SkyFive Properties Blog

Each antique home has its distinct features and personality, and there is a great market out there for people who want to buy historical properties. Selling these homes takes specialized skills and a few additional considerations. When selling a home full of antiques and history ensure that you are well equipped with the facts and play to the buyers’ sensibilities.

Research the specific history of your property

Buyers of historical homes are bound to be intrigued by the historical details of the house. Make sure that you have researched the home in-depth and arm yourself with the facts. The current owners may have a detailed history of the property, or you can research yourself or hire someone to do a thorough job. There may be old documents available to look at which divulge the history of the area, or old photos which showcase the house and its surroundings from years gone by.

You should know what year the home was built, what the original features are, whether there have been any renovations to the property. If there are specific historical features that still exist, for example, a dumbwaiter or phone niche, be sure to point these out. Each house has a story, it is your job to bring this story alive by providing the historical context to the prospective buyer.

Find an angle to pique the buyer’s interest. If a historical figure lived in the residence, or even visited on an occasion, this can boost the value and saleability of the property. Equally, providing the historical context of the area itself will also be fascinating for buyers; place them back in time and demonstrate the years of history which make the property so incredible.

All of this information cements the character and authenticity of the house making it all the more attractive to buyers.

Get ahead of potential issues with a seller’s inspection

Before listing the property, it is wise to get a seller’s inspection to ensure you’re on top of any issues that may arise at a later date, putting the sale in jeopardy. 39% of recent buyers were looking to avoid issues with plumbing or electricity. Hire inspectors trained specifically in historical properties. Issues to look out for include outdated or faulty wiring, cracked foundations, and leaks.

If any problems are found, you can get these taken care of so they won’t negatively affect negotiations further down the line. You will have to disclose any major issues that are uncovered to potential buyers. But being aware of potential problems enables you to stay ahead of any maintenance issues, ensuring your property is in its best condition ahead of going on the market.

Highlight the unique features of the house

What draws a lot of people to antique homes is the undeniable architectural beauty and exquisite craftsmanship which has ensured that the house lasts. Take advantage of the features which showcase this. Draw attention to the original features of the house, buyers want to see original fireplaces, floors, and doors.

The charm of a historic property is often the nostalgia it evokes for time past. Architectural designs or features from a historical era exacerbate this, such as milk doors from the 19th century, located next to the kitchen or pantry, for the milkman to leave milk, cream, and butter. Ensure you highlight any unique features like this that are present in the house.

Help the buyers see the property’s potential

Whilst some antique homes may have had restoration work done to modernize the space, others may be in a more distressed state. Both of these examples have potential, some buyers may want a fully modernized historical property, however, many buyers may relish the opportunity for a restoration project. Assess where your property lies on the scale, and play into this.

If the property is more of a restoration project, helps the buyer to envisage the potential it holds. Use creative design solutions to show how to make the property relevant to modern-day buyers. Suggest how cutting edge facilities with the latest technology can be added to the home to ensure it is in keeping with modern-day possibilities. Talk about how they can renovate the kitchen whilst stay true to the original style of the house. Helping buyers envision how they could improve and shape the space themselves into something unique and spectacular will boost the chances of selling.

Ultimately, you have an incredible property on your hands. It is important to understand the history behind it, what makes it unique, who used to live there, and what went on behind its walls. Always highlight the original features that still exist, and have a thorough inspection to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line. These tips will help facilitate a smooth sale and showcase the antique home in its best light.

If you’re living in a condominium then you’ll need to pay some special attention to making sure that your pup has its needs met. Your dog’s quality of life is a huge deal and a dog with too much energy might cause some serious damage to your possessions and furniture.

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the best dog breeds for living in a condo.

1. Greyhound

Greyhounds aren’t the first dog that most people think of when they’re considering condo life, but their unique properties make them an excellent dog for small living spaces.  You won’t have to think about bark training for Greyhounds.  They have relatively calm temperaments.

Greyhounds actually spend the majority of the time sleeping or lounging. They do need regular walks but it’s actually inadvisable for them to run freely since their high top-end speed and prey drive can lead to them getting loose.

If you choose to adopt a rescue they’ll be quite acquainted with their crate as well.

For those who like larger dogs, greyhounds are actually one of the best around for tighter living quarters.

2. Dachsund

The ubiquitous Weiner dog is great in condos. This small lovable breed does well in tight spaces and their friendly nature makes them a hit with the neighbors as well.

Unlike much smaller breed of dogs, they have a smooth temperament and aren’t quite as prone to separation anxiety as many people think. They’re great at handling some alone time and most likely won’t start tearing apart your home when you’re at work.

While originally bred as scent hounds to hunt badger, these days the noble dachshund most often finds itself a home being a companion dog. Consider them if a small, confident dog sounds like it’ll be up your alley.

3. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xolo, or Mexican Hairless, is a great choice for those in a condominium. Their hairless bodies give off quite a bit of heat and they’re restful but attentive.

These dogs are actually considered primarily indoor dogs, especially when winter rolls around. Their lack of hair simply makes them more susceptible to low temperatures than many other dogs but it also means that shedding isn’t a problem.

They’re also available in a variety of sizes. The breed ranges from about 11 pounds to 50 pounds depending on which sub-breed you’d like. They’re loyal, affectionate, and unique making them the perfect canine companion for those who need a dog that adapts well to smaller living spaces.

There is one thing to note: Xolos are a relatively primitive breed which means a high prey drive. They don’t get along with most smaller pets well.

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are the epitome of a great condo dog. They’re calm, don’t shed much, and small enough that you don’t have to worry about tripping over them in tight spaces.

Yorkshire Terriers are high energy still, despite their relatively calm demeanor. They still need plenty of walks and some bark training but they’re obedient and take well to training. They also make excellent family dogs and form tight bonds with their human pack.

Their undying loyalty makes them a perennial favorite no matter where people live, but they’re definitely cut out for staying with you in a condo.

5. Schipperke

A small, Belgian breed that’s acquired a reputation for fierceness, the Schipperke is an excellent dog that is well suited to living in apartments or condos. Their overall demeanor is surprising in such a diminutive canine but most people quickly fall in love with them.

While fluffy, their coat is actually remarkably easy to take care of. They’ll shed a bit but they’re not going to fill the home with air-borne hair like some dogs.

Schipperke are working dogs, meaning that they’re high energy and can sometimes be too smart for their own good. Take them for plenty of walks and make sure that they’re either crate-trained or have plenty to do while you’re gone. Otherwise, you may be in for a bit of a surprise.

These small, black dogs were originally bred for use on boats, but these days they’ll be much more comfortable living alongside you in a smaller home.

6. Rat Terrier

Rat terriers are actually an excellent companion dog and their small size and friendly demeanor make them well-suited for living in a condo. The breed is American in origin and they were originally bred to take care of small vermin.

They’re extremely intelligent and socialize well with both animals and people as long as they were properly raised. They’re not nearly as prone to tearing things up as some other small breeds but they’ll still need a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep them from getting bored.

Rat terriers are actually a relatively rare breed these days. These tiny working dogs are just too smart for many people and their inquisitive nature occasionally gets them in trouble.

Those blessed to have one in their lives, however, wouldn’t trade them for the world.

7. Bulldog

Despite their large frame, bulldogs are well suited for living within condos. Their calm nature and low energy means they’ll be just as at home in a smaller condo as they would be in a larger home.

Bulldogs have a temperament that’s far removed from their fighting dog origins. These days they’re well known for being a drooling, affectionate mess of a dog but those who love them absolutely love them.

If you’re a fan of the breed you’ll be glad to know that they’re one of the best-suited dogs for living in condos and apartments.

It’s Not Always About Size

It’s not always about size in the end, some dogs are just better suited for living the condo life. Whether they’re large and in charge like bulldogs or smaller, intelligent breeds like the Yorkshire terrier, you’re definitely not at a lack of variety when it comes to finding a suitable canine companion.

So, take a look at the above. It’s only the beginning of the list for those who are planning on bringing a dog with them into their homes.

At some point, you would want to make certain changes around your home. Some people do remodeling to give that new and fresh look inside or outside their homes. This can be an exciting project because it involves a change that will benefit the entire household.

If some items inside are no longer functional, you should replace them with new ones. You can tear down a certain wall that’s been driving you crazy for years. You can do whatever you want as long as you have money saved.

Moreover, one of the major renovations people do is decide to paint their homes. You can have the interior or the exterior painted, or sometimes both. However, this isn’t a project just for anybody. If you have some experience painting houses and rooms inside, then you can pull this off on your own.

But, if not, then you need to hire professionals that will do a thorough job on your walls. Click on the link for more https://medium.com/@qualitydesigninc1996/benefits-of-hiring-professional-painting-services-3463c4a1eb46.

Some people think they can paint everything themselves, but the outcome of that is often disappointing. What if you don’t have the right tools? What if your hand slips and you end up splashing paint where it shouldn’t be any? That’s why you need to hire professional painters to do the project quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the benefits of using experts like that:

Saves time

One of the many things people struggle with daily is finding enough time to finish a particular project or chore. If you are planning on painting every single room inside your home, imagine how much time that will take if you do it on your own. You will be stuck for days inside the house. If you don’t have a lot of free time to spare, then you should hire professionals that will take the time to dedicate themselves solemnly to painting your walls.

How amazing is that? While they are busy with the painting, you can take care of other things that require your priority. Plus, they will finish the entire thing much quicker than you ever could. This doesn’t mean they want to rush through the process. It just means that they already know what they’re doing and how to do it professionally.

There are a lot of businesses online that offer painting services. You need to go through a couple of them until you find what you need. Read more on this page.

Skills and experience

Why should you trust professional painters? This is quite easy. They have the necessary skills to paint a house and have years of experience behind them. These qualities make them the perfect individuals for painting your home. They have mastered the right painting technique because it is not as easy as it looks on a video tutorial, for example.

Some wall parts are tricky to cover with fresh paint, but it is not tricky for professional painters. They will cover each spot entirely and with very little drops on the floor. A couple of drops of paint on the floor is nothing to be worried about. You can easily clean up afterward.

On the other hand, you might not possess the necessary skills to do a project like this. Why spend a lot of money on equipment and paint when you will only make matters worse? Instead, listen to what the experts are telling you and take their advice. You will still have to pay for the paint, but at least everything will be painted to perfection.

Tools and equipment

Do you have the necessary brushes to start painting? Do you have the right sizes of brushes? Do you have the rest of the equipment as well? Probably not. If you are a painter yourself, then you already have everything you need. But if not, then you should hire a crew of professional painters that always come prepared.

They will turn up at your doorstep with tools and equipment so that you won’t have to waste money on it. Why waste money on something if you don’t know how to use it? You might learn the right technique by watching the experts paint your walls. Some smaller projects you might be able to handle, but when it comes to painting the entire house inside and out, it is best to leave everything in the hands of fully-equipped experts.

Less stress

When doing a major renovation like that, many things can go wrong, especially if you do the project on your own. You don’t need that additional stress when you have other things you need to worry about. Some experts claim that painting is therapeutic, but that is only when you are doing it on a canvas.

The exterior of the house is much more difficult to paint than the interior. If your home has two floors, the professionals would have to use a ladder to reach even the walls’ highest points. They can do that with no problem, but you can’t. You won’t have to deal with any stress those couple of days because you are in the right hands.

Before you know it, your walls will light up, even if you use darker colors. Fresh new paint gives that vibe of a clean environment inside and out. It can also make you happy every time you glance at your freshly-painted walls.

Quality work

Professional painting contractors offer quality work. This means that you’ll be able to see results fast because they are excellent at what they do. Those dark spots on the walls will be entirely covered with fresh paint. Also, every corner will be carefully covered with paint so that there are no spills or splashes on the floor and the ceiling.

Even if you decide to mix two or three colors, that’s not a problem for professional painters. They will finish any project you have for them. And the best news is that it will be done with precision and thoroughness.

One of the most important decisions to make when moving your family is deciding which neighborhood to move into. Relocating can be one of the most stressful times in your adult life; this stress is felt deeply by your children as well. Making sure you move into the right area where you will all be happy is one of the top ways to make the moving process a happier and easier one. There are many factors that you should consider when looking at potential new neighborhoods, to make this decision easier for you; we have compiled a handy guide for selecting the right neighborhood for you and your family.

Neighborhood Profiling

Profiling your perfect neighborhood is the first important step. Write down a list of your must-haves when it comes to your perfect neighborhood. Decide what your priorities are, these can include things like safety and security, school districts, available amenities (such as dog parks), nearby restaurants and shops as well as traffic friendly areas. You do not want to live in an area where you have to spend most of your mornings fighting through stressful traffic just to get to work, and the kids to school, on time. Find an area where your kids can either walk, use the school bus, or you can drop them off on your way to the office. Once you know what your priorities are for where you will live next, it will make the rest of the process much simpler.

Affordability Is Key

One of the key factors in deciding where to move you and your family is affordability. With rising house prices around the country as well as the ever-increasing cost of living, finding a budget-friendly option is essential when deciding where to move. Find the sweet spot between your wants and your needs when it comes to owning or renting in your desired area and then work from there. Now that you have prioritized your must-haves from the first step in this guide, you can move onto narrowing down which neighborhoods can provide those things in a way you can afford. You don’t necessarily need to buy a home that needs work before you can move your family into it – just for the sake of affordability, and building your own home is great for some but it isn’t for everyone. Decide what type of house you are looking for and then decide on the location. Once you know where you are looking, there are plenty of Move in Ready Homes to choose from that take the headache out of moving house.

Great Schools

Most of us want to live in a neighborhood with great schools nearby. Even if you don’t have children, living near great schools has a positive impact on the value of your house. Surveys have shown that over 90% of prospective homebuyers interviewed listed school boundaries as highly important in their search for a new home.  Whilst there is no shortage of great American education, to get a comprehensive picture of a particular school district you need to look at everything from college admission rates to SAT scores. If you are serious about finding a neighborhood with great public schools, go and see them in person.

Good Walkability

If you choose to move to a larger metro area, it is important to consider how important access to public transportation will be. Finding a neighborhood that has good walkability, i.e. is within walking distance to shops and restaurants, is crucial to saving you time and money just to get basic household supplies. You could choose to move to an area where your kids can walk to school and you can walk to work during the week, and on weekends you can walk to the park or a museum or go watch a movie. This kind of convenience often costs more and these so-called “busy neighborhoods” cost more over time. For some people, this is a worthwhile added expensive, while for others it is an unnecessary one.

Neighborhood Safety

Safety and security is one of the top considerations for all families moving into a new area, regardless of whether this is your first or second home. We all want that peace of mind that we will be safe while we sleep, or that our children are safe when they are playing outside with our neighbor’s children. We want to know that we can park on the streets or having our kid’s toys on the back porch and nothing bad will happen to any of them. Before moving to your prospective area, spend some time chatting to your would-be new neighbors – ask them if they have had a security issue for the duration they have been residing in that area. Most people will be happy to share a portion of their lives with you in order to give you the peace of mind you are looking for to make this important life decision.

Healthy Ratios

Lastly, it is important to look at the ratios of the area. The ratio of home-owners versus home-renters in your desired new neighborhood plays a direct role in the house prices of that area. Home-owners, generally speaking, take more pride in the appearance of their home than renters do. This is important for the resale value in that area. If the other houses in that area have broken roof tiles, peeling paint, or even something as simple as an unkempt lawn, these will all have a direct impact on the way potential buyers see the area.  Likewise, unemployment rates in an area play an important role too – the strength of the local job market directly affects home prices so you may want to look in an area where there is above-average job growth. Look to move into an area where big employers are moving in. This can directly influence the overall perceived value of that area and can lead to your house is worth much more than its original value. If you stay in your chosen neighborhood can make you money over time, as well as tick all of your neighborhood priority boxes, you have found yourself a winner.

Selling a property is no easy feat at the best of times, but now COVID-19 has reared its ugly head, the chance of selling your property just got that little bit harder. With many people choosing to stay put due to fear of safety or even lack of funds, you may need a little helping hand if you’re planning on selling up any time soon. Real estate is a tricky business, but we’ve got some great tips to keep in mind so you can list your property for sale with ease!

Whatever your reason for selling up, whether that be downsizing or relocation, you’ll need to think about how to go about the whole process while keeping in mind the guidelines we all need to follow for lockdown.

Set up virtual viewings

As we’re entering the UK’s second lockdown, the possibility of physically viewing properties has gone out of the window, for now at least. Many real estate agents will have put virtual viewings into place, so you’re able to see the property you’re interested in without the dangers of exposing yourself to coronavirus. Speak to local estate agents to see if they offer this facility.

The same goes for putting your home up for sale! It’s not unusual to have 3D virtual viewings of your home in this day and age, so why not find a real estate agent that offers video tours too? The more potential buyers can see, the higher chance you have of selling your property.

Finish off any DIY jobs around the property

Everyone’s got them; the odd job that you keep putting off! Use your free time during this second lockdown to finish off any DIY jobs around your home that may improve its chance of selling. Things such as a fresh lick of paint on the walls and fixings to brighten your rooms up can make a world of difference!

It’s also an idea to look at your property’s curb appeal. While physically viewing properties is a no-go, there is a big chance potential buyers might drive past to take a look at your property. Spruce up the curb appeal, and you’ll give yourself a fighting chance.

Get your paperwork sorted sooner rather than later.

Selling a property is a long process, and if you do find a buyer, it will work in your favor to be ready to get the rest of the process moving! Find your mortgage paperwork and send it off to your solicitor to see what needs to be done before selling up.

Familiarise yourself with floor plans

Having a good knowledge of floor plans can help both potential buyers looking to buy your property and yourself if you’re doing virtual tours too. Measure your property, so it’s easy to compare when looking at other floorplans. This will also help you mentally place furniture and imagine living there.

COVID-19 might have made it harder to sell your property, but it’s not impossible! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find it much easier to sell your home.

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases that you will ever make in your life. Whether you are new at it or a professional homebuyer, there are certain specific steps that you should always follow. Failure to follow the steps most often leads to home buyer’s remorse or an unsuccessful purchase.

The home buying process can either be exciting or emotional. However, when you have the right information, you can shop for a house with confidence. Admittedly, it is very tempting to pick the first place that meets your budget and consider closing the purchase. However, if you want to make the most of the purchase, you need to consider every possible option and make a decision that affects both your family and pocket in the best possible way.

Here are some of the top considerations to make to ensure that you have a fantastic home-buying experience.

1.  Research and Make Proper Preparations

The biggest mistake you can make as you get started is jumping right into the home buying process without conducting enough research and preparation. Today, the internet makes it very easy to find out any topic of interest.

Therefore, you can learn more about real estate and purchasing a property through various helpful articles online. At the same time, you need to prepare for the home buying process by focusing on your financial ability and wellbeing.

Since buying a house requires you to spend, you need to have savings to use as a down payment. It helps you prevent scrambling at the last minute, trying to come up with funds.

2.  What is Your Credit Score and History?

Your credit score and history are important factors that influence your ability to secure financing. You should ensure that you understand your credit information before even visiting a mortgage lender.

A mortgage lender reviews your credit score and history to determine the amount of mortgage they are willing to give you. Most require that you have a minimum credit score of about 620 to 640 to secure a loan. A low credit score may prevent you from securing a mortgage. The higher the credit score, the better the interest rate you may receive on the mortgage.

3.  Find A Real Estate Agent

If you want to increase your chances of successfully buying a home, you need to hire a top local real estate agent. A real estate agent assists in making the entire process simple. They help you secure funding if necessary and help negotiate the best price and terms when you find a house.

A local real estate agent can best advise you on the best luxury real estate in Ft. Lauderdale that you should consider purchasing. Before selecting a real estate agent, you should know how to identify one by asking the right questions.

The interview process is essential since it helps you to avoid hiring anyone inexperienced.

4.  Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan

The next step is to become pre-approved for a loan by a local mortgage lender. It is best to use a local mortgage lender since they have a good understanding of the local market. Having a mortgage preapproval is better than a mortgage pre-qualification. Most real estate agents may only want to speak with you about buying a house if you have a preapproval letter.

Summing Up

It would be helpful if you put in lots of effort behind your preparations for buying a house. The above four steps are the most essential when preparing to buy a home. Remember also to choose the right real estate agent that fully understands the local market and is in tune with the market trends. They can be invaluable, especially when sourcing for funds.

There are many reasons to live in an apartment, but finding the perfect one is no easy feat. You must have a plan and checklist of all the amenities your new home has to have before getting on with your search. Here is a list of the most important factors to keep in mind:

1.   Price

They say the price shouldn’t prevent you from acquiring a quality product or service, but you can’t ignore your budget when looking for an apartment. Apartments need to be paid monthly, and these fees can add up in the long run. Ensure you understand your financial status and know how much money you are willing to part with every month before renting an apartment.

2.   Presence of property managers

While most management companies serve as the landlord’s representatives, some represent the tenants or serve as unbiased go-betweens. If you are moving to a neighborhood you are not familiar with, you may want to include the presence of a property management company in your filter-down procedure. Companies such as Emerald Management & Realty not only make it easy for house-hunters to find apartments that suit their needs but also ensure tenants’ grievances are heard, and their rights are respected.

3.   Size

The size of the apartment you acquire should be determined by factors such as your family size and the presence of pets. Even if you are on a budget, it is not hard to find a right-sized apartment that costs just as much as you can afford. Take the time to create a list of options and narrow it down to that one apartment that is affordable and suits your size preferences.

4.   Proximity to work

Now that you are free to move into any neighborhood, it may be worthwhile to find a location that provides the convenience of commuting to work. Long daily commutes can consume a lot of your time and cost you a leg and an arm in the long run. If the neighborhoods nearest to your workplace are high-priced, ensure to factor in the monthly cost of commute when comparing it to cheaper but remote neighborhoods.

5.   Parking

Most apartments have parking lots big enough to accommodate all their tenants, but not all assign each tenant a specific space. Find out whether the landlord assigns parking spaces as competing for a place can be exhausting and inconveniencing, especially on grocery days.

6.   Contingency options

Since you don’t know what the future holds for you, it would not be out of order to make inquiries on what it would take to break your lease. Ask about the penalties of moving elsewhere and if subleasing is in the least of options. If the terms are too harsh, then you should consider continuing with your search.

Endnote

What apartment you deem worthy should be a matter of individual conscience. However, some things are common when it comes to apartment-hunting. If you have no place to start with your search, the above factors can help you make a more guided choice and ward off regrets.

When preparing for a big move, there are a lot of things you need to take care of to ensure that the process is a success. One of the most important, however, is contacting a storage and moving company you can trust. Working with movers that have a stellar reputation and the right equipment will give you peace of mind throughout the entire move. But with so many companies to choose from in major cities like Tampa, Florida, searching for the right one can be challenging.

Fortunately, you can make your search a hassle-free experience. By following these 5 tips before hiring a company, you can rest assured that things will be easier with moving and storage services in Tampa, FL.

1. Look for Recommendations

Every moving and storage company you get in touch with will tell you that working with them will be the best choice you’ve ever made. However, if you want an unbiased opinion, you’ll get more luck with recommendations. Asking your friends and family who have hired movers and storage services in Tampa will tell you about their experience with the company they worked with. If the services they received were excellent, they’ll give you great reviews. If not, they’ll immediately tell you to look elsewhere and give you a list of reasons why you shouldn’t hire the company.

Another way to look for recommendations is going online. With a quick search through different social media websites or online business review sites, you can read people’s personal experiences working with a particular company and use this information to influence your decision.

2. Visit Their Website

Checking out the website of a storage and moving company is also a great way to know if they suit your requirements. Their website is designed to highlight their best features and services and provide you with all information you need to help convince you that they’re a perfect choice. Some of the things you can find in a typical website of a storage and moving company include the following:

• Storage unit sizes
• The different moving truck sizes at their disposal
• Long-distance or state-to-state moving services
• Special moving services (e.g. piano moving, furniture moving, etc.)
• Packing services

Browsing through their website also gives you the opportunity to learn more about their company. You get to see the photos of their facility, the areas they’ve served, customer reviews, as well as their general moving quote. You can also find out how long they’ve been in the business, as well as the awards and accreditations they’ve received.

3. Inspect Their Facility

It’s also in your best interest to visit the company’s facility before hiring them. This way, you can confirm whether or not the photos you’ve seen on their website match their physical location. Visiting their site also gives you the chance to scan the area and observe how they take care of their facility. Here are a few things you need to look out for when checking out their space:

• The cleanliness of their facility, as well as their storage units
• The condition of their equipment and moving vehicles
• The work ethic of their personnel
• The level of security

If you’re satisfied with what you’ve seen during your visit, it’ll give you peace of mind when you hire their services.

4. Ask the Right Questions

You need to ask the right questions when you get in touch with professional movers and storage companies. Although inquiring about their standard rates and routes are a given, you also have to remember asking about their credentials. Getting proof of their license and other important documents will ensure that they’re running a legitimate business. It’s also smart to check if they’re carrying insurance and if they can give you a written contract. When they can gladly provide you with these things, it can tell you a lot about the company’s dedication to upholding its reputation and excellent services.

5. Look out for Rogue Movers

It’s easy to fall prey to a moving and storage company posing to be a legitimate business. Because of the availability of the internet and technological advancements, scammers can create fake websites and reviews to lure unsuspecting victims into hiring their services. It was mentioned earlier that visiting a company’s website will tell you more about their business history and successful jobs. Even though using this method can show a moving and storage company’s legitimacy, checking with the Better Business Bureau will help clear any remaining doubts.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization committed to rating a business based on its reliability and performance. They also provide consumers with a directory featuring an extensive list of the profiles of accredited businesses across the country. By using their website, you’re taking the extra mile to make sure that you’re placing your money in the right place.

Moving into or out of big cities like Tampa, Florida, can be intimidating. But with the help of the right moving and storage company, your experience doesn’t have to be. To find a business that suits your requirements, you need to consider these 5 tips before hiring anyone. Although this stage could take a while to complete, taking the time to do it will allow you to rest easy during the day of the move.

Sources:

https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/consumer-news/3-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-storage-and-moving-company/

https://www.roadwaymoving.com/blog/5-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-local-moving-company/

https://www.sullivanunited.com/5-things-to-consider-before-choosing-a-moving-company/

https://www.moving.com/tips/7-things-to-look-for-in-a-moving-company/

https://blog.unpakt.com/before-hiring-moving-company/

How do you make a house a home? Your student halls or student accommodation should have everything you want and should look at how you want it to look, but there are some essentials for you to consider when designing your student accommodation.

Look at the lighting

You’d be surprised just how many student accommodation rooms or houses are ruined by poor lighting. We’re not just talking about general ambiance, we’re speaking about flickering lights or lights that just don’t work in general.

While flickering lights can be a blessing if you’re looking to shoot a horror film or series four of Twin Peaks, we recommend having the lighting looked at, whether this by having the university send out an electrician to look at the lights or just going out and buying some bulbs yourself.

It’s also a good idea to pick up some bedside lamps or some fairy lights as a way of keeping your student accommodation well lit. Not all students enjoy having their main lights on when in the room, so having a small bedside lamp on will be a nice change of pace for you and will be better for general ambiance control.

Plants

Plants aren’t just for show you know! The fact that they add a bit of greenery to the room and look nice is a happy by-product, but plants are also a great way of oxygenating the room you’re in as well.

A plant is also a nice way for you to keep yourself distracted if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed as you need to water it all the time, which can give you a sense of responsibility and can also give you a nice little break from studying etc.

While it is certainly true that student accommodation can be a terrible place for plants given how much foot traffic there is, the liability of overheating, and the general lack of viable oxygen, it is, therefore, a good idea to get something small like a spider plant, a jade plant or a cactus.

Candles

Much like the plants, they look nice, but that is just a happy by-product. The main advantage of having candles in your student accommodation is that they’re a good way to eradicate bad smells from the room(s).

In student accommodation you’re likely to encounter all manner of nasty niffs; not everyone you live with or are in close proximity to will keep the accommodation in the same pristine nick that you’re sure to, so investing in some scented candles to keep the room smelling nice and fresh is a better idea than you might think.

Make sure you check with the university beforehand that candles are allowed. Not all universities allow students to have candles as they may be considered to be fire hazards. So if, for instance, you attend the University of Sheffield, then you should speak to the University of Sheffield Accommodation Office and see what the regulations are.

Remember where you came from

Having photos of friends and family is a nice way to remind yourself of what you have waiting for you when you go home.

For many students, a feeling of homesickness is very common, especially as you will likely be living on your own for the first time in your life. Mental health is something that cannot be overstated and how important it can be to keep things in perspective and memories of home and those that love and care about you is a great way to do just that!

Look at some storage boxes

You would not believe just how quickly a student’s room or house can be cluttered with stuff. While a lot of student work will likely be done online, you will have plenty of physical stuff to be pouring over in the meantime as well.

You don’t want to lose anything, so keeping everything neatly stored in some storage boxes is a great way of conserving space and keeping everything nice and ordered and easy to find.

Storage boxes tend to look a bit nicer than just stacks of paper and are also good ways of storing things like bedding or anything else that you’re not using at that point.

Bedding

Getting nice bedding is a good way of making sure your university room or student accommodation looks nice and has a nice homely feel to it.

It’s also a nice way of introducing a splash of color to the room as well. While you won’t have total say on the way the room or house necessarily looks, your bed is yours to do with as you wish, so why not have it look how you want it to look?

You can usually find some nice cheap bedding ideas in places like Wilko or even in Primark, so you won’t even need to break the bank!