So you’ve completed on your new home and can’t wait to move. You’ve even started thinking about how to decorate. There’s one thing you might have forgotten, though: you’ve got to move out of your home first. Between packing your things and preparing for your first night in a new home, moving house can seem overwhelming. However, moving from one property to another doesn’t have to be stressful. Read our tips to remove the stress from your moving experience. 

1. Stay organised 

As with any daunting task, staying organised is key. Pack by room and decide when and how you will organise your things. Once you’ve assigned items to labelled boxes, consider the moving van. How will the boxes go inside? Will you need to take multiple trips? Once you’ve worked these things out, you’ll have a plan for your moving day which should give you peace of mind. 

2. Pack early

There’s nothing worse than having a moving van booked and realising that you’ll need to pack all night to be ready. Start packing as soon as you can. Choose non-essential items first (decorations, etc.), and pack your essentials like furniture and cutlery the week of the move. 

3. Take your time

When you’re moving house, be sure to allot more time than you actually need. Feeling rushed will make your stress levels skyrocket, so being slow and methodical is the best way to combat moving worry. Extra time allows you to be more careful when you’re packing and unpacking, and it also takes into account the inevitable moving day setbacks. 

4. Be flexible

There are sure to be bumps in the road when you’re moving house, so remind yourself to stay flexible. Having a plan is a great way to stay organised, but don’t be afraid to deviate from it when circumstances require. 

5. Have a backup plan

When you’re planning your move, take a small amount of time to think about the things that could go wrong and write them down. Once you’ve got your list, think of ways that you could overcome these problems. A backup plan will help take stress out of your move, because you’ve already thought of potential solutions. 

6. Enlist help

Moving house is a huge task, and it becomes even bigger when you have to do it all yourself. Ask for help from your friends and family (most of them will be willing to lend a hand for a few slices of pizza) to take the pressure off. You’ll be finished much faster, and the more people that are involved, the easier moving to your new home will be. 

7. Say goodbye

You’ve lived in your old property for some time, so give yourself a moment to think about all the good memories you associate with the space. If you’re in the mood to entertain (and you haven’t packed all the plates and glasses), have a party and invite your friends to say goodbye to your old home in style. 

8. Take care of yourself

Purchasing a new property and moving into it can be extremely draining, so be careful to take care of yourself throughout the process. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help take the edge off your moving stress. Taking care of yourself also means that you deserve a treat every now and then, so consider a takeaway on your first night in the new home to reward yourself for all your hard work!

Are you looking for your dream home? For more help call us todaye - 01364 652652.

House Buying Jargon Explained

The thought of downsizing can be a little overwhelming, especially if you have lived in a property for many years, and so attempting to sort through and, in some cases, throw out, your belongings can seem like an endless task.

That’s why we have put together our top tips to help you downsize smoothly.

Get organised

A well-planned move is usually an easy move, so get organised. Start by making a list of all the necessary tasks you need to undertake, and the timescale in which you need to complete it. Knowing what you have to do, and the time you have to do it will make the whole process a lot easier.

Be practical

When thinking about what to get rid of, be practical. If you’re moving from a four-bedroom house to a one bedroom flat, you probably won’t need the extra beds, mattresses and bedding.

Sort through your loft, garage and kitchen as these are all rooms that tend to accumulate clutter you can live without. Do you have tools you’ve never touched? Or perhaps an unused exercise bike lurking in the corner of the spare room? If something is beyond repair or if you haven’t used it for years, get rid.

Don’t be afraid to be ruthless

Ditching your clutter can be tough so it is important to remain strong when deciding what to keep and what not to. However, don’t feel as though you have to part with beloved possessions. For those items you just can’t make up your mind about, offer them to a family member or put them into storage; you don’t want to part ways with a family heirloom if you’re going to regret it later. If you can’t live without it, keep it.

Establish how much room you have

Being able to see how much space you have will help you to figure out what furniture you should take with you. Measure your bigger items of furniture to work out what you’ve got space for in your new home and then draw up a realistic floorplan so that you can see how your existing furniture will fit into each room.

Whilst the square-footage of your new home may not be too dissimilar from your current property, the layout could be completely different, so make sure to keep that in mind when thinking about larger furnishings.

Cash in on your clutter

Turn your unwanted items into cash. Online sites such as eBay, Shpock, Gumtree or even Facebook, can offer an easy way of selling your old stuff.

Carboot sales are a great way to get rid of items that aren't too valuable, but which are still taking up space. If you want to offload pricier items, research your local auction house and look for a NAVA Propertymark valuer or auctioneer in your area.

Think about additional costs

Whilst downsizing will free up some of your funds (including lower energy bills, reduced maintenance costs and possibly a smaller council tax bill) there are additional costs to moving which can add up. It is important to factor in any estate agency fees, and you will pay stamp duty on any purchase in excess of £125,000. Other expenses include solicitor and conveyancing fees, a survey home buyer's report and removals/packing which can all mount up.

Source: NAEA Propertymark

Big or small, the villages in England are always a treat. From St. Ives to Castle Coombe, we’ve all seen their many wonders. But what if you’re looking for an experience that’s off the beaten path? We’ve found some of the most charming villages in the UK that you migh never have heard of and one you will have if you live in Devon ! 

1. Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Cerne Abbas is a Dorset treasure that’s certainly worth a visit. Located along the River Cerne, the village grew up around an abbey and is known for its lovely architecture and the ‘rude giant’ that features in its fields. 

2. Hellidon, Northamptonshire

A quaint village in Northamptonshire, Hellidon is perfect for those searching for a quiet retreat. Try one of the many country walks, or if you fancy something a bit sportier, the pool and spa just outside the village is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

3. Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Saltaire is a town next to the River Aire that developed around a Salt Mill in the nineteenth century. The mill has now been converted into an art space and a shopping arcade. Walking through the town can make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

4. Framlingham, Suffolk

This market town is full of history and mystery. First known for its connections to the Howard family of Tudor fame, Framlingham is the birthplace of many other notable Brits such as Ed Sheeran. The ‘Castle on the Hill’ referenced in Sheeran’s hit single is a must-see.  

5. Presteigne, Wales

Presteigne is a town right on the border between England and Wales. It’s surrounded by stunning untouched countryside, which makes it perfect for a rural retreat, but that’s not all Presteigne has to offer. There’s a vibrant high street and cultural centre, and the annual Presteigne Music Festival is an internationally known event that’s not to be missed. 

6. St Mawes, Cornwall

A fishing village situated on the end of the Roseland peninsula, St Mawes is one of the most picturesque villages you’ve never heard of. It’s almost completely surrounded by the sea, which means that the views are spectacular. The community is known for its close ties and welcoming nature, making it a real Cornish gem. 

7. Aysgarth, Yorkshire

Aysgarth is located in part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s home to Aysgarth Falls, one of Britain’s loveliest waterfalls, which featured in the film Robin Hood.

8. Higher Bockhampton, Dorset

Higher Bockhampton is tucked deep into the Dorset countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and high hedges. This village is the setting of Thomas Hardy’s first five books and is where Hardy was born. You can even visit Hardy’s cottage, which is now a National Trust property. 

9. Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire

It doesn’t get more English than this North Yorkshire village. There’s a lovely quiet stream, plenty of pubs, and moorland sheep graze throughout the village. It’s the perfect ice cream picnic spot during the summer months. 

10. Lustleigh, Devon

Lustleigh might be the most picturesque village in England. It’s one of Devon’s most well-maintained villages. Thatched cottages surround a 13th century church, bookended by the Primrose Tea Rooms and a village shop. Have a pint at the pub while you watch a cricket match on the local pitch. 

Are you looking for a home in one of these hidden gems? Contact your local Guild Agent Sawdye & Harris today. 

Landlords did you know that HMRC have lots of online help available to you? The Letting out Property online course explains the changes which introduced cash basis for landlords, the use of the mileage rate method for claiming motoring expenses and provides information on income tax relief on residential finance costs. It even explains how Capital Gains Tax affects you. They've even set up an Income from Property Forum.

For more information click below:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob3/new_letting/HTML/new_letting_menu.html?utm_source=HMRC-DSBA-Partner&utm_campaign=IFP&utm_medium=Email

 If you are a Landlord and need help on renting your property just call Sawdye & Harris on 01364 652652.