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How to have a stress-free lockdown down move in London
Moving home? Can I still do that with the current Covid lockdown restrictions? The wonderful news is that yes, you can still move but there are precautions you need to take to ensure you can move as safely as possible. If you have moved home before you will know what a wonderful experience it is – but oh yes, it’s stressful. Some say that it’s more stressful than having a baby! As such, moving home in London during a lockdown is not predicted to be a picnic, but thankfully we have a bit of experience in this area. Follow our guide and you can still have a stress-free lockdown move.
Call in the experts
As you will no doubt be expecting, when moving home during a pandemic means you need to take some extra precautions so you can keep everyone safe. The government states that you should only ask someone outside your support or household bubble to help you move home if absolutely necessary. This doesn’t mean you have to struggle to get the entire contents of your house moved to your new home as, thankfully, removal companies have been informed they are allowed to stay open, which means they can help you with your move – the relief!! You don’t need us to tell you that you should be social-distancing from the removal team at all times and that you need to keep those face masks on. Should you develop symptoms of the coronavirus and thus need to self-isolate, inform your estate agents, solicitor and removal company as soon as possible so you can hopefully secure a later date to move.
Who to choose?
When choosing a removal company, it’s a good thing to start with recommendations. Check their reviews and make sure that you’re happy with the experience they provide. To ensure they can give you an accurate quote for their services, home removal companies can still visit your home.
We would highly recommend that you ask what their procedures are to ensure that their team are Covid-secure, and how they will protect you before and on moving day to keep you and your family safe. Any company in today’s climate should have a clear Covid-19 policy.
Also check their availability, as removal companies can get booked up well in advance. Make sure when you’re getting close to completion that you reserve them for your proposed date and confirm once that date has been set. It is always best to speak to your solicitor, especially before you hand over any pennies, so you don’t lose out financially.
How to minimise any risk
No doubt you will be extremely stressed on moving day, not only because of ‘moving’ but also trying to minimise any risk of your family contracting the virus. There are things you can do in advance so that when the removal team arrive you know that at least one thing will be managed safely, and on moving day that will be one of the biggest gifts you will receive.
You should have received a copy of your chosen removal company’s Covid policy, which will outline certain things that need to done by both you and the removal team. Make sure you thoroughly understand your responsibilities so there is no confusion on the day.
We know you will want to give your home a thorough clean so that your house is beautiful and safe ready for the new owners. But before your removal team arrive, make sure you go over any surfaces that they may come into contact with, with disinfectant. You could also have some hand sanitiser available for anyone to use as and when they feel the need.
We know the weather isn’t wonderful, as sadly the sun doesn’t always know that it’s required to be out when you move home. That being said, as the scientists have informed us, good ventilation is needed when indoors, which is why you should open windows throughout your home to keep that air flowing, so you may need a warm jacket handy come moving day. To help speed up your move and reduce contact, make sure all the internal doors of your home are open, so the removal team can move through your home with ease.
As well as hand sanitiser, you need to be prepared in case the removal team or yourselves need to wash their hands. Sharing a towel is not something you should expect them to do, so get hold of a pack of disposable hand towels they can use instead. Every little thing you do to keep your move Covid-secure will go towards protecting everyone involved from catching this terrible virus.
Virtual moves
As estate agents, we can provide our services virtually, so should you require a valuation or wish to view a property, this can all be done without entering a person’s home. To find out more about how we can help you move home virtually, give our Right Now Residential team on 02030022650.
Call in the experts
As you will no doubt be expecting, when moving home during a pandemic means you need to take some extra precautions so you can keep everyone safe. The government states that you should only ask someone outside your support or household bubble to help you move home if absolutely necessary. This doesn’t mean you have to struggle to get the entire contents of your house moved to your new home as, thankfully, removal companies have been informed they are allowed to stay open, which means they can help you with your move – the relief!! You don’t need us to tell you that you should be social-distancing from the removal team at all times and that you need to keep those face masks on. Should you develop symptoms of the coronavirus and thus need to self-isolate, inform your estate agents, solicitor and removal company as soon as possible so you can hopefully secure a later date to move.
Who to choose?
When choosing a removal company, it’s a good thing to start with recommendations. Check their reviews and make sure that you’re happy with the experience they provide. To ensure they can give you an accurate quote for their services, home removal companies can still visit your home.
We would highly recommend that you ask what their procedures are to ensure that their team are Covid-secure, and how they will protect you before and on moving day to keep you and your family safe. Any company in today’s climate should have a clear Covid-19 policy.
Also check their availability, as removal companies can get booked up well in advance. Make sure when you’re getting close to completion that you reserve them for your proposed date and confirm once that date has been set. It is always best to speak to your solicitor, especially before you hand over any pennies, so you don’t lose out financially.
How to minimise any risk
No doubt you will be extremely stressed on moving day, not only because of ‘moving’ but also trying to minimise any risk of your family contracting the virus. There are things you can do in advance so that when the removal team arrive you know that at least one thing will be managed safely, and on moving day that will be one of the biggest gifts you will receive.
You should have received a copy of your chosen removal company’s Covid policy, which will outline certain things that need to done by both you and the removal team. Make sure you thoroughly understand your responsibilities so there is no confusion on the day.
We know you will want to give your home a thorough clean so that your house is beautiful and safe ready for the new owners. But before your removal team arrive, make sure you go over any surfaces that they may come into contact with, with disinfectant. You could also have some hand sanitiser available for anyone to use as and when they feel the need.
We know the weather isn’t wonderful, as sadly the sun doesn’t always know that it’s required to be out when you move home. That being said, as the scientists have informed us, good ventilation is needed when indoors, which is why you should open windows throughout your home to keep that air flowing, so you may need a warm jacket handy come moving day. To help speed up your move and reduce contact, make sure all the internal doors of your home are open, so the removal team can move through your home with ease.
As well as hand sanitiser, you need to be prepared in case the removal team or yourselves need to wash their hands. Sharing a towel is not something you should expect them to do, so get hold of a pack of disposable hand towels they can use instead. Every little thing you do to keep your move Covid-secure will go towards protecting everyone involved from catching this terrible virus.
Virtual moves
As estate agents, we can provide our services virtually, so should you require a valuation or wish to view a property, this can all be done without entering a person’s home. To find out more about how we can help you move home virtually, give our Right Now Residential team on 02030022650.
How to survive homeschooling the second time around in London
Like parents all over the country, we have entered the home schooling zone, one full of frustration, confusion and, let’s be honest, a little chaos. Around this we are trying to work, whilst mindful that we don’t want our children’s education to suffer as we stay in lockdown to protect ourselves from this dreadful pandemic. Our team at Right Now Residential were discussing how we felt this time compared to the first lockdown; I think we all admitted we somewhat winged it last time and want a bit more of a solid structure this time around. So we got to work to share ideas, inspiration and resources, to ensure that we survive home schooling the second time around. We hope this helps you too.
Emotional health
One thing we were extremely conscious of and wanted to find some tools for, is how to support the mental health of our London children. Just like us, our kids are having to deal with a lot emotionally: they are stuck at home, they can’t play with their friends, they could also be worried about Covid. Yet we are asking them to forget these feelings and focus on their school work, and as you will know, stress does not equal a focused and productive mindset.
Make the most of your one bout of exercise a day and do something fun, whether it’s going for a bike ride, exploring the woods or visiting the London Eye – aka ‘going on an adventure’ – or making your walk a scavenger hunt. We all know the benefits of exercise, and for these young minds, it can really help their mental health. It’s good to talk, have a conversation about how everyone is feeling and find ways they can connect with friends, whether that’s a weekly Zoom or, like many kids today, chats whilst gaming. If they struggle to express their feelings, get them to start a diary where they can write down everything they feel; it doesn’t matter their age, this is their space to write, draw or even scribble.
There are a great number of books that can help them to explore their feelings. Kevin can’t praise My Hidden Chimp, by Professor Steve Peters, enough. It’s a great book/workbook that helps children to understand and manage their emotions and behaviour.
Create a schedule
We all know our kids love routine, and the big thing about not being in school is that their routine goes out the window. Having some kind of schedule for each day means that, as a family, you all know what is happening when, and it allows older kids to then take responsibility for themselves. Work on it together. Of course, they may want to add drawings, stickers, or emojis, but the more fun it looks, the better, we think! We know that it may not be possible for every day to be the same, but work to include their virtual lessons with school, time for your daily exercise, and maybe a lesson can be delivered virtually by a grandparent. Make sure each session isn’t too long, and remember there are lots of resources you can use, which we will look into now.
What to teach
Firstly, don’t try and be a school, you are not one and you could send yourself loopy trying to be one – we know, we nearly did last time! You know what space you have, and also what motivates your child, so create a schedule that works for them. If you were a fan of Joe Wicks’ PE Sessions, you will be rejoicing to know that he is back, as have the highly advertised materials on BBC channels for both primary and secondary. We wanted to try and find some other things that are not so widely shouted about that may be of interest.
“On searching for ideas for my son, I came across some amazing worksheets from Bletchley Park. He loves the idea of spies and secret codes, and is fascinated by the story of the Enigma. We had a small conversation about Bletchley, what it was, and what they did, and then he got started. He got to find out about different roles, broke some codes, and even sent me a message in code that I had to break. He loved it,” said Denim.
One of the great things about these worksheets is that it keeps them off a screen, and there are other books and tools that can do the same. Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists is a fantastic book for curious minds and budding scientists, and then there’s Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects, ideal if your child prefers something more creative. Pixton is a really cool app that allows your child to create and edit their own comic, ideal for practising storytelling. For older children, The Story Starter is a great tool to help develop their creative writing.
Just another day
You’re going to have good and bad days, that is completely natural but don’t be hard on yourself. If World War 3 erupts – which it is bound to do on occasion – find a way to defuse it together. None of us are going to be perfect in this world of homeschooling, but whatever you’re able to do, no matter how little, you have succeeded.
If you find some great resources which you think we and others would love, please share in the comments. Together we in London can survive homeschooling this second time around.
Emotional health
One thing we were extremely conscious of and wanted to find some tools for, is how to support the mental health of our London children. Just like us, our kids are having to deal with a lot emotionally: they are stuck at home, they can’t play with their friends, they could also be worried about Covid. Yet we are asking them to forget these feelings and focus on their school work, and as you will know, stress does not equal a focused and productive mindset.
Make the most of your one bout of exercise a day and do something fun, whether it’s going for a bike ride, exploring the woods or visiting the London Eye – aka ‘going on an adventure’ – or making your walk a scavenger hunt. We all know the benefits of exercise, and for these young minds, it can really help their mental health. It’s good to talk, have a conversation about how everyone is feeling and find ways they can connect with friends, whether that’s a weekly Zoom or, like many kids today, chats whilst gaming. If they struggle to express their feelings, get them to start a diary where they can write down everything they feel; it doesn’t matter their age, this is their space to write, draw or even scribble.
There are a great number of books that can help them to explore their feelings. Kevin can’t praise My Hidden Chimp, by Professor Steve Peters, enough. It’s a great book/workbook that helps children to understand and manage their emotions and behaviour.
Create a schedule
We all know our kids love routine, and the big thing about not being in school is that their routine goes out the window. Having some kind of schedule for each day means that, as a family, you all know what is happening when, and it allows older kids to then take responsibility for themselves. Work on it together. Of course, they may want to add drawings, stickers, or emojis, but the more fun it looks, the better, we think! We know that it may not be possible for every day to be the same, but work to include their virtual lessons with school, time for your daily exercise, and maybe a lesson can be delivered virtually by a grandparent. Make sure each session isn’t too long, and remember there are lots of resources you can use, which we will look into now.
What to teach
Firstly, don’t try and be a school, you are not one and you could send yourself loopy trying to be one – we know, we nearly did last time! You know what space you have, and also what motivates your child, so create a schedule that works for them. If you were a fan of Joe Wicks’ PE Sessions, you will be rejoicing to know that he is back, as have the highly advertised materials on BBC channels for both primary and secondary. We wanted to try and find some other things that are not so widely shouted about that may be of interest.
“On searching for ideas for my son, I came across some amazing worksheets from Bletchley Park. He loves the idea of spies and secret codes, and is fascinated by the story of the Enigma. We had a small conversation about Bletchley, what it was, and what they did, and then he got started. He got to find out about different roles, broke some codes, and even sent me a message in code that I had to break. He loved it,” said Denim.
One of the great things about these worksheets is that it keeps them off a screen, and there are other books and tools that can do the same. Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists is a fantastic book for curious minds and budding scientists, and then there’s Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects, ideal if your child prefers something more creative. Pixton is a really cool app that allows your child to create and edit their own comic, ideal for practising storytelling. For older children, The Story Starter is a great tool to help develop their creative writing.
Just another day
You’re going to have good and bad days, that is completely natural but don’t be hard on yourself. If World War 3 erupts – which it is bound to do on occasion – find a way to defuse it together. None of us are going to be perfect in this world of homeschooling, but whatever you’re able to do, no matter how little, you have succeeded.
If you find some great resources which you think we and others would love, please share in the comments. Together we in London can survive homeschooling this second time around.
Are you in seasonal shape for moving in London during 2021?
The countdown is truly on and Christmas is but days away. The decorations are up, and the TV adverts are filled with magical stories and heart-warming tales. Each year, major UK brands battle to grab our attention, and the coveted Christmas advert is the highlight of their year. Although there have been some great ones, there is a fantastic Dutch advert that has gone viral and knocked John Lewis off its perch. Simple, without special effects and celebrity power, it gently shows us the importance of getting in shape. It made us here in London think, are you in seasonal shape for moving in 2021?
#Herzensangelegnheit
So what is this advert? You may already have seen it on social media. Created for pharmaceutical company DocMorris, it follows the story of an elderly man who wakes up early every morning to do some exercises with a kettle bell; at first he can only drag it, but as the advert progresses he gets stronger and stronger. The ‘why’ all becomes clear, as he arrives at his family home at Christmas to give his granddaughter the gift of a star, after which he lifts her up so she can place it on top of the tree. Cue the tears.
What does this have to do with property?
The advert’s slogan is 'So that you can take care of what really matters in life.' And what really matters when buying or selling a property is getting yourself in shape. You could think you are in a great position, but the next buyer through the door could have dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts, and if you both place competitive offers, the sellers could see the other buyer as being in the stronger position. So how can you be ahead of the game?
Financially fit
It’s time to do a major work out of your finances. This year may have seen a shift in your normal financial patterns; you may have been furloughed, need additional support, had a mortgage break, or even missed a couple of payments. Each decision could have impacted on your credit rating and so the biggest mistake you can make is to assume you know what you can afford. Living in fairy land may be magical when you’re viewing all the glorious homes available on your magical budget, but you will feel like you’re dragging a kettle bell when you realise that your expectations were way off the mark.
Before you start making plans, seek the advice of an independent mortgage adviser, they will be able to give you the facts: what you can actually afford, and also an idea of what your repayments might be. The repayment figure is just as important because you need to be confident it is something you can pay on a monthly basis without struggling. If you have a property to sell, a member of our team will be able to value it, so you can add this figure into the mix.
Just another Quality Street
Who doesn’t have a box of chocolates in their home at this time of year? In each box is a selection of different flavours, of which you will have a favourite. When it comes to making an offer on a property, you don’t want to be a fudge, you want to be a Green Triangle or even The Purple One.
But what will make you stand out, how can you become a Green Triangle? You need to show that you are in the best position, and your finances will help here, especially if you have a mortgage in principle. Are you a first-time buyer? If selling, do you have an offer on your home? Are you chain-free? Sellers want the most straight forward sale possible, and so the stronger your position the more likely they are to choose you. When you make your offer, ensure you stress your strengths to the estate agent, so when the sellers are reviewing their Quality Street of buyers, you will be the first one chosen.
Little star of London
Whether you’re buying or selling, we can guide you each and every step of the way, so your hopes are met and your fears fade, and will make 2021 the year that you move to your new home.
Oh, Little Star of London how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
From everyone at London, we wish you a wonderful Christmas.
#Herzensangelegnheit
So what is this advert? You may already have seen it on social media. Created for pharmaceutical company DocMorris, it follows the story of an elderly man who wakes up early every morning to do some exercises with a kettle bell; at first he can only drag it, but as the advert progresses he gets stronger and stronger. The ‘why’ all becomes clear, as he arrives at his family home at Christmas to give his granddaughter the gift of a star, after which he lifts her up so she can place it on top of the tree. Cue the tears.
What does this have to do with property?
The advert’s slogan is 'So that you can take care of what really matters in life.' And what really matters when buying or selling a property is getting yourself in shape. You could think you are in a great position, but the next buyer through the door could have dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts, and if you both place competitive offers, the sellers could see the other buyer as being in the stronger position. So how can you be ahead of the game?
Financially fit
It’s time to do a major work out of your finances. This year may have seen a shift in your normal financial patterns; you may have been furloughed, need additional support, had a mortgage break, or even missed a couple of payments. Each decision could have impacted on your credit rating and so the biggest mistake you can make is to assume you know what you can afford. Living in fairy land may be magical when you’re viewing all the glorious homes available on your magical budget, but you will feel like you’re dragging a kettle bell when you realise that your expectations were way off the mark.
Before you start making plans, seek the advice of an independent mortgage adviser, they will be able to give you the facts: what you can actually afford, and also an idea of what your repayments might be. The repayment figure is just as important because you need to be confident it is something you can pay on a monthly basis without struggling. If you have a property to sell, a member of our team will be able to value it, so you can add this figure into the mix.
Just another Quality Street
Who doesn’t have a box of chocolates in their home at this time of year? In each box is a selection of different flavours, of which you will have a favourite. When it comes to making an offer on a property, you don’t want to be a fudge, you want to be a Green Triangle or even The Purple One.
But what will make you stand out, how can you become a Green Triangle? You need to show that you are in the best position, and your finances will help here, especially if you have a mortgage in principle. Are you a first-time buyer? If selling, do you have an offer on your home? Are you chain-free? Sellers want the most straight forward sale possible, and so the stronger your position the more likely they are to choose you. When you make your offer, ensure you stress your strengths to the estate agent, so when the sellers are reviewing their Quality Street of buyers, you will be the first one chosen.
Little star of London
Whether you’re buying or selling, we can guide you each and every step of the way, so your hopes are met and your fears fade, and will make 2021 the year that you move to your new home.
Oh, Little Star of London how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
From everyone at London, we wish you a wonderful Christmas.