Did you know that we’re now officially in ‘moving season’? Typically, about two-thirds of all moves in Australia occur between October and March and with rising costs of living there’s expected to be even more people moving houses over this summer. Luckily, if you’re one of the many planning a move soon, moving ambassador Alana Lowes has shared her top tips to save money when doing so.
Alana Loves
1. Time is money
Removalists usually charge between $60 and $90 per half-hour so if there is something you can do to save the removalists’ time, it will also save you money. You can save hundreds by disassembling beds yourself, bundling loose items together to save multiple trips, bringing items to the front of the house or out to the truck, having things clearly labelled so removalists know exactly where everything should go, leaving a clear space for removalists to park, opting for a morning move when removalists are likely to have more energy, and even offering them a cool drink and turning the aircon on so they stay refreshed.
2. Slash bills
Take advantage of a move to implement some simple cost-cutting hacks such as lowering the temperature of your hot water for instant savings on your electricity or gas bill, installing ceiling fans which are more economical than air conditioning, and changing to energy efficient light bulbs (the NSW Government even has an initiative that can help with this).
3. Go secondhand
Sell or donate unwanted goods so nothing unnecessary is going in the removalist truck and you might even make some money to help with the move. You can also opt for secondhand items in your new home – it’s better for the environment and your hip pocket.
4. Be savvy
The removalist industry has moved with the times so it’s easy to get quotes and compare prices on platforms like Muval, which can also help you save hundreds or even thousands on small moves by finding spare space in bigger trucks or tapping into discounted last-minute space in freight travelling interstate.
It’s easy to fall in love with a property and jump in without researching the suburb you will be calling home for the next five to 10 years. Trust me, there aren’t many feelings worse than unpacking in your dream home and then finding out your neighbourhood is a nightmare. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to stop that from happening, and it all starts with playing detective.
Do some digging before they start digging
It’s not a real estate agent’s job to provide you with information about any development that will affect your property. It’s ‘buyer beware’, and you have to do your own investigations into what’s going on around, underneath and above your potential new home.
There are many risks associated with major works (such as tunnels) that can cause cracks and devalue properties. Check out local zoning details, where maps and visuals of planned tunnel routes are available. Likewise, if you’re not aware of local zoning, you might find your property dwarfed by high density and industrial developments in the coming years.
Also, trawl through council websites for news of developments and Google the name of the suburb and the keyword ‘development’ to see what pops up.
Use social media as your guide
Before you become part of the community, it pays to become an active member of the digital community of your target area to see what the issues are. Local Facebook groups are a valuable source of intel. So, jump on and comment. ‘Hey, I’m thinking of buying a property in this street, what do I need to know?’ You won’t get a completely unbiased view of the suburb, but people are glad to help out and certainly are the experts.
Follow council and local police social media pages to see what’s going on and hit Google hard with all the keywords that you can think of attached to your suburb’s name: Noise, crime, robbery, flight path, building works, etc.
Don’t ignore traditional media, either. Local newspapers are packed full of the good, the bad and the ugly things in the region.
Hit the streets
No matter how much research you do, there’s no substitute for spending time in the suburb to get a feel if it’s right for you. If you’re going to commit to a property for 10 years, you should be prepared to spend at least 10 hours immersing yourself in the area. I give my clients homework every week as they close in on a property.
For example:
Go to cafés and parks and see what kind of people are there and what the vibe is like. Do you feel comfortable?
Sit back in your car, open your windows and watch the world go by. Is it noisy or right under a flight path? Are there dodgy people around?
Stick your head over the neighbour’s fence. You can tell a lot about people from the state of their garden.
Get educated
For those with children, the quality of the schools is going to have a significant impact on their lives. Catchment areas and NAPLAN results only tell a tiny part of the story, so visit the school and talk to the parents and principal. Just because people rave about a school, it doesn’t mean that it will suit your child and your family’s philosophy.
There are a million and one things to consider when selecting a new suburb, and I hope you find this guide useful as a starting point. As always, please get in touch if we can help with your search.
Last year was not exactly relaxed; moving not once but twice (we had six weeks between homes, waiting for settlement), then when we finally bought a house and moved in, the renos started. There’s nothing like ripping out your kitchen and all your floors to make life interesting!
Something I really wish I’d known about last year was mobile self storage! This service, offered by Super Easy Storage, allows you to rent small (or large) self-storage modules for as little as $19 per week, and store them where you want. So, rather than do what we did when we sold our apartment, which was pay removalists to pack up and take everything to my in laws’ empty double garage and then unpack it, then do the same again six weeks later when we settled on the new house, we could have packed the modules at our leisure (rather than all on one hectic day), store them at their warehouse (you can store them on your property if that’s option but obviously we didn’t officially own ours at that stage), and then brought them to the new place, again at our leisure, later.
Not only does this often work out cheaper, but your belongings are safe and dry (and if you can store them on your own property you save there too). What happened with us is that when we removed everything from the in laws’ garage six weeks later, a lot of things had been hit by the dreaded mould and had to be thrown out.
Good to know for next time, eh?! I’m hoping you can all save yourselves time and money by me telling you about this!
The other time this would have been amazing, was when we did all our floors late last year. The thing about doing floors is you have to get everything off the floors and out of the way, and because we had a lot of levelling that needed doing, and a lot of wet cement around, we couldn’t really move things from one room to the next (which wouldn’t have been much fun either!). So, we had to pile everything up in the carpeted rooms we weren’t touching, and when I say piled, I mean poor Seb’s playroom was unusable, so we had pretty much no clear rooms in which to relax during the four-day process. It was so stressful!
Four days where we had to move pretty much everything for new floors to be laid!
We couldn’t fit everything in the rooms that weren’t being touched either, so ended up with our huge modular sofa and dining table on the patio outside, just praying that the roof over them wouldn’t spring a leak (and yes of course it rained). Everything was okay but I had a few sleepless nights there!
But what else could I do though, I thought?! Well, as it turns out, I could have packed everything into some Super Easy Storage modules and had them sitting in the front yard. Now they tell me!
There are so many situations where these self storage modules could make life easier and save you money. Renos in particular can be a real nightmare to live through, so if you can just get things out of the way while messy work is happening, while still keeping them safe and dry on your property, happy days! And all for an affordable price.
I love that mobile storage removes the travel time of getting your things to a warehouse, which is often out of town and not convenient or close by. It’s also a much more efficient process and I love that. Saving time and money (especially time!) and making life easier, especially when you have a toddler running around, is the best. Moving house and renovating are right upon there in the stress stakes so anything that minimises this is a Godsend.
Super Easy Storage (formerly known as Super Cheap Storage) either let you keep the modules on your own property (if that is possible) or they’ll come and collect them for you and take them to their warehouse. It’s just one less thing to worry about. And when it comes to packing and unpacking the modules, you can choose to do it yourself or pay them to do that too. You really can tailor the experience to your needs and budget. There’s also no lock in contract, you just use what you need for as long as you need it.
To give you an idea, one of their large 10m3 units (one of the largest on the market) will comfortably fit the contents of a studio apartment, including appliances. And they’re made of industrial materials so if you’re storing on site, they’ll be secure and dry and you’ll be the only one with a key. To work out how many or what size modules you might need, you can use their handy online calculator.
When else could you use them?
To declutter your home when you stage it for sale
If you’re renting your home out unfurnished while you move overseas for work temporarily
To store family heirlooms you don’t have space for in your current home but would love to keep hold of for when you have a bigger home later
GRACE Australia provide these top tips to help minimise stress and disruption during your next relocation.
Make a list and check it twice
Make a list of things to do on moving day and gather supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, sticky tape and a permanent marker a few weeks in advance. Make a list and running sheet of all the tasks to complete on the day.
Declutter and donate
Create a STAY and GO list, and purge items that aren’t wanted. GRACE’s ‘Move house, make a Difference’ cartons will collect and deliver unwanted items direclty to St Vincent de Paul Society so you don’t have to!
Involve the children
If you have children, spend time explaining the changes and get them excited about the move. Bonding time will help capture the memories and an opportunity to talk about the next home and all the exciting sights to see.
Storage solutions
Consider self-storage options so you don’t have to rush the move. This will help you to move in progressively.
Don’t forget your furry friends
The four-legged members of the family also need more attention when it comes to relocating. Before you move, speak to your veterinarian about what’s best for your pet when it comes to both moving and settling in to their new home.
Overnight bag Pack an overnight bag for each member of the family with the essentials which means that you don’t have to unpack and sort through moving boxes on the day. Your first night survival pack should include the toilet paper, pyjamas, toiletries and phone chargers. Not to mention coffee and breakfast supplies!
Spring clean
Allow enough time to clean or book a cleaner. A removalist company will be able to remove any packaging materials following the delivery of your household goods. GRACE offers a valet cleaning service, so you don’t have to source and book a cleaner during this busy time.
Rely on the professionals for the rest
Did you know it takes an average of two-to-five days to pack up the average four-bedroom family home? Consider using a professional removalist to pack and transport your household goods so you don’t have to take time off work.
When it comes to relocating your family, GRACE is the name you can trust. From preparing and transporting the pets to packing, transporting and cleaning your house, they cover all bases. For more information on their comprehensive removal services, visit the GRACE website.
Win a $2,000 GRACE voucher! Got a move in the New Year? For your chance to win $2,000 to spend with GRACE, simply complete the form by 5pm AEST on Friday 22 December 2017.
Terms and conditions:
$2,000 credit applies to moves with moving and packing services (ex GST) in our Australian service areas.
Applies to moving and packing services for private household moves only.
Insurance, valet, and other ancillary services are excluded from this offer.
Offer valid until 30 September 2018, and is subject to availability.
It’s like a fairytale. You buy the house of your dreams, move in and while doing some routine pre-move cleaning of your new abode, you notice piles upon piles of cash stowed away.
Woman with coins in jar
There are wads of it behind electrical sockets, neat piles in the garage and books full of cold hard cash hidden in the study. You call the previous owner (as any responsible karma-conscious citizen would) and he tells you he knows nothing about it… “the money must belong to you.”
You drop the phone, you let out a delighted squeal, you go shopping for shoes… and you live happily ever after.
Doesn’t that sound nice? It does. Doesn’t that sound unlikely?… Well, not necessarily.
Before you start ripping into the floorboards and overturning bookshelves, let me clarify… there may well be money hidden in your new home but it’s not undiscovered banknotes and coins; rather it’s in the form of potential savings and efficiencies. And they are indeed hidden inside your electrical sockets, garage and study.
Potential cash reserve #1- Your electrical sockets and heating vents
This is an easy place to start your treasure hunt and potentially a lucrative one. This is because energy costs can vary from suburb to suburb and even more dramatically from city to city or state to state.
So what does this mean?
It means that by moving house a whole new world of energy provider and rate options may have suddenly become available to you. It’s just a matter of uncovering them.
My advice: Don’t automatically bring your old energy plan and provider to your new home. Instead, review your current plan and the new options available. You’d be surprised how much your bills can change even by moving just a few kilometres down the road.
Potential cash reserve #2- Your garage
Your garage is home to your car, your tool box, your bike and that tent you’ll never use… but it can also be home to some more savings.
For example, if you have moved from a home with only street parking to one with a garage you could save big time. The same can go for switching neighbourhoods.
So unless you are moving to an identical living arrangement on the same street (boring move but it does happen) it’s a good idea to update your details with your car insurance provider to see if your repayments will either 1. Increase, 2. Stay the same or 3. Decrease.
If the answer is 1 or 2, then shop around to see if you can make the answer 3.
Potential cash reserve #3- Your study
We all dream of becoming internet billionaires. But unfortunately, unless you’re a socially awkward individual with a surname that rhymes with Puckerberg, it’s probably not going to happen. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t profit a little from a new internet plan.
Like energy, your broadband options can also vary from suburb to suburb, and your current broadband provider or plan may not be the best value service in your new neighbourhood.
And guess what? Speed can also vary. So when you are reviewing prices also talk about NBN, ADSL and Cable options. Because after all, there is nothing like kicking back in front of Netflix with lighting fast internet…. Ok fine, maybe kicking back in front of Netflix with lighting fast internet while enjoying a 1kg tub of triple chocolate fudge ice cream!
It’s all about changing the way you look at things and realising how saving money can be just as good as finding it…. with a lot less digging.
Happy hunting!
–Laura Crowden works for life admin experts iSelect. When she isn’t providing advice on how to find the right energy, broadband or insurance plan, Laura can be found tackling home renovations (to varying degrees of success) or eating ice cream.
There’s nothing like moving to a new home. Fresh surroundings, new décor, new neighbours, removalist trucks, endless cleaning, boxes upon boxes … come to think of it, moving can be kind of stressful.
And by kind of stressful, I mean really stressful. And by really stressful I mean wide awake making to-do lists at 3am but then snapping at the local lollypop lady come 8am kind-of-stressful. Ok, maybe you’ll handle it better than I did, but we can all agree that when it comes to moving there is too much to do and not much time to do it. And unfortunately that means that some things will invariably be forgotten – like sorting out energy for your new home.
Energy isn’t naturally the first thing you think about when moving home and understandably it usually isn’t given much attention, if any. But there are few things worse when moving than realising you forgot to get energy connected and that you will be stuck for a few days without lighting, hot water or heating.
Getting your energy sorted before you move could save unnecessary stress and potentially thousands of dollars in the long-term.
When moving home, just follow this step-by-step checklist to get your energy sorted:
Step 1: Tie up loose ends
Make sure you cancel your existing energy contracts before you move out. You don’t want to get charged for energy you aren’t using. It seems obvious but you’d be surprised how many people forget.
Most providers will require about three to four business days’ notice to close an account. But remember to keep gas and electricity connected until you have finished all the cleaning. Trust me, you don’t want to get stuck trying to clean your old home without hot water or electricity.
Step 2: Connect the new home
Before the big move, take the time to shop around for the best energy deal for your new home. It might sound boring, but no one said you can’t eat ice cream while you’re doing it!
Energy charges can vary from suburb to suburb and state to state and just because you had the cheapest deal in your old home, it doesn’t mean that the same provider will be the best value option for your new one.
Instead of wasting what seems like an eternity speaking to each provider and obtaining individual quotes, speak to an energy comparison expert and find the best plan. One call is always better than ten calls… unless of course you have a love for elevator hold music.
Many people don’t realise that that energy comparison services do more than just compare. Services like iSelect can sign you up to a new energy plan or provider and even arrange connection for you. If you’d prefer to manage the switch yourself, you’ll need to contact your new provider to arrange connection. They’ll normally need three to four days’ notice although many providers offer same day connection if you have left it to the last minute!
Make sure there are no access issues – such as locked gates – blocking access to your meter as this can delay the connection process. Arranging a new connection will also be much easier if you have the meter numbers for the new property handy – your real estate agent should be able to provide these to you in advance.
Step 3: The days before the move
Turn off your fridge and freezer the day before you move to allow it to defrost and wait 24 hours before you turn them back on after the move so the gas settles. And that means you have no choice but to order take-away, guilt-free!
On the day of the big move, turn off the electricity off at the main switch but don’t touch the gas. You’ll also need to turn off the hot water system. It’s also worth taking readings of your gas and electricity meters by taking a quick photo on your phone. This could come in handy if there are any disagreements over billing after you’ve moved out and also, taking photo evidence makes you feel like you’re on the set of CSI Miami.
Step 4: You’ve arrived
When you arrive at your new home, it’s a good idea to take meter readings and photos at the new property. That way you’ll be covered if the previous owners failed to close their account.
It’s also worth considering lowering the thermostat on your on your new water heater to 60-to-65 degrees rather than wasting energy heating it any higher.
If you’re moving in winter, set the heater’s thermostat to 20 degrees or less. Every extra degree increases costs by 10 per cent. In the summer, set the air-conditioning to 24 degrees or warmer for a similar result.
Once you’ve done all this; take a breath, get into your PJs, open another tub of ice cream and start making some memories in your new home.
–Laura Crowden works for leading online comparison site iSelect. When she isn’t providing advice on how to find the right energy plan or health insurance policy, Laura can be found tackling home renovations (to varying degrees of success) or eating ice cream. She loves getting a good deal, sparkly things, her cat and G&Ts.
I was inspired to write this eBook after moving house four months ago. Pregnant, hormonal, tired and already starting to get the nesting instinct (and I’m already a neat freak and perfectionist at the best of times!) I started really hating on our new home for it not being perfect. I was whingeing a lot and even I started to get a bit over myself!
So, I put together ten great ways to fall back in love with your home and also, to get some perspective on not having to live in a show home and being realistic, about realising what is really important about how you feel in your space and how your space makes you feel.
I hope you get something out of it! Slowly but surely I’m getting there with our new place by following some of my own advice!
Summer is the prime time of the year for moving to a new home as typically the weather is good and public holidays mean you need to take less time off from work. Once you have made arrangements for your current home, chosen a new place to live, and you have a moving date ready… it’s time to choose a moving company!
You already know that getting quotes from several companies is always smart so that you don’t end up paying too much, and you know you are getting the best deal. But what else should you ask your moving company before hiring them? The following questions can help you interview moving companies and make a decision, so that you can get into your new home.
Image: Flickr
HOW will my belongings be moved?
Depending on what you own, how far you are moving, and the company you choose to hire, there are several options for getting your property from your old home to your new home. Will the moving company hire contractors, or do they have employees to move it? Do they have trucks, rentals, vans, helicopters, or airplanes, or are you required to provide transportation while they only provide movers? Do you need to pack your own property into boxes, or do they provide those and pack for you?
Are you insured?
Verify the company’s license number and insurance, and do not use an uninsured company. A company who is serious about what they do will take the appropriate precautions, and that means having quality insurance. Ask if your personal belongings are covered by the insurance policy, or if you need to get your own insurance for your property while it is in transit.
What is included when I hire this moving company?
Does the moving company pack your belongings, or do you need to do that beforehand? Do they provide packing materials? Do they help you unpack at your new home? Will your property be labelled and placed in specific rooms in your new home? Knowing what you are paying for can help you find the best deal, and help you understand how to prepare for moving day.
If you’re looking to save money and pack your own belongings our recent article on 24 DIY packing tips for moving house can help.
Will you protect my fragile items?
Even if you pack your belongings prior to the arrival of your moving company, large furniture will need protection to keep it from breaking during the move. Check to make sure the moving company will provide protection for furniture and other large items during the move.
How much experience does the company have?
Make sure that both the company, and the moving crew and drivers that will be moving your belongings have experience doing so. You wouldn’t hire a teen driver to move your property, so why would you hire a moving crew with an inexperienced team?
Will my belongings be transferred?
Sometimes, when you move long distances, a moving company will transfer your belongings from one vehicle to another, and you will move into your new home with a different crew than the one who moved you out of your old home.
How are the fees calculated?
Some moving companies charge by the hour, some by distance, some by the volume of property they are moving, and some by the necessary manpower. Ask how your quote was calculated so you have a better understanding of what you are paying for.
Can the company provide references?
Ask the company if they can provide you with references, or if they are active in the community. A company who cares about their clients will also care about their image, and you will likely find happy former clients. Check the internet for further references.
What makes this company stand out from the rest?
Sometimes you’ll find a company that offers extra services for an extra charge. Sometimes, you will find that you are already being charged for extra services that you don’t need. Extra services can include additional men, expedited service, or the newest moving truck.
Does the moving company have any questions for me?
If they are offering you an estimate without asking anything about the details of your move or your property, this company cares more about your money, and less about you.
Now you’re equipped with the right questions to determine your moving company, you can start further preparation for your move. The team at Budget Self Pack Containers has put together a handy Moving Checklist to help you out.
–Clive Smith is the interstate removals general manager for Budget Self Pack Containers, Australia’s expert long-distance and interstate container removalists.
Whether you’re moving to the next town over, or to an entirely new area, packing your own things and moving them yourself or via a shipping container can be the most cost-effective way to go.
DIY moving allows you to stay within budget and to have an environmentally-friendly move. Remember to use what you have. It’s likely you will need to buy some supplies, but everything you buy is one more thing you have to move.
So, here are 24 top-notch packing tips for your DIY move and to make your life that little bit easier.
Start early
Start going through your belongings at least six weeks prior to your move date. Things you don’t use often, like seasonal decorations and out of season clothing, can be packed first.
Schedule pickups or drop-offs to local charities, or post items that you don’t want on eBay, Gumtree or Etsy with enough time that you’re not scrambling.
Leave everyday items until right before you move, and pack things you will need right away in an easy to access clear container.
Don’t forget to change your address at least one week prior to moving.
Stay organised
As you’re packing, label boxes with your name, the room it belongs in, and what’s inside. Each box can be moved to the room it belongs in at the new home, which will make the unpacking process easier.
Using coloured packing tape can be an easy way to keep track of which boxes belong in which rooms. You can use colours or labels to let movers know whether a box is fragile or heavy.
Keep track of all of your belongings by numbering the boxes. If, when you get to your new home, you are missing a number, you’ll know that it was lost in the move and you will be able to find it quickly.
Keep track of what you need during the move with an overnight bag that stays with you.
Use what you have
Before purchasing boxes, look for any suitcases, duffel bags, or large containers, like laundry baskets, you may have in your home. You’ll minimise the trash, and the cost, of your move.
Clothing can be moved in the dresser drawers. Keep clothing in place with Press’n Seal or plastic wrap.
Heavy duty trash bags can be used to pack hanging clothes, they’re hanging. Tie the hangers together with a string and stuff the clothes in the bag.
DIY tips for a safe move
Remove the lids of gels and liquids in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, and cover the openings with plastic wrap before replacing the lids. This will keep them from spilling or leaking out during the move, even if the lids come loose.
If you have powder cosmetics, place a cotton ball on top, inside the container, to keep powder intact.
Pack heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
Put heavy items, like books, in smaller boxes to keep the box light. Put lighter items, like pillows, in larger bags or boxes for quick moving.
Protect fragile items
If you have breakable items, they will need to be insulated in the boxes. Instead of using packing peanuts, try wrapping breakables in cloth you already have: Towels, clothing, bedding, etc. Clean socks fit well inside of glasses and stemware.
If you don’t have enough, bubble wrap is a great solution, but newspaper is just as effective, usually less expensive, and can be recycled once you’re in your new home.
Plates are less likely to break when they’re packed side to side, like in a dishwasher, instead of stacking them on top of each other.
Moving furniture & electronics
Furniture is likely to be some of the heaviest things to move. If possible, take it apart prior to moving.
Keep track of hardware, cords and cables by labeling it inside of individual plastic bags, or taping the hardware to a piece of paper.
Take photos of the way electronics are plugged in before you take them apart. It’s easier to put back together with a photo to work from.
Prepare your new home
If you are renting your new home, be sure to take photos before you move in. You’ll want a record of the condition of the home when you move in.
Cleaning your new home before you move in will ensure that you can put everything away once the boxes arrive.
If you’re planning to install shelving or paint, do so prior to moving your belongings into your new home.
–Clive Smith is the Interstate Removals General Manager for Budget Self Pack Containers, Australia’s expert long-distance and interstate house removalists.
Downsizing is never easy, from prioritising what to keep to storage optimisation; a life change that is supposed to make things simpler can be riddled with challenges. An empty nest is very rarely empty of stuff; in fact, quite the opposite!
Interior stylist Bettina Deda, author of the new book Downsize with Style, has created a foolproof five-step process to help start the next chapter of your life:
Step 1: De-clutter and tidy up
Start to tidy up and de-clutter your family home. Take inventory. Allocate each item to one of these piles: things to keep, things to donate, things to sell and things that go straight into the bin.
I’ve always loved wallpaper, and even more so since I became immersed in the wonderful world of interiors and realised how much gorgeous stuff is out there in Australia alone.
I have always rented since I’ve been in this country so I always thought, sadly, wallpaper was going to be a no-no with the real estate agents. Until Publisher Textiles told me about their removable wallpaper, that is. And it really is wallpaper proper, not the vinyl kind (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I was intrigued and I had to give it a go, not least because if it was true, I needed to share it with my renting readers!
I just moved into a (gorgeous) new apartment so I’m exhausted and hence my posts have been a little thin on the ground. My apologies! Normal service will resume shortly!
Meanwhile, here is what I’ve learned about moving:
1. Moving is expensive. Not just because you end up paying double rent and double bond in the crossover period but also because you have to pay removalists (or van hire and cash to your boyfriend’s brother!), connection/disconnection fees for electricity and gas, mail redirection fees, takeout food in the period where you can’t find a fork or plate and many coffees, French champagne to toast your new home, and a complete pantry re-stock because you threw away all those nearly-empty bottles you couldn’t bring yourself to pack. Then there’s a LOT of cleaning products to buy to clean the old place, box hire (yes, I paid to hire boxes), fresh flowers to make the new place feel homely, not to mention all the new furniture you have now decided you suddenly ”need” to replace what you already had and was perfectly fine in the old place. Then there’s cushions. Why do we always need more cushions (by ‘we’ I mean women!)? Who am I kidding, there is still so much more to spend. I have some new cushions being made for me as I type and I have my eyes on all kinds of new homewares (that’s the trouble with this blog!). My boyfriend says we can’t buy anything unless we NEED it. What kind of ridiculous philosophy is that, I ask you?
2. I am exceedingly impatient and have anxious tendancies. I have been here for 3 nights and I wanted to have it all perfect by.. well… yesterday. I’m still feeling anxious because it isn’t all quite right yet. I can’t just sit and relax and enjoy the new home, I have to tidy and unpack, collapse boxes, worry about offending the new neighbours by overfilling the bins, arrange and rearrange the dining table and chairs, worry about where my owl collection is going to be displayed and which artwork is going to go on which wall. I see my own faults and I know I’m ridiculous but I can’t help it. It’s the Monica Geller in me!
3. You can’t have it all. Unless you’re extremely rich, you cannot ever find everything you want in a new apartment, especially in Sydney. I really believe this. There’s always something. Our new place has just been renovated so it’s open plan, shiny and new, in a great suburb and with a balcony. It doesn’t, however, have the water view I’ve had before (in the apartment with the crappy kitchen and bathroom, grumpy neighbour and EVIL letting agent) and (shock horror) it doesn’t have a bath (I am such a bath person!) or undercover parking (boyfriend is more upset about that one). You simply cannot have it all, so be thankful for the good things you do have and remember a house is only a home because of who is in it and how you make the best of it.
