Moving house is listed as one of the top most stressful occasions for a person’s life, but, we’re here today to tell you that it doesn’t have to be, if you’re prepared! We do recommend using professional movers for your move if you can, but we do know that this is not always possible. So, if you’re planning on moving yourselves, here are our top tips for moving house, to make the process as easy as possible.   A little note, before we start… Get started as early as possible! You can never start too early – packing can take an age when you are moving house; better to be prepped early so you’re not too rushed.   Step 1: Make a list. Go through each room of your current place and make a note of what there is in each space.

• The basics – ie. Furniture, areas that need sorting, estimate of amounts of clothing.
• Don’t forget to look in cupboards, wardrobes, drawers and all the little nooks and crannies.
• Make a note of any things that might need dismantling ie. Shelves, blinds, curtain rails, large furniture.
• Finally, make a note of anything that should be left to be packed last.

  Step 2: Get rid of stuff you don’t need. We like to use the questions rule:

• Does it make you happy?
• Does it make your life easier?
• Does it make or save you money?
• Do you have space for it in your next home?

(The “happy” question does also refer to things which we retain for emotional reasons such as keepsakes). Bag or box items which don’t fit into any of these categories and then take to charity shops, recycle or resell or, if not suitable to reuse or recycle, take to a refuse centre where they can dispose of it properly. Remember that many charity shops will not take electronic items for health and safety reasons, so consider selling online or even doing a car-boot-sale.     Step 3: Box / Pack in order of priority. Start with your least visited room or space first. Tidy, pack and sort. Then, once that room is ready, you can move onto the next. Our top tip? Keep your boxes in the same room that they are designed to go into and label every box on the side with the room and the contents. Don’t forget to make it clear if the items inside are fragile or valuable. Leave your most frequently used items to the last moments.   So that's our first part... stay tuned for Step 4 and our last top tips!

      The BBC reported last week that students are up-in-arms about the treatment they receive from landlords, specifically at the end of their tenancies. The BBC reported, Jessica Hickey of the University of Lincoln, is challenging her deposit reduction for her and her housemates, amounting to £1,600. Miss Hickey is claiming that her deposit has been wrongly retained and additional fees added because she and her housemates were told that they did not leave the property in “a fit state” but the concerns raised by the landlord “did not allow for wear and tear”. She also states that items the landlord is claiming for include things she, and her housemates, requested him to fix during their tenancy. The BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme also reports that they have heard from “dozens” of students experiencing similar issues with deposits being withheld.     The dilapidations process (the process by which a tenant leaves the property and is returned their deposit) is long-overdue an overhaul. In addition, many tenants do not know their right to contest their landlord’s deposit claim. The Tenancy Fees Act 2019 is intended to protect against unfair fees, but does not cover issues related to unfairly withheld deposits. The government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme does afford some protection however disputes over amounts withheld can take months leaving many students seriously out of pocket. The National Union of Students (NUS) is now calling for a change of legislation to solve this issue. With 27% of students stating that they formally challenged their deposit return deductions but withdrawing and paying them anyway and 24% disagreeing with the deductions but not challenging it, clearly this is a concern for students across the country. If you want to read the whole article, check it out here

  Liked our post about 15 reasons why renting is great?  Well, we have 15 more reasons for you! Take a look below.

1. Fixed rents not subject to changes in market (unlike mortgages). Mortgages are often on tracker rates which add interest affected by the UK Bank of England base rate.  Should the base rate increase then the mortgage payment increases.  Your rent cost is fixed for the term of your agreement.  It also costs landlords money to find new renters, so you are in a great position to negotiate a fixed term contract with your landlord if you want to stay for a period of time too.
2. Lower insurance costs – only need contents rather than building. When you own your own home, you need to insure the house structure against things such as subsidence, flooding, and fire and damage.  This is in addition to the contents being insured as well.  A home fire is devastating whether owned or rented, but the cost of rebuilding a home is significantly higher than replacing the contents.  As such, insurance can be a hefty undertaking.
3. Quicker search and confirmation process (rather than buying). Finding your dream home doesn’t take nearly as long when you are renting than when you are buying.  You might need to visit more properties but once you find your property, you can get the process of signing contracts done much more quickly.
4. You can still save whilst you rent. Renting doesn’t mean never owning your own home – you can still be saving and you don’t have to live with your parents whilst you save.
5. You won’t get stuck in a chain. Buying a house often involves chains of people.  These can collapse and then you’re back to square one again.  Who needs that stress?
6. You’re not wasting money! You are actively paying for a roof over your head.
7. 6 Month break clause. Want to change your mind?  Most contracts have a 6 month break clause meaning that if you are not happy you can get out of your contract.
8. Test an area before buying. If you’re moving to a new location (ie. For a new job), it’s a great idea to rent first so you can test the area and see whereabouts you might want to live.  It’s a much cheaper process than buying and a cheaper mistake if you get it wrong.
9. Get to know what kind of property. When you’re renting you can trial out different types of properties, from the traditional flat or semi-detached, to the less traditional house-boat or converted chapel.
10. Renting is easier whilst you’re trying to build up your credit score. If your credit score is not quite so good for buying a house with all its credit checks for the mortgage – renting allows you to focus on building your credit score and if you’re still struggling, you can get a rented property underwritten with a guarantor.
11. More disposable income. When you’re not having to pay for the additional expenses that come with owning a property, you have more disposable income to do the things you really want to do.
12. Living with friends. Single?  Live with friends and build great friendships that last a lifetime.
13. Less financial commitment for first time move in with partner. When you choose to move in with your partner, this can be a big risk – make things more cost effective and less risky by renting together rather than committing to a purchase.
14. Less responsibility. Renting is perfect for people who are looking for less responsibility and more flexibility.
15. Paperwork is easier and quicker. It takes less time to find a rented property, it’s also far easier and quicker to do the paperwork – just sign on the dotted line.