Looking for a new place to call home? Here are a few practical tips for happy house hunting. BRING A TAPE MEASURE
You may end up on the receiving end of a few strange looks, but this is a must! It can be very frustrating when you move in and your furniture doesn't fit properly. If there are too many people at a viewing, don’t be shy - call the agent and book a private viewing. Make sure you get all the measurements you need before you make your decision to move in.
USE A FLOOR PLAN
THINK ABOUT STORAGE
Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Some have ample storage and others don’t. Make sure you take your time to check out the storage facilities – open those cupboards and check out the garage! If there’s more than enough storage, that’s great. If not, don't worry, we've got some great storage hacks to consider. Bed bases and ottomans with storage work wonders, neatly keeping your belongings out of sight. Drawers under the sofa or bed are another great storage hack. You can find some clever storage ideas here.
WHICH DIRECTION DOES IT FACE?
When viewing homes in spring and summer, they always feel warm and dry, but make sure you don’t forget to think about what your new home will be like in autumn and winter. Think about what direction the home faces. Most of the windows should be facing North and the bigger the better. This will help you make the most of the winter sun, trapping more warmth inside. Nothing beats a home with plenty of natural light and warmth. Just make sure there are enough windows or doors you can open to get the air flowing as well, especially for summer. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask about insulation, if the windows are double glazed and what heating facilities are installed. Ticking these boxes can help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, helping reduce your power.
PUT TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE MOVING PLAN
To start with, check out our Ultimate Moving Checklist. It ticks all the boxes – addresses to change, utilities to sort out, planning, decluttering, packing and everything else you need. Start planning and packing as early as you can. It’s amazing how much we accumulate over time, so go crazy with the decluttering. This will make it a lot easier on moving day – Here are some tips! If you have kids, we’ve got you covered with these ideas to keep them busy. Happy house hunting.
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