatwaves can come with a few benefits, as it’s a great time to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that thrive on the intense sunlight. Extra spicy chilies, sweet melons, and juicy tomatoes will be great in your garden, so you may as well make the most of the opportunity to get some home grown vitamins to power you through the heatwave!

Stay cool this summer by adapting your property to the extreme heat!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul30

3 Advantages Of Using A Specialist Packing Team When Moving House In Brisbane

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3 Advantages Of Using A Specialist Packing Team When Moving House In Brisbane

Moving house is something that needs to be done with care and within a specific time frame. You will want to hire the best team to assist so everything will be well packed enough to withstand transit. Specialist firms will employ staff skilled in the art of packing a variety of different items. In Brisbane, firms will employ teams of women to pack with care and reduce the chance of anything becoming damaged. For details on this type of service, visit https://packersandmoversbrisbane.com.au/.

So, how can a specialist firm of packers and movers help with your moving needs?

Take Away the Stress of Moving:

To know that someone is taking care of your possessions and knows what they are doing to protect them will take away much of the stress involved with moving. A poll of homeowners suggested that 40% of them considered moving house as the most stressful event in their lives. This was ahead of getting divorced at 34%, having a baby at 31%, and starting a new job at 27%. Okay, this was only one poll, but the proportions of other polls are likely to produce similar results. So, the more we can do to make things less stressful like hiring professional packers to help us, the better.

Insurance:

When you use a specialist firm for moving your items, they will more than likely be fully insured, which will give you peace of mind. With many insurers that householders currently have policies with, their items will only be insured while they are inside the property but not when taken out. There is no need to worry about this, though, or updating your policy for your move when this kind of insurance coverage can be taken care of by your moving firm. This is as long as you choose a firm that does include insurance, either as standard or extra. This will mean that there will be no surprise financial hits likely from the moving house experience.

Bespoke Services:

As an extra part of the moving service, there are firms such as the one in the above link that will employ the services of women for the packing process. The caring nature shown in reality from the proverbial feminine touch is an undeniable one and when it comes to moving, packing is everything for keeping your belongings safe, secure, and undamaged.

Services geared to individual requirements will ensure awkward and difficult-to-move items are allowed for. Although, moving firms will have encountered most items and how to deal with them, from the large and out-sized to the valuable antique.

With all of these headings, it comes down to the same thing. We are taking away the stress from the moving house process, whether it be the general stress of moving, the financial stress reduction from not having to worry about insuring goods while in transit, or the care that will be taken because the objects are not being handled by us.

So, find a packing and moving service that suits you. Make sure that all of the costs are in the quotation and that you will not be charged any extra. For instance, that there are no extra charges for insurance that shouldn’t be included, charges concerning the removal of fridges, or further costs because steps are involved.

Always use a local firm, because they know the best routes and rely on the reputation that they have built up locally. They will want their service to match that expectation so that you can recommend them too. Reliability will mean that your goods will arrive in the time agreed at the other end.

It is, then, just left to say – good luck with your house move. Not that you will need it when the right packing and moving firm is hired!