Moving day rarely goes wrong because people are careless. More often, problems arise from overlooked details, optimistic timing assumptions, or a lack of contingency planning when things do not run exactly as expected. In Oxford and the surrounding areas, where older properties, restricted parking, and shared access are common, those small oversights can quickly turn into larger delays on the day itself.
Creating an outdoor kitchen or sitting room has become immensely popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Post-pandemic, we’re all more grateful than ever for our outdoor spaces, and want to make the most of every moment we can spend in them.
A recent study has found that a beautiful garden can add up to 20% to the value of your property, so if you’re thinking of moving soon, investing in your garden ahead of time is likely to pay dividends.
Below, we explore how to set about designing the perfect outdoor sitting room to enjoy all year round.
Most people choose to position their outdoor sitting room near to their house, which means it’s important to think about creating a feeling of continuity between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
The easiest way to do this is through keeping your colour palette consistent. If the indoor room from which you exit is decorated in shades of pink, for example, be sure to incorporate some pink into your new outdoor space, through your choice of cushions or throws.
Similarly, make sure the outdoor sitting room flows into the rest of your garden through incorporating similar shades of green, and mirroring the flowers from your nearest borders in the colours and textures you choose.
There’s nothing more frustrating than creating a beautiful space which can only be used on a handful of days in any given year. Think carefully about the positioning of your outdoor sitting room to maximise on the shelter provided by existing elements in your garden, such as established trees which will offer shade on hot days, or external walls which can shelter you from the wind.
For protection from rain, consider a pergola or other type of roofed area. Climbing plants such as clematis and roses will quickly make this feel like a natural extension of your garden.
If your garden is overlooked by the neighbours, adding this kind of cover will also give you some much-needed privacy.
Are you dreaming of twinkling fairy lights artfully hung along shepherd’s crooks? Or do you want to be lit by the soft flicker of flames from your new fire pit? Either way, it’s important to think about lighting when you’re designing your space.
While long summer evenings may not need much in the way of additional lighting, you’ll be pleased to have it when those first warm spring days entice you into the garden, or when you’re enjoying the crisp, cooler nights of autumn.
Also consider the natural light and how it will move across the space. Do you want to start your days with breakfast outside in the sunshine? Then make sure the eastern sky is as visible as possible so you can enjoy the sunrise and early morning warmth in your outdoor sitting room.
When planning a garden, it can be tempting to focus only on how it will look without paying much attention to the other senses. However, it’s important not to do this with your outside sitting room. This is your own personal Eden, which means it needs to be a feast for all your senses, not just your eyes.
Think about creating a glorious scent palate. Highly scented roses sit well with plants such as Nemesia ‘Wisley Vanilla,’ which has a strong vanilla scent. Also consider tubs of highly aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm or mint, which have stunning flowers in summertime as well as being fantastic for bees and other pollinators.
Finally, be sure to make comfort a priority at every stage. Never buy furniture without first testing it out yourself to make sure it feels as you want it to. Are you looking to lounge, or to sit? Are you going to eat meals with friends in this space, or is it just for you? These thoughts can shape the style of furniture you choose, and the addition of pillows, throws and rugs will make the space look extra welcoming.
Many people consider moving house to be one of the most stressful life events to navigate. Whilst it can be exciting, all the packing and logistical challenges can quickly make the whole experience feel overwhelming. However, with the right planning and expert advice, moving can become stress-free.
From careful packing to creating the ultimate survival checklist, there are plenty of helpful tricks that can help keep your moving day on track and remove some of this stress.
We asked our team for their recommendations on how to make your next house move simple and stress free. Keep reading to find out their top tips.
It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to remove some of the stress of your move is by making a simple schedule and then sticking to it.
Start by booking your moving date well in advance, and then make a step-by-step plan of when you need to get everything done, be that sorting through those boxes in the attic, packing up your unused winter wardrobe, or tackling the ‘messy drawer’.
Try dedicating a day or two to each room, leaving the kitchen and bathroom for last as these contain the things you’re likely to need right up to the last moment.
Don’t forget to contact all your utility suppliers 48 hours before you move out to notify them of your new address so you can get things up and running in your new home as quickly as possible.
As you go through each room, try to be strategic by throwing away all the things you never use/no longer need.
We recommend using the 3 R’s to help you decide what to do with your unwanted items:
We can’t stress enough how important it is to leave yourself plenty of time for packing. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home with all your belongings in a jumble because all your packing was done in a last-minute rush.
A room plan and clearly labelled boxes will help your removals team load the van in the best possible way, as well as making it much easier for both you and them to sort boxes into the correct rooms in your new home.
We also find that taking photos of your belongings before disassembling them can be really handy for more complicated items.
Does packing still sound like a pain? Then why not work with a removals company who’ll do it for you!
To ensure you have quick and instant access to any moving day essentials, we recommend creating a moving survival checklist.
Think about what you’ll want the second you get into your new home, be it food, bedding or toiletries, and put all these things together in a distinctive, easily identifiable bag or box.
Keeping these essentials to hand will help you hit the ground running in your new house.
Using storage can come in very handy at times, particularly, when you need extra space to refurbish your new home, or when you’re downsizing and you simply don’t have room for all your furniture. It is also ideal for an emergency situation, such as if there are delays on a moving date.
Investing in a high quality storage solution will ensure your valuable items are safe and secure at all times, no matter the move.
At ISIS Removals and Storage, we take pride in delivering a high-quality, reliable, and stress-free service.
We’ll help you plan out your moving journey by sending over one of our experienced moving specialists to create a personalised step-by-step moving plan, so you can relocate with confidence.
Booking your move with us is the best way to ensure your valuable items have a safe journey to their new home.
We’ll cover the packing to take the weight off your shoulders and give you the confidence that your possessions will be handled with care. Planning a move? Get in touch with us today to get started. Call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.
Moving house is more stressful than most other things that people deem to be stressful, such as divorce or broken relationships. This is a fact that has been supported by research. Therefore, it’s important to lower the stress level during this time as much as possible by following certain tips.
Moving home is an exciting new chapter for any family, but it can also be stressful, especially if you have children. Little ones thrive on routine, familiarity, and the comfort of their own space, so uprooting and relocating can be daunting. Preparing your youngsters for the move is essential as a parent, involving them in the process and making it an exciting adventure.