How to Reduce the Cost of Moving with Crafts and Low Budget Improvements

So, you are finally ready to move into your new home. You know how much the rent or mortgage payments are so surely you are on top of the costs involved? Surprisingly, there are a huge range of hidden costs to moving that you may not have considered. These hidden costs can add up to a pretty penny, so make sure that you budget for them before you start the stressful experience of moving.

These hidden costs can include: Council Tax (UK), up front rent, deposits, survey fees, application fees, solicitor’s fees, moving vans, storage units, new furniture and fuel for all those back and forth journeys.

With all these hidden costs in mind, and all the apparent costs, it doesn’t leave much room in a tight budget for home improvements. However, there are several ways to make a home yours, without having to break the bank:

Window Dressings – This is arguably one of the cheapest home improvements you can make, with the biggest return. Purchasing made to measure blinds or curtains online is not expensive and they come in a wide range of styles and colours. You’re bound to find something that suits you and your family. If you’re looking for red blinds, check out an online blinds store.

Stencils – Even if you don’t have an artistic flair stencils can be fun and effective. Walls, ceilings, floors, jars, containers and doors can all have stencils applied to them. Stencils can be as simple as cutting a design in a piece of card or paper, and painting in the gaps. There’s no need to shell out on fancy wall paper or fancy storage - buy it plain and customise it yourself. See http://www.stencil-library.com/ for examples.

Decorative Painting – If you’re a little more adventurous and have a knack for the arty stuff, then decorative painting is the way to go. It’s like stencilling but for the big leagues! Decorative painting is basically art on your walls and possessions. It is particularly effective on kitchen jars and terracotta pots.