As you can guess, these aspects aren’t particularly fun to deal with. We’ll go through three big things no one tells you about moving home that you’ll benefit from knowing. 

Your new house might not be clean

You like to think of yourself as a responsible homeowner. As you’re planning to move out of your old home, you give it a proper deep clean. You want to leave it as neat as possible for the next owners so they have a lovely fresh start. 

Sadly, not everyone thinks like this! 

Something nobody ever mentions is that your new house might not be clean when you move in. Previous owners aren’t technically obligated to clean their properties and many don’t. This means you move into a dirty place that feels icky. One recommendation is to book a move-in cleaning service to handle the cleaning for you before you move. Inform the previous owners so they don’t have to do anything. It costs money, but it’s better than hoping the old owners cleaned the place properly. 

It takes a lot longer than you expect

You’d like to imagine that moving home takes maybe a week at the absolute most after you’ve bought a house. It takes time to pack your items and move them, but it shouldn’t take that long…right? 

The average time it takes to move house is between 12 weeks and 6 months. 

Yep, it genuinely takes that long – and this is the “average” so it might take even longer. Be prepared for a drawn-out process and do everything you can to speed things along. Ensure you’ve got all the right documents to hand over and be ready to respond to emails or calls so you can secure the keys and move according to your own timeline. 

Moving companies cost a bomb

Everyone tries to move home by themselves, but moving companies are almost always required for bigger items and to relieve your stress hormones. It’s virtually impossible to avoid hiring one – especially if you’re moving out of state or to a new city. People are happy to recommend moving companies, though they never mention how expensive they are. 

It could cost between $800 to $2500 for local moves and upwards of $10,000 for long-distance ones. This is something to factor in when buying a home as you should try to get the moving costs out of the asking price. Bargain with the seller to get a neat reduction and it won’t make your move as costly. If you pay full price and then pay for moving companies, you’re adding an extra few thousand dollars to the total cost. 

Be wary of these three things when moving house as they can bite you if you’re not careful. Get ready for a fairly lengthy moving process and do whatever you can to make it less stressful. 

The post 3 Things No One Tells You About Moving Home! appeared first on InstantELLA.

So how do you know where to begin? Instead of just standing in the middle of a room and looking around you in panic, you need to start prioritizing the many tasks you have ahead of you. Here’s what to tackle first.

Structural Issues

The one thing you don’t want to happen is for anything to start falling apart around you. It would be costly to fix, and not to mention dangerous. Structural problems should be the first thing you address in your fixer-upper so you can stop worrying about them. That could include things like issues with the foundation or roof, or maybe structural problems with the walls. Before you do anything, you’ll want to know that the property is safe to live in, especially if you’re planning on moving in right away. A survey or inspection (which you should do before buying) should reveal all.

Potential Health Hazards

Even if you don’t have any structural problems, there could still be health hazards lurking in your new property. Mold can sometimes take root, especially in a property that hasn’t been inhabited for a while. Getting rid of it can be tough, and it has the potential to cause lasting damage too. The best way to deal with it safely is to call in professionals to remove it and carry out mold damage restoration. Mold can easily grow back if you don’t get rid of it properly so it’s important to use the right methods. Once the mold is gone, you can focus on making sure your property looks great.

Exterior Upgrades

Exterior upgrades are probably going to need your attention too. Apart from the roof, other parts of the property exterior have also most likely taken some bashing over the years. If previous owners haven’t kept on top of maintenance, there could be a list of jobs that need to be completed. Windows and doors, in particular, might need updating. Maybe repainting or replacing frames is all you need to do, but replacing doors or windows completely could also be an option if you feel like they need a complete refresh.

Flooring

Before you start getting all of your furniture into the property, it makes sense to give a thought to flooring. It will be easier to work on flooring without having to move furniture around, especially if you’ve yet to actually move into the property. Work on flooring might include anything from varnishing or staining existing floors to completely replacing the flooring that’s there. You have a huge range of choices for flooring types, so you can customize each room to match your wants and needs.

Bathroom Remodel

To make the property habitable, you’ll need to focus on two key areas. Having a working kitchen and bathroom is a must. You need to have clean, running water and you need to be able to wash, prepare food, and more. Starting with the bathroom makes sense because it’s a crucial space in any home. Hopefully, you have at least one functional bathroom. If you have multiple bathrooms, it’s a lot more convenient when you’re having work carried out on one of them. You might need to update basic facilities, but you also have the chance to design a lovely bathroom.

Kitchen Remodel

Your kitchen needs to be functional too, including having an oven, surfaces for preparing food, and the right appliances such as a fridge and freezer (or a combination of both). Kitchen remodels can often be the most costly but renovating them is worth it. It’s one of the rooms you use most, especially if you enjoy cooking, and it needs to deliver the essentials. You can really put some personality into your kitchen design too, so why not get creative?

Listing everything you need to do to get a fixer-upper into shape can be daunting, but it also helps you get organized. Once you know where to start, you can get the ball rolling.

The post You’ve Moved Into a Fixer-Upper: What Do You Tackle First? appeared first on InstantELLA.

Not Checking Out The Neighborhood First

When you’re moving, you’ll look for apartments that fit your budget, that are the right size, and that suits your aesthetic preferences, but if you forget to check out the neighborhood that those apartments are in, you might be making a mistake. After all, no matter what city or town you end up in, there are always going to be some areas that are nicer than others, and those are the ones you want to live in, not the ones that aren’t so desirable. 

And it’s not even just a question of picking ‘nice’ areas over ‘not-so-nice’ ones – it might be that there are lots of nice areas with great apartments, but you can still pick the wrong one for you. That’s why you need to make sure the area you’re thinking of living in has all the amenities you’ll need, is located in a good place for you, and that the vibe is what you’re looking for. Check that out first and narrow down your search for somewhere to live, and you’ll be a lot more settled when you arrive. 

Not Thinking About The Logistics 

When you’re moving from one place to another one close by, the logistics of actually making that move are always going to be much simpler than if you’re moving from one place to another hundreds or even thousands of miles away. That’s why it’s wise to work out the move in plenty of time so you can be sure everything’s in place and ready to get you from A to B without too many issues (and ideally, with none at all). 

Leaving the logistics of the move itself to the last minute might be possible if you’re moving down the road – after all, you can take your time and move things bit by bit, perhaps asking friends and family to help out. If you’re moving a further distance to somewhere brand-new, there won’t be as much time, and you won’t have family and friends around to help you, so it all needs to be organized in advance. For example, these long distance moves can require securing professional from a moving company montreal, or elsewhere. They can handle packing, loading, and transportation safely and efficiently, to ensure your belongings reach their destination reliably and on schedule.

Not Leaving Time To Explore

When you move house, you need to take some time off to get the job done, and while it might seem as though you only need a day or two at the most, that can be a mistake because it gives you no time to explore your new surroundings. With minimal time off, you’ll move, unpack, and then have to head back to work or ‘normal life’, and you won’t get any time to take a good look around your new home – inside and out. 

In the end, it’s better to take a couple of extra days off before you get back into the swing of things and use those days to explore where you’re now living – it could make a big difference to how welcome you feel. 

The post What Mistakes Do People Make When They Move To A New City? appeared first on InstantELLA.

There’s no need for you to fight the blues without a battle plan. Here’s a look at some simple ways in which you can get rid of stress quickly.

Deep Breathing Techniques

The best way you can go about relieving stress is by doing some deep breathing exercises. Find a quiet space and then sit or lie down comfortably and try to focus on your breathing patterns. 

Let the air waft through your nose as you breathe deeply and allow your abdomen to expand. You can then exhale very slowly through your mouth.

All you have to do to find a deep sense of relaxation is to do this several times, you will get a blissful feeling that reduces stress hormones.

Laugh a Little

Sometimes you shouldn’t wait for a joke to come to you, you should go to the laughter directly. There is something called laughter therapy and it’s easy to get and free of charge. 

Turn on Netflix, YouTube, or whatever streaming channels you choose and watch a funny video or a movie. Listen to a comedy podcast or watch a comedy special, all of this helps.

When you take a proactive approach to lightening up your mood you are triggering endorphins and this will help to promote a sense of well-being. You can also take 9-Me-BC Solution to help increase your dopamine levels and enhance your mood.

Get Moving

When you’re feeling stressed you probably want to curl up in a little ball and sink into your bed or go into a dark corner and ruminate about the current disasters that are unfolding in your life. The last thing you want is to go outside and exercise. 

However, you will find out that the simple act of just taking a walk or going for a jog can go a long way in squashing stress and making you feel more alive again. You’ll have your boxing gloves on and be ready to take on your challenges with a little more force all because of getting a little exercise. 

Remember that workouts don’t have to be one-hour sessions. They can be short and sweet and this will still release those crucial endorphins you need to start relieving that stress.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is done by tensing certain muscle groups in your body and then relaxing them. You can start with your toes and then work your way up to your head whenever you can. 

It’s an easy technique to do and you can find videos that will direct you on YouTube. Try it and see how it works to kick back your stress and help you to feel relaxed.

The post 4 Ways to Relieve Stress Quickly appeared first on InstantELLA.

Choosing the right removal company is an important first step to make the move go smoothly. A good team will handle your belongings with care from start to finish, taking the stress out of what can be a chaotic process. The best services manage everything from careful packing and secure transport to quick, organised unpacking, so you can settle in without worrying about the heavy lifting. If you’re planning a move and want trusted professionals, finding a team that offers full-service solutions and 24/7 availability — such as move on removals in Melbourne — can make all the difference. They’ll make sure your possessions arrive safely, so you can focus on turning your new place into a home instead of stressing over the logistics. Keep reading for more tips on making the transition as smooth as possible.

Find ways you can make it your own

One of the main things you want when you have your own place, is to make it feel like yours. Decorate it in colours that make you happy, being as wacky or as neutral as you want. Add in accessories such as plants, pictures on the walls and cushions and throws that make it feel full of life and character. It’s a good idea to get photos blown up from occasions that make you smile and put into frames and don’t forget to think about scent too. Imbue your place with scents that make you feel happy and cosy, in things such as candles, reed diffusers and room sprays.

Have plenty of things in the calendar to host

A house won’t feel like a home until you’ve had the people you love round and made plenty of memories in that space. There are many different things you can do to ensure this happens and the sooner you organise it the better! Have your family members round for a dinner party – or just a takeout if you don’t fancy cooking! You could host a house-warming party with all your best friends, or why not have a few select people round for a movie night? All of this will make your first place really feel like yours.

Sort out your organisation

The way you run and organise your home can play a big part in how it feels to live in. You’ll be the main person living there so you want to make it easy for yourself. Sort out your organisation so things are in an easy to use manner, simple to find and to tidy away as well. Invest in storage such as an ottoman bed or cube shelves to help with this.

These are just a few things that can help when you move into your first place on your own, to ensure it doesn’t feel quite so daunting. There’s nothing like the freedom of having your own place to yourself, where you can make of it what you want and not have to worry about anyone else and what they want to do with it. What are some top tips you have for moving into your first place on your own? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How To Make Your First Solo House Feel Like Your Own appeared first on InstantELLA.

Moving can be a bit nerve wracking especially if you’re doing it alone. Just the thought of packing and organizing all your belongings can be overwhelming. But don’t worry we’ve got some tips to make your upcoming move a breeze!

Early planning equals a smooth move

First things first start planning. Like any life event, moving apartments requires careful preparation. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your stuff and plan out the logistics so that everything goes smoothly on moving day.

Create a moving to-do list

Creating a checklist is also crucial for a move. This will help keep you organized and ensure that no important tasks slip through the cracks. Your checklist can include things like finding an apartment and notifying your landlord about your move. Anything that’s essential, for a smooth transition.

Gather your packing essentials

Before you begin the moving process it’s important to gather all the packing supplies. Head to your grocery store. Pick up boxes, bubble wrap, and tape to ensure you have everything you need to pack your belongings.

Don’t be afraid to hire a professional

While it may be tempting to handle the move, by yourself it’s highly recommended to seek assistance. Hiring a moving company like SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. can take care of all aspects of your move from packing your items to transporting them and even handling heavy lifting. This way, you can focus on tasks related to your move.

Strategic packing means easy unpacking

To make the packing process more efficient, adopt an approach. Start with items that you don’t frequently use and gradually move towards packing essentials. Additionally, pack a box with items that you’ll immediately require upon arriving at your new apartment—think toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and valuable possessions.

Furthermore, remember the importance of labeling each box for unpacking.

Declutter and sort your stuff 

Lastly, take advantage of the moving process as an opportunity to declutter. Sort your belongings into three categories:

• Keep. These are the things you should keep after moving as they are important and valuable to you.
• Donate. These are items that you no longer use but can still be useful to others. It’s a way to give back and help someone in need.
• Discard. If there are items that’re beyond repair or no longer usable it’s best to discard them. It will help declutter your space and make room for the things you truly need.

Take care of your utilities

Before you move make sure to take care of setting up your utilities in the apartment. You don’t want any surprises when you arrive, such as water or electricity issues.

Moving can bring about a mix of emotions—both fear and excitement. It’s natural to feel scared about embarking on a chapter in your life, also excited about the possibilities it holds. We understand these feelings well. Our tips and tricks aim to help make your move stress free.

Remember, if needed don’t hesitate to seek assistance, from movers who know how to handle your belongings with care. Allow yourself to step back and embrace this change in your life!

The post From Student to Working Adult: Your Easy Guide for a Stress-Free Graduation Move appeared first on InstantELLA.

If you know you are ready to buy a home and need some tips to make the move as smooth as possible, here are some top tips.

Seek help with moving your items

It makes sense to seek help with moving your items so you can focus on other things involved with the move. 

Seeking help from long distance movers will ensure that no matter how far you move, you will have assistance with packing and moving your expensive or beloved items. You won’t need to worry about moving the items yourself and trying to cram your car with your stuff. 

Instead, you can rely on them and focus on other things involved with moving.

Label the boxes

It will make the time after moving into your new home much easier, as you will know where things need to be placed.

For instance, if you label all of your kitchen items in one or more boxes, you will know where to locate them. Then, you can take the boxes to the right room and unpack them without crossing over to other rooms.

Save some money for decorating

Moving into a mortgaged home will involve paying a deposit, which might take up most of your savings. If so, you need to be careful with your finances and make sure that you leave some money aside so you can decorate the home and buy essentials. 

For instance, you might have previously lived in a furnished rental apartment. If so, you might not have your own bed and sofa. You need these items of furniture to live comfortably. Hence, putting money aside will ensure you can make the place a proper home after you have moved in. 

Get insurance

Home insurance is crucial if you want to ensure you are secure if anything happens to your property. 

If you lack home insurance and the property is damaged due to adverse weather conditions, then you will end up paying for the repairs yourself. But with home insurance, you can be covered and not need to pay anything. Therefore, be sure to seek home insurance and get covered with a great policy before you move into your property. That way, you will be covered from the day you move in. 

Make it your own

You might be used to living amongst someone else’s decor because you have never been able to change the wallpaper or the light fixtures. 

However, when you move into your own home, you can do what you want with it. Allow your inner interior designer to come out and be playful. Make the space exactly how you want it, so you can be proud of your own home and create a space you have always dreamed about.

While at it, make your home comfortable by installing appliances that make life easier. You also want to prioritize maintenance, as this ensures that appliances work correctly and last long. For instance, the life expectancy of a heat pump is ten to fifteen years when well-maintained. However, other issues like quality of installation and environmental factors can affect their lifespan. Neglecting maintenance tasks such as filter changes and oil cleaning can increase wear and tear and reduce the lifespan of heat pumps. As a tip, monitor every little changes that happens to your appliances; a professional may be needed in this case, so feel free to consider this. 

The post Moving Into Your First Mortgaged Home? Here Are Some Tips! appeared first on InstantELLA.

Now, most amenities you could probably do without, but if you’re in a position where you’re moving long distance or pretty frequently, having a furnished space may be one of your must-haves, but a furnished apartment will come with its own downsides.

Moving

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Getting a furnished place is great if you want to avoid the heavy lifting of moving furniture in. It also means you can move in and out more quickly since you won’t need to spend time finding extra hands and vehicles to help you move everything.

However, getting a furnished place may become more of a hassle if you already have some or all of your own furnishings. You may have to find a space to store them in and, depending on your choice of storage, pay a storage fee you hadn’t been planning on.

Costs

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If you don’t have your own furniture already, you likely won’t need to worry about any storage costs, but you may see higher expenses elsewhere. If a home comes furnished, it will likely have a higher monthly rent, and if you choose to rent from a furnishing company, that will come with its own monthly charge.

You’ll want to compare this expense against the amount you would need to spend on purchasing any items you don’t have. You may find that it’s cheaper for you in the long run to have a furnished apartment.

Durability

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Trying to furnish your own space may mean scouring charity shops for pieces that are well-used but still in decent condition, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.

One major benefit of getting a place that comes furnished is someone has already invested in nice, updated pieces that will last. The only real downside here is you’ll be expected to take care of those pieces so they’ll continue to be in good shape, which may mean specific rules or care that come along with your lease.

Style

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Last but not least is the style and vibe of your space, and your furniture plays a big role in this. Chances are, if the apartment comes furnished or you’re outsourcing to a furnishing company, there will be a consistent style with each piece, meaning your home will look put together will very little effort on your part.

But it doesn’t mean that style will be to your taste. If the owner is furnishing it, you’re stuck with that style, but if you’re using a furnishing company, you may be able to choose from several style options to fit your own taste.

Open Communication

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Most property listings, like those on rooftoprentals.net, will tell you what items are and aren’t furnished. If you find a place you absolutely love that doesn’t fit your furnishing needs, it never hurts to reach out to the owner or property manager.

Plumbing and Apartment Life

You can find out if they would be willing to furnish some pieces that you don’t have or remove pieces to make way for your own.

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