Homes & Gardens

A Renter’s Guide to Moving Out

Moving out of a rented property can be a stressful and time-consuming process. From organising your belongings to settling your final bills, there are many things to consider to ensure a smooth transition. To help you navigate this process, here’s a comprehensive guide to moving out as a renter. Whether you need it now or in the future, it’s worth knowing exactly what you need to do.

1. Review Your Tenancy Agreement

Before you begin the moving-out process, revisit your tenancy agreement to understand your obligations. Pay close attention to clauses related to notice...

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Val Watson

Val Watson

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A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:35am

Growing your own vegetables can be an exceptionally rewarding experience that can encourage you to add more green to your diet. However, it can also be incredibly frustrating to see blackbirds and insects eat your new shoots- or fail to grow at all. Then, here is a beginner’s guide to getting your own vegetable patch off the ground.

Create a Patch of Earth

It can be difficult to maintain and remember to care for your vegetable shoots if you have scattered them across your garden. To ensure that you can create a safe and well-kempt area for them to grow to full size in, you should...

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What are the top design trends for curtains in 2024?

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Tue, 08/06/2024 - 9:38pm

As we approach the end of summer 2024, curtain design trends are evolving to reflect a blend of style, functionality, and sustainability. Homeowners are seeking window treatments that not only enhance their living spaces but also align with their values and lifestyle choices. Bold prints, geometric patterns, and eco-friendly materials are at the forefront of curtain trends for 2024, offering a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality.

The upcoming year showcases a shift towards vibrant colors and energizing abstract prints in curtain designs. Geometric shapes and oversized...

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Devon housebuilder commits to providing Homes for Nature

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 08/05/2024 - 4:55pm

A Devon housebuilder has signed up to a major new initiative to support wildlife on its new developments.

The Homes for Nature commitment will see a bird-nesting brick or box installed for every new home built, as well as hedgehog highways created as standard on every new development taken through planning from September 2024.

Barratt David Wilson Homes, along with 18 other housebuilders that collectively build more than 90,000 homes a year, have already signed up to the voluntary commitment, with the move representing a major step towards providing the minimum of 300,...

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The Rise Of Personalised Home Decor: Trends And Tips

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Tue, 07/30/2024 - 9:47am

Recently, the world of home decor has witnessed a significant transformation. With the advent of personalised home decor, individuals now have the opportunity to infuse their unique tastes and preferences into their living spaces. This trend is more than just about adding a personal touch; it's about creating environments that reflect individual identities and lifestyles.

Gone are the days when homes were filled with generic, mass-produced items. Today, people are seeking ways to make their homes stand out, turning to personalised and custom home decor to achieve this.

...

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The impact of window glazing on indoor air quality

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Thu, 07/18/2024 - 4:24pm

Window glazing plays a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring a comfortable living environment. Among various options, double glazed windows have become increasingly popular due to their ability to improve thermal efficiency, reduce heat loss, and enhance the overall quality of life. This article delves into how different types of glazing, especially double glazed sash windows, affect indoor air quality and offers tips for preventing and eliminating condensation on windows .

The Role of Window Glazing in Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is influenced...

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DIY Home Maintenance: Simple Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Tue, 07/16/2024 - 11:13am

Homeownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and while hiring a professional for certain jobs is crucial, there are many simple fixes you can tackle on your own. These DIY repairs can save you time and money, and they can also give you a sense of accomplishment and better understanding of your home’s needs. Below are some common issues and easy solutions to keep your household running smoothly.

Clearing Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are an annoying yet frequent occurrence in many households. Whether it is in the kitchen sink or the bathroom, a backed-up...

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Full planning approval secured for new Exeter site

Exeter City Council has granted approval on a Persimmon Homes South West scheme for 40 high-quality homes, on land adjacent to Blakeslee Drive in Newcourt. This follows the outline planning consent that had previously been granted in March for up to 50 new homes.

The 3.2-hectare site will feature family housing, comprising about a third of the area, with the remaining space dedicated to open areas.

To the south, the open space will extend an existing pond to support the new development, incorporating additional planting to enhance biodiversity. Existing quality trees,...

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Choosing the Perfect Furniture for Your Bedroom: A Guide for Landlords and Property Investors

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/15/2024 - 11:52am

When it comes to furnishing a bedroom, especially in rental properties such as HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), serviced accommodations (SA), and buy-to-let (BTL) properties, making the right choices can significantly impact tenant satisfaction and your bottom line. This blog will explore the key considerations and the benefits of opting for furniture packs, with a special emphasis on quality, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

Quality Matters

Investing in quality furniture is paramount. Robust materials like 18mm MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard) ensure durability and a long-...

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Greening Your Indoor Space: Easy-to-Grow Plants

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/15/2024 - 7:41am

Creating a lush and inviting indoor environment doesn't have to be difficult. With the right plants, you can bring a touch of nature indoors effortlessly. Here's a guide to some of the easiest plants to grow indoors, perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

1. Shamrocks: Bringing Luck and Greenery

Shamrocks, particularly the Oxalis species, are charming and easy-to-care-for plants known for their distinctive trifoliate leaves. They thrive in moderate indirect light and prefer moist soil. These plants are relatively small, making them ideal for tabletops...

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How to Make Moving Fun for Children

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Sun, 07/14/2024 - 10:17am

Moving to a new home can be a challenging experience for children, as it involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and friends. However, with some creativity and planning, you can make the process enjoyable and exciting for them. Here are some strategies to make moving fun for children.

1. Involve Them in the Process

Packing Party: Turn packing into a fun activity by hosting a packing party. Play upbeat music, provide snacks, and let your children decorate their moving boxes with stickers and drawings. This can transform a mundane task into a creative and engaging...

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