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How Can you Make your new House feel Like Home?

Moving house can be busy, chaotic and exciting. But once the move is over how do you start to make your new house feel like a home? 

  • Create an inviting entryway: A welcome mat, a coat rack, and a mirror can make your entryway feel more welcoming and personal.
  • Make your home more zen: Soothing colors, soft lighting, and relaxing music can help create a calming atmosphere.
  • Improve your living space: Home upgrades, such as new curtains, pillows, or furniture, can help you personalise your space.
  • Add warmth and texture to your floors: Cozy area rugs can add warmth and texture to your floors.
  • Hang your favourite art pieces: Hanging your favourite art pieces, family photos, and mementos on the walls can make your home feel more personal.
  • Bring nature inside Indoor plants, flowers, or herbs can add a touch of nature to your home.
  • Organise your belongings: Keeping the clutter to a minimum and organizing your belongings can help you feel more at home.
  • Create a pleasant aroma: Scented candles, diffusers, or essential oils can create a pleasant aroma in your home.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, making your new home feel like yours is a personal process, so take some time to think about what makes you feel at home and incorporate those things into your new space. Good luck and have fun!

How To Move To A New City Alone: A Checklist

Deciding to move to a new city alone is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. Packing your bags and starting fresh without your existing support network can be incredibly daunting, but moving alone provides opportunities for new experiences and self-discovery that are hard to find elsewhere. If you are going to move to a new city alone, considering this checklist will help you plan properly and get the most out of such a life-changing decision.

Pack Light

One of the main advantages of deciding to move to a new city alone is that you can start completely fresh. Of course, you will want to take your most important possessions with you, but packing light means that you can really enjoy a clean slate and properly create a new home. By only taking the things you really need, it will also be a lot easier to manage the actual packing and unboxing of your possessions on your own.

If packing light means that you’ve got things to leave behind that you don’t yet want to get rid of, consider using a storage service. Safely stowing your belongings in storage means that you can hang onto items that might be useful once you’re a bit more settled without taking additional clutter when you first move to a new city alone.

Research The Area

Before you move to a new city alone, make sure that you have done a bit of research about what to expect. Thorough research will make it feel less overwhelming when you first start exploring and mean that you have a better idea of which parts of your new city are the safest and most suitable for people moving alone. You’ll also be able to get an initial feel for a place if you aren’t actually certain which city you want to move to and feel confident about how long it will take to get around once you’ve committed to your new home.

Be Open To New Experiences

Trying new things will help you make the most of all the opportunities that are created by moving alone. It’s a great idea to continue with your old hobbies and interests to find comfort and stability in a new environment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to try new things. Set aside some time in your busy moving schedule to look into different activities and events going on in your local neighbourhood and commit to doing at least one thing you’ve never experienced before!

Introduce Yourself

The thought of having to meet new people and make new friends puts many people off moving to a new city alone. Yes, you have to try a little bit harder to seek out social experiences as an adult, but you never know who you might meet in your new environment if you are open-minded. Take the plunge and introduce yourself to different kinds of people and remember that there will be lots of people out there in exactly the same position as you. There are always plenty of organised events that you can attend to meet new people and a quick chat with a friendly stranger could kickstart all kinds of introductions and opportunities.

Get Help From A Removal Company

Don’t be tempted to struggle with the actual moving of your belongings. A removal company can help you to safely get your prized possessions from A to B so that you can focus your time and energy on settling in and preparing for such a big change. There are different types of services you can take advantage of when moving to a new city alone, including Hackworthy’s packing services. We can also help with European and Overseas removals if you’re planning to spread your wings much further afield. 

Following this simple checklist is sure to make your move to a new city a stress-free one! Please get in touch with the expert team at Hackworthy if you’d like further help or advice when it comes to your solo move.

8 Ways To Make Your Office Move Easier

Perhaps you’re in need of an updated space, or maybe you’re just downsizing to suit the ever-increasing numbers of people working from home. Either way, an office move is always an exciting time for any company, but it can also be an extremely stressful one. By making use of good planning and management, as well as the right services, you can make the process significantly easier on the business. Read on to find out our top tips for making your office move easier.

Start Planning Your Office Move Early

Interrupting your company’s workflow with a hastily put-together office move is not a great way to go about the moving process. Time is money, and losing days worth of it to a poorly executed move is not the best way for making the most seamless transition between offices that you can. Rushing around last minute is a great way to build up a massive amount of stress and bring business to a grinding halt.

Instead, consider beginning the planning stage in advance, and work to create the optimal conditions for your business to continue functioning as well as possible throughout the process.

Tour The New Location

One of the first things that we recommend you do when starting your office move is to take a tour of the location that you’ll be moving into. This is a particularly important preparatory step in the moving process, as it will allow you to get somewhat familiar with the space. Quite significantly, it will also allow you to begin the planning process and start putting a scheme together for exactly where you want your own office furnishings to go.

Assign A Project Manager

At the heart of any large-scale task such as an office move, there should always be a project manager. This can be yourself, or another member of the company who you trust to carry out the role well. A project manager should be good at both managing tasks and keeping up good communication with other employees.

By appointing a project manager, you should be able to save a significant amount of time, delegate tasks equally among staff, and form a coherent moving plan without having everyone tripping over each other in confusion.

Communicate With The Team

Keeping up communication with your team is paramount to ensuring a smooth office move for everybody. Your co-workers will need to be kept informed of all of the plans and timetables of the move so that they can get themselves organised in accordance with the plan set out by the project manager, and carry out tasks they have been asked to complete. They will also need to be made aware of significant changes (such as new building rules, changed phone numbers etc) that will take effect after the move is completed in order to work to the best of their ability in their new environment. 

Find An Experienced Office Removals Company

Employing the office moving service of an experienced removals company will make a world of difference in the speed and professional care that your office move is carried out with. A proper office moving service will be undertaken by movers who know exactly what needs doing and the best way to do it - making the whole process significantly easier on you.

Hackworthy & Sons is a removals company with fifty years in the business and fantastic reviews. If you’re looking for an experienced removals company, then you need to look no further than our office moving service. For a professional moving service that works around you, Hackworthy & Sons is a name you can trust to get the job done.

Notify Everyone Of Your Move

The logistical requirements of an office move don’t just stop at planning out your moving process. You’ll also need to deal with matters business-side. Letting all of your customers and business partners know about your move is extremely important. You don’t want to cause confusion when a client turns up for a meeting at the completely wrong place. Updating your information on your website, google, social media, email footers etc is extremely important, and you need to make sure you’ve thoroughly updated your business’s public information.

Plan Deadlines And Appointments Around Your Move

The last thing you want to do is turn your moving days into utter chaos by double-booking the move with deadlines and meetings. It’s advisable to allow yourself a three-day block that doesn’t conflict with any arrangements or deadlines you may have with your clients, to allow your company to properly focus on carrying out the moving process. An office move is a team effort, and scattering the team around with this kind of urgent work is a recipe for disaster. 

Have A Plan In Place For Deep Cleaning

One of the last things you need to do is make arrangements for deep cleaning your old office and/or the office that you’re moving into. This can be a task that you handle as a team, or outsource in order to maintain workflow as best as possible, albeit at a not-insignificant cost. This will leave your old office nice and clean for its next occupants and put you in good stead to receive any deposit back from when you first leased the property.

Choosing to make use of Hackworthy’s office moving service is a great choice for a company that wants their removals well-handled every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to get in contact with our expert team to see how Hackworthy can help you get your office furnishings packed up and moved stress-free.

Moving House In Summer: A Checklist

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Moving House In Summer: A Checklist

In the UK, summer is prime time for moving house. This tends to be because people have more time off in the summer, and particularly for families with children, schools will be shut. However, a poorly planned move can easily ruin what is supposed to be a time for relaxation and fun.

As your upcoming summer move draws ever closer, we’ve put together a moving house checklist of the most important tasks you want to have ready in advance in order to make the process as painless and stress-free as possible.

Notify Utility Companies And Service Providers

One of the first things you want to get done on your moving house checklist is to alert your utility companies and service providers of the move. You don’t want to be paying for services that you won’t be making use of, and you also want these services running in your new home ASAP. Getting in contact with these companies about a month in advance should ensure that the transition is as quick and simple as possible.

Begin Collecting Packing Materials In Advance

If you’re moving, then obviously you’re going to need packing materials with which to store your belongings. Securing moving boxes and paper should be a priority on your moving house checklist. Alternatively, you could decide to make use of Hackworthy’s packing and removals services. Depending on the service you select, you will be provided with moving cartons or simply have us do the packing for you for maximum stress relief and peace of mind.

Put Away Everything You Won't Be Needing Until Autumn Or Winter

Moving house in summer gives you a fair bit of room to start packing certain items early, and generally makes the whole process much easier in the long term. Items that you might need in autumn or winter, but definitely not summer (think thick coats and other cold weather clothing etc.) can be packed up early and kept in a room, or even put into Hackworthy’s container storage to get it completely out of the way before you move.

Ask For A Quote From A Removal Company

This is one of the most important things to get sorted on your moving house checklist. Summer is normally a very busy time for removal companies, due to the popularity of it as a moving season. It’s a good idea to get a quote and book a date as early as you can. If you’re still looking for a removal company, you can get a quote from Hackworthy here. With 50 years in the business and stellar reviews, Hackworthy is a name that you can trust to get the job done.

Set Up A Labelling System

When unpacking your items, it’s much easier to make sure everything goes in the right place if you have some kind of organisational system to tell you where it needs to go before being unpacked. To that end, you may want to add setting up a labelling system to your moving house checklist. Whether it be colour-coding, numbered or even just writing down what room it’s meant each box is meant to be in, organising your belongings this way will save loads of time down the line.

Collect All Of Your Keys

Before you move, you’re going to need to hand off your keys. That includes the ones kept by your neighbours and relatives. As you’re moving house in summer, this is something you want to get done early. Otherwise you run the risk of your neighbours and relatives being away on holiday and thus having no access to them to retrieve your keys. For that reason, getting this ticked off your moving house checklist nice and early is a good idea.

Make Arrangements For Moving Day

Now’s the time to start putting together your plan of action on the day. Most important of all - make sure you book time off of work and arrange plans for child and/or pet care so that you have all the right people in the right places for the big day. This should normally be ticked off of your moving house checklist a couple of weeks in advance.

Put Together The Essentials You Need On Moving Day

Last on our list is putting together the things you need on the day. This will generally include things like cash, phone chargers, a change of clothes, food and water. The exact list of items will vary from person to person, but it’s advisable to travel as light as possible while still meeting all of your needs.

So there you have it - our checklist for moving house in summer. If you’re in need of packing, removals or storage services, then have a look at our removals services, or get in contact with the awesome team at Hackworthy & Sons for expert support today.

8 First Time Buyer Myths Busted

Tuesday 9th May 2023
8 First Time Buyer Myths Busted

Purchasing your first home is a huge step in your life, which is why you need to be prepared with the correct information. There are a lot of first time buyer myths out there that you’re going to want busted before you begin the process of becoming a homeowner. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the reality behind our top 8 first time buyer myths.

1. You Need A Big Deposit

So, how much deposit do you need for a first time buyer? According to our first time buyer myths, it’s a lot. Obviously, a bigger deposit greatly expands the mortgage options available to you, but that doesn’t make it totally necessary. Somewhere between five and twenty per cent are perfectly good deposits to begin the search for a mortgage.

2. The Lowest Interest Rate Is The Best Deal

Interest rate is one of the most important aspects you have to consider in a mortgage deal - but it’s not the only one. You need to pay attention to what kind of deal you’re making. A Discount or Tracker deal is subject to flux and variation, while a Fixed Rate means that your rate will be set in stone for a certain period of time. You’ll also need to look into the length of the deal and the fees involved to make sure you’re making the most informed choice you can. 

3. There's No Room For New Homeowners On The Property Ladder

For many, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, owning your own property is increasingly seeming like a pipe dream. This is one of the major first time buyer myths that hold people back from looking at investing in property. In actuality, a first time buyer can be a very appealing option for a property dealer to sell to. Being detached from the property chain means that you won’t have to sell off an existing property before you can arrange to purchase another. This is a very attractive quality to sellers on a tight time frame, and may well be the decisive advantage that gets you the property you’re after.

4. Now Is Not The Right Time To Buy

The Property Market is a fickle thing, and prone to swing around in unexpected ways that can throw off the most experienced buyer. You may be holding out for months and months only to see properties skyrocket in price. At the end of the day, the ‘right time’ to invest in a property is the time that works for you, not for the whole market.

5. You Have To Get Your Mortgage From Your Bank

Your bank likely bombards you with a variety of offers for your mortgage, but one of the main first time buyer myths is the idea that you are somehow obligated to use them to secure it. You are not. Your bank may well offer good deals for their existing customers, and these may be ideal for you. But there are thousands of mortgage deals available to buyers, so it’s certainly worth shopping around and looking into the best deal you can get based on your own personal needs.

6. You Can't Secure A Mortgage With A Less Than Perfect Credit Score

You might be asking yourself how to get a mortgage as a first time buyer with a less than perfect credit history. It’s certainly true that a bad credit history won’t help with trying to secure a mortgage. But that absolutely doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to do so. There are mortgage deals out there specifically set up for people in this situation. You could also attempt to repair your credit history by establishing a pattern of consistent payments, and don’t forget to take your partner’s credit score into consideration as well. The two of you are being evaluated as a pair, not separately.

7. You Can Find Out All You Need To Know About The Property Online

One essential tip for a first time buyer - always view the property yourself at least once before you buy it! It’s important to immerse yourself in the house and get a feel for what your life there might look like before committing to anything. You’lll also have the chance to catch any details that may not have been advertised online, and have a look at the surrounding area that you may be moving into.

8. You Have To Pay The Full Cost For Stamp Duty

There are several costs associated with purchasing property beyond simply the cost of the house itself - one of which is Stamp Duty. This fee is paid by the buyer - not the seller. If you’re a first time buyer though, you’re in luck. You won’t have to pay any stamp duty on properties valued at £500,000 or less for the first £300,000 you spend. 

So that’s our top 8 first time buyer myths busted! If you’re looking for more essential information for a first time buyer, then check out our other post covering our top tips for buying your first home. Now that you’re armed with all the essential knowledge that you need, you’re going to want to start getting set up to move the right way, which is why you’re going to want to get the services of a removals company like Hackworthy that you can trust to deliver. Take a look at the amazing services that we can offer, or feel free to get in touch with our team to find out how Hackworthy can take away some of the stresses of moving today.

How To Declutter Your Home Before Moving

When it comes to decluttering, opinions are mixed. Many of us love the thrill involved in getting rid of things we no longer need, but it’s just as common to absolutely hate the thought of having to part ways with your prized possessions. 

Whichever camp of movers you fall into, you will probably need to declutter your home before moving, especially if you are downsizing or moving abroad with limited packing space. Our quick guide will help you make sure you know how to go about the process in the best way so that you can start fresh in your new place after a job well done.

Create a plan

Decluttering your home before moving can feel like a daunting task, particularly if you need to get rid of lots of things or haven’t had a big clear out in a while. It can be tempting to go in blindly while you are packing or just sort through bits and pieces here and there. However, you’ll find decluttering much easier if you make a proper plan of action.

Many movers decide to work through their house room by room. Adopting this tactic means you can be sure you don’t miss anything important before getting distracted by a different area of the house. It’s also much easier to work out what you actually need when everything from one room is laid out in front of you.

Donate to charity

One of the reasons why you may need to declutter your home before moving is to make way for new pieces of furniture. No matter where you live, local charities will always be grateful to find new owners for your unwanted furniture. These items could make a huge difference to others on lower incomes or provide a great starting block for young individuals and couples just stepping onto the housing ladder with a limited budget. 

Utilise recycling services

If your unwanted clutter is in bad condition or cannot be rehomed, you’ll need to dispose of it correctly. Most local councils offer a bulky waste collection. Bear in mind that there might be a small charge for this service depending on what it is that you need to dispose of. Alternatively, if you have smaller items to recycle or the means to transport bigger items yourself, you can search for your local recycling centre online and take it there yourself. 

Sell online

Moving home can be expensive and even a small boost to your budget can relieve some of the stress involved. As you’re digging through your cupboards to declutter your home, you might stumble across collectables you haven’t seen in a while or next-to-new clothing that you simply won’t wear again. Why not sell these items online to make a quick bit of cash?

Selling on eBay is a simple and easy way to flog almost anything. Alternatively, up-and-coming platforms like Vinted are a great way to find a new home for your unwanted shoes and clothing. Just try not to get carried away with the fantastic bargains from other sellers!

Get help from your removal company

Finding a good removal company is an essential part of any smooth house move. If you need to declutter your home before moving, it makes sense to explore companies that can also help you get rid of your unwanted items. They can use their expertise to arrange for your unwanted items to be disposed of, including us here at Hackworthy & Sons. 

We understand that moving home is a busy time, so are happy to do all that we can to take any stress associated with decluttering away from your moving experience. Get in touch to discuss your options or request a quick quote to find out how Hackworthy could help you with your whole move.

The 7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving To Spain (And How To Avoid Them)

As the most popular country in the world for British expats, we understand why you might be thinking about moving to Spain. Life in Spain has so many things to offer - beautiful cities, a fascinating culture, great food and so much more, but the relocation process also has some common moving mistakes you need to avoid. In order to make your move as smooth as possible, let’s talk about the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain, and what you can do to avoid them!

Buying A Property Straight Off The Bat

It’s oh-so-easy to fall headfirst into the trap of selling your home in the UK in favour of buying a Spanish home right from the get go. However exciting the prospect of moving into your dream home in Spain might be, it’s helpful to take a step back before rushing into anything. You aren’t under any pressure to make hard commitments before even having set foot in Spain. It’s a good idea to rent for a bit and make sure that you’re certain Spanish life is for you before buying permanently.

Getting Caught Off-Guard By Culture Shock

Adapting to a new culture can take a little while and so it helps to try and get to grips with the culture a little bit before you get over there.  There are plenty of exciting things to look forward to in Spanish culture. A healthy work-life balance is prioritised and meal times with friends and family are held in high regard, with an emphasis on enjoying life to the full and taking things slowly. It’s worth doing some research into life in Spain, and talking to other expats about how they’ve adapted to their new life abroad.

Taking Your Whole House With You

You probably don’t need to take your whole house with you when moving to Spain, and so it’s definitely worth taking the time to declutter and narrow down what you actually need.This will save a lot of time and money when it comes to moving day. You can begin sorting through this early by keeping an inventory of what you’re taking with you and what you’re going to leave. A bit of preparation goes a long way in dodging one of the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain, so why not get started early?

Not Learning Any Spanish

Another one of 7 biggest mistakes you can make when moving to Spain (but also one of the most avoidable) is failing to learn at least a little of the language.  We’re not suggesting you need to be fluent in Spanish, however knowing the basics will help you to get by, and prevent you from feeling isolated in your new environment. Going on Duolingo whenever you have a bit of downtime isn’t a huge commitment, but will make a huge difference in helping  you feel more settled when you get to Spain. 

Assuming You Can Find A Job When You Arrive

In a post-brexit world, UK citizens are now subject to certain immigration regulations that we weren’t before. If you’re planning on working in Spain, this means that getting a Visa is going to require a job lined up, or some other arrangement such as acceptance into a University before you can apply. This is something that you must be sure to arrange before making any arrangements to move.

Leaving Paperwork Until The Last Minute

Let’s be honest, no-one likes filling out paperwork which is perhaps why one of the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain is leaving important paperwork to the last minute. It is important to make sure that you understand that the process of getting your documentation in order can take a long time. So, don’t leave this until the last minute because your plans may well end up getting delayed  when you’re all ready to go but the paperwork has barely begun.

Choosing The Wrong Removals Company

The importance of choosing a trusted removals company can’t be overestimated when moving overseas. You need your belongings looked after and shipped in proper storage to arrive safely, in the right area and at the right time, so you need a removal company that you can absolutely trust to deliver on this. With 50 years of experience in the packing and removals trade, and insurance included in every quote, Hackworthy can be trusted to get the job done. Take a look at our European removals page or get in contact to find out how Hackworthy can help get your belongings to Spain as safely as possible.

5 Benefits Of Using Hackworthy’s Packing Services When Moving House

By far one of the most tedious and exhausting aspects of moving home is the packing. Carefully organising all of your belongings into boxes ready for transit can be a daunting task, particularly if you struggle with mobility or are especially pushed for time. That’s why it’s well worth considering making use of professional house packing services. Keep on reading for the top five benefits of using packing services when moving house in 2023.

Simplify The Process

We know that moving house is likely to be a stressful experience, but one way you can reduce your workload is by making use of Hackworthy’s packing services. With 50 years experience as a moving and packing company, you can count on our exceptional crews to do whatever is needed to get your belongings packed up as quickly and securely as possible. There’s no point in making moving more stressful than it already is, so let us take care of the packing and moving for you.

Fully Trained Staff

No two homes are the same, which is why flexibility is the name of the game with Hackworthy’s house packing services. A moving and packing company is only as good as its crews, which is why our professional team of movers is trained to work around you. At Hackworthy, we’re always ready and able to provide a level of care and expediency worthy of our outstanding reviews.

Full Support From Start To Finish

Our full packing services cover the entire removal process from start to finish. Beginning with a full survey to set out your exact needs and address your concerns, all the way through to the move itself, Hackworthy will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your packing and removal needs are satisfied.

We Use High Quality Equipment

If you think all you need to pack your belongings is a few cardboard boxes and a roll of parcel tape, you may have to rethink slightly. You can’t go packing your valuables in flimsy second-hand boxes, especially for your more fragile items, which is why Hackworthy uses high-durability packing boxes and crates, alongside heavy duty tape. We also offer fragile packing services for delicate items that require special handling.

Fully Insured For Peace Of Mind

You’ll be reassured to know that your belongings are covered through the entire removal process by our insurance plan, even while we’re holding them in storage. Your quote will include the cost of insurance, so you don’t have to worry about tacking on any extra fees. Additionally, our crews will stay for up to three extra hours free of charge if you are for some reason unable to access your new property, to give you maximum peace of mind in the event that something does go wrong.

Making use of Hackworthy’s packing services for moving house is the smart choice for the mover who wants to know their items are in good hands throughout the whole process. Don’t hesitate to check out our packing service options and get yourself a quick quote to see how Hackworthy can help you get packed up and moved in no time at all.

Buying/Selling A Chain Free Property: Key Factors & Benefits

There are many different factors that affect how long it takes to buy or sell a property. One of the biggest factors that can be responsible for causing delays in the process is the property “chain”. So how can you benefit from buying a chain free property? Let’s find out by first establishing the problems that can come with being tied into a chain when moving house. 

What Is A Property Chain?

When you’re in a chain, your property transaction is reliant on those of other buyers and sellers. In other words, your moving experience is reliant on the sale of purchase of other properties going through. There can often be up to four or five parties involved in a chain, with each sale needing to complete in order for everyone to finalise their purchase. If one of these sales falls through for any reason, such as if a vendor changes their mind or a buyer runs into financial difficulties, this can disrupt the whole chain. 

What Does It Mean To Buy “Chain Free”?

Buying a chain free property can help you to avoid these delays. If properties are described as being “chain free” or with “no onward chain”, this means that the purchase or sale of the property won’t depend on the successful sale or purchase of other properties. If you’re a chain free buyer, you don’t need to wait to sell your current home in order to move into a new one, for example if you’re a first time buyer

Why Would A Property Have No Chain?

There are a number of scenarios in which a property may have no chain, including:

  • Buying new builds where you’re buying directly from the property developer
  • Someone moving abroad with no need to buy a new house in the UK
  • Buying from a buy-to-let landlord who is selling an empty property that isn’t their primary residence
  • Purchasing a property sold on behalf of someone who has passed away
  • Selling your home directly to a company
  • You’re a first time buyer

What Are The Benefits Of Buying A Chain Free Property?

As you can imagine, there are a number of benefits that come with buying a chain free property. These include the following:

Less Chance Of Delays

One of the most important benefits of buying a chain free property is that it reduces the likelihood of delays. Whether buying or selling, by not being tied into a chain, you aren’t reliant on other transactions to complete your purchase or sale. This takes some of the stress out of the process and is likely to make for a smoother and quicker transaction. 

A Chain Free Property Is More Appealing To Sellers

Chain free buyers, such as first time buyers are appealing to sellers as this means . that they’ll get to skip the hassle of being tied into a chain too. This can help you to find your dream home at an affordable price as sellers will be more inclined to accept your offer. This is just one of the many first time buyer benefits

Less Risk Of The Sale Falling Through

Having a buyer pull out of a sale is a seller’s worst fear. If the buyer doesn’t need to sell in order to proceed with the purchase of another property, this means that the risk of them having to pull out is minimised, which is reassuring to sellers.

Need Help With Your Move?

When you’ve found your new dream property, don’t hesitate to give Hackworthy a call for help with your move. With 50 years worth of experience in home removals, you can be safe in the knowledge that your belongings are in good hands.  Whatever the requirements of your move, we’re here to remove the stress, with our full removals service including packing and storage solutions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information. Alternatively, you can request a quick quote online. 

How To Reduce Moving Costs: 5 Great Money-Saving Tips

There’s no denying that the cost of moving house can be significant. Aside from the cost of buying or renting a new property, solicitor’s fees and removal costs can all soon add up. That being said, with a bit of thought and forward planning, there are ways to make the process of moving home that little bit less damaging to your bank balance. These are just a few practical ideas for how to reduce moving costs:

Declutter & Sell What You Don’t Need

One of the best methods for how to reduce moving costs is decluttering before you move. Not only will this make the packing process a whole lot smoother, you can also make some money to put towards the move. Anything that can’t be sold can be donated. Streamlining your belongings may also help save on removals costs by reducing the amount of items that you have to move. Not to mention, it's always nice to move into a new place without excess belongings that you’ve been meaning to get rid of for years. 

Book Your Moving Day In Advance

Planning your move in advance will give you plenty of time to find a good quote with a reliable removals company. Scheduling services for off-peak times, such as weekdays rather than weekends may all help to bring costs down. You can get a quick quote from Hackworthy Removals using our online form. We understand the obstacles that can occur throughout the moving process, which is why we offer a late key waiver and cancellation waiver to ensure you don’t have to pay any extra fees for delays.

Be Resourceful With Packing Supplies  

Another top tip for how to reduce moving costs is being resourceful with how you source your packing supplies. Are there any existing belongings you can use as packing materials? For example, clothing and blankets could be used to wrap fragile items and to keep them padded during the move. This will help you to save space and money. It’s also worth seeing if you can find any second hand boxes, for example from shops or businesses, or from friends and family who have themselves moved recently. 

Get Insurance 

As much as we can prepare ourselves for a move, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s alwaysimportant to check that your removals company offers insurance to cover the cost of your belongings during the move. Hopefully you won’t need it, however it’s better to have insurance rather than risk having to pay large amounts of money to cover the cost if your belongings get damaged in transit. At Hackworthy, we like to keep things as simple as possible which is why insurance cover for all your belongings will be included in your quote, rather than at an extra cost. Our insurance provides you with cover throughout the entire removal process, including any time that your belongings are in storage for. 

Review Outgoings & Utilities In Advance Of Moving Day

When thinking about how to reduce moving costs, organising your utilities carefully can make a big difference in terms of helping you to make savings. If you can, try to plan your moving date so that you don’t have to pay next month’s charges at your old place when you’re no longer living there. Why not use the move as an incentive to shop around for better deals on your wifi, energy and TV etc.? Moving to a new area may provide you with more cost-effective deals than you had access to at your previous property.  

To hear more about how Hackworthy can help you with a cost-effective move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

What Happens If Completion Is Delayed?

Tuesday 6th December 2022
What Happens If Completion Is Delayed?

In the house buying process, completion is the point at which you can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s the moment that the house becomes yours, once all the searches have come back, any outstanding enquiries have been answered, and your mortgage has been agreed and delivered. The completion day will be a fixed date which will have been agreed once your exchange takes place. So what happens if completion is delayed?

There are many different reasons for delayed completion. It may be that your seller needs more time to find themselves a property, perhaps you’re buying a new build or rental property that you’re waiting to move into, or are waiting on planning permission. Whilst delayed completion is often unavoidable, these are some of the issues that it may cause:

Unexpected Costs For The Seller

If you’re selling your home, you’re likely to be wondering what happens if completion is delayed by your buyer. The main risk of delayed completion for the seller is unexpected costs. The seller is legally obligated to ensure that the property is in the same state on the day of completion as it was when contracts were exchanged. The longer the delay between exchange and completion, the higher the chance that costly maintenance or repair issues may arise. The seller will be responsible for paying for the work that needs to be done.

The Seller May Change Their Mind

Another concern about what happens if completion is delayed for buyers, is that the seller may change their mind. This is only a small risk due to the fact the exchange of contracts binds both parties to the sale. However, if the buyer causes significant or unreasonable delays then the seller may try to change their mind and return the deposit. 

The Buyer’s Mortgage Offer May Expire

If the completion date is significantly delayed then there is potential that the buyer’s mortgage offer may have expired, for example if the property’s value has changed during the period of delay. This will delay the sale further as the buyer will need to take the time to put in a new mortgage application. 

A Lower Deposit May Be Required

Some of the biggest concerns regarding what happens when completion is delayed are the financial implications. As we mentioned a moment ago, one financial risk for the seller is that they may end up putting their hand in their pocket for unexpected maintenance costs. Another financial risk with delayed completion is that a lower deposit may need to be agreed, which may be as low as 5%. 

What To Do If Completion Is Delayed

We’ve discussed the risks regarding what happens if completion is delayed, but what steps should you take if a delay arises? If completion is delayed, your first step should be to communicate with your solicitor who will be able to advise you on the next steps to take. It’s important that both seller and buyer are on the same page in order to decrease the risk of the sale falling through. If you need to go into temporary rented accommodation whilst waiting to move into your new property, you can use short term storage solutions to help organise and secure your belongings. 

At Hackworthy, we understand that there can be complications and delays in the moving process. That’s why our removals service comes with a cancellation waiverthat enables you to cancel at short notice without paying a fee - you can even cancel the day before your planned moving date if necessary. If you’d like to hear more about our removal services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

How To Move Home Sustainably: 5 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

With so much to think about when you move home, it’s all too easy to forget the impact that moving house can have on the environment. Pollution caused by transportation, alongside the disposal of waste that occurs when you move home can all too easily have a negative impact on the environment. However, with a few simple considerations, it’s easy to make the moving process that little bit more sustainable. These are our top tips for making your house move more eco-friendly. 

Declutter

Taking the time to declutter before you move home will not only make moving day a whole lot simpler, it can also be beneficial to the environment. Narrowing down what you do and don’t want to take to your new home will reduce the number of trips that you’ll need to take on moving day, reducing your transportation emissions and costs. Decluttering well in advance will also give you time to dispose of items you no longer need responsibly, rather than letting everything go to waste as landfill, and that brings us on nicely to our next point. 

Find Furniture A New Home 

Rather than throwing away furniture that you lo longer want, why not give it a new home? It’s easy to sell unwanted furniture online via sites such as Gumtree or Ebay, or you can give them away to be re-used in the local community. Many charities like the British Heart Foundation will collect furniture items from your home free of charge. You can find useful links to help dispose of your furniture easily on our ‘unwanted items’ page. 

Recycle 

If you can’t sell or donate certain items then recycle what you can - this is far more preferable than letting unwanted items go to landfill when you move home. In fact poor waste disposal is one of the largest environmental problems that comes with moving house. Instead of binning unwanted items, take what you can to your local recycling centre, and see how your local council might be able to help. If you have large items in need of disposal, local councils offer collections for a nominal fee. 

Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

Being strategic about how you pack your belongings when you move home can have a big impact on making the process more eco-friendly. Avoid using plastic bags and instead pack your stuff in bags and cases that can be reused, and use cardboard boxes that can be recycled afterwards. With our packing services, we can help you organise and streamline your packing to prevent the waste of packing materials (whilst making moving day a whole lot smoother in the process). If you’d like to pack yourself, we can send specially designed removal cartons to your door. Alternatively, you can leave it all to our experts who will pack and load all belongings for you, including specialist and fragile items. 

Prevent Food Waste

One of the biggest sources of waste when you move home that’s often overlooked  is food waste. It’s all too easy to leave food in the cupboards, freezer and fridge until the last minute, when you end up having to throw it away. In order to avoid this, try to start sorting out the kitchen cupboards and freezer early. This will give you time to cook and use up what you already have in order to prevent it from going to waste. It will also give you the time to donate surplus food to charities and food banks if you can. 

To hear more about how Hackworthy can help make your moving day stress free, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

How Can Hackworthy’s Retail Distribution Services Help Your Business?

As the largest independent removal company in the South West, lots of people are aware of our home and business removals services. For the past 20 years we’ve worked with a variety of local and national companies, and carried out thousands of deliveries across Devon and Cornwall. However what you may not know is that we also offer retail distribution services. 

What Are Retail Distribution Services?

Retail distribution refers to the process of getting goods from manufacturers and producers to consumers. Throughout this process, the goods might pass through different intermediaries such as wholesalers, vendors and retailers. In today's world where businesses have tight margins and high consumer demand, it’s crucial to minimise costs where possible, whilst ensuring that a high quality service is still being delivered to customers. 

How Hackworthy Can Help

Our retail distribution services are flexible to suit your needs. We offer a variety of delivery options, including a regular delivery schedule as well as ad-hoc deliveries. We also offer secure storage for you to store your stock safely. Let’s take a closer look at what our main retail distribution services involve. 

Deliveries

For smaller local businesses, we can help you to boost your sales, whilst streamlining your processes, by handling deliveries for you. We’re happy to deal directly with your customers or act as an intermediary, if you’d rather pass on the details of the delivery -whatever works best for you and your business, we can be flexible to your needs.  

Storing Stock

We’ve got a 30,000 square foot warehouse in Plymouth which provides plenty of room for storing stock safely and securely. Our dedicated delivery vans are on hand to distribute the stock as and when you need it. Whether you need a regular delivery service, or a back-up to rely upon during busy periods, we can adapt to the individual requirements of your business. 

What We Can Deliver:

White Goods: We’ll unpack and install new appliances as well as taking away the old ones, including fridges, freezers and cookers. 

Furniture: We can assemble furniture for your customers as well as taking the packaging away. This includes beds, sofas and dining room furniture. 

Kitchens & Worktops: We’re experienced in delivering a range of kitchen items and worktops of different calibres. 

We’ve built our business on considering things from our customer’s perspective - this enables us to provide the best possible services and build long lasting relationships. This is reflected in the fact that much of our work is based upon repeat business and recommendations. Our bespoke retail distribution services are no exception to this. 

To hear more about our retail distribution services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Top 5 Benefits of Using Business Storage

Thursday 13th October 2022
Top 5 Benefits of Using Business Storage

One of the many challenges that comes with running a business is finding an appropriate place to store your stock, records, or day-to-day equipment. Without a proper business storage solution, it can be all too easy for your workspace to become cluttered with piles of boxes and stacks of documents that don’t have any real home. Business storage can be beneficial for temporary use, for example if you’re moving office space, or for more long-term use, such as if you need a little extra room to expand your company. These are just a few of the ways that you could benefit from using business storage units. 

 Create A More Organised Workspace

One of the main aspects of running a successful business is creating an organised workspace that allows you to operate effectively, and that is an aspect that you can unlock by investing in a self-storage space for your business. No longer will you have to wade through an overflowing office space with stacks of paperwork, as with your own storage space you can easily organise and allocate where you choose to store your belongings. Got way too much of a paper trail for your home office to handle? You can just keep it all in your storage unit. Ordered too much stock and need a space to keep the overflow? Perhaps you’re waiting to release a new product and need somewhere to hold it until the big day? The storage unit has got you covered. The aim here is to make your life easier and more manageable, as we all know working life is already stressful enough at times!

Peace Of Mind That Valuables & Confidential Goods Are Secure

For those working with high-value, expensive, or desirable equipment, or confidential documents, the security of your assets is more than likely to be  a major concern for you, and with your own business storage units, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your equipment is in safe hands. Our sister company Plymouth Self Storage operates full CCTV monitoring, alongside a key fob entry system. Alongside this, a network of monitored fire and intruder alarm systems ensure extra security on a 24 hour basis. The benefits of knowing that your belongings are safe in business storage can’t be underestimated.  

Gives You Room To Grow 

If you are looking to expand your enterprise, then hiring out a business storage unit can give you the extra space that you need to take yourself to the next level.  You could hire out a space to hold your equipment while your premises are being renovated, or stock up on resources while you wait for the right time to scale up your business. By utilising a storage unit you can seamlessly expand your organisation without severely impacting your current operations. It gives you the space that you need to expand physically as your profits also continue to grow in the process. 

A Cost-Effective Way To Manage Your Resources 

Whilst hiring business storage does involve some level of financial investment, in the grand scheme of things you could be saving yourself hundreds, potentially thousands, if you pay for a storage unit, rather than paying for large commercial premises. The cost of an office space is already pretty substantial, depending on where you reside, and if you need to rent out more space to store your paper records or what have you, then you could be paying a ridiculous amount of money for more office space. If you invest in a small storage unit on the other hand then you could be spending a fraction of the amount every month for the same amount of space.

Provides A Temporary Storage Solution If You’re Relocating 

Whether you’re scaling up your company or downsizing to a smaller commercial space, business storage can be a really practical temporary solution for storing your belongings. Plymouth Self Storage offers flexible long and short term contracts based on your individual requirements. If you’re in-between premises, placing excess belongings into a secure unit gives you peace of mind that your equipment and documents are safe so that you can focus on organising the rest of your move. Our experienced team at Hackworthy can help you through the moving process, from packing through to unpacking at your new location. 

To hear more about our business removals service, including the storage services available from our sister company, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us

How To Move Paintings When You’re Relocating

Moving your most prized possessions when relocating to a new property can be a delicate situation to handle. This is particularly true if you have precious paintings to transport. However, with a little thought and planning, moving your favourite pieces of artwork doesn’t need to be stressful. These are our top tips for how to move paintings, and ensure they stay in the best condition:

Wear Gloves & Minimise Contact 

First things first, you want to minimise your contact with the paintings as much as possible. So, before you start packing, we’d recommend clearing a clean space where you can wrap and box your paintings without any clutter getting in the way. You may also want to wear gloves to ensure that you don’t get any fingerprints on the artwork.

Wrap In Brown Parchment Paper & Bubble Wrap

The most important part of how to move paintings is ensuring you provide them with enough padding and cushioning to make it from A to B unscathed. For this, start by wrapping the painting in brown parchment paper as a base layer - avoid using newspaper as the ink can leave marks. Next, wrap the painting in plenty of bubble wrap, building layers both length-ways and width-ways. 

Mark Glass Topped Paintings 

If any of your paintings are topped with glass then you’ll need to take a little extra care. A top tip for how to move paintings that are finished with glass is to mark the glass with an X using making tape. Masking tape will be easy to peel off without leaving a mark,  and will ensure you know to take extra care as you’re unpacking these ones. Marking an X from the edges of the painting will also help to prevent the glass from moving about.

Use Cardboard Corners 

Protecting the front and back of your favourite painting is one thing, however you also want to ensure that the corners are protected from bumps and scrapes. To help you transport paintings even more securely, you can buy cardboard corner protectors to place on top of the bubble wrap. Alternatively, you can make them yourself using leftover cardboard.

Place Them Into Boxes 

A key part of how to move paintings is choosing the right box. You can buy artwork boxes that are designed specifically to suit the size of different pieces of art. It’s worth spending time measuring your paintings carefully to ensure you are using the perfect sized box - If the box is too big, the painting will move around which could increase the risk of damage (remember to take into account a couple of centimetres extra for bubble wrap).

Do A Test

Once you’ve boxed up your pieces of art, it’s a good idea to check that they won’t move about at all when in transit. The easiest way to do this is to pick the box up and shake it gently. If the contents are moving around a lot then you’ll need to use a smaller box or increase the padding with bubble wrap. 

Seal & Label 

Once everything is boxed up, the final tip for how to move paintings when moving house is to seal the boxes and label them. Labelling them will make life a whole lot easier when you come to unpack in your new home. You can also mark them as ‘fragile’ to ensure extra care is taken when they’re being transported. 

How Hackworthy Can Help

Our skilled packing team at Hackworthy removals have a wide range of experience packing specialist and fragile goods for home and business removals. If you would like assistance with moving your artwork, our team is on hand to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to find out how our removals service can help.

What Is Groupage Shipping When Moving Abroad?

When moving abroad, one of your major priorities will be shipping your belongings overseas with you. No doubt, you’ll want to do this in the most cost-effective way possible, whilst being confident that your belongings are being transported safely. There are two main types of shipping that can be used to transport goods overseas. These are full container load or groupage shipping. 

What Is Full Container Load Shipping?

Full container load shipping, often referred to as FCL, refers to when the shipper has use of their own container exclusively. This is cost-effective for people who have enough goods to fill the container. For context, a 40-foot container, which is the standard size, is usually large enough to house the entire belongings to make up a 2 bedroom house. This type of shipping doesn’t work out to be cost-effective if you don’t have enough goods to fill an entire container. If you can’t fill the entire container then you’ll be paying for excess space that you’re not using. 

What Is Groupage Shipping?

If you don’t have enough goods to fill an entire container then groupage shipping is likely to be a more cost-effective option. This process involves grouping your goods together with others that are travelling to the same destination. This means that you combine your belongings with those of other people in order to make up a full container. You may also sometimes hear this referred to as ‘consolidation’. 

What Are The Benefits Of Groupage Shipping?

The main benefit of groupage shipping is that you’re only paying for the space that you use. Rather than paying for an entire container that you may not have enough items to fill, with groupage shipping you won’t be paying any excess for wasted space that you’re not using. The price that you pay will be determined by the size and weight of the freight you are transporting. Depending on the organisation you have arranged the transportation of your goods with, you are usually charged by the cubic metre. As all goods are shipped to the same destination, this can also speed up the process, whilst improving security as the cargo is more easily traceable. 

How Do I Arrange Groupage Shipping?

You can arrange for your goods to be shipped by contacting a freight forwarding specialist. Alternatively, you can let our team at Hackworthy handle the entire process for you. As part of our overseas removal service, we offer groupage or full load container shipping, depending on your requirements. We’ll collect your goods and arrange for them to be delivered to our shipping agents. If you’ve chosen groupage shipping, the containers won’t be shipped until they’re full, however if you’re relocating to a popular location this doesn’t usually involve much of a wait at all. When the container reaches its destination port, we’ll arrange for it to be customs cleared, delivered and unloaded at your new residence. 

To hear more about groupage shipping or our overseas removals services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.  

Why Choose Hackworthy As Your Office Removal Company?

When moving offices, your priority is to minimise disruption for your staff and customers. That’s why choosing the right office removal company is so important. There are certainly a lot of office removal companies out there, but ultimately it comes down to who can provide you with the best support, reliability and flexibility for your needs. These are just a few reasons to consider choosing Hackworthy & Sons as your office removal company…

We Have Over 45 Years Experience

Our removals service was established in 1973, and since then we’ve built our reputation as the largest independent removal company in the South West. We might have expanded, but we’re still a family run business with a lot of heart for what we do. We’ve carried out several different types of business removals over the years from large offices with more than 500 members of staff, to factories and small enterprises. We’ve even helped to relocate university laboratories! In addition to this, we’ve provided porter services for internal relocations.

We’re Flexible To Your Needs

No two business removals are the same which is why you need your office removal company to be flexible to your requirements. Whatever assistance you need to make your move stress free, we’ve got you covered, whether that’s a full packing service, create hire, the use of specialist removal equipment or storage solutions. You can pick and choose the services that you need from us, depending on the nature of your business and the relocation. We offer weekend and out-of-hours relocation, if this will help you to minimise disruption for your company. 

We Offer Business Storage Solutions

Another factor to consider when choosing your office removal company is storage options. Many businesses may require temporary or long-term storage when relocating, particularly when downsizing to a smaller office space. With this in mind, our team can help you organise a self-storage solution with our sister company Plymouth Self Storage. Any items that you can’t fit into your new work space can be stored securely in a self-storage unit that you can access as and when you need. 

We Provide Full Support From Planning To Aftercare

Detail is the key to a successful commercial relocation. That’s why our first step as an office removal company is to carry out a full survey to establish your requirements and answer any questions that you might have. From there, we’ll work out an individual quote before allocating one of our experienced team members as your point of contact throughout the process. They’ll assist you at every stage of the move, from attending project planning meetings to liaising with contractors. They’ll update our crews on any changes to your move and be on-hand to offer after-service care.

We Provide Crate Hire Or A Full Packing Service

If you opt for our full packing service, we’ll take care of the entire removals process for you, relieving any stress or time-consuming preparation. However, we understand that you may also want to pack some smaller or specialist items yourself. We can arrange for crates to be delivered to your premises a week before the moving day (or sooner if you would prefer more time) so that you have plenty of time to get organised before our removal vehicles arrive. 

For more details on hiring Hackworthy as your office removal company, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

5 Ways To Make Moving Flat Less Stressful

When it comes to stressful events in your lifetime, moving flat is right up there with the worst of them!  Luckily, there are a number of ways to make moving into a flat a far more streamlined and stress-free experience, from creating a moving flat checklist, to ensuring you select the best flat removals company to handle the strain. Reduce the stress of moving flat with our top 5 tips:

Put together a personalised survival kit for the day that you move

One thing that’s often missed from a moving flat checklist is making sure that you have the essentials to hand on the big day. Imagine going to boil the kettle and the power is yet to be switched on! Or the nearest shop for that quick lunch stop is either miles away or closed. Be sure to have what you need for breaks, refreshments and pit stops close to hand to avoid being left high and dry - anything from water, milk, snacks and tissues, you’ll always want to have those little home comforts and items of sustenance available when moving flats. This will keep you going and provide you with a pick me up when you need it most. 

Get packing early!

There’s nothing worse than having a flat-full of unpacked homely wares strewn about the place when you know that it all needs to be packed, loaded and gone in the morning. When moving flat, it’s vital that you start packing as soon as possible to ensure that once the big day is peeking over the horizon, you’re ready to hit the ground running. Get all of those trinkets, books, DVDs and barely-used utensils all boxed up in plenty of time to really break the back of your packing - leaving those items that you use every day as the last few things that you need to sort the day before you move flats. Finally, make sure that you label all of your boxes according to which room the items within them belong in. Sounds obvious, but trust us, there’s no more annoying sight than opening a box full of dinner plates in the bathroom!

Give your landlord/flatmates as much notice as you can

If you live in a rented flatshare, you’ll also need to make sure that you’ve notified your landlord and your flatmates of your plans to leave. Be sure to communicate your move with all stakeholders in your current property so everyone is aware of what is going on. With clear direction from yourself, your flatmates will be aware when the upheaval of packing begins and when a flat removals company will be in, whilst ensuring you’ve given the notice required for your contract. With plenty of notice, you not only minimise the chances of creating an inconvenience for your flatmates, but you also ensure you’ve covered your contractual obligations as a tenant.

Take advantage of packing services

Packing can be a chore, especially when it involves everything that you own. With this in mind, choosing a removals company that offers packing services, like Hackworthy & Sons can be a huge help. Such a service can save you a whole bundle of stress, as our experienced packers will ensure that your prized possessions are not only handled with care, but are skilfully packaged, labelled and laid out most conveniently at your new flat. Not only that, our packers will ensure that any emergency items such as light bulbs, tool kit etc. are packed separately and made readily available for when you move in. If you’re strapped for time, or simply want to make life easier, packing services are a huge benefit and stress reliever when it comes to moving flat.

Pick a moving company that you can trust

When it comes to the items that are precious to you, it’s a huge worry when you have to entrust others to handle them with the same care that you would yourself. With this in mind, many are tempted when moving flat to do everything themselves - adding a whole heap of blood, sweat and tears to an already stressful experience. Hackworthy & Sons is a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ and our specialist UK Removals service has been designed to help you through every step of the moving process - giving you the piece of mind that your belongings and the whole flat moving process will be handled with care, attention and efficiency. Furthermore, entrusting a flat removals company such as ours gives you the further-assurance of knowing that your belongings are insured through liability cover - a level that is all covered in the price at Hackworthy & Sons.

By following the short moving flat checklist above, you can be sure that your flat move will run far more smoothly, with key stressors minimised. Like anything in life, it’s important to plan your flat move so you encounter the least amount of stress possible, focusing your attention on the excitement of moving into your new home.

Top 5 First Time Buyer Benefits

Wednesday 10th August 2022
Top 5 First Time Buyer Benefits

Thinking of getting yourself on the property ladder? The prospect of buying your first home can seem a little daunting, however there are certainly many first time buyer benefits that you might not be aware of. These help to relieve some of the stress (and financial burden) of making your way into the property market. Below are just a few of the most important first time buyer benefits that are helpful to know about:

No Chain

One of the main advantages of being a first time buyer is that you’re not tied into a chain. This means that you don’t have to wait for your current property to sell before you can move into the new property you’re buying. In other words, you’re not reliant on anyone other than yourself! This gives you a big advantage over buyers who are reliant on a chain, making you more appealing to sellers who have a tight deadline and need to exchange contracts quickly. With just one property to deal with, it also makes the paperwork a whole lot more straightforward. 

Stamp Duty Relief

Stamp duty is a tax that buyers are required to pay when they buy a house or flat, on top of the money that they’ve paid for the property itself. If you’re not a first time buyer then you’re required to pay stamp duty on any property worth more than £125,000. However, if this is your first step onto the property ladder then you only have to pay stamp duty on properties that are worth more than £300,000 - just one of the many financial first time buyer benefits. First time buyers paying for a property between £300,000 to £500,000 will pay stamp duty at 5%, which is a reduction compared to other buyers.

Access To Help to Buy Scheme…

One of the main first time buyer benefits that you’re likely to have heard of is the government’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme. This is an equity loan scheme that can help first-time buyers purchase a new-build property with just a 5% deposit. The scheme enables you to borrow 20% of the purchase price (40% in London), which will be interest free for 5 years. The maximum Help to Buy price cap varies based upon whereabouts in the country you choose to buy. 

…And Other Government-Backed Schemes

The financial first time buyer benefits don’t stop with the Help To Buy scheme. There are other schemes that can help too. These include:

First Homes Scheme: Provides the opportunity to purchase a property for 30-50% less than its market value.

Shared Ownership: You buy a share of a property (usually 25% to 75%), and the local council or housing association buys the rest.

Lifetime ISA: You can open a lifetime ISA at any point between the ages of 18-40. You can put in up to £4000 each year and the government will add 25%. This enables you to make substantial savings to put towards buying your first home.

Speedier Process

As we mentioned just a second ago, one of the most significant first time buyer benefits is that you’re free from any complicated or messy chains. This means you’re ready and set to move in straight away, without the need to wait on anyone else. This gives you more flexibility, whilst making the buying process from start to finish a whole lot quicker. This reduces the likelihood of any dreaded delays or complications that you see in some buying processes. 

Clearly, there are a number of benefits of being a first time buyer that make it an exciting milestone to look forward to. When you do buy that first home, and aren’t sure what the next steps are, don’t hesitate to give Hackworthy a call. We have more than 45 years in removals experience, ensuring we make every move as stress free as possible - this means you can focus on the excitement of moving into your first home rather than feeling stressed! 

Flat Vs House - Which Is Best For Me To Buy?

Buying a property is a big commitment, not to mention, very costly! With so much money and effort on the line, you want to be 100% certain that you’re investing in your dream home. There are plenty of factors to consider in the buying process. Starting from scratch, one of the main dilemmas you may be having is whether to buy a house or a flat. There’s no right or wrong answer here. Both have their own pros and cons. However, when deciding between a flat vs house it does help to consider the following key factors:

Size & Layout

One of the most obvious differences between a flat vs house is size and layout. Whilst you can find large flats, in most cases a flat will provide you with less space than a house. This may not be a problem if you are living alone or in a couple - in fact having a more compact space may be an advantage. However if you have a family to home, a house with more space may be a more preferable option. If you are eager to have outdoor space, then this will be limited with a flat. The very design of a flat presents a different style of living to a house, and so it’s important to have a good think about the environment that you’ll feel most comfortable in.

Cost

Cost will of course be one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a property. As a general rule of thumb, flats are cheaper to buy than houses because they are smaller and less private. This makes them a good option for first time buyers that are looking to get onto the property ladder, particularly as the deposit will be smaller. That being said, prices will vary widely depending on location. For example, buying a two bedroom flat in central London is likely to be more than buying a 3 bedroom house in Devon. That being said, it can be more challenging to get a mortgage on a flat as lenders consider them to be riskier investments. This is because there is more risk of their value altering. Potential cladding issues, ground rent problems and more, are all potential risks that come with purchasing a flat rather than a house.

Maintenance

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing between a flat vs house is maintenance. As a house has a greater square footage, which may include garden space, it’s likely that there’ll be more maintenance required for a house, particularly if it is an older build. However, the benefit of owning a house rather than a flat is that you are in full control. If you own a flat on the other hand, you’ll need to work with the building's maintenance team. You’ll need to pay service charges and ground rent which contribute towards the maintenance of communal areas. These are important factors to consider when deciding between a flat vs house, particularly in terms of  budgeting and cost.

Lifestyle

Do you want a quiet life in the countryside or a more fast paced life in the city? These are all important questions to ask yourself when deciding between a flat vs house. If you want a quieter life in the countryside with plenty of space and privacy, then a house is likely to be a better option for you. This can also make life easier if you have pets. However, if you prefer being amongst the action then a flat could be better for you. A flat is likely to be noisier with less privacy than a house, with space being another factor to consider. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference as to which type of property you think would best accommodate your lifestyle. 

Hopefully, these pointers will help you in deciding between a flat vs house. When you’ve found your dream home, remember to keep Hackworthy in mind for your big move. With more than 45 years experience in removals, we’re dedicated to making your move as stress free as possible. That’s why our removals service includes the option of a full packing service, with insurance and waivers included. You can request a quote online or get in touchwith us for more details. 

7 Smart Tips For Making Moving Day Less Stressful

Dreading moving in day? There’s no denying that moving house is stressful, however moving day doesn’t need to be chaotic if you put the right plans and preparations in place. What’s the key to a stress free moving day? Organisation, forward planning, and a whole lot of positive thinking! These are the top 7 factors to consider when planning a move that’s exciting rather than stressful…

Keep A Running List Of Key Tasks

When you’re so focussed on packing and sorting out the removal of larger items, it’s easy for all those smaller tasks to get forgotten about. That’s why one of our top tips for moving day is to create a list of all the ad hoc jobs that need completing throughout the day. Things like taking out the last bags of rubbish, emptying the freezer, and doing those final bits of cleaning can all go on a list that you tick off throughout the day. Getting your to-do-list out of your head and onto paper will drastically help to reduce your stress levels and make sure you don’t forget anything.

Hire Professional Movers

What’s the point in making your life any harder than it needs to be? Hiring a reliable and professional removals company is a must for helping to reduce stress on moving day. This will give you peace of mind that your belongings are transported safely from A to B, without you having to worry about it. At Hackworthy, we can also help you pack up your belongings if you’d like us to. We know that there can be final hiccups on moving in day which is why our service includes a late key waiver. This means our crew will stay on site for up to three extra hours, free of charge if there are any delays with moving into your new home. 

Start Packing Well In Advance Of Moving Day

If you’re packing up your own belongings, rather than having the removals company do it, then it’s essential to start early. The last thing you need is a last minute panic, so make sure to start packing about 2- 3 weeks prior to your move if possible. We have plenty of tips and tricks in our packing guide, however key factors to bear in mind include the following:

  • Take it one room at a time. This is less overwhelming and a whole lot more organised
  • Clearly label every box on 3 sides, including the top, and state what it contains and the room it needs to go to in your new house
  • Always pack heavy items in small boxes
  • Fill boxes to the top so that they don’t collapse, but be careful not to overfill them so that they break or are too heavy to handle
  • Keep valuables and important documents with you or in a ‘moving essentials bag’ (see below!)

Pack A ‘Moving Essentials’ Bag

Another one of our top tips for moving in day is to pack a ‘moving essentials’ bag that’s kept separate from all of your other packed items. This should include everything that you’ll need during moving in day and the first night in your new home, as well as the day after. Think things like toiletries, medication, chargers and clothing - basically anything that you might need that you don’t want to be searching through different boxes to find. 

Arrange Temporary Daycare For Kids And Pets

Moving in day becomes even more stressful if you’ve got kids and pets running around. So, when it comes to getting ready for the big move, if you can, it’s always best to organise alternative care for your kids and pets. Knowing that they’re away from the chaos and safely looked after is one less thing for you to worry about. Not to mention, the upheaval of moving day can be distressing for pets, and so it’s much better for them to get settled in your new home when it’s ready, rather than getting involved in the toing and froing. Make sure to check out our guides on how to settle cats and dogs into a new home for further advice on this. 

Pack A Cool Bag

There’s a lot of running around involved in moving day, meaning you’ll use up a whole lot of energy. Having plenty of drinks and snacks ready-to-go will save you a lot of time and effort, whilst ensuring you can keep your energy levels topped up throughout the day. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and tea, coffee and biscuits are of course an absolute must for giving you that all important pick-me-up. 

Leave Out Some Basic Cleaning Supplies

It’s more than likely there’ll be some last minute cleaning that needs doing and so it’s a good idea to leave a few basic cleaning supplies out. Not to mention, it’s always good to be prepared in the event of any potential accidents or spillages. A dustpan and brush, cleaning wipes and antibacterial spray should be enough for you to get by. Ideally, you want to get the bulk of your cleaning done in advance of moving day. Any cleaning required on the day should just be last minute touch ups, or tidying up any spots that you’ve missed. 

Still need to hire professional movers? We know that there are a whole maze of different options out there. What we can offer you at Hackworthy is more than 45 years of experience, and support from every stage of the moving process from packing through to unpacking. We’re well practised in making sure moving day is stress free and straightforward, and our quote includes insurance and waivers for that extra piece of mind. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call for more details, or alternatively you can request a quote directly through our website

How To Move To South Africa From The UK - Hackworthy’s 2022 Guide

Known for its diverse landscape and cultural diversity, South Africa is becoming an increasingly popular spot for UK citizens to immigrate to. If this is you, make sure to consider the following key steps for how to move to South Africa from the UK, to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible.

Applying For A Visa

A permanent residency permit can take a long time to obtain and so most people that are moving to South Africa permanently start by initially acquiring a temporary residence permit. This allows you to live and work in the country for up to 3 years, during which time you can obtain your permanent residency. You will need to meet one of the following requirements in order to obtain a permanent resident’s visa:

  • Be in possession of a permanent work offer in SA
  • Have exceptional skills and qualifications
  • Intend to establish a business in SA
  • Qualify as refugee
  • Qualify as retired persons
  • Are financially independent
  • Are related to a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder

You’ll also need to supply the following documentation:

  • A full set of fingerprints
  • A marriage certificate / Proof of spousal relationship, if applicable
  • A divorce decree / proof of legal separation, if applicable
  • Proof of custody of a minor, if applicable
  • A death certificate for a late spouse, if applicable
  • The consent of parents in the case of minors
  • Proof of judicial adoption of a minor, if applicable
  • Police clearance certificates for all countries in which you resided for a period of one year or longer since your 18th birthday
  • A valid temporary residency permit (if already in South Africa)

Once you have lived in the country for at least 5 years, you may be eligible to obtain full citizenship. 

Setting Up A Bank Account 

Another really crucial part of how to move to South Africa from the UK is sorting out your finances. Fortunately, the process of setting up a South African bank account is pretty straightforward for those who are looking to emigrate to the country. It’s best to set up your new bank account from the UK before you head out to South Africa. That way you’ll be able to transfer money into it as soon as you arrive. In order to set up your bank account you’ll need to provide the following:

  • A temporary or permanent residence permit
  • Your passport
  • Proof of address in South Africa

Organising Healthcare

South Africa does not have a universal healthcare system. Instead it operates on two separate private and public systems. The public healthcare system is open to everyone, regardless of their immigration status, and is subsidised by up to 40%. However, it’s important to note that unfortunately there is a huge difference in the care and facilities that are offered by the private system in comparison to the public system. With this in mind, it’s recommended that you take out private health insurance if you can. When searching for the best policies, make sure to choose one that covers emergencies as healthcare is paid for up-front in South Africa. 

Organising Your Pet’s Move

Our guide on how to move to South Africa from the UK certainly wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how to move your pets! What’s great about moving pets to South Africa is that there is usually no routine quarantine required, making the process a whole lot more simple. That being said, you will need to make sure that your pet has the following:

  • An Import permit (signed and stamped by a UK government- approved veterinarian)
  • Documentation proving all vaccinations (including rabies & kennel cough) are up to date
  • Permanent identification in the form of a microchip (tattoos are not accepted)
  • Blood tests for specific diseases (Dogs only)
  • Veterinary Health Certificate

It’s also important to check the airline’s policy for flying with pets. 

Arranging Shipping For Your Belongings

With the right planning and assistance, the process for how to move to South Africa  from the UK doesn’t need to be stressful. For large household relocations, the quickest and most cost-effective way of shipping goods from the UK to South Africa is by sole use container. Our experienced team at Hackworthy removals can organise the overseas removals process for you from start to finish. Our crew will arrive at your property in advance of the container to properly pack and wrap your effects. Once the container arrives at your property, your effects will be carefully loaded into it, sealed and driven to the port where it will be loaded onto the ship. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for goods to reach South Africa from the UK, however you should also allow an extra 10-14 days to clear customs before your belongings can be delivered to your new home.

Renting Or Buying Property

When moving abroad, finding a property that suits your requirements is sure to be one of your top priorities. Luckily, one of the many benefits of moving to South Africa is that property is surprisingly cheap to buy. Mortgage options are more limited for non-resident buyers, meaning higher upfront costs, however the price of property itself is still relatively low. The country also has a very lively rental market. This means there will be a range of affordable options for you to choose from if you’re looking to rent before you buy.

Importing Cars

Another key consideration to make when thinking about how to move to South Africa from the UK is driving.  Driving in South Africa is very similar to driving in the UK as they also drive on the left hand side of the road. You can ship your car over as long as you have been the owner of the vehicle at least 12 months prior to shipment. You will need to complete a DA 304/A form, as well as providing any supporting documentation, including insurance documents. You’ll also need an import permit and a letter of authority. 

For more information on how to move to South Africa from the UK, or to obtain a quote for your move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced removals team.

How Long Does It Take To Move House In The UK?

If you’re thinking about moving house then you’re bound to have lots to think about, and you may be feeling impatient to get into a new property. With this in mind, one of the most crucial questions that you’re likely to have is “how long does it take to move house?”. This is a really important question that’s asked by lots of people who are considering moving, however unfortunately it’s one that doesn’t have a straightforward answer.

The honest answer to the question of “how long does it take to move house” is “it depends”. The average time to move house in the UK is approximately 8-22 weeks. This is the average time that it takes to get you moved in from an offer being made through to completion. This is a rough time scale that most buyers will find themselves falling into. That being said, ultimately, the time it takes to move will depend on the length of the chain, market conditions, and any unexpected delays that may arise along the way, such as gazumping

Let’s break the timeline down by looking at the key stages of moving and how long each of these stages usually takes. 

Mortgage approval – 5 days to 8 weeks

Selling your home – 4 to 10 weeks

Finding a new home – 1 to 10 weeks

Making an offer – 1 to 2 weeks

Conveyancing – 8 to 10 weeks

Property survey – 1 to 3 weeks

Moving in – 1 day to 2 weeks

Of course, these timescales may adjust depending on individual circumstances, however as a general guide, this is a solid indicator of how long you can expect the process to take.

What Causes Delays When Moving House?

When discussing “how long does it take to move house”, it’s also important to be aware of the most common causes of delays. These include:

A Long Chain: Any delays have a knock-on effect for all parties involved in the chain. The longer the chain, the more complex and time consuming the process can be. If you’re involved in a complex chain it’s important to be flexible with your current living situation in order to accommodate delays. You may want to look into short term storage options if you need to move into rented accommodation temporarily.

Buyers/Sellers Changing Their Mind: A change in circumstances, such as unexpected money problems could cause someone in the chain to pull out or pull the brakes on. In some cases, a buyer or seller may simply change their mind. Whilst this can’t be avoided, it’s important to be as flexible as you can, and establish a good relationship with your buyer/seller if possible.

Conveyancing: Conveyancing is a complicated process and so can cause delays when thinking about “how long does it take to move house”. Searches may take longer than expected, and simple mistakes such as errors on paperwork can be time consuming. Ensuring you fill out and return all paperwork accurately will help the process run smoother, and you should also choose a solicitor that you trust and with whom you can maintain regular contact. 

Mortgage Offers: The chain is only ready to proceed once the last mortgage offer is received. This means that if there are delays with a buyer processing their mortgage, this can have a knock-on effect. Going through a trusted mortgage adviser should help prevent any delays and make this part of the process as quick as possible.

How Can I Speed Up The Process?

As we mentioned a little earlier on when discussing “how long does it take to move house”, often delays are outside of anyone’s control. Whilst you can’t predict the exact timescale of a house move, there are steps you can take to put yourself in the best position for making the process as speedy as possible. This includes:

Getting Your Mortgage Sorted: Arranging a mortgage can be one of the most time-consuming elements of moving, and so it’s important to start planning ahead early. You can obtain a ‘mortgage in principle’ to give you a realistic idea of how much you’ll be able to borrow and to show estate agents that you’re a serious buyer.

Appointing A Solicitor Early: Instructing a conveyancing solicitor early on in the process, maybe even before you make an offer on the house, will allow them to complete essential checks so that they’re ready to start work on your purchase straight away.

Having Documentation & Finance Sorted: One of the most time-consuming tasks when moving house is sorting through the documentation that’s required. Getting crucial documents ready such as energy performance certificates, deeds and titles will help the process run a lot more smoothly at a later stage.

Choosing A Reliable Removals Service: By the time you get to the removals stage, the last thing you need is more delays in getting your belongings into your new home. That’s why it’s essential to line up a removals service that is reliable and that can be flexible to your requirements. 

How Can Hackworthy & Sons Help With Your Move?

We understand how stressful moving house can be which is why we use our experience and knowledge to ensure the move is as hassle free as possible for you. Our removals service includes a home visit(UK removals only) so that we can be clear on the services you require to avoid any confusion on moving day. We provide a full packing service and include insurance within our quote, rather than charging it as an additional extra like other removals companies. We know that delays can occur during the buying/selling process which is why we offer a cancellation waiver that allows you to cancel as late as the day before if you need to (with no extra charge!). 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today in order to request a quote, and to get your move booked in and ready to go. 

Top 5 Exciting Benefits Of Retiring Abroad

If you’re nearing your retirement then you’re likely to be thinking about what your next steps will be. Should you stay at home for your retirement years or should you  consider experiencing a new life abroad? Deciding whether or not to retire abroad is a big decision to make, and ultimately depends on what you want to get out of your retirement. If you’re on the fence about retiring overseas, the following benefits might just help you make your decision…

Change Of Lifestyle

One of the most obvious benefits of retiring abroad is the change of lifestyle that it provides. Perhaps you’ve been living and working in the city and are desperate to escape to the fresh air, or are simply sick of the UK weather! Retiring abroad can provide you with a much more relaxed pace of life as you immerse yourself in a new culture and escape the stresses of everyday working life. Retiring abroad gives you the opportunity to completely redesign your routine and lifestyle, exactly how you want it to be.

New Experiences

Another one of the major benefits of retiring abroad is the opportunities that it presents for new experiences. It’s never too late to explore the parts of the world that you’ve always wanted to travel to, and moving abroad gives you the chance to experience living in your dream destination. You’ll continue to enjoy new experiences, as you adapt to a new culture and build new relationships in your new home. 

Improved Mental & Physical Wellbeing

It’s no secret that the sunshine can do wonders for lifting our mood, however retiring abroad can also have a big impact on our physical health. Enjoying a slower and less stressful pace of life is one aspect of living a healthier life abroad, however a new climate and environment also presents the opportunity to be more active. If you move somewhere near the coast you’ll be able to do an abundance of watersports, such as swimming or kayaking, which will help to boost endorphins as well as keeping you physically fit.

Cheaper Living Costs

A really practical benefit of retiring abroad is that it often presents cheaper living costs. Some of the best places to retire abroad from the UK will be cheaper to live in, relieving financial pressure whilst giving you the opportunity to live in a bigger home or invest more money in your favourite leisure activities. When investing your hard-earned retirement money, it’s important to know that you’re investing it wisely, and often retiring abroad is the best way of doing this.

Tick Off The Bucket List

As we mentioned a little earlier on, retiring abroad presents an invaluable opportunity to enjoy new experiences. Are there points that are sitting waiting to be ticked off your bucket list? Now’s the time to check them off.  When it comes to choosing where to retire abroad the world is your oyster, whether you choose a coastal retreat, quiet cottage life or a tropical haven. In terms of gaining new experiences and ticking off your bucket list, retiring abroad could well be one of the best decisions that you ever choose to make.

If you are considering retiring abroad and would like some guidance on the removals process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Hackworthy & Sons for an informal discussion. With more than 45 years in overseas removals, we will ensure that your move is as stress free as possible so that you can focus on looking forward to your new life abroad.

Do I Need Removals Insurance & How Do I Get It?

There is plenty to think about when moving house, from organising legal documentation to arranging a removals company. However, an essential part of the moving process that you don’t want to forget is organising removals insurance. 

Why Is Removals Insurance Important?

Removal insurance protects the contents of your home from loss and damage while you move house. Whilst you don’t expect loss or damage to your goods when moving, we all know that accidents can happen. That’s why removals insurance is so important. It gives you peace of mind that the value of all your most important possessions is protected. The details of removals insurance will vary from policy to policy, however most policies will protect against damage caused by events such as:

  • Theft
  • A crash with another vehicle
  • Fire and explosion
  • Vandalism or malicious acts
  • Extreme weather e.g storms, floods or earthquakes

How Do I Take Out Removals Insurance?

There are three main options for taking out removals insurance. These are:

Reviewing Your Household Insurance 

The first option for organising removals insurance is checking what is covered within your home/household insurance policy. Some homeowner’s policies will cover domestic removals. Check your documents or call your provider to see what, if anything, is covered in the move. It’s important to check this well in advance of your planned move, as if you do receive removals insurance as part of your policy, you’ll need to notify them of key information including your moving date and destination. 

Purchasing Your Own Insurance

Another option that you may want to consider is purchasing your own insurance from a third party. Inclusive cover against loss and damage can be purchased based upon a valuation of your household goods. This can be an expensive option and so if you're considering purchasing your own insurance it’s important to spend time shopping around for the best deal and being sure to read the small print. This is particularly important when looking at the limited liability and deductibles that are included in the policy.

Choosing A Removal Company That Includes Insurance

The easiest option for taking out removals insurance is finding a removals company that covers the insurance for you. This means no shopping around for the best deals, and peace of mind that your belongings are protected and in good hands. At Hackworthy & Sons, we believe in making things as easy as possible. That’s why unlike most other removal companies, your quote includes insurance cover for all your belongings throughout the move. This includes cover for your belongings throughout the entire moving process, including when your goods are in storage. In the unlikely event that you do need to make a claim, we’ll be on hand to assist you with the process. This cover is for domestic and national removals. 

In addition to this cover, we offer the following waivers:

Cancellation Waiver: We understand that people’s plans can change unexpectedly. That’s why our cancellation waiver means that you won’t have to pay any extra costs in the event that you need to cancel the move at short notice. 

Late Key Waiver: If you can’t move into your property on time, most removals companies will charge you an hourly rate as a late fee. At Hackworthy & Sons, our crew will stay on site for up to three extra hours with no additional charge. 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information or to request a quote.

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