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Tag: Moving Home

  • This week’s blog is written by Associated Property Services.

    This week’s blog is written by Associated Property Services.

    A clean, well-presented home makes a lasting impression, whether it’s for a property viewing, a new tenant, or your own family’s comfort.   As it is coming up to the busy Festive Season, here are some practical cleaning tips to keep you as sparkling as your tree!  

    The holidays are full of joy; however, they also bring extra guests, decorations, food, and, let’s face it, some mess. A bit of planning can help you stay on top of it without feeling overwhelmed. 

    Festive Cleaning Tips: 

    • Declutter Before Decorating: 
      Make space for decorations and gifts by clearing surfaces and storing away unnecessary items. 
    • Create a ‘Guest Ready’ Zone (this varies on the space you have in your home): 
      Keep a basket or hooks by the entrance for shoes, coats and bags, to avoid hallway clutter. 
    • Kitchen Organisation (the family can get involved in this one): 
    • Prep and clean as you cook 
    • Empty bins regularly to avoid odours 
    • Line trays and surfaces with baking paper or mats to make post-meal clean-up faster 
    • Daily Tidy Routine: 
      A quick 10-minute evening clean-up helps keep the home feeling fresh, even during busy hosting days. 
    • Protect Your Home: 
      Use coasters, table runners and floor mats, to minimise spills and damage from festive celebrations. 

    Pro Tip: Schedule a pre-Christmas deep clean and a post-holiday reset. This makes entertaining less stressful and helps the new year start on a fresh note. 

    About APS Cleaning Services 

    At APS Cleaning Services, we’re proud to be a family-run business based in South London, built on trust, reliability, and personal service. For the past five years, our reputation has grown through recommendations, referrals, and word of mouth, a true reflection of the care we put into every clean. 

    We believe that great cleaning starts with clear communication and a friendly approach. That’s why we provide a detailed end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist, giving you peace of mind that nothing is missed. And if something doesn’t go exactly to plan – whether a cleaner is running a little late or we notice an issue at the property – we’ll always be open and transparent with you. 

    Our services include: 

    • End-oftenancy cleaning 
    • One-off deep cleans 
    • Pre-Christmas deep cleans & post-holiday resets or parties 
    • Carpet cleaning 
    • Window cleaning 

    Whether you’re preparing a property for new tenants or getting your home sparkling for the festive season, our team is here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and reliable. Give our team a call on 07565 455836 or email us at info@associatedpropertyservices.com 

    Let’s get your property looking its best. APS does not cut corners, we clean them! 

  • Changing locks at your home

    Changing locks at your home

    Did you know, it’s not an insurance requirement to change the locks on your home when you move.   But think about it.  If you are buying a home, how many other people have had keys?  Will they have returned them to the previous owner to pass on to you?   
     
    Looking at the number of times I declutter houses that have keys for other properties, I know there are plenty of keys hanging around in the wrong places!  They may belong to neighbours, cleaners, former cleaners, other tradespeople.  They probably didn’t keep them on purpose, but you never know! 

    Changing the locks may be an extra cost when you’re already spending money, but for peace of mind and security, it is an invaluable thing to do, whether your insurance company requires it or not.  

  • Your home move survival kit

    Your home move survival kit

    When you move home, there are some things you are going to need, or will need to think about knowing where they are.  Here’s our list: 

    • Items you need from the kitchen the night before your move, during the day of the move and as you arrive, should be packed last so they are off the lorry first.  They are:  kettle, coffee, tea, a couple of plates, glasses and mugs and cutlery.   
    • Kitchen roll 
    • Sponges / cloths / wipes 
    • Bin bags  
    • Measuring tape 
    • Craft knife (to slit open boxes when unpacking) 
    • Medication 
    • Chargers and cables 
    • A suitcase of clothes (we recommend for several days, if not a week, until you are sure you know where everything is!) 
    • An indoor arial – until you can get your broadband / normal home TV arial working.  

    Good luck with your move! 

  • The worst part of a home move

    The worst part of a home move

    For me, in my past life as a serial renter, it was always the ‘not knowing’ where I would live next.  You are given notice on your flat, or you give notice (for whatever reason) and you have a date to leave, but you don’t necessarily have somewhere to go to.  That was always stressful.   

    Last month, we helped someone who moved out of her property to have it refurbished, and she lived temporarily in rented accommodation.  We decluttered before she left, but because she was returning, she knew there was space for all the possessions that had come out. The incentive to fully declutter, therefore, was not really there.  All my clients take more than they should when downsizing as until you experience with your own eyes, all your possessions coming out of the multitude of boxes, it is hard to envisage just how much you have.   In this case, the number of boxes, even with help to unpack, has almost broken her.   

    For other clients, the worst part is the solicitors and estate agents, and all the questions; you’ve lived there a long time and you know the house is fine – why can’t your buyer see that?  Their solicitor has a duty to make sure that it ticks all the boxes for current regulations and that they are not opening a can of worms down the line.  

    In some cases, it can be the thought of ‘starting again’, especially in later life.   The happy home you had with all those lovely memories is gone.  But it is a chance to start afresh and enjoy your new place.  Take things with you that remind you of those good times, but remember that your move is happening to help you live a safe and happy life as you age, and new fun memories will be created there too.  

    Whatever your concerns with your home move, we can help support you through it and take away all the practical worries – and hopefully many of the emotional ones too! 

  • The ‘put me away’ basket

    The ‘put me away’ basket

    Mess, clutter, untidiness, disarray, muddle, jumble – whatever you call it, some people live well in this environment and some people don’t.  If you’re like me, you can tolerate a bit of untidiness at home, and more so if it’s your own, but if it is someone else’s that you live with, it’s much harder.   I do prefer things neat and tidy, but I am also someone with a full life, so it’s not always easy to put things away immediately – especially if I know I’ll soon need them again, or if I want to be reminded to take the item somewhere with me.  
     
    Different things work for different people on how to manage this, but once upon a time I lived with someone who was very tidy and didn’t like ANY clutter.  Compromise and communication are the key to a functioning relationship and we agreed that I could have a ‘put me away’ basket.  If he found something of mine in a place it shouldn’t be, he could put it in the basket.  That way, I would know that if it wasn’t where I left it, it would be in the basket.   It worked because anything in the basket was deemed as ‘tidy’, and I wasn’t hunting for things that had disappeared from where I left them.   
     
    This could definitely work for teenagers too, and perhaps help many arguments.  It probably won’t help with the ‘where’s my phone’ or ‘I’ve lost my keys’ exclamations though! 

    (pic from ninahendrick)

  • Giving something away day

    Giving something away day

    The 15th July is ‘national give something away day’ in the US.  Well, of course, this is something we approve of, even if it is not ‘observed’ in the UK.  We are always encouraging clients to give away items to charity, on social media or to food banks.  

    What you give, might not be a ‘thing’.  It might be your time or your skills.  And the idea is that you do not expect anything in return.    So have a think about where you could volunteer, or what skills you have that you can share.  Maybe it would be helping a friend with something they are struggling with. 

    Have a think.  And let us know what you do.  

  • Why we love Olio

    Why we love Olio

    Olio is an app (yes, sorry, it’s only available as an app, which we know is not much good if you don’t have a mobile phone or tablet). The app was originally designed to stop food going to waste, but it is used for lots of additional things now like toiletries, household cleaning products, toys, small bits of furniture and other things the charity shops don’t want but that can still be used by others.

    These are the reasons we love it:

    • One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – someone out there always wants what you have
    • You can also pick up things that you are looking for if you are quick
    • If you have things languishing in your freezer, you can even list those, people will come and get them
    • If you bought a cleaning product then decided you didn’t like it, someone will come and collect it
    • If you are looking for a volunteer role you can be a Food Waste Hero and collect food from businesses for distribution
    • You can save things from landfill and help the environment

    You can save money by getting things you might have otherwise spent money on You can read more on www.Olioapp.com or download the app from the app store or google play store.

  • Is It Okay If I Look In Your Knicker Drawer?

    Is It Okay If I Look In Your Knicker Drawer?

    Decluttering, organising and supporting clients with downsizing means they share a lot of personal information with me.  It’s important that we have a mutual respect and trust to get the most out of every session.   During our time together I find out a lot about clients and their families and friends and how they live their lives, and I often see very personal things.    

    I ALWAYS ask if we can look in drawers and cupboards before we do, and we NEVER take it for granted that clients want us to see everything in their home.   Your home is your sanctuary and a private place for you and your family and loved ones.   What we see in your home, stays between us.  What you tell us, stays between us.   We treat you as we would wish to be treated.    

    So if you thought you were going to read some scandalous things we’ve seen and heard, then you will leave this post disappointed, as we won’t be divulging or sharing anything.   

  • Heat Pumps – A Smart Choice for Older People

    Heat Pumps – A Smart Choice for Older People

    This month’s guest blog is written by David Lyons Whyte from Switched On London.  

    As we get older, comfort, safety, saving money, and environmental considerations become more important in our homes. That’s why more and more older adults are turning to heat pumps as a modern solution for heating. Heat pumps are energy-efficient systems that keep your home warm when you need it, without the high costs or hassle of traditional heating systems. They work by extracting ‘free’ heat from the ambient air outside, using a small amount of electricity to amplify it and warm your home. This makes them highly efficient and much cleaner than traditional fossil fuel systems and will contribute to the country meeting the Government’s net zero targets and future proof your home as natural gas is phased out.   

    Another big advantage is that heat pumps maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Instead of the highs and lows you might get with older systems—where it’s too hot one moment and chilly the next—heat pumps provide gentle, steady warmth throughout the day. This not only improves comfort but also uses energy more efficiently, helping you save on bills over time. 

    Unlike gas boilers or electric heaters, heat pumps are safer—no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide—and much quieter, creating a more peaceful home environment. Once installed, they require very little maintenance, which is ideal for anyone who prefers simple living. 

    Here are some examples of why people decided a heat pump was the right choice for their home and situation: 

    • George and Linda, 68 & 70 (downsized to a smaller home): 
      “We moved to a smaller home after retirement. The heat pump keeps it warm without any fuss. It’s quiet and easy to use, and the temperature stays just right.” 
    • Anita, 75 (living alone): 
      “I wanted something reliable. With my new heat pump, I feel safe – no gas, no open flames –  and it works even on cold days. The heat stays constant and comfortable.” 
    • Ron, 80 (environmental concerns): 
      “I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint for my grandchildren’s future. The heat pump helps me do that, and I still stay warm.” 

    Heat pumps are not just for new homes – they can be a fantastic upgrade for those looking for comfort, safety, steady warmth, and savings. They also help reduce carbon emissions, making them a cleaner alternative that helps protect the environment for future generations. And with £7,500 in grants available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it’s now more affordable than ever to make the switch. It’s well worth exploring whether a heat pump could make life easier and more sustainable in your home. 

  • Setting a declutter schedule

    Setting a declutter schedule

    If you are downsizing or just feel that your home is a bit overcrowded with possessions, one of the great ways to get started is to set yourself a schedule which can be popped into your diary.  This way you are setting time aside for it and you are also holding yourself accountable to do it.  It is okay to do something else instead in that time, but you must help yourself by rearranging it for another time before the next one is scheduled.  If something like ill health gets in the way, don’t be too hard on yourself, you can still catch up.  
     
    If you are just starting your journey to decluttering, you might want to start with short sessions and have them just once a week.  If you have a looming deadline, such as a house sale, or the need to clear a property after probate, then you will need to do more and for longer each time.  Remember that it can be physically tiring if you are not used to it, and it can also be emotionally draining too.  We suggest four hours is the most amount of time you’ll want to do in one go.  If you are doing it with someone else who is likely to be emotionally attached to the items as well, then you might find it difficult to progress very fast.  (Actually in this instance, we suggest one person does a pre-sort, and leaves piles for the other to say if they agree with the decision or not).  

    Each person takes a different amount of time, depending on how long  the decision-making process takes.  To find out how long it will take you, time how long it will take you to do one cupboard in one room,  and then multiply up from there.  Once you know how many hours you think you need, you can then put 1 to 4-hour sessions in your diary.  

    If you need help with setting a schedule, or in fact doing the decluttering, then do get in touch with us.    We also have our declutter guide which you can download free from the website (with an optional donation to Trinity Hospice).  https://mailchi.mp/e4a7c0ab3aef/30day-clutter-clear