Finding the right time to sell your home requires thought, patience and certainty. When so many factors come into play, it’s important to take the time and plan if selling your home is the right choice for you (both financially and emotionally). Here are a few reasons it might be time to make the change.
You’re ready for the change
Knowing the right time to sell is more than understanding your financial position and the market conditions. Most of the time, deciding if it’s the right time to sell starts with being ready to cut the cord and start fresh.
Selling your home is more than re-locating; it’s stressful, emotionally draining and something you need to prepare for. If you’re not ready to actively search for new properties, prepare the house for sale and welcome realtors and potential buyers into your home, then perhaps rethink putting yourself through it all.
Approaching real estate agents, house cleaning and spending your weekends sifting through real estate magazines means that you’re getting serious about selling – especially if you’re considering some renovations to prepare for the sale. However, if you’re not ready to invest your time, perhaps give yourself some time to prepare.
Life moves on, and things change. Your family might be growing and are in need of more space or a more suitable location. On the other hand, you might be ready to downsize and find a property that better suits your needs.
Understanding the needs to update your home to suit your needs is a big step. The kids might be growing up or moving out, and you may find more of a need for an apartment than a house. Whatever the reason, your home should reflect your needs, and if it’s not doing you any favours, then it might be time to reconsider whether staying put is really in your best interests.
Your equity is in the right place
If you’re emotionally ready to sell your home, the only other thing is to be financially prepared. One of the most telling factors of whether you can take the brunt of selling financially is having built positive equity.
Having built positive equity comes from successfully paying off your current mortgage for a steady amount of time (approximately more than five years). Your equity is based on your home’s current market value and how much you owe on your home loan. The difference will be the amount of equity that you’ve built. For example, if your home’s current market value is $500,000, and you currently owe $300,000, you have $200,000 of equity. However, if you owe more than the property’s current worth, this means you have negative equity and are worse off than before.
Selling your home will incur some costs, so having positive equity means that these costs can be covered. Your equity should be able to cover your deposit for your next home, as well as any moving and real estate fees as a result of the sale.
Contact local real estate agents
You can afford it
Knowing you’ve got some equity is one thing; however, having a cushion of savings is always recommended. When purchasing your new home, the bank will want to ensure that you’re in a good financial position to take on another loan.
It’s always a good idea to have your own pocket of savings to lean on as well as your equity, this will save you from only relying on your equity to get you through your next purchase.
Selling your home means cleaning fees, real estate fees, moving fees and a mountain of other expenses. Being financially ready to commit to selling means being prepared for the cost that comes with making a move.
Understanding the market conditions can indicate if selling your property will be in your best interests. Historically, a strong buyer’s market (high demand) is an indicator that your home’s value could increase. If, on the other hand, there is more supply (a seller’s market), then this may negatively affect the value.
However, don’t let this scare you off. If local houses in your area are selling, this could mean an increase in demand in your local area. You’ll also have an idea of comparable sales in the area. If you find surrounding properties are selling for a reasonable price, it might mean it’s a good time to jump on the bandwagon.
Understanding the market conditions can work in your favour if you do your research. What kind of homes are selling? What demographic is buying? Is the area up and coming? How much have prices changed in the past few years? Why are people buying/selling? These questions will give you a good indication of whether you will benefit from selling your home.
However, it’s important to remember that there is never truly the ‘perfect’ time to sell. The decision to sell your home should be informed by a number of factors outside the market performance. Although, knowing the real estate market certainly puts you ahead of the game.
If you’re thinking of making the change, it’s important to understand your home’s current market value. This will give you a solid understanding of where your property sits within the current market. Seeking out an independent, professional property valuation will provide you with a foundation of what your property is worth and inform your decision to sell.
Moving is an overwhelming process – we’ve all been there. We also know that it’s easy to forget the little things when we’re in the middle of a million tasks. So, when you decide the take the plunge, here’s a list of things to prompt you to remember the little (and most important things).
Homebuyers always dread moving day. Everyone forgets something on moving day, and there’s no surprise why. Without a doubt, moving is one of the most stressful things we can put ourselves through. From packing to labelling, organising removalists, unpacking and cleaning, there’s always one thing that ends up overlooked.
Here’s a quick list of some common things we are most likely to forget when it comes to moving day:
Miscellaneous items & knick-knacks
When packing items, the small miscellaneous items are the hardest to place and therefore the easiest to lose sight of. Things like cords, remotes, stationery items and other uncategorised items will likely get lost.
Because these items are hard to place, we have a tendency to throw them in any box, often unmarked, and leave it to deal with when unpacking. This is when we begin to short-change ourselves. Moving is about organising – so even if you don’t know where to place those growing collection of knick-knacks, put them all together and remember to label it accordingly. It will save you the headache when it comes to unpacking.
Moving entails a list of a million and one things to do. One of the more forgettable tasks is to remember to switch mailing addresses.
While remembering to send out your new address to family and friends is one thing, your bank, driver’s license, health fund/Medicare and utilities are important ones to keep on top of. Keep a running list of any subscriptions or institutions that require your address is an excellent way to stay on top of it. It may be the last thing on your mind, but the aim is to do the work’s brunt at the beginning of the moving period, so you’re not drawing out the process.
Storing important documents
Documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance and legal documents obviously need to be accounted for. It’s unlikely that you’ll forget to pack these documents, however, it can be easy to forget to remember where you have stored them. Again, it’s easy to assign all paperwork to its own box, but this can quickly turn into a disaster when you have to sift through piles of paperwork to find crucial documents.
In this case, assigning essential documents to its own box and labelling it specifically will easily solve the problem. If you’re really paranoid about losing them in the mountain of existing boxes, keep it close and store it in the car with other essentials.
Contact local removalists
Clean as you go
This is another time-saver, organising the move in increments will help you tick off (mentally or otherwise) your checklist. While this is true for packing, it’s also a time/energy saver for cleaning.
Cleaning as you go can help keep the stress levels down. It can be tempting to want to pack everything up first and deal with the cleaning later but having an entire house to clean at the end is a dreaded task.
Cleaning a room (vacuuming, wiping/cleaning walls and windows) after the room’s contents is packed will allow you to thoroughly move through the house. You won’t be able to do this with every room, but it will certainly help out when you’re going through more dominant areas of the house like the kitchen. It’s also a good opportunity to do some decluttering in the process.
When you’re finished, close the room off, so you know it’s done and completed.
Similarly, when you move into your new home, take the time to clean and organise your possessions. You’re more likely to remember where things are if you’ve taken the time to place them rather than dumping them somewhere. This is especially true with storage spaces like your garage and shed. These are the areas that are most likely to get disorganised very quickly. Yes, it will take time, but you’ll be grateful for your efforts later on.
Remember to set aside the essentials
Packing and unpacking aside, your first moving day will be the most exhausting and stressful day.
Having your essentials ready at hand will be your saving grace when it comes to the first few days in your new home. Make sure you have these essentials packed and ready in the car the night before you move to save you the pain of rummaging through your packed boxes.
Bottled water
Utensil-free snacks at hand
Disposable plates, cups and cutlery
Cleaning supplies: paper towels, sponges, multi-purpose/window cleaner, broom, dustpan and garbage bin
Charging cords
Light bulbs
Bathroom essentials – toiletries, bath and hand towels and soap
Laundry supplies
Bedding essentials – sheets, duvets/duvet covers and pillowcases
You’ll likely spend the first few nights eating out or ordering in but if you decide to cook, refrain from anything that requires too much effort or cooking supplies. Be sure not to unpack anything unless you have a designated space for it.
Aside from the above, pack your personal possessions as if you were going away from the weekend – be sure that you have your toiletries and any medication packed with you. Again, the last thing you want is to be going through packed boxes trying to find your shampoo and conditioner.
It may not seem like it, but understanding your new home’s value is the first pre-emptive step in moving into it. Before you make an offer, a property valuation is a good start to ensure that you’re paying the current market value. You don’t want to pay more than what the property is worth. Purchasing a property, the process of moving into it and everything that can come after is expensive, and you don’t want to add any unnecessary costs. A property valuation will give you a clear indication of the property worth. It will help you save a bucket load in long term mortgage repayments.
Moving will always be a hassle; however, remembering these little things can help save you time and (more importantly) money. Being as organised as you can be will be your saving grace and remember to label everything. The rest will fall into place. Happy moving!
If you’re looking to put your house on the market, or you simply want to update the look of your abode without spending a fortune – rather than thinking big renovation projects and interior design makeovers, it’s useful to think on a more micro level. There are multiple simple and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of your home to have it appear more desirable, with the help of a few experts.
1. A splash of paint
Just like fashion trends, interior wall paint colours can change. Painting the walls can lift the whole mood and atmosphere of your home while appearing in-style and modern. If you’re happy with the colour, but your walls are starting to look tired, a fresh coat can make the world of difference in making your home feel shiny and new.
Redesigning the colour scheme of your walls, while still keeping in mind your current decor, can completely transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune.
2. Update your outdoor space
With summer having just arrived, us Aussies love our outdoor living areas – socialising with mates, Sunday barbeques with family and even to relax by ourselves from time to time. Adding a deck to your outdoor entertaining area can exude a laid-back and modern atmosphere, facilitating any occasion. Hiring the right expert to install and design your decking will certainly increase the value of your home, and the main positive is that decking can sometimes be one of the more budget-friendly options for outdoor living areas.
Another outdoor aspect is the garden. Arranging a garden clean-up is simple, and it can do wonders to your area. Clean-ups by themselves are effective, but they can also provide a blank canvas for adding any shrubbery or trees, which are definitely expected to lift the overall impression of your home.
3. Clean your carpets
Hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets is a cheaper option than replacing your flooring all together, and it can still increase the value of your home. Most of us tend to vacuum our carpets, without much regard for the hidden dirt that has accumulated over the years that we can’t see. Experts can transform your carpet to appear brand new, which not only makes a difference in the look of your carpet, but also the smell within your home.
4. Kitchen upgrades
Rather than renovating the whole space to increase the attractiveness and value of your house, consider the smaller details that can really lift the design of your kitchen. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, think of replacing cupboard doors or handles. Or perhaps you’re willing to spend a little more on improving your kitchen area; consider replacing kitchen benchtops.
5. Change the light switches
Something so simple as changing the light switches can make a difference in the eyes of potential buyers of your home, or even just the impression of your friends if you’re not looking to sell. The installation or upgrade of light switches is one of the cheaper services that electricians provide. Standard white switches can tend to look yellow over time, usually only noticed when they are replaced. Head to a hardware store and perhaps opt for coloured or metal switch plates instead of a standard white switch to spruce up your home in a subtle way.
6. Bathroom updates
The bathroom is often the easiest room in the house to look dated. Luckily, there are a few simple tweaks you can do to give it a fresh feeling. Firstly, install some new shower screens for an instant lift. If the old one is looking ugly or cloudy from all those years of use, a new shower screen will deliver a fresh, beautiful look. You can go for one that is fully frameless or semi frameless, and you have plenty of different glass options for the screen.
Adding a new vanity is another good option for the bathroom. Putting in a new one could give you more storage, or just make for a fresher look from the older and scarred one that already sits in there. Don’t forget, you need a vanity that’s got plenty of storage and easy access, and one that has enough sink space for everyone who’s going to use it. Figure out what type of material is best for the bench top, and figure out how big it has to be before you construct anything. You can also explore adding in a heated towel rack, new towels and bathmats or a mirror de-mister.
Finally, it’s worth considering resurfacing the bathroom. This is a good, superficial makeover that does a lot of good. If you have chipped, tired or ugly tiles, resurfacing could make for an efficient answer to your problems. Contact a professional and see what they could do. With a little bit of work, your new tiles will give the whole room a fresh, charming look.
Contact local bathroom renovation experts
7. Add a skylight
Skylights bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial light and energy usage. A home that has lots of daylight appeals to home to buyers because it makes the home seem warmer and brighter. It also requires much less energy to keep it attractive and liveable.
Different types of skylights
Skylights come in many different shapes and sizes, from rectangular to circular and diamond-shaped to triangular. They can use either glass or plastic glazing that is: flat, arched, domed or pyramid shaped. Tubular skylights are another option; these can even be funnelled through a building or down to different storeys of a home.
You can have a fixed or openable skylight, depending on your tastes. Fixed skylights have to stay in place and can’t be opened — they serve solely as a source of light. Openable skylights can be opened whenever you like by using either a manual turn or a motorised control to open the pane and help ventilate your home. These can increase your energy efficiency even further by creating a cooling source, which will also increase your home’s value.
Skylights do have to be well-insluated to make sure that they are not letting in extra heat — with the sun beating down directly on them all day, this can be a problem in summer months. It’s a good idea to find ones that offer insulation that surrounds the skylight and that also use glazing to stop heat from penetrating. Blinds are also a good idea so that on extra sunny or hot days you can screen off the light from the skylight.
If you’re thinking of selling your house at auction, you will need to consider the positives and negatives of choosing this selling method. When you sell at auction, you’ll have a set time to market your home and a set date for the sale of your property. An auction can also generate a great deal of excitement and competition if there are many people interested in your property. But there’s no guarantee that your home will sell for the amount you desire. So here are seven tips to help you increase your chances of success.
1. Find a good real estate agent
Look for an agent who has a proven track record for auctions in your local area. You can compare agents by asking for their results from recent auctions. Have a look at the number of properties that were sold successfully, ie the reserve amount was met. Or you could consider attending an agent’s auctions to get an idea of how your own auction would be handled. You might also want to consider things like the agent’s experience, reputation, negotiation skills, and strategic approach to marketing.
What’s more, you can compare real estate agent fees and commissions to help you choose the right agent. Fees and commissions vary depending on which state or city you live in, but it generally includes negotiating and marketing fees, and the commission is usually between 1% and 5% of your property’s final sale price.
There are several steps to take before putting your home up for auction / Source: Pictures by Sean
2. Create an advertising budget
According to data obtained by LocalAgentFinder, most real estate agencies will charge between $1,000 to $5,000 on marketing costs for a typical individual property, with the majority trending towards a budget under $2,000. Many homes sold by auction are usually scheduled to sell after 30 days. By creating an advertising budget that’ll last for this time period or more, you’ll be able to advertise your home up until auction day. The point is to let buyers know that your home is on the market. And when you have the funds on hand, you can quickly generate interest in your upcoming auction from the start and continue to attract potential buyers until your home’s ready for sale.
3. Hold open house inspections
Another way to attract a lot of qualified and interested buyers to your auction is to conduct open house inspections. Since you only have a limited time to market your home, you need to showcase its best features. Most importantly, the house should be prepared for sale with styling and presentation and an have a strong deep clean before the openings. Here is a list of essentials to prepare your house for the inspections.
4. Pay attention to feedback
If your agent gives you buyer feedback from the open house inspections and inquiries, take these comments into consideration when presenting your property in the future and setting your reserve price. After all, when you cater to the needs and wants of buyers, you’ll have a higher chance of achieving a strong sale price.
5. Choose a realistic reserve price
You should set a reserve price that’s based on recent comparable property sales. You’ll need to compare the asking price of homes similar to yours and the price they sold for, and then decide on a reserve amount. Keep in mind that only you, your agent, and the auctioneer should know about your reserve price before auction day.
Contact local real estate agents
6. Be present on auction day
It’s best to be present on the day your property goes under the hammer. By directly observing the auction process and buyer interest in your property, you’ll be able to make better, more informed decisions in any negotiation after the auction.
7. Negotiate or run another auction when your home is passed in
If your reserve price is reached at auction, your property is considered to be on the market and is sold to the highest bidder. But if your reserve price isn’t met and your property is passed in, you can negotiate with the highest bidder or run an auction again on another day and get a great result.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can improve the likelihood of a successful auction.
Moving office takes time, luckily, it is a burden that everyone in the company shares equally. With the right planning, organisation and coordination, a lot can be achieved with as little effort invested as possible. The work must carry on at the new workplace location, so having everyone exhausted by the move may result in turnover you don’t need. Therefore, everyone must play their part in this process. Here is our office moving checklist for employees.
1. Tell all your clients
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that this move isn’t just affecting you. For instance, what happens in a situation where an important client decides to visit you, unannounced, at your old location, only to find you absent. In this case, they might get the impression that they are not important enough to get a timely notification of your company’s relocation. To avoid this, contact your clients in advance and let them know you’re moving office, including the new office address, change of operating hours and telephone number (if any).
2. Make an announcement
When a company relocates, there are so many things to do. Most importantly, your workforce needs to make an important choice whether they will relocate with your business or quit. In a situation where the move is across the country, it isn’t that odd to assume that some staff may decide to leave, yet this is something that needs to be discussed in time. It is vital that the employee responsible for spreading this announcement (most commonly someone from HR) does this to give employees enough time to work their notice period and recruit for new staff. This usually means weeks or even months in advance.
As for the move itself, contacting professional office movers in advance to avoid the hustle. The office manager is recommended to have the full list of the items, including computers, furniture and storage, that are transported to a target location. It may be more cost effective to purchase new office furniture and equipment at the new location than to pay for the relocation of goods from your existing office. You can either sell these items or donate them to a charitable organisation. It is recommended to get an itemised quote from the office movers to work out what is the best course of action for you.
4. Get the packaging material
Simply contacting office movers isn’t enough, it is also your job to secure all the materials that you’re going to take to your target location. For this, you need to get a sufficient amount of boxes, duct tape, labels and other important items. It is important that you are as organised as possible during this process. It is common for many items to get misplaced and mishandled during the move as people don’t know the importance of the contents of the box. For this reason alone, some companies purchase, borrow or rent out a label printer.
5. Prepare the new destination
Apart from worrying about your current office, you must also adequately prepare your new destination for your arrival. So, if one of those destinations is Sydney, for example – the next sensible move would be to hire a Sydney removalists who satisfy your company’s standards. With the removal services on your side, you can prepare the office for your inevitable arrival. Aside from this, the office in question might require some additional work especially if you have complicated computer or server setups, which is why you might also want to inquire about local contractors.
6. Official address change
The issue about relocation bears some legal complications, as well. Your company is probably registered at your current location so this will have to be changed. Next, you also want to cancel all subscriptions you have at your current location or just redirect them to the next one.
7. Situational company name change
In the same manner, you might be also compelled to change the name of the company. Imagine a scenario where your company name has the name of your city or region as the part of the phrase. Furthermore, your entire marketing might suffer from it, yet the consequences you will experience at the target destination if you fail to do so are even greater. Sometimes, it might be a good idea to organise a great brainstorming session amongst the team and try to figure out how to deal with this situation as painlessly as possible.
8. Think about the insurance
Another thing you should take into consideration is the one of insurance of your equipment, office and company in general. Sure, this is something that is already handled at your current location but you need to ask yourself one thing: “Does the insurance on our computer equipment and furniture cover any damage made during the office move”. Pointing this out to some of your supervisors might earn you some extra credit with them, as well as save your company a small fortune in repairs and re-purchases. It might also be worth your while to inquire about things like plumber and handyman insurance types, for your future headquarters.
9. Organise the packing
In one of the previous sections we mentioned the issue of acquiring the right packing materials and while this helps you immensely in the process of packing, there is still a lot you have to do. In order to ensure nothing is accidentally misplaced or mishandled, a manager might want to hire people responsible for packing. Each of the people responsible might have their own area, which includes certain items or types of items. With the right organisation, everything becomes considerably easier.
10. Try to alleviate the tension
Finally, the process of moving office is always a difficult one, especially since some of your partners, employees and clients may abandon you for good. Therefore, it is a job of every responsible team member to try and alleviate the tension around the office as best as they can.
FAQs
What to do with office equipment that you don’t need at your new office?
When moving offices it isn’t uncommon to have extra furniture that doesn’t quite fit into the new office. Depending on your financial and logistical position, you may want to try one of the following avenues:
Sell your unwanted office furniture online or in the classifieds
Donate it all to a local charity or another business starting up
Store it. This might be helpful if you’re looking to expand in the near future, however, the cost for storage may quickly outweigh the benefits.
How to safely move computers and electrical equipment?
Quite possibly the most important aspect of any move is ensuring the computers and computer networks are transported safely. Computers will need specialist moving equipment to ensure they do not receive any damage en route to the new office. Taking special care to preplan the move and how cords and accessories will travel will decrease your downtime at the other end.
Here are a few things to consider when moving your computers:
Wrap them well using special padded wrapping.
Consider how the computers will be moved. Specific computer moving trollies can make the process safer by reducing vibrations from the road during moving.
Is your equipment insured while in transit? Check with your insurance company and make any adjustments to your policy if needed.
Wrap up
By following this office move checklist, your moving office experience will become as simple and efficient as possible. Sure, there are always some unforeseen difficulties you might encounter along the road, but as you progress through each of the above steps, you will feel the weight on your back getting lighter and lighter.
Moving house can be stressful, especially if it’s a long-distance move. You need to take care of the practicalities and deal with the emotional impact of leaving your familiar surroundings for a new place. It’s important to plan the move carefully and keep track of all your possessions.
You need to make the arrangements well in advance to ensure the move happens smoothly and on schedule. A competent moving company can help you through the process and ensure your possessions reach your new home unharmed. In this article, we share our best moving house packing tips.
How to plan your move
Planning a move is relatively easy, but executing the plan is a little more complicated. The key to a successful move is to create a strategy and stick with it. You should also make sure your family is aware of the plan and understands their roles in the moving process. This is especially important if you have children.
Choose who carries out the move and how
People who move are often on a limited budget and have recently made a big financial commitment to a new property. They want to save as much money as possible and assume that a DIY move can help them do that. Unfortunately, that can prove to be very problematic and end up costing more money, especially if you have to make multiple trips in your own vehicle to carry out the move. Here’s what you can do instead of handling the entire move yourself:
Consider back-loading – In this option, your possessions will share space with other people’s belongings during the move. You only pay for the square metre area you use during the transport. This can help you save a significant amount of money.
Handle the packing – Most moving companies will pack your possessions for you at an additional cost. If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip this service and pack your belongings yourself. You can source free packing materials from several places like your local schools, local shops, friends who have recently moved, recycling centres, etc.
A full move – If you’re on a tight schedule and need to carry out the move as quickly as possible, you should consider hiring the complete service. The movers will handle everything – packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. Some movers will also disassemble large furniture and reassemble it if required.
Removalists offer different levels of service depending on your needs / Source: Jake Fast Removals
Once you have made your choice regarding the moving service, you need to find a reliable mover with a good reputation, get quotes, and schedule the move at a convenient time. It’s important to book a mover at least three weeks before you intend to move, especially if you plan on moving during summer. Last minute moves are often expensive and cumbersome.
How to pack your possessions
The next step is to sort through your possessions and organise them into three different sections. Moving is an excellent excuse and motivation to get rid of things you don’t need.
The “keep” section – This section consists of all items that you need and value. These items should have a place in your new home and serve a purpose. For example, if you have a baby grand piano that no one plays, you should consider selling it or donating it instead of transporting it to your new home. On the other hand, if you have an antique clock that fits in perfectly with your new home’s decor and has sentimental value you should include it in your keep section.
The “donate or sell” section – This section is reserved for non-essential items that are in good condition. You can either donate these items to a local charity or sell them on online marketplaces like Gumtree and eBay. Selling the items will give you some extra money at a time when you have a large number of expenses.
The “discard” section – Some items are just too damaged or worn to sell or donate. You need to dispose of these items safely, especially household cleaners, medications, abrasives, and other such substances. Come up with a solid disposal plan for all of your possessions in this section and discard them thoroughly before you’re due to pack for your move.
How to pack for a move
After you’ve sorted through your possessions, start the packing process. It’s a good idea to spread this out over a few weeks instead of rushing through it in the final week before you move. Here are some tips on how to handle the packing for your move:
Collect the material – The first step is to collect packing materials like cardboard boxes of different sizes, as well as specialised boxes for glassware, dishware, electronics like televisions, etc. You’ll also need packing tape, box cutters, plastic wrap, packing paper, bubble wrap, ropes and strings, permanent markers, and labels. You can find all of these items online or in your local stores. Some moving companies provide a certain amount of free packing materials to their customers once they have a confirmed booking
Pack one room at a time – You should keep the unpacking process in mind before you start packing your possessions. If you pack one room at a time and label all boxes properly, you’ll have an easier time unpacking at your new home. Packing one room at a time is also less stressful and ensures you don’t miss anything. You can maintain a list of all possessions in the room, so they’re easier to track during transportation.
Pack non-essential items first – Pack non-essential items that you won’t need during the weeks leading up to the move first. If you pack the essential items, you’ll be forced to look for those things in your packed boxes repeatedly which can cause undue stress. Make a list of items that you won’t need during the weeks leading up to the move and pack them well in advance.
Label everything and place a list of items on the box – After you’ve finished packing a box, label it carefully. The label should contain the name of the room, the name of the person those items belong to, whether the items are fragile, and a list of the items placed in the box. The latter will be useful if you need to retrieve something from the packed boxes as you won’t need to open all of them to look for something. You can refer to the list to see if the item you need is on it.
Keep track of essentials – Essential items can easily become lost during the packing and moving process, so it’s important to keep track of them. These items include medications, documents like medical reports, identification papers such as passports, school paperwork, insurance paperwork, etc. They should be stored where you can easily find them.
Pack essentials – Pack the most essential items a day or two before the move and make sure you have an overnight bag with your toiletries, change of clothes, medication, chargers and mobile devices, etc. This means you won’t have to deal with unpacking immediately after the move.
How to pack fragile items
There is absolutely a right and wrong way to pack fragile items. First things first ensure your cardboard boxes are still strong and sturdy. Reusing boxes from your last move might seem like an easy way to go, but cardboard boxes have a shelf life like anything else, so make sure they are still strong enough for your fragile items.
A good way of ensuring your fragile items arrive safely is to pack your bedding in with these items. Perhaps a doona in the bottom of the box, and a couple of pillows between pieces will ensure any knocks are absorbed in the bedding, and not in your breakables.
For glasses, mugs and cups ensure they are all wrapped separately. This can be a time-consuming task, but ensuring the glassware isn’t touching other glassware will significantly increase the chances of it arriving safely.
How to pack books
Depending on how many books you have to pack up, you may want to think about having several smaller boxes rather than one big box to pack your books. Packing smaller boxes means they will be easier to transport by yourself or your removalist.
When loading up the moving boxes, start with the largest and heaviest books first, then follow up with the smaller and lighter ones. Spread the big heavy books across your packing boxes to make loading and unloading easier.
Keep the books laying flat to avoid damaging or putting extra weight through the binds and don’t be afraid to leave some space in the top of the box, and you don’t need to pack it to the brim.
Sometimes the easiest way to move something is not to pack it into boxes at all. If you have a dresser or chest of drawers that are filled with your clothes, don’t empty it. Let your movers take it as it is and you won’t need to worry about unpacking at the other end either.
Before you start packing make sure your clothes are clean and throw away anything you’ve meant to ditch for a while now. The last thing you want to do it pack a bunch of clothes you’re never going to wear again.
If you have the time beforehand, pack away any seasonal clothing that you know you won’t need before the move starts.
Also, pack yourself an overnight bag of things you’ll likely wear on the couple of days around moving day. This will prevent you from having to sift through boxes to find something to wear once you’re in your new place.
If you have clothes already hanging, invest in garment bags or enclosed boxes to move these items. A few different sizes of vacuum seal bags will be a great space-saving way to get your clothes safely from A to B.
If you have suitcases or luggage handy, use these to fill with clothing and shoes. If you do need to pack clothing into boxes (folded and wrapped in tissue paper or sheets) be sure to use smaller boxes as clothing can be very heavy.
How to pack the kitchen
Packing a kitchen is often one of the most time-consuming jobs during a move. You need to take the time to pack fragile items properly and organise everything in a way that is easy to unpack at the other end.
If you still have the boxes from when you bought your appliances then repack them into these to move. If not, ensure all small parts are secured (a ziplock bag is a great way to keep small parts altogether, and they are easy to label) and that they are stored with the appliance. Bubble wrap and newspaper are both greats ways to keep appliances safe during a move.
See above for packing fragile items.
Keep all your silverware together to prevent them from getting loose and potentially damaging other items in your boxes. Wrapping them all together within a towel or big jumper is a great way to keep them all together.
Pots and pans are best in a large moving box as they can be awkward shapes and sizes. If each pan has a lid, store them together, and if you have small items that can be wrapped and added inside the pans, this can be an excellent way to save on extra packing boxes.
Any other small or miscellaneous items can be wrapped in newspaper and tucked into the boxes with the larger items in them. Save this til last.
Contact local removalists
How to organise utilities for the new home
The last thing you want is to live without gas, electricity, and water when you reach your new home. Arrange for these utilities in advance to ensure everything is in place when you move in. You should also arrange for telephone, internet, and television lines if needed.
You will also need to change your address with the post office, insurance companies, banking institutions, car licenses, and other such important aspects of your life. It’s a good idea to make these changes early because you need some time to settle into your new home after your move.
How to handle the day of the move
The day of the move can be stressful and chaotic, mainly because you need to ensure your entire family is coordinated. Here’s what you need to do:
Go to sleep early the night before and wake up early.
Make sure that you, your partner, and your children have a healthy breakfast.
Keep games, iPads, toys, and other such items at hand. They will ensure your children are engaged during the move.
Call the moving company and confirm the pickup time.
Supervise the loading of all items and make sure the movers handle boxes with fragile possessions carefully.
Do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Say goodbye to any neighbours and friends before you move.
Moving home can be a stressful and time-consuming process so it’s a good idea to get all the help you can find. Hiring a moving company may be the best option for you, especially if you want to move across state lines or over long distances. You’ll save a lot of time and effort in lieu of some added expense.
If you are considering purchasing a new home, you will need to have inspections completed before putting an offer in on a home. This is a way of protecting you and making sure you know exactly what you will be getting yourself into. However, you need to make sure that you are getting the right information and that it is high enough quality. This is why you will want to consider getting a special purpose property report in addition to having the inspection. Here is some helpful information.
Why get a building inspection report?
A commercial or residential building inspection report will give you a wealth of information on the condition of the property you are about to buy. The inspection, performed by a certified professional, will inform you of any defects in the property’s accessible areas. An inspection report can be especially helpful if the property is old. A home built a century ago might not pass today’s building standards. But, getting it inspected and then bringing it up to code could help it last well into the next century.
A look inside the building inspection report
While there are standardised formats based on the type, age and size of a building, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the professional inspecting your property will use it. Photographs may or not be used to support the report’s findings. The building inspection report is designed to be a comprehensive overview of the property. As such, it will typically include most areas of the exterior and interior of the property, including:
All livable interior areas
The roof, including the condition of its exterior, as well as the insulated interior space and the stormwater, drain off and surface water drainage
The space under the base floor
Any steps on the property
All separate buildings, whether attached or not, including sheds, separate laundries or toilets, and the garage or carport
The land and site the property sits on, including any paths, driveways, fencing and small retaining walls
Make sure you let the inspector know if there is any particular area you want to be inspected. Regardless of what areas are inspected, all reports will include basic information, such as the property’s address, the owner’s contact information and the reason, date and scope of the inspection. If there were any areas that couldn’t be inspected, this will be noted on the report. The most important aspects of the report, however, will be the summary of the overall condition of the property, the problems found during the inspection, and the inspector’s recommendations for addressing the problems.
Contact local building inspectors
What is a special purpose property report?
A special-purpose property report is filled out during an inspection of the building. The most common time that this is carried out is when you are considering buying a property that has shared or common areas. This is called a strata property. Items such as a shared driveway, shared walls, stairwells, and other items are considered common areas. In most cases, these are associated with townhouses and unit blocks. This is usually done in addition to a pre-purchase inspection. This is because the pre-purchase inspection only looks at the interior and the immediate exterior of the property. With a special purpose property report, the common areas that are not looked at with the pre-purchase inspection get the proper attention that they deserve.
At the time of the inspection, your building inspector can provide you with an estimate of the costs for any problems needing repair that are in the pre-inspection report.
A look inside special reports
These reports cover everything that is looked at in a pre-purchase report as we as all of the common areas that are not looked at. These include the exterior and interior and of the building, roof, underfloor areas, and the overall state of the building site. They will also look at the costs of any repairs that may need to be done. These will include things that are found on the inside and the outside of the building including maintenance that will need to happen and other recommendations that may need to be done.
Who performs these reports?
A qualified building inspector is the only reliable source for getting an accurate report and to get the results you are looking for. They will abide by the relevant national standards to make sure that the building and property are up to code and will be able to provide you with the proper safety and security you seek from your home. They should be qualified, insured, and licensed. They should also be a professional association member. You will want to make sure you have a quote for the inspection before it happens so you will know what they will be providing to you when the report is complete and you will not need to ask about information you thought you would be receiving.
Ever needed to move a piano only to realise it’s quite a big undertaking? Musical instruments are usually quite delicate and have some intricate parts and attachments. Most of them are small and relatively easy to transport. For example, you can place a violin or cello inside a secure case and carry it to the destination. Unfortunately, not all musical instruments are as easy to transport and items like a piano or harpsichord require special arrangements. Here are our top tips on how to move a piano.
Why is moving a piano so complicated?
It’s not as easy to transport a piano because it is an odd shape, is bigger in size and heavier than most musical instruments. Pianos might look sturdy and solid on the outside, but they have a very delicate mechanism inside that can be disrupted at the slightest bump or movement. Pianos have delicate, little felt hammers, tightly wound strings, awkwardly positioned pedals, keys and some of the other mechanisms.
To prevent damage during the move, it’s a good idea to hire a professional that has experience with moving a piano.
How much does it cost to move a piano?
Hiring a professional removalist is a wise decision, not to mention a worthy investment. By seeking the assistance of professional movers to help you transport your piano with tender care and avoid injuries. Cost can vary depending on the size of your piano, destination, whether the piano needs to go upstairs need to be navigated and the type of piano you have.
It is best to entrust the safe handling of your specialised instrument to a moving company that specialises in piano removals for the following reasons:
Weight considerations. Pianos weigh from around 150kg to as much as 600kg or more. With this in mind, pianos should not be moved long distances or out of the house on its casters, as these casters are for moving short distances across the room. Casters can deteriorate over time and if this happens and you try to move your piano yourself, it can tear your carpet or gouge your hardwood floors.
Financial factors. You might think that having expert piano removalists will cost an arm and a leg. However, requesting a quote may change your mind, as there are varied factors involved in moving such a fragile acoustic instrument.
Pianos do not typically come cheap, and some pieces are considered antique or beloved heirlooms. Moving a piano yourself will most probably mean that it won’t be covered by insurance; however, when professional removalists do it, they can offer you insurance.
Equipment concerns. Pianos have intricate workings with roughly 12,000 individual parts. Piano removalists have years of experience, skills and knowledge about pianos and their proper handling requirements. From possible dismantling to applying the safest possible techniques to turn a piano, to getting it out of the door and safely into a moving truck, these specialists will know exactly what to do to avoid or minimise damage.
If you intend to move the instrument on your own, you should arrange for some assistance from your friends and family.
Moving a piano requires careful planning and execution. It is important to get the instrument to its destination without any harm. Here are some tips that can help you move different types of pianos.
What do you need?
Before you attempt to move the piano, you need to make some preparations and ensure you have everything you need. Here is a list that can help you:
Get help. A team of people capable of lifting heavy loads to help you move. You can’t move a piano on your own without assistance.
Protect it. A sheet or plastic wrap to cover the piano and protect it from dust and debris during transit. Also consider taking protective measures for things such as hardwood floors, carpet and walls.
Get some wheels. A moving dolly is absolutely essential if you want to move your piano. They are essentially flat load-bearing boards with wheels attached.
Keep your piano steady. You need furniture straps to keep the piano anchored to the moving dolly and then to the floor of the moving truck. These straps will ensure the instrument doesn’t shift around during transit.
Hire a truck. You can’t move the piano without a moving truck, so you’ll need to hire one before you pack the piano. It’s a good idea to reserve a moving truck a few weeks in advance to ensure there are no problems in the scheduling.
Do not attempt to move the piano on its wheels because that will damage the instrument permanently. The wheels attached to the piano are designed for small distance moves on smooth surfaces.
Protect your piano
You can consult your professional piano mover regarding ways to protect your piano before they move it, but here are some basic reminders that you can take note of:
Do not leave the key in the lid. This is to make sure that any keys to lock the piano don’t get lost during the move.
Place a drying agent inside the piano if it is being stored. If a piano is left in a humid environment, the wood can warp and crack over time.
Clear the path where the piano will most likely pass. Also, leave enough space surrounding the piano for the movers to be able to move freely without stepping on or tripping over your other belongings.
Ensure your removalist covers the piano with thick, quilted pads to ensure your piano is protected while it is being moved.
Determine the type of piano
You need to plan the way you move a piano according to the type of piano you own. Pianos are made up of different sizes and designs, and they differ in weight and weight balance. This is an important aspect to consider if you intend to move the instrument yourself. For example, upright pianos are quite top-heavy, so they can easily become unbalanced during the move. Here are some facts you should know about the different kinds of pianos before you move them:
Spinet piano – This piano is relatively easy to move because it’s smaller, is more compact in shape and isn’t as heavy. Most spinet pianos are around three feet tall and 58 inches long. They weigh around 130 kilograms, though some might be heavier.
Studio upright piano – This piano is more difficult to move because it’s generally quite top-heavy. It is easy for the piano to slip during the move because of its weight distribution. Most small studio pianos are around four feet tall and can weigh about 180 to 300 kilograms.
Large upright pianos – Large upright pianos are of the same width as spinet and studio pianos, but they’re heavier at the top. These instruments are generally around five feet tall and weigh around 500 kilograms.
Grand piano / Baby Grand – Grand pianos usually come in different sizes and aren’t commonly found on residential properties. Smaller grand pianos weigh around 225 kilograms while large ones can easily weigh around 600 kilograms.
Insure your instrument
Most piano manufacturers will advise you to get insurance when moving a piano. Even if handled by professionals, you will still have peace of mind and have that feeling of security when you have insurance cover in case of any untoward incidents.
Research the kinds of insurance you should get. Find time to discuss these with your piano removalist and ask them what coverage they can offer you. See if they cover insurance in transit and/or in storage.
There are usually three types of insurance that are important when having your piano moved: worker’s insurance, property insurance and piano insurance. Since not all piano removalists have all three types, it is crucial to check the removalists’ insurance documentation before the big move.
This legal document will show you the different kinds of insurance available, what is covered and what happens if there are any damages during the move.
Ensure your piano is properly protected for any move / Source: Safe Removalist
Plan your route through the house
It’s not easy to transport a piano from its current location to the moving truck. This is one of the most challenging aspects of the move, which is why you need to plan it carefully.
Look for the shortest route from the piano to the moving truck. Walk through your home and consider the shortest route.
Measure the size of your piano and then measure the size of the doorways leading to exit as well. Your shortest route to the exit might not have big enough doorways to allow the instrument to be carried through.
Clear the route of any clutter because the last thing you want is to trip over when moving a piano.
Move the piano
Once you have planned your route and have all the equipment you need, it’s time to pack and move the piano.
Close the lids at the top of the piano and over the keyboard. Lock these lids securely in place to ensure they don’t open during the move.
Wrap the piano with furniture fabric or a sheet and secure the sheet with some furniture straps or rope.
With the help of your moving team, carefully push the piano onto the furniture dolly. You can create a small ramp that connects the floor to the dolly to make things easy.
Once the piano is securely on the dolly, tie it to the surface to ensure it doesn’t move during transportation.
Push the piano along the route you planned and make sure you compensate for any changes in balance. It’s a good idea to use your muscles instead of gravity to move the piano along.
Push the piano up the ramp and into the transport truck.
Once the piano is in the truck, use furniture straps to secure it to the floor of the vehicle, so it doesn’t move around during the journey.
Take time to tune
After all the moving around, you will want your piano re-tuned. It is best to schedule a tuning a couple of months after the move to give your piano enough time to get settled into its new environment.
Factors such as weather, atmospheric pressure and humidity can affect the tune of your musical instrument, so have a tuner visit you and re-tune your piano once it has become acclimatised to its new environment.
Such a delicate and cherished instrument should be given proper attention and treatment during your move. Enlisting the expert assistance of professional piano removalists will help you make sure that your piano will be transported with utmost care. The knowledge that it has been safely and securely installed in its new home will be as sweet as music to your ears.
Renting a home or apartment can be difficult in the current market, with so much competition when a place becomes available. Making sure your application gives you the best possible chance to get the property you want takes a little advance planning. You need to ensure that you’re in pole position by following these tips.
Doing market research of rental properties
The first thing to do is to check what properties are available or may become available in the near future. Visit your real estate agents and surf the Internet for what’s in your area of choice and within your budget. You can then target specific properties or areas, saving time by avoiding unsuitable places. Real estate agents can be invaluable in your search. They have detailed property listings, and they may be able to get you a viewing sooner than if you wait until it’s advertised. The sooner you view, the sooner you can get your application in, beating others to the punch.
Once you’ve spotted some properties that interest you, there are some steps you can take in advance that will save you time later. When you’ve found the place you want to rent, you’ll want to get in there straight away, so get some things ready beforehand.
Money
The first and most obvious step is to have the money ready. You’ll need to have bond money on hand. as well as advance rent – usually a month, but sometimes less. If you have the money already, you can pay the landlord immediately, speeding up the moving in process. Landlords can’t afford to have their properties sitting empty while potential tenants gather up the cash, so if you can prove you’ve got it, you’re putting yourself in a great position.
Application form
You can fill in the application form in advance too so that you’re ready to go. Most real estate agents will have general application forms containing details such as references, contact information, proof of funds, etc. You can enter most of these details in advance, leaving the specifics such as the rental address until you’re ready to go. This will save some time, giving you an important head start on other applicants.
References
All landlords will check your references before they rent you their property. The best way to ensure this goes smoothly is to inform the people you use as references that they should expect a call or email. This will give them a heads up, and they’ll have time to think about what they want to say to give you the best chance of getting the rental.
Contact local real estate agents
What to do once your application has been approved
Read the lease first
Do not just sign the lease! A lease is a legal document, and it is important that you read it, from start to finish, prior to signing. A lease is a legally binding document, and failure to understand it can mean serious financial and legal repercussions on your part. If you have any questions about the lease, ask before signing, and make sure that every agreed upon term is included in the body of the lease. For example, your landlord says that the apartment is pet-friendly, but it is not stated in the lease. Be sure to get his permission in writing to back yourself up in the future. And lastly, you will need to be sure that the rent amount indicated in the lease is what you agreed to when you toured your property.
Fill out a property condition report
A property condition report highlights the condition of the property you are renting when you first move in. The purpose of this is so that you cannot be held liable for any damages to the property that existed prior to you moving into your apartment or rental house. Always make sure to fill out the property condition report thoroughly and honestly, and keep a copy for your own records. Feel free to mention the slightest flaw that you see.
Leases come in a variety of durations, so it is vital that you check how long the lease is before signing on the dotted line. Rental leases typically span from 6-24 months, so it is important that you understand the terms of the agreement before signing. It is important to note that if you leave the rental property before the end of your lease, your landlord can hold you liable for rent until the end of your lease agreement. Once your lease expires, you will have the option to renew, as long as it is still beneficial for both you and your landlord.
Beware of agency fees when signing a residential lease
Rental fees charged by real estate agents, more commonly known as agency fees, should not be overlooked at the time of signing the lease.
Do you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the inner city or chill out by the beach? Are parks for your pooch important or is proximity to lively nightspots your priority?
Sydney is chock-a-block with varied and hip neighbourhoods. We’ve helped to hone your new home search down by picking five popular Sydney hotspots.
If you’re considering a change of address, these read on to determine which trendy Sydney suburb could be your next port of call.
When you live in Surry Hills you can leave your car at home, with cycleways streaking through the leafy suburb, it’s not only eco-friendly but quick and easy to get from A to B. You’ll be happy to be cycling from place to place to work off all the extra calories you’ll be ingesting, with foodie delights waiting around every corner. Residents revel in craft beer, being home to ‘Sydney’s best breakfasts’, their coffee culture, wine bars and fashionable restaurants. The nightlife, galleries and posh boutique shops are not half bad either.
Surry Hills is filled with cycle-friendly leafy streets / Source: Shuttestock
Every day feels like a relaxing beach holiday when you call Manly home. Frolic in the shallows or grab a board and head for the surf break for exhilarating fun in the sun. For a chilled night out check out one of Manly’s plethora of pubs, bars, restaurants or the open-air food market. Manly has a beachy, sleepy and friendly small town feel, but if you do miss the big smoke remember it’s only a picturesque 30-minute ferry ride away.
A lively and hip paradise, Newtown has everything a modern-day hipster could ever want and need. With no shortage of affordable vegetarian and vegan restaurants, vintage clothing stores, tattoo parlours, pubs, clubs and live music, Newtown is the place to be. The stellar expansive street art is also worthy of an afternoon walking tour. The neighbouring up-and-coming suburb of Camperdown is worth a look too.
Home to Sydney’s most famous stretch of coastline, Bondi Beach is the place to be for beach lovers. With a glamorous Venice Beach LA vibe, do as the locals do and dine al fresco street side, browse stores along Campbell Parade, pick up some organic produce at Bondi’s Farmers Market and take a sunset stroll along the spectacular Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk.
The super stylish Paddington aka ‘Paddo’ is home to Sydney’s fashionistas and ‘it girls’. Oxford Street is lined with high-end eateries as well as every designer boutique a shopaholic could wish for. Check out some local design talent at the Paddington market every Saturday which showcases locally made clothing, accessories and homewares. Stretch your fashionable legs by having a wander around neighbouring Centennial Park, the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday picnic, an evening jog or even horse riding. Best of all this is all only 3km from the CBD!
