Published on: 16 November 2018
Last Updated on: 26 November 2018
When we are moving house, it’s relatively easy for us to remember a good number of things, such as packing our belongings for our move and making sure all the items are properly packed and secured, and making sure that we inform our utility providers, both present and future as well. But there are indeed some other aspects which we may end up forgetting or neglecting simply because we are too focused on the major things we have to do. So what are these last-minute things you should check before you move house? Here’s a list.
Things from repair shops, dry cleaning shops, tailors, and more:
Yes, you probably have a lot of clothes to pack. But before you close and seal your boxes, make sure you have collected all your clothing from the dry cleaning shop and tailor, and you have taken all your items from repair shops as well. If you neglect to take things from the dry cleaners or the tailor or the repair shop, you may be faced with regret, especially if you are moving hundreds of kilometres away.
Your personal paperwork, records, and documents:
It may be surprising, but many individuals actually neglect to take care of their personal paperwork, records, and documents before it’s too late. In essence, you should be taking care of your paperwork, records, and documents about two months prior to your move, as some files and documents may take time to process and retrieve, such as health records for your family from your local GP and records from the veterinarian if you have pets. If you have a local pharmacist, you may also want to take your list or a copy of your prescriptions from them. Some medical centres and pharmacies can transfer your records to your new general practitioner; it’s still best to make sure of this before you move.
Valuables and spare keys:
You shouldn’t forget your valuables and spare keys, either, especially if you have a spare key with, for example, a neighbour, or hidden somewhere in your garden or property. Make sure you give your extra keys to the new occupants of your home; this is good protocol, even if the new occupants choose to change the locks in the end. Before you move to your new home, make a thorough sweep of your old home to see if there are any valuables you may have forgotten about, such as wads of cash hidden in a tin box, or jewellery which you have stashed away in a cupboard or shelf. You never know if you have forgotten a particularly valuable item, especially if you have lived in your old home for a long time, this is a common occurrence according to Advanced Removals & Storage, who offer a man with van in Cheltenham moving service.
Gym memberships and library books:
Aside from the things mentioned above, don’t forget your gym memberships and library books too. Return whatever library books you may still have in your possession, and remember to inform the library about your move as well (this way, they can cancel your library card). If you have a membership for the local gym, make sure to cancel your membership – better yet, if they have a branch in your new location, you can simply ask them to transfer your gym membership to the other branch. Good luck, and happy moving!
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Whether you already have an evacuation plan or are just starting to think about making one, it’s necessary to have different plans for different scenarios. Think about it: does your evacuation plan assume that there will be blue skies and warm temperatures during an evacuation for a fire?
A thorough evacuation plan takes many different situations into account. You should be aware of the different types of evacuations that occur, from natural disasters such as forest fires, landslides, tornados, and house fires.
And yet, often, people forget to plan for adverse weather conditions, like having to wait in a safety zone in frigid temperatures, pouring rain, or a snowstorm or having to leave through emergency exits with heaps of snow or ice obstructing the way.
Checkout Three Prime Reasons You Need A Cold Weather Evacuation Plan:
If you already have an evacuation plan and are prepared with emergency tools like the Evacuscape evacuation chair, you’re already ahead of the game, and winterizing your plan won’t require too many tweaks. If you don’t yet have any evacuation plan in place, you can make your cold weather plan at the same time as your warm weather plan.
Here are some of the key reasons why it’s essential that you plan for cold weather evacuations.
1. Higher Risk of Fires
Between fireplaces, candles, and increased use of heating systems, there’s much more opportunity for fires in the home to occur. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that house fires occur more often in winter than in any other season.
The increased risk must be taken into account during emergency planning for everyone’s safety. Plus, you can take the opportunity to ensure your practice has good fire safety tips.
2. Increased Chance for Severe Weather
Natural weather-related disasters come at all times of the year. Winter brings freezing cold temperatures and all sorts of precipitation – from snowstorms to ice storms. Storms can last for days, and power outages often occur, leading to further safety issues.
It’s essential to know the different scenarios that can occur. For some, it may be safer to stay put indoors, whereas, for others, you may need to leave your home.
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3. Provides More Opportunities for Safety Planning
Considering different conditions allows you to prepare accordingly. From simple and easy things like keeping a warm coat or jacket available to quickly grab on your way out to keep you warm while waiting outside to advance planning, like making sure exits are clear of snow and ice and making sure windows that might be used are easily opened when the cold and ice start happening.
The whole point of emergency evacuation planning is to ensure people know how to evacuate safely and are familiar with the plan enough that they can remember it in the event of an emergency when feelings of panic are likely to occur.
One thing you will probably never hear someone say is that they regretted taking safety precautions like planning an evacuation plan for their family and going over it every once in a while, to ensure everyone is familiar with it.
Making another evacuation plan for cold weather allows you the opportunity to go over your plan, talk to your family about it, and keep it fresh in everyone’s minds to keep your family safe and protected this winter.
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When you start thinking about buying and installing a nice swimming pool, of course, you want to make sure that the installation process goes right. That means accounting for things like temperature and how busy the construction season is.
Summer is pool season, so many homeowners opt to try for a spring installation. But our pool builders in south Florida would caution homeowners that fall is actually the best time for a pool install.
8 Reasons to Build Your Pool in the Fall
You may be thinking that fall seems like an odd time to install a pool, but there are a few good reasons why it is a perfect time. Let’s take a look at 8 of them.
1. Construction Season
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for construction workers and contractors, including pool companies. By waiting until fall, you are likely to enjoy a much shorter install time. With fewer jobs to bounce between, your pool installers are more likely to be able to devote their full attention to your build.
2. Temperature
Fall temperatures are mild and make it easier to work outside. This is especially true in places like Florida where summer temperatures can be scorching hot. In the fall, your pool construction team will be able to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than feeling overheated or worried about how long they have left in the day.
3. Landscaping
Think about what sort of weather you want to be working outside in. Once your pool is installed, you will likely want to do some landscaping, maybe place some furniture, or do some planting. Why not take advantage of the cooler temperatures and enjoy fall in your backyard with your new pool?
4. Pricing
At the end of the summer season – which is the height of pool season – you may be able to negotiate a better price on materials and labor. Often, pool companies have overstocked items or discontinued inventory that is less expensive. You may also be able to check out pre-owned items.
5. Weather Conditions
Pool construction during spring is often thwarted by rapidly changing weather conditions. This can mean delays in your pool installation. If you are hoping to have your pool installed by a certain month or date, spring storms can be a very real concern.
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6. Ready-made Summer Fun
By installing your pool in the fall, you can start enjoying your pool as soon as the temperatures are warm enough for your liking. Or, any time of year if you opt for a heated pool. In Florida, temperatures start to warm up in early spring, and by having your pool installed the previous fall, you have more time to enjoy the warm weather and pool fun.
7. Why Not Add a Hot Tub?
Have you considered adding a hot tub to your pool installation? If so, think about how much you will enjoy the cooler fall and winter evenings in your new hot tub with the view of your new pool.
8. Tax Considerations
A pool is a major purchase and is considered a home improvement. It can also increase your property value. Home improvements like adding a pool can be claimed on your taxes. If you install your pool in the fall, you will be able to claim it on the taxes you file in early spring the following year. Imagine relaxing by your new pool enjoying the sun and the knowledge that you got tax benefits from your installation.
Of course, not everyone wants to miss this pool season in order to do a fall pool install. But these eight considerations are certainly worth considering before you hire your pool contractors. The best way to decide when is the best time is to contact a pool builder in your area.
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You’re among one of the thousands of Americans who find themselves faced with packing for temporary storage. You're not alone... Maybe you're staging your home for a quicker sale, making room for a home office or a temporary classroom amid the Pandemic, or desire the peace of mind that comes from a space that is free of clutter.
With so many changes in the worldwide landscape, self-storage has become an asset to homeowners and apartment dwellers. Temporary storage offers flexibility while creating room in your home and free space in your mind.
All of those distractions not only lead to lower productivity but also lead to feelings of overwhelm that disempower us from reaching our goals. Feeling encumbered by stuff is a growing trend since so many of us are faced with how many things we actually have during a shelter in place! The good news is that by utilizing temporary storage, you don't have to wait for a bigger home to create that spacious feeling.
Whether you're packing for temporary storage due to a transition in your personal life, or just want to free up some space in your home in you home, it can feel overwhelming to do the research necessary to begin the process.
How To Pack For Temporary Storage?
Here is a full-step guide to pack for temporary storage. read the points below to know everything about it in detail. Clearing some space in your home would also help you concentrate on doing something meaningful to your life.
Step 1: Assess the space you have
Create a flow in your home. Your things should fit neatly into the space you have. Although it may be tough to decide what you need, storing things offsite means that your stuff is not gone forever!
Get Rid of the clutter! Clutter can be overwhelming to deal with when starting to pack your belongings for storage. Once it's out of the way, it makes the packing process so much easier. Even a few hours of decluttering can make things run a lot smoother. Try getting the family involved, and make it a game!
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Step 2: Categorize & Inventory
Making lists as you categorize your items for temporary storage will make it easier for you to find them as you need them. As you gather items from each category, make a list, or take a photo of what you pack in each box. Label your boxes with a number, and mark your photograph or list with the same number for a visual index. Having a list and documentation is also an asset in the event that an unfortunate or unexpected event should occur and you need to file an insurance claim.
Things you use seasonally
Your surfboard, your kid's inflatable pool, or your Bermuda shorts won't be of much use when it's snowing outside! Group all seasonal items by season, including decorations, clothing, and footwear together. When these items are packed together, and labeled, it's so simple to swap out a few boxes at the change of season.
Sentimental Items You Don't Need Right Away
High School Yearbooks, Stacks of your kid's artwork, and other items that have value but are rarely used in daily life can be prepared for temporary storage, so you can access them when you need them!
Things You Need, Just Not Right Now
Heirloom furniture, boxes of books, or clothes -you're saving for the next baby can all be stored off-site!
Step 3: Gather Materials and Pack
Following your inventory, pack items of each category together following these instructions for the safekeeping of your items.
When packing, it is important to consider that life changes quickly, and although you are packing for temporary storage, you may enjoy the spaciousness this brings and decide to keep your items packed away longer than 3-4 months! Packing items to be stored indefinitely not only safeguards your items but can offer you peace of mind in the event that plans change. Since things often take longer than expected, you can rest assured knowing that your valuable items are safe.
Be sure to use sturdy boxes, and always, always make sure the bottom is taped securely shut! Don’t overpack boxes, and make sure boxes can be comfortably lifted and moved. Pack lighter items on the top so they do not crush the contents beneath them. Fill any empty space in the box so it does not collapse.
Furniture
Clean each piece of furniture, removing any dust, debris, or food remnants. Condition any wood or leather items, and be sure to vacuum all upholstery.
Disassemble any furniture. Often the assembly instructions are long gone, so it is helpful to take photos of each step along the way, documenting hardware as you go. When it comes time to reassemble, you can review your photos in reverse, making reassembly a breeze!
Use a drop cloth, or moving blankets, wrap your items carefully for transport and storage. While bubble wrap is useful for protecting mirrors and glass, avoid using plastic coverings directly on your furniture. Plastic can trap moisture, which can cause wood to warp and upholstery to mold or mildew. Use only white drop cloths to cover wood or upholstery, as the dyes can bleed in humid environments leading to discoloration of your furniture.
Electronics
Remove any dust or debris from the item using a dry cloth. If you are storing an electronic device that stores data, be sure to back up any important information before packing it away.
Secure packing of electronics is so important! In the event of any bumps or drops, you can be at ease knowing your electronics are secure in their packaging. Remove all cords, and wind them into a circle, securing with a tie.
If possible, pack electronic items in their original packaging. If that is long gone, use a box slightly larger than your item, and create a shock-absorbing buffer firmly around the item using packing peanuts or styrofoam. Avoid using any plastics that will trap moisture, and be sure to include several silica packs to absorb any humidity.
Always keep your electronics upright. Mark an arrow on the box with the correct direction to ensure that your item is stored and transported safely.
Once your device is placed securely in the box, you can place the corresponding cords on top of the packing, and tape your box closed securely.
Clothing & Specialty Worn Items
Books, Papers, and Photographs
Since mold is a common issue when storing books, and papers, it's recommended to ensure they are totally dry. If you live in a humid climate. Paper objects can be stored in smaller, opaque plastic totes to ensure they are kept free from moisture and light, and rodents.
Pack larger books lying flat, and store smaller books upright, as you would on your bookshelf. Never store a book on its spine, as it can cause damage to the structural integrity of the book and damage it.
Protect your photographs by storing them in an archival album before storing to ensure your photos will be around for generations. To store larger photographs, carefully place them between layers of cardboard, and lie flat.
Instruments, Art, and Other Delicate Objects
To properly store delicate objects, it is important to have a facility tha is climate controlled, even for temporary storage. Make sure all packing is secure, keeping packing materials out of direct contact with any painted areas, wood accents, or delicate features.
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Step 4: Finding A Storage Space
It can be difficult to conceptualize how much storage space you actually need. Many self-storage websites offer guides that can help you visualize how your things will fit in the space. Some storage units are multi-level, so be sure to ask about accessibility if you need a space that is on the ground level.
If you are storing any sensitive items like instruments, electronics, or antiques, be sure to rent a climate-controlled unit.
When people think of storage, the image that comes to mind is often a traditional storage facility. While traditional storage is an excellent option for many, there are alternatives that can offer some flexibility, convenience, or some sizable savings. Maybe you have a spare vehicle that never gets used sitting in your garage. Consider storing your vehicle, renting extra space from someone in your neighborhood, or asking a family member or friend to store belongings for you.
