We're wrapping up 2020 with our property market insight and seasonal suggestions

Ten tips to saving money when moving home

 

Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money saving solutions used by savvy sellers.

 

These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place.

 

Pack smart

Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.

 

Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.

 

Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables.

Recruit the troops

Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.

 

With social distancing restrictions in place, it's also more difficult to bring in additional outside help from friends and family members.

 

Where possible, rely on people within your household and support bubble, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.

 

Pick your days wisely

Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.

 

Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.

 

Prepare early

On your moving day, you'll already have enough stress to deal with overseeing the packing and unpacking of your property's contents, so you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.

 

Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free.

 

Conquer the DIY fear

 

Whilst lockdown has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.

From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.

Declutter as you go

Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.

 

Refrain from a moving day takeaway

Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.

 

If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.

 

Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.

 

Redirect your mail

Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.

 

For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.

 

However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example bills and pay slips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from. 

 

Swap to the cheapest utility providers

Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year round, it's even more important following a move.

 

You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.

 

It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.

 

Frugal furnishings

The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.

 

Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.

 

For a second-hand find, try websites such as Freecycle or Gumtree – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them.

 

Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website.

 

 

Winter maintenance suggestions to safeguard your property

 

As we're in the midst of winter, and the cold weather is now in full force, you need to be informed on how to protect your home against any potential seasonal damage, as well as reduce unnecessary spending.

Back in 2018, there were a record number of burst pipes in the UK, resulting in over £194 million worth of insurance pay outs.*

Whilst these can be problematic for homeowners and landlords, there are a whole range of contributing factors that could lead to expensive repair bills at this time of the year.

To help you cut these costs, we've collated advice every property owner should be aware of.


1) Protect your pipes

A burst pipe can cause up to £4,000 in damages – rising beyond this amount in the most severe cases.

Pipe insulation, which can be installed yourself, costs next to nothing. It can be used under sinks, on any pipes running along exterior walls and in attics.

Basements are also important to pay close attention to, where 37% of all burst pipes happen. Insulating your water pipes will prevent pipes from freezing or bursting, which can be a huge inconvenience for households over the holidays.


2) Insulate your loft space

Investing money into insulating your loft will save you a small fortune in the long run, with average annual savings as follows:**

– £225 on your energy bill per year for a detached house
– £135 on your energy bill per year for a semi-detached house
– £120 on your energy bill per year for a mid-terrace house

Alongside this financial incentive, insulating your attic will mean you're directing heat within your property to the living areas, where it needs to be.

 

By keeping your attic cooler, it may also prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.


3) Clean out and inspect your gutters

Your property's gutters are there to get rid of rainwater that collects on the roof.

Regular maintenance and checks will prevent blockages from forming. If a problem forms, you'll start to notice rainwater running down the side of your house and may even spot discoloured walls inside.

Gutters can become clogged with leaves, moss, twigs or even bird nests.

It is very important that the water can be drained, otherwise damp and mould can form, leading to a much more serious issue for you to tackle!


4) Wrap up your hot water tanks

Perhaps an unusual one, but getting your hands on a British Standard Jacket for your hot water cylinder can protect your home and save money too.

The Energy Saving Trust recommends insulation to be 25mm to 80mm thick.

With yearly savings of up to £150, it's estimated that payback on one of these insulation jackets would take just two months.


Bleed your radiators

Rather than do this once a year, homeowners and landlords should routinely check their radiators to release trapped air, as this will ensure they're working at maximum capacity whenever you decide to turn the heating on.


Close off your chimney

A huge loss of heat can arise from unused fireplaces.

If you have a chimney that you do not use, and you would like to board it up, try a chimney balloon.

They can cost as little as £30 and they are incredibly easy to install, with the balloons keeping the cold air out by blocking any drafts.


The cleaning essentials that you need to know about for your festive preparations:

– A rubber broom: if you opt for a real Christmas tree this year and don't want to battle pine needles on your floor, then you need one of these. As an added bonus, they're also effective at collecting pet hair too.

– Nylon pan scrapers: over Christmas you are bound to have some stubborn pans that even elbow grease cannot save. Invest in a pan scraper to make the clean-up that much easier.

– Red wine stain remover: There will be wine flowing during the festivities, so make sure you have something at hand to fight resilient stains.

– Mould cleaner: As December is typically wet and cold, it is prime time for mould to form. To get ahead of the problem, consider stocking up on mould cleaner to combat areas as soon as they appear!


For more tips on protecting your home this season, talk to our property professionals.

 

*Association of British Insurers (ABI)
**Energy Saving Trust

New year, new buyers

 

While Christmas is the time for overindulging, spending time with family and watching all the classics, it's also a really reflective season.

 

After the festivities have wound down, we've always found a renewed interest from homeowners and tenants in the days following New Year's Eve, with enquiries and property searches at an all-time high.

 

We've all spent more time than ever at home this year, so when everyone's gathered around the Christmas tree, you might find yourself planning what your next Christmas could look like and whether you'd choose to spend it living elsewhere.

 

Whilst it's commonly believed that spring and summer see the strongest market activity, year-after-year January has stood out as a time when online searches peak and more people are ready to make and accept offers in a fast timeframe.

 

Who chooses to move at this time of the year?

 

The new year property market usually consists of two types of people: first-time buyers and those re-entering the market after trying in the previous year.

 

In the spring and summer, the market typically becomes much more competitive, with higher supply levels.

 

If you want to consider a fresh start in 2021 with a new place to call home, it's actually a really good idea to start the process now so you can instruct your agent, plan your property marketing strategy and be ready for the expected surge in buyer interest.

 

Whilst we all hoped the pandemic would be contained within 2020, it's now a confirmed reality that nothing will change when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

 

For that reason, we're committed to continuing all of the safe measures and social distancing practices we've implemented this year.

 

To beat the crowd and make your home extremely visible on the property market over the peak holiday period, contact our agency today – visit our website for more information.

 

 

How to make the most of a small kitchen

 

 

Having gone through two lockdowns, the most desirable factor that's attracting attention from buyers and tenants right now is a property with plenty of space.

 

Compared to houses built in the 1960s, new homes are now designed with smaller kitchens; dropping by 2.77m² on average across the UK.*

 

As a central room, it's really important that you're maximising value from your kitchen, whether it's because you're making a move or simply in preparation for the festive season ahead.

 

You want your kitchen to be practical and attractive, which requires innovative design ideas and creative storage solutions.

 

To help you accomplish your renovations this December, we've brought you our top suggestions for making a small kitchen feel spacious and inviting. 

 

Take off the doors

 

You would be surprised at how much space traditional swinging doors take up.

 

If it opens outwards, the kitchen door might not be as much of a problem, but if it swings into the kitchen, that could mean you're losing up to a square metre of usable space.

 

 

Go for a light colour scheme

 

As an effective, quick fix to make a small kitchen feel bigger, opt for a neutral colour scheme.

 

Neutral does not mean just sticking to shades of white and cream, why not try white patterned tiles and marble counter tops with a light grey cabinet?

 

This will bounce the light around, making it feel much more spacious than you would find with a darker colour palette.

 

 

Install a small breakfast bar

 

If there is no room for a dining table in your kitchen, consider sacrificing a few cabinets to squeeze in a small breakfast bar.

 

Or you could even consider using a wide shelf on the wall for an alternative table space – the stools can even be tucked underneath to avoid being in the way.

 

 

Work your way up the wall

 

When surface and floor space is limited, it is a good hack to use up wall space too.

 

Install shelves, rods and notice boards to take the utensils and clutter from your workspaces and onto the walls instead.

 

Adding plants and more lighting will also brighten up the room, creating the illusion of openness.

 

 

Make use of the space around your fridge and oven

 

Even if you only have a slither of space between the wall and your fridge or oven, you could think about making a hidden rolling cupboard; perfect for storing cans, spices and dry food.

 

 

Invest in an over-the-sink cutting board

 

For kitchens that are tight on surface space, an over-the-sink cutting board is a good way to take advantage of the whole area available.

 

It is also a practical way to wash your fruit and veg without making a mess.

 

 

Take advantage of the end of counter space

 

Rather than keeping this free, take full advantage.

 

Why not install a bathroom rod to hang your saucepans on so it frees up another cupboard for other things. If they are nice pans, it also adds to the aesthetic of your homely kitchen!

 

 

Find a new home for your washing machine

 

The kitchen is an obvious place for the washing machine but in European countries outside of the UK, you are more likely to find them in the bathroom.

 

If you are stuck for space, why not relocate your laundry appliances somewhere else in your home, perhaps the bathroom or a cupboard under the stairs.

 

 

 

*Source: LABC Warranty