In 2020, Canadian home sales rose by 7.2% from November to December, cementing the yearly increase in sales for the year. The number of new listings naturally increased. And for the year, more than 550,000 homes were sold, over 12.6% that of the previous year. People are selling — and winning — with home sales in the nation. Even the average house price has gone up by 17% at $607,000. Will you be jumping on the bandwagon? To get in on this profitable real estate trend, it’s going to take preparation. When considering a home sale, you might feel overwhelmed. It’s a daunting task to get everything in order. But it doesn’t have to be. In just about a month — and with a little help from us — you can feel at ease knowing you’ve set yourself up for a successful home sale. First, Declutter Your Home Will your potential buyers go for a clean home or a dirty home? This is a no-brainer. Declutter your home and get that out of the way before anyone shows up to have a peek inside. Let There Be Light Now that your home is clean, make sure there’s a spotlight on it. This is especially crucial for photos you’ll be using to market your home online. Brighter homes with tons of lighting appear more spacious and inviting. Fix All the Things Do your due diligence and make sure your home is inspected prior to putting it on the market. Then fix what needs to be fixed. Even though it’s a one-time process for you, it’s a brand new start for your buyers’ life, so make it a positive experience for them and don’t leave any tasteless surprises. Revamp Your Curb Appeal Just as the inside matters, so does the outside of your home. First impressions are key. So be sure your exterior is as welcoming as the interior. You can enhance your curb appeal by placing flower pots outside, hiring a landscaper to clean your lawn, repainting peeling walls, and clearing your walkway. A colourful wreath can also give more life to your entrance. Have Focal Points Homebuyers are going to remember special areas of the home that catch their attention. So create those and draw them out using bright colours or accents. For example, you can add bright green throw pillows on your window seat, or place a bowl of fruit on your luxurious island. Go Natural To get the effect of focal points, you’re going to want to keep your colours as neutral as possible. Neutral does not mean boring. Quite the opposite. Softer colours are trending now — and for good reason. They help with the minimalist appeal which enhances how large a home appears. Plus, they relax your buyers. Get Rid of Smells Your house should not be a stinkfest when potential buyers arrive. That’s a given. However, you should further consider less noticeable (at least to you) scents that may be lingering around. Once you’ve taken care of the bad smells, what about the good ones? While it’s not necessary, you could put cookies out to have a “homey” baking smell around. This will create a connection with your kitchen. Mind Your Pet Not everyone is a pet lover like you are. In fact, some people are against it. So make sure you hide or place your pet’s things in less conspicuous locations around your home. Toys, beds, food bowls and the like should not be in the way when walking, nor should they be in the buyer’s direct line of eyesight. Rent a Storage Unit Since a minimalist approach is an ideal technique for home sales, you might need to store some furniture, artwork, or other large items. Renting out a storage unit will keep your items safe while you grant buyer’s more space to move around. Get a Professional Clean Don’t want to do the necessary cleaning yourself? Then consider hiring a cleaning company who will do the job right and increase your chances of getting that sale. Remove Personal Decor Remember, buyers walk into the house imagining themselves there in the future. It’s best to take down family photos or kids’ artwork before they stop by. This might not be easy for you, but it’s kind of a must-do if you want to get a sale. Place Plants Inside Bringing nature into your home is an easy way to increase positivity in your space. This applies when you’re ready to sell as well. It can be a vase filled with flowers, or a simple house plant. You can bring in one of your plants from outside and use it temporarily for your viewings as well. Ensure that the plants are thriving and have no bugs on them. Renovate Doing a faux renovation can do wonders for your buyers’ experience while viewing. Maybe your faucet or hinges need some changing. How about upgrading those curtains? Small renovations can make all the difference. Conclusion Your home sale preparation doesn’t have to be a headache. In fact, it can boost morale as you anticipate moving to your own new abode. Downsizing? Read our previous blog post on the three crucial steps you need to take for a successful downsize. There, we also talk about getting the most out of your sale. And don’t forget to reach out to us when you’re ready to make your move to your new home.
3 Crucial Steps to Successfully Downsizing Your Home In 2021
According to one study, nearly half of Canadians have no plans of downsizing their home. Meanwhile, 34% intend to do it eventually while 18% already have. Downsizing is usually considered after retirement. Or, in times like these, when things are tough financially. The idea of getting a large lump sum will appeal to anyone, even at the sacrifice of their longtime sanctuary — or their childhood home. What is Downsizing and Why Do People Do It? Downsizing most commonly refers to purchasing a smaller home after selling a large one. Financial reasons for downsizing are to cut down on the mortgage or to get rid of it and other debt totally. You might also just want to put the money towards retirement. Or perhaps your monthly bills needn’t be as high because of your large home. Persons also undergo physical downsizing because their house no longer suits their lifestyle or family arrangement. New empty nesters or persons who simply have gotten tired of maintenance might also want to downsize. Maybe it’s no longer safe for you to go up or down your stairs due to old age or health issues, or you want to be closer to family and friends. 1. Understand the Costs of Downsizing Downsizing has a lot of benefits, but there are also quite a few setbacks you need to look out for. Luckily, only 9% of homeowners regret downsizing, so once you’re aware, you should be among the majority who don’t. Anticipate the hidden financial costs of downsizing: Real Estate fees Land transfer taxes Condo fees (if applicable) Administration fees Home appraisal Legal fees Moving expenses Furnishing and upgrades for new home Expect emotional costs to downsizing Most likely, moving to a smaller home will mean that you’ll have to part with some of your belongings as they might no longer fit your new living space. The decision of what to keep and what to throw out is often challenging. Of course, if you’re able, you could look into storage unit rentals so you won’t have to give up anything. Or, at least, you won’t have to give up those things that matter the most. However, if you’re downsizing from a home you’ve lived in for a long time, there’s simply no way to get around the loss of memories that were made there. All the life events that took place will now only be in pictures. Understand All the Practical Costs Downsizing might also mean sacrificing a good neighbourhood. Or, at least, one you’ve come to know and love. You’ll no longer enjoy your favourite swimming park or see familiar faces. If you end up moving to a more rural area — which is common for cheaper homes — you also won’t have easy access to cinemas, museums, and amenities you would normally frequent. 2. Get the Most Out of Your Sale If you understand the costs of downsizing and still want to push through, here’s how you can come out on the winning side of the sale: Know that staging your home is not always required. House or condominium staging is typically a good investment, but if you’re looking to save about $4,000, this might be the area to do so. Adopt the buyer’s perspective. Before putting your home up for sale, look at it objectively and be blunt about things a potential buyer might not like. Additionally, make the necessary cosmetic upgrades, changes, and repairs so you don’t lose a good sale. Sell at the right time — and at the right price. If you have a swimming pool, summer might be the ideal time to list your property initially. In certain locations, each city has a “best time” to sell. Research and plan to suit your needs. When you do finally decide to list, be reasonable, otherwise, your house may go stale and end up with a heavily diminished value. Get the right people to do the job. There are many real estate agents and companies out there, but not all of them are the right fit for you. Stack up your options for agents, advisors, maintenance managers, insurance brokers, and tax advisors as needed. Don’t settle. It might take some time to get a sale for the price you want. If this happens, don’t automatically agree when your estate agent suggests you markdown your home. Decide if you want to change your agent, or consider other options. 3. Keep Your Downsizing Options Open While selling your home will offer a lump sum all at once, it’s important to keep in mind the costs mentioned above. You might want to entertain the idea of renting your home instead. By converting your home to an investment property, you could enjoy potential savings of around 30% or more. Costs like new furnishings and moving to a new home can be avoided, but they’re more controllable than, say, agent fees (especially if you choose the right company). A second alternative might be to abandon downsizing altogether and upsize instead. Your local bank might offer a reverse mortgage option suitable for your needs. There are positives and negatives to this choice, however, so make sure you look into it with great care. Conclusion Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or staying right where you are, it’s essential to understand the key elements to a move and other forms of estate planning. Relocate Stress Free is here to help you have a smoother ride for all of it. Reach out to us for your next move, and know that you’re in the hands of trusted, experienced professionals.
Just Moved In? Make Your House a Home for the Holidays
If you’ve moved this Christmas, you’re still getting used to both your outside environment and being inside your brand new home. Things are fresh and, well, it might feel a little strange. If you need Christmas decor, chances are you will want to buy locally. This is the case for 55% of Canadian consumers, who are being more mindful of giving back due to the events this year. Whether you’re shopping local or online, you still have the task of turning your new house into a home and filling it up with the spirit of Christmas. Here’s how you can do that. Realign Your Decor Your new house might be painted in a different colour from your previous location. This means you may have to purchase decor that better fits in with the new palette. Christmas trees, which saw purchases worth over $91.2 million just two years back, are not of the one size fits all type. Make sure you get one that’s suitable for the room you want to set it up in. Watch the Plasterwork Your house may or may not have new plasterwork, which reportedly takes about a year to fully dry. While a lived-in house feels homey, it’s probably better to not destroy any walls right away. It’s not why you went through the ordeal of moving. For the time-being, steer clear of wall-mounted decorations and all heavy items in general. You might not feel at home just yet, but keeping the house as it was when you fell in love with it will help you get there. Take Advantage of New Decorative Spaces While the walls may be off-limits for now, there will likely be other sections of your home you can take advantage of when setting up holiday decor. Perhaps you now have a staircase or a front garden. Liven up the staircase with garlands and bulbs. Put Santa and reindeer decor in your garden if you’re so inclined. Meet Your Neighbours You will want to be on friendly terms with your new neighbours for the holiday season. Take the time to get acquainted, from a safe distance, of course, and share some warmth for the season. Be Active in the Community These days, many small towns and even big cities are holding virtual events as a workaround due to the pandemic. People will always find a way to celebrate what they love. If you’re a Christmas lover, try scouting for activities that might be going on this season and take part. It might be different and odd, but it’s something you’ll likely enjoy in the end. Start New Traditions Your virtual event could turn into a tradition for the family. Who knows? You could also start your own traditions in your new home. Let the family give their best ideas, It’s okay to feel sad about not being able to visit old friends and family this time around, but don’t let it keep you back from having a festive spirit. Have fun trying options for a new tradition. It may not quite feel just right this year, but that’s all part of the fun of having a new home. You’ll get another chance next season. Stick to Your Usual Habits Even as you adopt new traditions, don’t forget to practice old habits. Nothing beats cuddling up around the television and watching Christmas films as you wait for the big day to arrive. Eat your usual Christmas meals, bask in your decor, and embrace your new environment. Get ready for the new year with a positive spirit. About to Move? Perhaps you’re just on the verge of moving and not quite in your new home yet. Maybe that’s what’s going to be your big step to start the new year. If that’s the case, reach out to our experienced team of professionals at Relocate Stress Free to help make your holiday moving experience as magical as Christmas itself.
8 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Moving During the Holidays
Moving during the holidays can be a challenging task. Not only is it the busiest time of the year commercially, but you have to ensure to keep gifts hidden from the kiddos and, of course, watch the weather. There are benefits, however, such as lower rates during what is an off-peak moving time. This is especially helpful considering that the effects of the weather might make it difficult for friends to assist you. If you are among those trying to get in your move before the peak of the holiday season, here are some ways to reduce the stress of relocating in late November or December. Plan Ahead Nothing beats a well planned out move. As early as you can, start packing items you won’t be using soon, and make arrangements to have utilities turned off. Also, secure a moving company way ahead (Go with Relocate Stress Free if you want to dispel the rest of the stressful situations that might arise during a move). Be mindful of the weather when you schedule the move, and have a contingency plan in case you need to stay somewhere temporarily on short notice. Purge Your Home A de-cluttering session significantly cuts down on the stress you might encounter during a holiday move. Deep cleaning your home means you will have less to pack into boxes and move. In addition, you will be making space for the “stuff” that comes along with the season. Gifts, decorations, and more might be on their way to your new home. The holiday season is one of the best times to donate items you no longer use. The entire family can play their part in choosing items to give away, showcasing their holiday spirit. Secure Important Documents Once you’ve planned ahead and don’t have to rush your move, you should have enough time to secure your most important documents. Keep things like birth and marriage certificates, bills, and bank records organized. You are also going to want to have your moving contracts, closing papers, and rental agreements somewhere. A document showing a list of contacts should be kept in a folder close by in case of emergencies. Be Mindful of Cold-Sensitive Items Moving during the winter is vastly different from moving in the summer. Sub-zero temperatures will put items like glass, wooden furniture, electronics, houseplants, and musical instruments at risk of damage. Protect your belongings by placing them in layers of bubble wrap, using thick blankets, and using insulated packing materials. Consider storing electronics in airtight containers. Further, remember to put liquids in containers that will allow for expansion and avoid breakage when frozen. Finally, protect wooden furniture by waxing them no less than two weeks prior to moving. Check the Weather and Adapt Always be sure to stay updated on the weather as you get closer to your move. You may have to change certain arrangements or simply take steps to avoid cleaning stress. The wet sidewalks might see a lot of muddy boots entering your home. Try placing flattened cardboard boxes to prevent a messy floor. Better yet, go with plastic sheets to avoid water. Check Your Taxes and Reduce Costs The financial strain of moving will have you looking for any option to cut costs. You may want to consult with an accountant or use tax software to find out if you’re able to deduct moving-related expenses. Organize Items Intentionally Since you might be decorating as soon as you step into your new home, be sure to pack decor in an easy-to-reach place. In addition to those, put familiar items altogether so that you can brighten up your new place right away. Those items that hold sentimental meaning and truly make your home a home will be needed immediately for the holiday season. You’ll want to make a shortlist so you know exactly what to pack. Buy a vacuum sealer. Just for this time of year, you should purchase a vacuum sealer to store summer clothes since you won’t need access to them for a few months. This will help reduce the moving space you require and protect your items. Conclusion Moving during the holidays should bring about joy, not stress. Enjoy the drive to your new home, bask in the decorated sites, and make it as stress free as possible.
Moving in Fall 2020? — These Dos and Don’ts will Help
Hesitated with moving during the summer? If so, you can breathe easy now that the fall season is here. Fall typically means cooler weather and a much easier moving process without the sun beating down your back. Of course, the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba all faced unexpected strong winds and showers during their abrupt transition to fall in early September. This leads us to the first “DO” for moving during fall. DO Be Mindful of the Weather While the fall season is admired for having temperatures that are just right — not too hot and not too cold — you never know what can happen. We’ve already had one surprise. The fewer surprises you have when moving, the better. DO Purchase New Moving Supplies Usually, we’ll look to friends and local businesses for free boxes when moving. While this is a great way to save money, there’s a risk that comes with doing that this year. The coronavirus is still alive and moving around. To put safety first, it’s best to buy new supplies like boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape, rather than borrowing from others. DO Prepare a Checklist As we mentioned, there’s nothing worse than an unexpected surprise when moving. Avoid this by having a checklist in place so you are fully prepared and on top of the moving process. Your checklist may include finding the right moving company a month ahead, hosting a garage sale, getting the forms for an address change or doing it online, scheduling disconnections, and canceling subscriptions. DO Declutter Before you Move Not decluttering before a move, especially if you’ve followed our second tip, will lead to more spending. You’ll have to use more boxes — which you’re buying this time around. It might also mean more movers and increased charges from the moving company. It might be a hassle for you to declutter beforehand, but you will thank yourself when you unpack at your new home. Additionally, decluttering will give you a fresher start on your journey. There’s no doubt you have some junk laying around that needs to throw — not come along with you to your brand new home. DON’T Pack Last Minute Last-minute packing is the absolute opposite of what you want to do for a successful move. In your head, you might calculate that it will take you much less time than you truly need to pack. Remember, time flies. The stress of moving is already a weight on your back, so don’t overburden yourself with rushed packing. Start by packing those items you use least often, and work in small portions. DON’T Hire Movers too Late Allow yourself enough time to choose professional movers by hiring early. It takes time to scout out the right company for your needs. But if you take too long, their available slots might get filled. Last-minute hiring could also mean a bigger price tag among the few choices you have left. Ideally, you’ll want to secure moves at least two months in advance, and a month at the latest. DON’T Forget to Share the News Moving can take up a lot of time and mental energy. Although it’s in your checklist, it’s worth mentioning that you ensure you inform the right people about your move. Sometimes, phone calls are a hassle. Yet you will want to let close relatives know about your new location. You will also have to update your bank, post office, and organize things with your utility provider. Final Thoughts Moving can be easy once you have the right team of movers — speak to us to find out if we are that team — and stick to these dos and don’ts. If you’re moving this fall, also keep in mind the risks presented by COVID-19, and take the right precautions. The week before the move, you should be able to sit back, relax, and smile with confidence.
Downsizing Your Home? — 8 Things to Do First
Downsizing to a smaller home is a bigger step than most people think. The benefits are also often overlooked. It’s more economical, easier to clean, and homier. Parents who become empty-nesters are big on downsizing. People also downsize due to divorce, lowered income, or because they have to move for various reasons. Thankfully, only 9% of people who downsize regret it. Whatever the case, downsizing will bring about drastic changes. Some are inherently good – like getting a fresh start. Others are not as great. Avoid downsizing challenges with these tips. 1. Establish the right mindset. You may want to find someone you trust who is a good listener to open up to about moving. The act of packing can draw a lot of memories that might be difficult to dwell on. Having to let go of certain items may also take a toll on you. However, you shouldn’t see it as a loss, nor should you feel too connected to things (family heirlooms are an exception). Instead of looking back with regret, focus on where you want to see yourself in the future and how the items you decide to keep will fit into that bright, new plan. The right mindset also means planning ahead. Make sure you hire a reliable moving company and schedule ahead of time so you’re not left with the headache of doing things on your own when you want to move. 2. Take pictures of your old home. Taking pictures of your old home is great for three things when it comes to downsizing. First, you get to look back at the space where memories were made and know that you will always have a piece of those items you eventually throw away. Second, pictures help you decide what items you absolutely want to keep that you were previously going to toss. If your eyes go quickly to certain items in a photograph, it probably means you shouldn’t let them go. Third, you can use the design and arrangements from your old home to get an idea of how to do the new one. Your new home will, of course, be different, but it will still be you. 3. Pare down items and only keep your favorites. Expand the idea of downsizing to all aspects of your new home. You probably do not need several spatulas in the kitchen, and the “good” grater likely does the job each time. Throw away the rest of each item. Similarly, it might not be the best idea to carry over entire collections. If you’ve received tons of wine over the years, feel free to keep your favorite bottles and sell off or give away the rest. 4. Examine your new home with care. This might be obvious, but it’s tempting to just pick up your favorite large pieces of furniture and pray that they will fit into a smaller home. Instead of doing that, be more precise. Get the measurements for each room of your new home and know beforehand what will and won’t fit. That way, you’ll avoid the headache of struggling to fit something in and possibly having to let it go last minute. 5. Discuss items of value with family. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, chances are your relatives are attached to certain items of sentimental value. Their feelings will make it easier to decide what to keep and what to toss. 6. Keep, Toss, and Donate — and Start Early. Again, your family needs to be part of this process. You may want to go as far as having them go through their old high school memorabilia and decide what they want to hold on to. Each day, you can set apart some time (about 30 minutes) to clear out a small area of your home. You only need three boxes — labeled “keep,” “toss,” and “donate,” to get the ball rolling. Remember to keep your mind open to alternatives for certain items. You can digitize photos and scan receipts you may need. Be strict but forgiving when it comes to what you throw out. 7. Get Help From Friends Friends can help you both physically and by giving advice. That old attic that’s filled with junk is not a one-man job. Ask anyone if they’re willing to pitch in, keeping in mind any allergies and being mindful of heavy loads. Speaking to persons who have already downsized is a huge help. They can fill you in on what to expect and motivate you about the wonderful realities that come with a smaller space. If you’re not acquainted with anyone who has downsized, reach out to an experienced company for help. 8. Stop ordering and acquiring things. Now is the time to stop any impulsive shopping. Change the way you look at acquiring things. More items typically means more clutter. In a newly-downsized home (or any home), clutter is the last thing you want. A useful rule is to get rid of one thing every time you buy something new. This will keep your home clean and organized and will leave you with no regrets about downsizing. Conclusion The most important thing to consider when downsizing is the reduced space. While you might have grown into your clutter over the years, you will inevitably appreciate the clarity of a cleaner environment. Once you’ve properly prepared to downsize, everything else should be a breeze. After moving, make sure to celebrate in any way you can. Treat yourself, call a friend, or have family over. It’s time for a new journey.
7 Tips for Moving During the Summer
Moving in the summer has its good and bad, but the heat is what mainly stands out. There are also factors such as cost and scheduling. If you’re moving in the summer, make sure to be prepared with these tips. Like in many countries, in Canada, the number of moves increases drastically during the summer months. The peak time to move is in July. If you’re among those moving soon, here’s what you need to know. 1. Secure your Desired Day to Move Early On Summer moves are popular, so be sure to call and schedule your move with a trustworthy company way ahead of the actual day you plan to relocate. Also, speak to your landlord to make sure you don’t lose out with your lease. By staying ahead of things, you not only secure your spot, but you may also end up paying less since moving prices tend to increase during the summer due to high demand. 2. Keep Cold Water around to Stay Hydrated Be sure to put some liquids into the fridge so that, on the day of moving, you won’t find yourself getting dehydrated. Even if you’re not the only doing the heavy lifting, even a few minutes under the sun could leave you thirsty. Drinks should be kept nearby even if the weather is not that sunny. In general, moving is a physical task and everyone will want to stay hydrated throughout. Hold some bottles in a cooler if necessary. 3. Make Sure you’re Dressed Appropriately Summer weather calls for loose-fitting, breathable clothing. You want to go with light colors and choose what’s comfortable over what looks good. Linen and cotton are great options for moving. Ideally, you may want to wear clothing that you won’t mind will rip or stain. To top it off, you can stay cool with a hat, don a pair of sunglasses, and, of course, don’t forget the sunscreen! 4. Start the Move Early in the Day The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm in Canada, so it works in your favor to start the move as early as possible. While you won’t be measuring temperatures (or maybe you will), you’ll certainly feel the effects of an extremely hot sun. After starting early, you can schedule a break when the sun’s heat peaks around noon. This will avoid falling prey to heat exhaustion. An early start also puts you in front of potential traffic. 5. Cool Down and Set Up your New Home Before moving, it’s wise to take steps in your new home to avoid an unwelcome heat bath. You may open the doors and windows, turn on fans, or switch the AC in a room to go sit in after moving. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure all your utilities have been turned on in your new spot. You may also consider keeping your car’s AC on for much-needed breaks throughout. 6. Keep Essential Items at Hand If you don’t like to keep your AC on in the car, considering carrying a portable fan to chill yourself during the move. Alternatively, you could keep a wet towel on your neck You’ll also want to hold onto any medication, a toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, and sanitizers in case of any delays with the moving truck or otherwise. We do our best at Relocate Stress Free to bring you the most reliable, on-time service. 7. Look out for the Children and Animals While your kids and pets may be delighted to play outside under the summer sun, it’s best to keep them in the home while items are being packed. Inside, they’ll be away from the heat and less prone to wandering off. Furthermore, be wary of whether or not you’re moving to a new school district and get your child enrolled as soon as possible. Learn about community projects and activities they might want to take part in. Final Thoughts Summer moves might be the most convenient, but they also have the potential for the most discomfort. Remember to stay hydrated, plan ahead, and most of all, enjoy the summer skies as you make your fresh start.
10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, most of us are stuck at home — and many of us haven’t quite attained that lovely, spacious house we’ve been desiring for most of our lives. That means most of our time is being spent in cramped quarters. After a while, a small space can wear on one’s mind. Luckily, there are ways to make a little home feel bigger. Light or monochromatic paint colors. Dark colors are less reflective and tend to make space feel smaller. In contrast, whites, grays, yellows, and creams have the ability to bounce light off and make a room feel more open. Mirrors. Similarly, mirrors give the illusion of a larger room by reflecting other spaces and giving a sense of movement. Tall mirrors or those placed opposite a window do a great job achieving this, so take them everywhere you go. Natural lighting. Natural light gives your home a warm, cozy feel while at the same time creating a wide-open atmosphere. It’s most effective when there are no large pieces of furniture blocking the way. Plus, it’s free! Floor-to-ceiling shelves. At first, floor-to-ceiling shelving might seem like something that would clutter a room. However, large bookcases and other shelving actually make your ceiling look taller — and can help clear up your floors. Low furniture. In contrast to high shelves, you want to get furniture that is low. This creates more space above and tricks us into feeling airier. So go for short legs, ottomans, and keep the center area of rooms clear. Raised Legs. Alternatively, if you want a modern, minimalist look but still want a large space, then look for furniture on raised legs. Swap out that bulky leather couch for a mid-century style sofa that’s sleek and still comfortable. Large pieces of wall art. While you might be inclined to share the beauty of several paintings you love, it would be better to hang a single large one on a wall. Put it at eye level and leave lots of space above. This gives the illusion that a room is taller. Multi-functional furniture. Smart furniture or multi-functional pieces are useful to declutter and to keep you from needing too much storage. Tables and seats with hidden storage as well as over-the-door techniques will do the job here. Organizational techniques. Arrangements can be crucial to expanding your space. Keep furniture away from walls, face chairs towards windows, place furniture diagonally, and use light sources throughout a room to expand it. Clutter-free. Decluttering your home is the simplest way to give it more space. What you want to keep should be stored; Throw out broken or unused items or donate them if you’re able to at this time. You’ll instantly feel lighter and like you’re in a bigger home. As stay-at-home orders are extended, it can feel like our four walls are closing in on us, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our safe haven should be safe in all ways, and that includes mentally. If you’re moving during quarantine, you’re one of the lucky ones to get a fresh environment. Just be sure to use a safety-focused company to get the job done. So make sure your house feels just how you want it to by using the tips above. If you can think of more ways to make your home feel bigger, be sure to leave a comment below.
How to Safely Move during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Like most industries, the housing market is being affected by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the start of this year saw a 27 percent increase in home sales compared to last year. If you’re among those who are preparing to move amid COVID-19, be sure that there are lots of precautions to take as you start a new life in your dream home. To be sure, moving companies (like Relocate Stress Free), are considered essential services. So there’s no need to worry about the moving process. Here are some tips to ensure your safety. Go Electronic with Paperwork As much as you can, you’re going to want to avoid touching others and any items that don’t originate in your home during the pandemic. Ask your moving company if there’s a digital option for paperwork and money transactions. Make Use of Quarantine and Self-Distancing If you’re someone who’s working from home because of the pandemic, chances are you have more time on your hands to clean out your home properly to get the best moving experience. You’re probably not doing social gatherings either. So use this extra time to properly sort your belongings, getting rid of items you don’t need and organizing those you do. This will give you the freshest start in your new home. Have Ample Hygiene Products Nearby In case your movers are short, make sure you’re well stocked up on things like sanitizers, soap, and paper towels to aid them. As the moves go in and out of your home, encourage them to sanitize regularly. Let the Movers Know If Coronavirus Has Reached Your Family Go with full transparency to make sure everyone around you is safe. If you or your family are exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus, let them know as soon as possible. Chances are, the company will still do the move with renewed protocols to keep workers safe. If you’re in isolation, tell them this as well so the appropriate actions can be taken. Don’t Let Medically Compromised Persons Help Remember that older persons or those with underlying conditions are at higher risk of mortality than others. As such, you should probably not ask them to be involved in the moving process. This isn’t insensible, rather, it’s showing compassion for those dear to you even if they might want to take part. Surely, you’ll want everyone around to enjoy your new home. Practice Social Distancing If social distancing makes you look paranoid among others, you’re probably doing it right. At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with taking safety measures that could benefit both you and others. Wear gloves and face masks Moving has never been about how we look entering our new home, but we can all agree that wearing a face mask and gloves is never fashionable. Do it anyway to curb the spread of COVID-19. Sanitize Your Items Once the moving company has done their job, you may want to go the extra mile and sanitize all your belongings. You might choose to do this outside your home before you bring the items in. Use New Moving Boxes If you’re doing things yourself, avoid using free or recycled moving boxes. Some reports claim that the coronavirus lives on cardboard for 24 hours, so avoid taking the risk. You may use boxes that are already in your home. The other option is to purchase new ones in a store. If possible, opt for self-checkouts to increase your safety. Stay in Contact with Your Movers It could be that you have to cancel your move because of the coronavirus. If this is the case, let the moving company know sooner rather than later. Even if it’s just a possibility, you might want to reach out and find out what the procedures are for canceling a move. Stay in control despite the circumstances. Wrapping It Up We’re doing our best to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage you to do so as well. If there are new developments with the business as time goes by, we’ll let you know via social media.
8 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Depending on where you are in life, moving can be exciting and life-changing. It’s always scary, but you’re still looking forward to what’s on the other side. One survey reports that Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are the three fastest-growing provinces in the country. The urban agglomeration of Calgary is the fastest-growing of its kind. So most of our population is happy to move. If you’re not in that category, you’re probably like many other people who see moving as a hassle, a big expense, and a time sucker. We can help you avoid most of the stress of moving. However, there are still some mistakes you should be on the lookout for: 1. Not making enough time to pack If you’re a last-minute packer when it comes to traveling, chances are you may put off packing to move, too. There’s a full guarantee you’ll end up regretting it. Humans tend to believe they can get more done in less time. What we like to forget is that distractions are often welcomed during unappealing tasks — like packing. Additionally, delicate items will take longer to pack than others, sometimes a whole day longer. Avoid by: Give yourself a realistic timeline to figure out what rooms you’ll pack on which days. A one-bedroom home takes as much as two days to pack, a two-bedroom takes two days, and so on. 2. Making too much time to pack Who isn’t guilty of packing items, only to find that you have to take them out right away. Not to lower your excitement, but know that you’ll give yourself double the workload when you start packing too far in advance. Plus, you’ll have boxes all over, and who wants that? Avoid by: Use the prescribed timeline above. Control your anticipation to move. Before you know it you’ll be settled into your new home so don’t rush. 3. Trying to do it all by yourself It’s one thing to pack boxes, and it’s another to load them into a moving truck or whatever vehicle you use to relocate. Your health, expenses, and not to mention the very items you hold dear could take a blow if you try a DIY move. Think about fuel costs and potentially dropping your goods. Of course it’s not planned, but things tend to happen when you try to carry items you possibly never have before. Also, is your back really up to the task? Avoid by: Research and hire professional movers to make sure you avoid health and safety risks. In the end, you could save more money. Additionally, you won’t end up going straight to bed to rest instead of enjoying your new home. 4. Not making a checklist If you want to feel good about your move, make sure you go about it in an organized fashion. That means making to-dos for all crucial tasks. It keeps you focused and manages your time. Avoid by: Prepare a checklist (and stick to it). This gives you a sense of accomplishment every time you cross something off. That feeling is a huge stress-reliever in any situation — but especially when moving. 5. Not taking inventory Another essential moving tip to stay organized is to take inventory. The last thing you want is to have to rummage through boxes after you’re in your new home. You already have to unpack for each room. Avoid by: While packing, prepare a list of the items in each box. Give each box a number and label which room they go in. When the movers come in, cross off the boxes on your list. Do the same when they’re unpacking. 6. Not packing an essentials bag If you pack without thinking about the first few days in your new home, you’re asking for a headache. While it’s wise to take inventory, you still won’t be fully prepared if something happens. Avoid by: You’re going to want to use a duffel bag or suitcase to separate those items that you use daily as well as stuff you might need for an emergency. Things like toiletries, chargers, documents, medications. 7. Continuing to hoard You don’t have to be a diagnosed hoarder to feel the effects of it on moving day. If you’ve been collecting junk, it’s going to take longer to move, and could cost you more labor or fuel. Avoid by: Packing is a great time to declutter, donate, and recycle items you no longer need. A lot of things can be completely thrown away, too. The liberation you’ll get is all part of the moving journey. 8. Not getting the right insurance You don’t want to suffer unnecessary loss both in money and with your possessions. While finding a reputable company is a must — and using bubble wrap crucial — unpredicted events can and do happen. Your moving company will likely have insurance — but up to a point. Chances are, you won’t get back the amount that you think your items are worth. Avoid by: Ask your moving company about their insurance. In addition, look into the best liability coverage for your personal needs. Finally, do research about who pays if a mover gets injured while on the job. The best way to make moving easier is to plan ahead and be aware of what could happen. Don’t burden yourself any more than you have to. And, most of all, expect the unexpected.