Top Tips When Moving Home

When I walk my dog at the weekend my steps always seem to take us past my childhood home.  I lived there from birth to the age of 16 and I have many wonderful memories of living there.  

The garden where I spent many an hour on the swing.  The sitting room where we all used to vie for our favourite seat on the couch (I never seemed to win).   The built in wardrobe and shelves in my bedroom that my dad built for me.  The cherry blossom tree from next door that used to tap on my window on stormy days and that I used to spend hours sitting on the large window ledge staring at (think gloomy teenage years!).

I was utterly distraught when we moved from that house and despite moving since, it is and will always be, my favourite house in the world.

Each time you move house you learn something different about how to do it better.  Can arranging a house move be anything less than stressful?  Well yes, it can, but it takes planning and forethought.

Declutter

When you decide that it is time to move house, the first thing that you should do, before you start looking for a new home, is declutter.  Be ruthless and go through everything.  From clothes that you haven't worn for the past ten years to the five whisks in your kitchen that you have accumulated (yes even that one you've had since 1994 that is somehow sentimental but belongs in a museum).

The longer you live in a house, the more that you will accumulate.  

This will not only help with the packing process but when it comes to the time when you sell your house, a decluttered, tidy home will sell faster and hopefully, for a better price when the buyer can see what they are actually buying.

Save the Memories

This isn't a tip for moving home, it is preserving memories.  Be ruthless in your declutter, but save your photographs.  All of them.  The silly ones, the old ones, the ones with your family where you hate the way that you look.

5, 10, 25 years down the line, you will miss them.  Put them in a box for attic storage in the new house.  Your future you, will thank you.

Removals

Order your removal company ahead of time.  Get as many removal quotes as you can and get recommendations.  Everyone you know will have moved home at some point and everyone has a different experience.  You want a good price with a recommended firm that won't break your valuables and won't take all day with the removal.

Notify Everyone

Sounds obvious doesn't it?  Which it is, albeit very, very time consuming.  But we live in 2018 now, not 1960.  Embrace the power of the internet and use a website like I Am Moving where you can put your details in and notify all the companies you use.  Utilities, credit cards, internet shopping providers like Amazon, subscriptions and insurance.

Create a Fact File & Ask For The Same

Pay it forward by creating a fact file for the buyers of your home.  Things like reliable trades people, who your utilities are with and when you last changed them, what make your boiler is, the best local takeaway, when the rubbish is collected; where the best place is to walk your dog nearby and most importantly, which is the best local pub.

Have a conversation with the people you are buying your new home from.  Ask for the same and mention you are doing this for your new buyers.  Maybe even offer a cash incentive.  In all the costs of moving, what is another £50 to gain this sort of information at your fingertips when you first move in? (Particularly the best local takeaway when you are surrounded by boxes and losing the will to live and cook).

Create a Survival Box

That first night that you are in your new home you are going to be exhausted, bewildered, tired and hungry.  Get a big plastic box that you can transport on your lap to the new house.  Put in tea, coffee, sugar, a kettle, milk, toilet rolls, a DVD (if you manage to set up your TV system), scissors, warm socks.  Yes I said socks.  Working out the heating system on the first night, if the owners didn't leave you a fact file, may be confusing and you will be cold.  Socks.  Trust me.

Lastly

The obvious things.  Don't over pack your boxes and LABEL.  Label everything.  Try and get a good night's sleep the night before.  If you are working full time, hire a company to pack for you.  Again, someone reputable and recommended.  Have a glass of wine to calm the nerves of moving (the night before, not on the day!).  Breath.  Just breath.  You are organised.  You will be fine.

*Collaborative piece

What to expect from a Marella Cruise holiday

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced veteran, a holiday with a new cruise line or different ship can often lead to feelings of trepidation. So, to help put your mind at rest, here’s exactly what you can expect from a Marella cruise holiday.

You may know Marella Cruises under its original name – Thomson Cruises. A lot has changed since then, and you’ll love the updates and innovations. You can fly from 21 airports; not just Heathrow and Gatwick. And everything is all-inclusive, including your gratuities and service charges.

What to expect during the evenings

There’s one thing you can guarantee on a Marella cruise: you’ll never get bored. From West End productions to comedy nights, there’s a full roster of evening revelry. Marella Cruises was named Best for Entertainment at the 2018 Wave Awards, and when you take a look at the impressive entertainment line-up available on-board, it's easy to see why.

The Broadway Show Lounge puts on a great selection of West-End-style shows, some featuring special UK guests. Your crew will often star in these shows – it’s great see them show off their skills on stage! If you prefer dry one-liners to all-singing, all-dancing productions, then you’ll love the Comedy Store, where acts like Michael McIntyre and Sarah Millican have performed in the past.

There’s plenty for you to get involved in, too. On your first night at sea, you can expect a sail-away party: you can sip cocktails, wear your best outfits and get to know the other passengers. Likewise, you can also look forward to the weekly Captain’s Gala Reception and Dinner.

What to expect to find on-board

Although each ship differs slightly, there are a number of activities and facilities you can expect from them all. There’s a few pools, big enough to swim laps in, as well as Ocean’s Spa and Health Club, where you can indulge in spa treatments or get your hair and nails done in the beauty salon. The gym has state-of-the-art machines and free weights, and there’s also a sports deck for basketball, volleyball and five-a-side football.

If you fancy something more relaxing, you can sunbathe on the sun loungers around the pool, visit the library, the cinema or the card room. There’s even a casino where you can play blackjack and roulette.

The Discovery and Discovery 2 have even more: climbing walls, mini golf, indoor pools and even more theatres and lounges.

What to expect to eat and drink

With a host of restaurants to choose from, you won’t need to worry about a lack of choice! The menus change every day, too, so you’ll have plenty of delicious dishes to try. In addition to the main dining rooms are selection of a la carte menus: a buffet, a grill serving steak and seafood, a restaurant specialising in international cuisine, and a top-class eatery with a seven-course menu. The a la carte restaurants have a separate cover charge, but are brilliant for a special occasion. One restaurant on-board will be formal, too, so feel free to dress to impress.

What to expect for families

Marella Cruises are perfect for families: there’s such a huge range of activities and facilities just for children. Three- to 11-year-olds can enjoy the Kids’ Club and spend their days doing arts and crafts, taking part in talent shows and going on treasure hunts. It’s completely free and gives parents some time to themselves. Teenagers can hang out in the games arcade, disco or internet room, as well as enjoying the pools and sports facilities. There’s also a stage school for children aged nine to 16. They can learn and practice their singing, dancing and acting then perform in a show at the end.

Marella Cruises can tailor shore excursions for families – from visiting waterparks to swimming with dolphins, and on-board, you won’t pay adult prices or cabin supplements for children.

What to expect from dress code

Marella Cruises ensure you can wear whatever like and feel comfortable. During the day, there’s no dress code – but remember to pack smart. Some religious sites require knees and shoulders to be covered, so pack plenty of options.

Smart casual is required for the evenings: full-length trousers and shirts for men, while women should opt for separates or dresses. Once a week is a formal night – usually the Captain’s cocktail party, so, bring along your most glamorous cocktail dresses and smart tuxedos (or suit and tie!).

What else to expect

When you go on a Marella cruise, expect all the home comforts you need to make your stay a pleasant one. There’s a well-equipped medical centre and English-speaking doctor on-board. You’ll also find a self-service laundry room on most ships as well as an internet room, designated WiFi zones and satellite phones.

Rooms have TVs to keep you entertained, plus handy extras such as hairdryers and tea and coffee-making facilities. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can even arrange to have flowers, Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room!

Marella Cruises have everything you need for a great trip – from easy flights and fab facilities, to exciting excursions and comfy rooms. Whether it's your first time on a cruise or one of many, you can expect to have a lot of fun, see brilliant destinations and enjoy the journey on innovative, luxurious ships.

*Collaborative piece