Finding the Right Movers

 You may already know that moving is one of the most stressful life events that anybody can ever deal with. Whether you are moving to a new street because you are looking for a bigger house, or you are moving to a new state because you are looking for a better job, moving is going to be stressful regardless of what you do. You need to make this occasion, and it really is an occasion, be easy. 

You need to be able to wake up and feel excited that today is a moving day, even when you are long distance moving. Eliminating the stress and worry of moving is easier when you hire a great moving company to help you do it. Knowing that somebody is going to come and collect all of your belongings and take them to your new property in good condition is one of the best things about moving house. You need to know that you could feel reassured, and here are some of the best tips that you need for choosing a great moving company.

 

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• Ask people for recommendations. The best thing you could do when you're looking for a moving company is to ask around. Getting some honest recommendations from friends and people that you trust is a good way to start. Ask people who have just moved to the area that you are planning to move to who they used to help them to do it. You can go ahead and do it alone, but it's always easier to hire a moving company. Do some of your own investigating as well, because what one person likes about their moving company you may not enjoy so much.

• Get all quotes in writing. You know that a company is a good moving company when they provide you with all moving quotes and an estimate in writing. They should do this up front so that you have something up today intangible to be able to use so that when you are planning your move the goal posts are not going to change. You need to know all potential hidden costs, and you need to know what the insurance is going to cost as well.

• Don't forget the red flags. There are actually some red flags to pay attention to when it comes to moving. Most customers don't actually see the red flags or they could even refuse to acknowledge them. If removal companies require you to put down the large deposit before the move has even taken place, reconsider using that company.

• Ask questions. Good moving companies will always be upfront and transparent about their qualifications and their services. Don't be afraid to get all of your questions answered because no question of yours should be considered a burden. You should ask about local licenses, the qualifications, and whether they are properly insured. You deserve the very best for your move.

 

Moving house is always far easier when you have a moving company on your side, so don't be afraid to shop around and make the right choice.

Is It Time To Replace Your Home’s Old Windows?

 

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Windows aren’t easy or cheap to replace. However, you could find that it’s worth the time and cost if your windows are very old. Many older windows have poor heat insulation, poor security and poor soundproofing qualities compared to newer windows. They may even let in drafts and moisture, and may negatively impact the value of your home. Below are just a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether it’s time to replace your windows. 

Are they in poor condition?

Windows in poor condition may devalue your home and leave your windows vulnerable to break-ins, water leaks and drafts. Of course, some damage is fairly easy and cheap to fix - you can easily repaint wooden frames that are flaking or replace a broken pane on a single window. You should be more concerned if most of your windows are showing signs of major damage such as rot, cracking or water leaks. In most cases, it’s usually easier to just replace all your windows than to try to repair such damage. 

Do they offer any insulation?

A lot of older windows are single-paned. Such windows can lose a lot of heat, resulting in your home getting colder faster in winter. This often means using more energy to heat your home. By switching to double glazing or triple glazing you could help to trap heat in your home longer and reduce your energy bills. Of course, there are many other options to help prevent heat loss from windows including adding thick curtains, installing shutters or using insulating film. These could be a cheaper alternative to installing new windows. 

How secure are they?

Another good reason to upgrade your windows could be to improve your home security. Many old windows do not have strong glass or frames, making it easy for a burglar to break in. Some old windows don’t even have locks on the inside. Upgrading to new windows could help to make your home safer. That said, there are other cheaper ways to keep your windows secure such as these Xceed security screens or security shutters. Consider these alternatives if you’re on a tight budget.

Do they add to the character of your home?

Old windows may not be worth replacing if they add to your home’s character. For example, historic timber windows are often worth preserving due to the charm and value that they can add to a property. You may even find that you’re not allowed to replace historic windows - certain features in old buildings are protected and you could face heavy fines for removing them. 

How much will they cost to replace?

When replacing windows, you should look into the cost to determine whether it’s truly worthwhile. This is likely to depend on how many windows your home has and how large they are. While you can replace one or two windows, they may look out of place with the rest of the windows if you don’t match them with the exact same style. This is why it’s often better to replace all your windows at once. Collect multiple quotes from different contractors to get an idea of the average price and decide whether you can financially stretch to it.

5 Cost-Effective Tips That TRANSFORM Your Decor

 Creating the right interior design is no easy task—every homeowner struggles with defining the best decor to reflect their personality. Ultimately, not many people have first-hand experience in decorating a property. More often than not, we seek inspiration from magazines and Instagram, copying the designs we love the most. That's precisely why your home sweet home could be missing crucial aspects of interior styling, such as maximizing natural light passages or building a consistent and intuitive flow from room to room. 

Picture the scene: You've invested a lot of money in decorating your home. Yet things still don't feel quite right. If you've checked for flow and natural contrasts between rooms and can't find any issues, chances are making these small changes will help your decor shine. Spoiler alert: They are inexpensive!

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#1. Clear glass panels

Your windows can accumulate a lot of grime during the year. However, you are unlikely to notice a difference. Microparticles of dirt are invisible to the naked eye. Yet, they could still affect how the light comes into your home. That's precisely why it's important to schedule regular window washing to make the most of your windows. It will help brighten your rooms and enhance your mood! 

#2. Add more green plants

Houseplants are more than a decorative addition to your interior, and they can boost your health significantly. Indeed, plants freshen the indoor air by releasing oxygen, which can make your home feel brighter, fresher, and more welcoming. According to NASA, plants can also play an active role in removing toxins from your indoor air, reducing the symptoms of building sickness. 

Additionally, the presence of plants helps soothe the mind. You are more likely to enjoy your decor if you feel relaxed and at peace. 

#3. Introduce scents to your decor

Your decor can become a full sensory experience through the addition of scents. Investing in an essential oil diffuser can help bring soothing smells to your home. Lemon can be uplifting, helping to see your decor in a different eye. Frankincense promotes inner peace, which can also transform the way you perceive your home. 

For those who struggle with high stress levels, bergamot and ylang-ylang can help decrease blood pressure and negativity. Remember that your mood can affect your perception of your surroundings. Therefore, creating sensorial and soothing spots in your home will make the most of your decor. 

#4. Open the windows

Renewing your indoor air is free. It doesn't cost anything to open y our windows once a day and let the air circulate inside your home. You should spend 30 minutes to an hour every day to refresh your indoor air. It will remove the toxins that accumulate indoors and help make everything feel cleaner and fresher. 

#5. Energize your interior

After a long day at work, it's natural to feel sluggish and lazy. But you can introduce pockets of energy within your decor. In moderation, the addition of bright colors, such as red or orange, can instantly make you feel more awake. It can be as simple as adding red cushion covers in your living rooms or painting the frame of your favorite picture in dark orange. Little touches of brightness will make a big difference to your mood! 

Can you change your decor without actually changing your decor? The answer is yes. These small transformations can elevate your interior and make you feel more at home!