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Written by The McCarthy's Team on April 16, 2019

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It’s a conversation that goes on in homes across the country – “should we move or improve?” (ok, maybe not in those exact words, but with the same sentiment!) There’s even TV shows dedicated to the subject (we’re a big fan of Phil and Kirstie’s Love it or List it).

A home which was perfect for you five years ago can start to feel too small, or it stops working for you as a family – perhaps children come along and you need extra living space for toys, or the kids leave home and you want more entertaining space for the wild parties you’re going to throw.

It’s a careful weighing up of the pros and cons – time for a list! Moving obviously comes with costs aside from the price of a new property – including stamp duty and legal fees – but then again extending or converting property can be stressful if you’re living there at the same time. And what will be allowed under planning laws?

Back in 2013 the Larger Home Extension Scheme came into force, making the rules around home improvements a little freer. Permitted Development rights for single story rear extensions of up to eight metres for detached properties, and six metres for other types of properties, were double the previous allowance. But now the scheme is due to come to an end, with the deadline set at May 30^th 2019. As projects built using these rules have to be finished by this date, it’s probably a bit late in the day to be getting started.

If a lack of space is a major issue for you, one thing to consider could be self storage – freeing up more of your home to use, rather than simply being a place to put things. Self storage can also be a lifesaver if you do decide to go along the ‘improve’ route – as you’ll no doubt have rooms to clear out ready for any building work to commence.

Our self storage centres in Leeds, Wakefield and Harrogate are all conveniently situated and have ample car parking so you can gain easy access when unloading a vehicle. You can get to your unit when you need to, round the clock, so if you suddenly realise you packed away something you shouldn’t it’s not an issue. Only you have access to your unit, and there’s pin code entry to the storage centre, so your items are kept safe and secure. We also offer flexibility around timings and space needed. So, if you need a larger space to begin with, then want to downsize (or vice versa) – not a problem. And if you need your unit for two months and three days precisely – no worries, that’s what you’ll pay for.  

Of course, sometimes, the cost of home improvements outweighs the return – or the improvements you need to make simply aren’t possible. In which case moving is the only option – and self storage might still be helpful if you need to declutter ahead of putting your home on the market. If you’re moving due to a lack of space, you don’t want potential buyers to feel that from the moment they walk in!

So, if a move is on the cards – when the time comes and you accept an offer on your home, it’s time to give us a call regarding removals. It’s never too early to get a quote and to start looking at potential dates. Remember we can help with packing too if needed – helping make the removals process as stress-free as possible.