Day: 4 January 2024

If you’re thinking about moving house in 2024, there’s a lot to mull over, especially if you have children to consider.

We know how important (and valuable) it is to listen to your kids when you’re selling up and moving on – they always have lots of thoughts and feelings about it.

We spoke with a six-year-old, Olivia, about her family’s recent move.

Her insights are fascinating and help us see things from a kid’s point of view.

 

1) New friends

“I was a bit sad to leave my friend next door. But guess what? There’s a girl next door at the new house, too. That made me excited!”

2) A bigger space

“I thought our new house would be bigger, and I was right! There’s more room for my toys.”

3) My own room

“I got my own room in the new house! No more listening to my big sister’s snoring all night.”

4) Packing adventures

“We had to put all our things in boxes. It was a lot of work and sometimes confusing.”

5) Room size wonders

“I kept wondering just how big my new room would be.”

6) First thoughts

“When I saw our new house, I thought, ‘Very nice but a bit old.’”

7) Kitchen fun

“There’s a breakfast bar in the kitchen. I can eat my cereal there!”

8) The moving process

“Moving is easy-peasy. You pack, get in the car, drive to your new house, and look around.”

9) First night fun

“We slept on a mattress on the floor the first night. It was like camping!”

10) Mixed feelings

“I felt happy, excited, sad and glad all at once. It’s a bit strange but mostly good.”

 

Reflections and advice from a six-year-old mover

When we asked our young helper for advice for other kids about moving house, Olivia said, “If you’re sad about moving, it’s OK! You can make new friends. And packing can be fun. It’s like a big adventure, plus you can ask for sweets without the grown-ups complaining.”

So, if you’re considering a family move, remember to involve your little ones.

Their perspective can be eye-opening, full of surprises and often very amusing.

For friendly, knowledgeable and experienced advice on moving with your family, feel free to contact us at Chamberlains.

 

As a landlord, maintaining your property in top condition is paramount.

It’s your investment and your tenant’s home.

At this time of year, condensation can be an issue. And it can cause mould in your property if ignored.

The good news is we’re sharing six steps you can take to prevent these problems before they become an issue.

 

Quick fixes

 

• Ensure adequate ventilation: One of the primary causes of condensation is poor ventilation. Make sure your property has sufficient airflow. Install extractor fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms and encourage tenants to use them. Trickle vents in windows are also an effective way to maintain a constant airflow.

 

• Maintain a consistent temperature: Fluctuations in indoor temperature can lead to condensation. Encourage tenants to keep a consistent, moderate temperature, especially in colder months, to reduce the risk of dampness.

 

• Inspect and repair: Regular inspections are crucial. Check for any issues that could lead to condensation. Timely repairs can prevent minor problems from escalating.

 

• Educate your tenants: Sometimes, lifestyle habits contribute to condensation. To reduce moisture (which could lead to condensation), educate tenants about simple actions like avoiding drying clothes indoors, using lids on pans while cooking, and opening windows regularly (ideally for 15 minutes daily).

 

Longer term solutions

 

5)   Investing long term: Consider installing positive input ventilation (PIV) systems, which can significantly reduce condensation by providing constant fresh, filtered air. These can be costly to install, though.

6)   Address insulation and heating: Poor insulation and heating can lead to cold surfaces, creating ideal conditions for condensation. Investing in updated insulation and heating systems can prevent condensation from becoming a problem and make your property more energy efficient.

 

 

By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your property from the risks of condensation, ensuring a comfortable living environment for your tenants and protecting the value of your investment.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on this or any other rental property-related questions. We’re here to help.