PM&C_Magazine_INTERACTIVE

SERVING INVERNESS, FORT WILLIAM, OBAN & THE WEST HIGHLANDS

www.petermurphyestateagents.com

1

Carey Hughes

Solicitors

SPECIALISTS IN

RESIDENTIAL

CONVEYANCING

OUR SERVICES

We deal with all aspects of

residential conveyancing including;

Purchases

Sales

Transfers of title

Remortgages

Discharges

We proudly extend our services throughout the entirety of

Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders, our central belt

locations in Hamilton and Irvine means we are ideally placed

to cover the whole country. We don’t merely see ourselves as a

law firm, we remain an unwavering pillar of dedication to our

clients, ensuring they remain comprehensively safeguarded at

every turn in the property world.

Navigating pivotal moments, like relocating or finalising

a will, often come with their own set of complexities. In

such trying times, the backing of professional legal minds is

invaluable. Carey Hughes recognises the intricacies of the legal

landscape and its challenges. Our dedicated team of proficient

solicitors is ever prepared to provide insightful, compassionate

legal guidance, ensuring that every aspect of your needs is

meticulously addressed and cared for.

Our legacy isn’t merely built upon our expansive legal

knowledge, but on the lasting relationships we forge with our

clients. Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of residential

conveyancing, seeking expert guidance on estate planning, or

delving into commercial property leases, our dedicated team

stands ready to guide you with unmatched local expertise.

Carey Hughes Limited

International House, Stanley Boulevard

Hamilton International Technology Park

G72 0BN

Tel: (01698) 404 616

Email: info@careyhughes.co.uk

careyhughes.co.uk

2 PETER MURPHY & Co. ESTATE AGENTS

Welcome

TO PETER MURPHY & Co ESTATE AGENTS

Established and Successful

Established in 2020, Peter Murphy & Co is a proudly

independent firm of professional estate agents,

dedicated to provide and maintain an unparalleled

level of customer service to their clients. It’s founder,

Peter Murphy has over 30 years of award-winning

experience in financial services and property sales

and has a vision to embrace new property technology

like Virtual Tours, 3D floorplans, detailed online

property brochures and video tours. All of which

can be accessed through multiple platforms such

as Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, Facebook and

Instagram. We are fully regulated and accredited

members of The Property Ombudsman, thereby

protecting buyers and sellers.

Professional & Bespoke Service

Maintaining a professional and personal service has

been the key to our success to date. To provide an

ever-improving level of service, we have invested

significantly in advanced computer technology,

communication systems and office facilities to match

properties to our expanding database at the touch of

a button. However, a quality service is not just about

time-saving technology, despite the benefit. It is

about people.

Our Aim

Our aim has been to harmonise the best of traditional

values with modern developments to provide all of

our clients with a service second to none. Our team

of dedicated and highly trained staff take time to

know their clients and understand their needs. Our

core business is selling residential properties with a

passion and enthusiasm you will find refreshing.

Our Team

Our professional agents, covering Inverness, Fort

William and Oban, Isle of Mull and Argyll have

extensive local knowledge and a burning desire to

help buyers and sellers achieve their goals They are

available outside office hours and at weekends and

understand the need to be flexible to meet the needs

of their clients.


3

Meet

our

team

PETER MURPHY

Peter has over 30 years experience in finance and estate

agency and prides himself in ‘fighting the corner’ for his

clients to achieve the best possible price for their homes. He

understands the need to go the extra mile for them. He works

closely on a daily basis with both Ali Wilson in Inverness and

Ali Flint in Oban, ensuring all our clients have his knowledge

and experience to rely on.

ALI WILSON

TRISH MURPHY

Trish has extensive experience in

administration, having worked as

PA to Chief Executives, as well as in

finance, customer service and sales

roles. Her experience and passion

for good customer service makes

her role of Office Manager the

perfect fit for the company.

Ali joined our team in late

2022, covering Inverness and

the surrounding areas. She

had 10 years sales experience

and immediately put that to good

use, building strong working relationships with her sellers

and buyers from day one. She has built on that and prides

herself on being available to her clients, whenever they want

a chat about the progress of their sale and is always keen

to give advice to help them get achieve their goals. She is

an experienced negotiator, with many successful sales and

happy clients. She will carry out accompanied viewings,

whenever they are required and is a huge asset to our team.

Estate agency is a challenging but rewarding career and she

is the perfect fit for the role here. When she’s not working she

loves road trips in her van and on the darker nights spending

time at home with her two cats.

ALI FLINT

Ali joined out team in 2022, covering Oban, Argyll and the Isles. We already

had a significant market share in that area so it wasn’t going to be easy

for Ali to maintain the standards already in place. He has achieved this

and then some, growing our share of the market month by month. Ali had

extensive sales experience before taking on this role and quickly adapted

this to estate agency. His clients expect a lot and that’s what they get from

this no nonsense, driven agent. Ali sees working in this stunning part of

the world as a privilege and clocks up a lot of miles covering Argyll and

regularly across to the Isle of Mull. When he’s not working Ali likes to spend

time with his family and traveling.

T. 01397 708555

E. sales@petermurphyestateagents.com

Unit 1A, Sheraton Retail Park,

Lochbridge, Fort William, PH33

7NU


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5

Inverness

THE CAPITAL OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS,

BECKONS WITH ITS BLEND OF HISTORIC CHARM,

MODERN AMENITIES, AND STUNNING NATURAL

SURROUNDINGS.

Situated at the mouth of the River Ness and overlooking the

picturesque Moray Firth, the city offers residents unparalleled access

to the region’s rugged beauty. From the iconic Loch Ness, famed for its

legendary monster, to the nearby Cairngorms National Park, outdoor

enthusiasts revel in opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife

spotting. Inverness also serves as a gateway to the rest of the Highlands,

with easy access to scenic drives, castles, and ancient sites dotting the

landscape, making it an ideal base for exploration and adventure.

Beyond its natural attractions, Inverness boasts a thriving cultural

scene and a strong sense of community. The city’s historic Old Town,

with its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, exudes character

and charm, while modern developments offer a range of amenities,

including shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Residents enjoy a rich tapestry of festivals and events throughout the

year, celebrating Highland culture, music, and heritage. With its blend of

natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Inverness

presents an enticing opportunity for those seeking a high quality of life

in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.


Inverness

PROPERTY MARKET VIEW

The continued interest rate rises beginning in Dec 2021

until it settled at a base rate of 5.25% in September

2023 have had a profound effect on the housing market

across the UK. However certain areas have bucked

the trend. Few more so than Inverness. The demand

for property in the city and surrounding areas has

continued almost unabated with developers continuing

to build to satisfy this need. According to Rightmove

properties in Inverness had an overall average price of

£223,226 over the last year. Sold prices over the last year

were 1% up on the previous year and 6% up on the 2021

peak of £211,070.

For time buyers the challenge will always be the

Scottish selling process of asking prices of ‘Offers Over’

the valuation. Meaning they have to find the deposit

and cash for the amount asked for above the valuation.

New builds generally sell for the valuation and schemes

like Help To Buy, Shared Equity and Shared Ownership

help them get their first step on the ladder. Investors

choose this area to buy, not for a quick return, but for

long term growth, as it’s perceived as lower risk than

many other areas.


7

D Kelly Design is a Fort William based architectural practice

carrying out projects across the Highlands, islands and further afield.

The principle objective of our projects is a strong understanding

and development of our clients needs to achieve design led solutions.


Serving the

Lochaber Area

since 1980

Incorporating West Highland Timber Preservation

• Experts in new builds, extensions, renovations,

kitchens and bathrooms

• Firestone EPDM Flat Roofing Systems back by

a full 20-year guarantee

• UPVC windows and door supplied and fitted by

GCF backed by full 10-year guarantee

• West Highland Timber Preservation experts in timber

treatment, wet and dry rot, rising damp and insect

attack backed by 30-year guarantee

• Home surveys for home reports

t. 01397 703547

e. gcfjoiners@outlook.com

GCF Joiners and Contractors Ltd

Unit 18A, Ben Nevis Industrial Estate

Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6PR

www.gcfjoiners.co.uk

Local Property Knowledge,

Expertly Delivered.

We cover all Argyll & Bute areas

including Oban and the Islands.

Michael J Kennedy

Painters and Decorators

For High Quality Workmanship

T 01631 564 225

E oban-admin@dmhall.co.uk

dmhall.co.uk

Ames Taping,

Coving,

Airless Spray,

New Builds

Ltd.

Commercial,

Industrial

& Domestic

Sollas, Onich,

FORT WILLIAM PH33 6SE

Mob. 0780 335 7221

Tel. 01855 818026

Established 1988


9

Fort William

NESTLED IN THE SHADOW OF BEN NEVIS,

SCOTLAND’S HIGHEST PEAK, FORT WILLIAM

BECKONS RESIDENTS WITH ITS RUGGED BEAUTY

AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES.


As the outdoor capital of the UK, Fort William

boasts unparalleled access to some of

the country’s most breathtaking landscapes,

including the dramatic peaks of the Scottish

Highlands, tranquil lochs, and ancient forests.

Residents enjoy a myriad of recreational

activities year-round, from hiking and

mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding in

the winter months, making it an ideal haven for

outdoor enthusiasts seeking an active lifestyle

immersed in nature’s splendour.

Beyond its natural wonders, Fort William

offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and

community spirit. The town’s vibrant arts scene,

with galleries, theatres, and music festivals,

provides ample opportunities for cultural

enrichment and creative expression. Residents

also benefit from a strong sense of community,

with local markets, events, and gatherings

fostering connections and camaraderie

among neighbours. With its stunning scenery,

abundant outdoor pursuits, and welcoming

atmosphere, Fort William presents an idyllic

setting for those seeking a balanced and

fulfilling life amidst the majesty of the Scottish

Highlands.


11

Fort William


Fort William is known as ‘The

Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and

offers a huge variety of tourist

attractions including Ben Nevis,

Glen Nevis, Aonach Mor Ski Centre

and the West Highland Way. There

is a wide choice of shops, hotels,

restaurants, a bus station and

railway station providing links

to Mallaig, Glasgow, Edinburgh

and London. There is a variety

of supermarkets, shops, library,

museum, and cinema. These

attractions make it highly desirable

for investors seeking a holiday

home or long or short term holiday

let.

New licencing laws around short

term lets has had a minimal

negative effect on the demand for

second homes in the area and this

is very likely to continue. This makes

is all the harder for first time buyers

to secure their first home. Unusually

for Scotland Fort William has a high

percentage of ex-local authority

housing.

The scope for new builds being

limited by the fact the area is

surrounded by mountains and

lochs. However in recent years

the Scottish Government has built

several hundred new homes which

are a mix of ‘mid-market rent’ and

shared equity/ownership, which

has helped to a degree.

According to

Rightmove properties

in Fort William had

an overall average

price of £215,417

over the last year,

with sold prices up

over the last year

by 1% and 14% up

on the 2021 peak of

£188,380.


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13

How to Master

Moving Day

A FEW QUICK TIPS

TO HELP KEEP YOU IN

CONTROL ON YOUR

MOVING DAY…

BE PREPARED!

1. COMMUNICATE

Keep in touch with your Conveyancing Solicitor

and Estate Agent, ensure they are all prepared for

completion day, and remember they are working for

you. Inform your Conveyancing Solicitor of anything

that could be an issue, no matter how small, they can

judge if they need to do anything to ensure a smooth

transaction.

2. AVOID SAME DAY EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION

If you’re in a chain of people moving this is not

recommended as it would only take one person to

have an issue with the exchange for all your plans to

be void. If you are using Help to Buy Equity Loan the

Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) could take

up to 1 week to release the funds between exchange

and completion, whilst this may or may not apply to

you, it may be relevant to some parties in the chain.

Allowing a week between exchange and completion

will also give you time to make final arrangements

now a definite date is known such as setting up a

Royal Mail postal redirect service, which takes up to

5 working days, informing your removals company,

booking time off work etc.

3. ENSURE ALL THE REQUIRED FUNDS ARE READY

You should ensure your Conveyancing Solicitor has

all the funds needed from you to close on completion

day. Try to include in your budget an amount for other

costs like changing locks, domestic connections,

other miscellaneous fees and service charges etc.

4. BOOK A PROFESSIONAL MOVER EARLY

A professional removals service is recommended by

the majority of house movers. They will ensure all your

things are out of your home on time before the next

property owners obtain possession and ensure they

get your belongings to your next home safely. They

can be booked in advance and a date confirmed

once it is agreed with your solicitor. Professional

removal companies deal with the property business

on a daily basis, they can give you advice and they

will be able to help guide you through some of the

moving hurdles. Remember to reserve a parking

space if necessary.

5. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS WAY IN ADVANCE OF

MOVE DAY

Removals company can help with packing and

can pack up your entire house in a day or two or to

reduce costs you can decide to pack belongings into

boxes yourself. Do start this at least a week before

your move. Pack your breakables carefully with

bubble wrap, or old t-shirts and curtains etc. to avoid

breakages. Label all the boxes with the room they will

be going to in your new house to help your removals

company. Decide what you want to take with you,

what you can recycle or find a new home for; envisage

your new home to see where your furniture is going to

be placed to save you moving anything that you do

not have room for.


MOVING DAY

1. CHILD AND PET CARE

Children will want to be involved in the move,

but it can be a distraction for you and unsafe

environment for them. Pets also will be

distressed and confused, so asking

someone to help look after them on the

day will allow you to concentrate on

your move. If the children are

old enough to help, find age

appropriate tasks for

them so they can

feel part of the

move. They could help

make beverages if old

enough, or help with

the final clean up and

say goodbye to their old

house.

2. METER READINGS

Before you leave, get a final meter reading of

all your metered services and call the relevant

suppliers to inform them of the numbers so you

can settle up the final balance and close the

account ready for moving. If you don’t do this

you could end up in disputes with the new

owners and it’s just added stress

when you could be relaxing in your

new home.

3. PACK AN OVERNIGHT BAG AS IF

YOU’RE GOING AWAY FOR THE

WEEKEND

This will help you on your first night

and day once you arrive in your new

home to help you find clothes and toiletries

that are otherwise packed away.

4. ESSENTIALS BOX PACKED AND TRANSPORTED WITH

YOU

Essentials box to include; kettle, cups, tea and

coffee, milk, sugar, loo roll, snacks, phone charger,

small radio, tape, pens, scissors. These will be still

needed in your old house and the first thing you

will want to find in your new house! Remember

your removal team will need refreshments too!

5. FINAL CHECKS AND CLEAN

Make sure you are fully prepared for the day

ahead. Go through each room of your home and

ensure that you have not forgotten anything. Do

leave your old home in a clean and tidy condition

for the new owners; if you have time before the

move a spring clean is recommended and do

remember if leaving white goods in the kitchen

to give them in good condition and consider a

professional oven clean. It is a good idea not to

pack the vacuum cleaner and give the house a

good clean once it is empty.

YOUR NEW HOME:

WHERE TO BEGIN

1. MAKE UP YOUR NEW BEDS IN THE NEW HOUSE

FIRST

When you’re tired later and you can’t face

anymore unpacking, you can hop straight into a

comfy bed and get a good night’s sleep. This way

you will feel revived and ready to crack on again in

the morning! Putting up curtains in the bedrooms

are also a great start.

2. YOUR FIRST MEAL

Who knows how many helpers you will have and

you are bound to have worked up an appetite.

To be very organised a grocery delivery would be

one less job, but you need to ensure that you have

your kitchen organised by the time it is delivered.

Budgeting for and locating a local takeaway

delivery company so when you get hungry in the

middle of building the beds and wardrobes you

can have a welcome break without taking too

much time off!

3. HOME INSURANCE

This may be the last thing on your mind, but do

ensure your policy has started and everything

is covered for your new home. It would be awful

if you your foot goes through the ceiling whilst

unpacking and your home insurance policy has

not been updated so you’re not covered.

4. METER READINGS

As when you left your previous home, take meter

readings of all your metered services, record

the numbers and call the relevant suppliers to

ensure your services don’t get cut off, there are no

outstanding balances on these services from the

previous owners and they have your new details.

5. THE NEIGHBOURS

Having good neighbours can be a great benefit.

As well as making new friends, you can reciprocate

keeping an eye on each other’s homes, take in

deliveries if you are not at home etc.


15

REMOVALS SERVICE

A family business, based in Fort William providing removals services

across the UK. Founded in 2017 we now have a range of vehicles to

suit any move. We take pride in providing a professional service with a

relaxed and stress-free experience for our client. From a one bed studio

to stately homes, we can move it all.

• Domestic and commercial

properties catered for

• Full disassemble and reassemble

service available for larger items

as well as disconnection and

reconnection of all white goods

• Our optional packing service allows

the clients to sit back and relax

while we carefully box up their

belongings for the journey

• Can source local storage with a

discounted rate for our clients

• Free no obligation quotes for all

enquiries. Surveys in person for

local moves or via smartphone

videocall for those further afield

Please contact us with any questions, to book a survey or to secure your move date

with The Van Man.

07748194268 / 07342302747

Email: thevanmanfw@outlook.com

@vanmanfortwilliam

The Van Man – Fort William,

Ben Nevis Auction Mart, Torlundy, PH33 6SW

thevanmanfortwilliam.co.uk


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17

Oban

LIVING IN OBAN OFFERS A UNIQUE BLEND

OF COASTAL CHARM, SCENIC BEAUTY, AND

A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE.

With its stunning vistas of the

surrounding mountains,

islands, and sea, Oban provides

a picturesque backdrop for daily

life. Residents enjoy easy access

to outdoor recreational activities

such as sailing, kayaking, and

hiking, making it an ideal location

for those who appreciate an active

lifestyle immersed in nature. The

town’s vibrant cultural scene,

including music festivals, Highland

games, and ceilidhs, fosters a sense

of community spirit and belonging,

creating opportunities for social

engagement and meaningful

connections.

Oban’s convenient amenities

and services, coupled with its

relaxed pace of life, make it an

attractive place to call home. From

quaint cafes and traditional pubs

to local shops and markets, the

town offers a range of amenities

within easy reach, ensuring

residents can enjoy a comfortable

and fulfilling lifestyle. Additionally,

Oban’s proximity to larger cities

such as Glasgow provides access

to urban conveniences while still

allowing residents to enjoy the

tranquility and natural beauty of

coastal living. Whether seeking

a peaceful retreat or an active

seaside lifestyle, Oban offers a

welcoming haven for those looking

to embrace the best of Scotland’s

west coast.


Oban & Argyll


Like Fort William, Oban and the surrounding areas

has high demand for tourism in the summer months

and first time buyers find the same issues competing

with investors. Oban provides a comprehensive range

of services, both commercially and culturally. The town

boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés and

bars. Known as ‘The Seafood Capital of Scotland’, the

town is also the Gateway to the Isles, with ferry, train

and plane services linking the islands to the mainland

and the central belt. Properties in Oban had an overall

average price of £217,794 over the last year, up 7% on the

previous year. The demand for property in and around

Oban is likely to continue, making it an ideal location to

set up home or invest.

Property prices in

Oban have seen a 7%

increase over the past

12 months.


19

Serving

Lochaber and

The Highlands

• HOME REPORTS

• RESIDENTIAL AND

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

• BUILDING CONSULTANCY

• ENERGY PERFORMANCE

CERTIFICATES

Local knowledge on a national scale

visit alliedsurveyorsscotland.com

Fort William Office:

t.01397 705541

e.fortwilliam@alliedsurveyorsscotland.com

Inverness Office:

t. 01463 239494

e. inverness@alliedsurveyorsscotland.com


OVER 30 OFFICES THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND

Energy Saving

in Your Home

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Whether you’re looking to buy a or rent a new home or

wondering how to assess your own home, here’s what

to look out for to make sure your energy bills are as

low as they can be.

CHECK THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE

CERTIFICATE RATING

All domestic and commercial

buildings in the UK available to

buy or rent must have an Energy

Performance Certificate (EPC).

If you own a home, getting an

energy performance survey done

could help you identify ways to

save money on your energy bills.

Much like the multi-coloured

sticker on new appliances, EPCs

tell you how energy efficient a

building is and give it a rating from

A (very efficient) to G (inefficient):

the lower the efficiency, the more

the home will cost to run.

HOW IS THE HOME HEATED?

Gas heating costs a lot less to

run and is more energy efficient

than electric alternatives. Ask the

landlord or seller to leave behind

any heating control instructions so

you can set your controls to only

heat the rooms you want to. If they

can’t find them, you can download

them from the manufacturers’

website. Check if radiators can be

adjusted in each room, whereby

you can heat the rooms you need.

solid walls and cavity walls. Both

can be insulated to improve the

energy efficiency of a property.

If the home was built from 1920

onwards there is a good chance

it has cavity walls. A home with

uninsulated cavity walls could cost

up to £140 more to run each year

than one with insulated cavities,

so it’s worth finding out the state

of play.

If you’ve fallen in love with a home

with uninsulated cavity walls,

it’s not difficult to get it fixed.

Installation costs are about £450

to £500 but you should make this

back in about four years.

Homes built before 1920 are likely

to have solid walls. Solid walls may

sound like they should be better at

keeping in heat but unfortunately

the opposite is true. Uninsulated

solid walls can lose heat twice as

fast as uninsulated cavity walls,

but insulating them could save

over £460 each year – so if you’re

looking to move into an older

build, make sure you ask about the

insulation.

IT’S GOOD TO SEE DOUBLE

way as homes. Once again, A is the

most energy efficient and G is the

lowest. Replacing a G rated boiler

could save around £310 a year on

running costs.

LOOK OUT FOR DRAUGHTS

Check round windows and doors

for gaps. If it’s a windy day and

a home is particular draughty,

you can often hear the whistle

of wind as it sweeps through the

property. It’s quite easy to draught

proof homes and there are lots

of DIY options available. Draught

proofing can save up to £55 a year

on heating costs.

SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY

A water meter is a great way to

keep in control of your water usage

and stop you flushing money down

the drain. Check the home for

dripping taps, which can waste

gallons of water a day. It’s also

worth asking if the shower has an

energy saving shower head. These

save water and money but still give

you a powerful shower experience.

IS THE LOFT INSULATED?

Loft insulation is one of the most

efficient ways to keep heat

from escaping in a home. The

thickness of the insulation plays

an important role but it’s easy

to top up if there’s some there

but not enough. 270mm is the

recommended depth. To give an

idea of cost savings, topping up

from 100mm to 270mm can save

around £25 a year on heating bills.

WHAT’S IN THE WALLS?

A third of the heat in an uninsulated

home is lost through the

walls. There are two wall types –

Double-glazed windows can

save up to £165 on heating bills

compared to a single-glazed

property. Heavy lined curtains can

help keep the heat in if doubleglazing

can’t be fitted.

THE NEWER THE BOILER, THE BETTER

The latest boilers are a lot more

energy efficient than older models.

Check the age of the boiler

and if it is Energy Saving Trust

recommended. If the landlord/

seller doesn’t know, you can

find out the energy efficiency of

different boilers at the

Boilers.org.uk website. Boilers have

energy ratings, much in the same

THE LIGHTER WAY TO SAVE ENERGY

Does the property have energy

saving light bulbs or fittings? If so,

will the landlord or seller be leaving

these light bulbs behind? If not,

invest in your own before you move

in.

CHECK APPLIANCES

Have a look at any the seller is

offering, or ask your new landlord

about the energy efficiency of

appliances. Fridges and freezers

should come with an energy rating

from A to G, with A being the most

energy efficient.


21

Time to declutter?

IF YOU’VE EVER CONSIDERED MOVING HOUSE BEFORE AND READ BLOGS

ABOUT WHERE TO START, THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS INFORMATION ABOUT

DECLUTTERING. WHY? BECAUSE CLUTTERED HOMES ARE HARDER TO SELL.

Filled with bits and bobs, piles

of paperwork, shoes and coats

everywhere, a cluttered house will

seem smaller.

And, if you appear to not

have enough room for your

belongings, your house must not

be big enough, right? This is the

impression that a cluttered home

can give potential buyers and

put them off because they either

a) can’t really see your home

because of all the belongings in

the way, or b) they’ll think that it is

too small for them and their stuff

too.

You might not want to get rid of all

of your stuff. What if you genuinely

want to keep everything that you

own? And in many cases, this is

the very reason you are looking

to sell your home because you’ve

outgrown your current one.

If everything in your home has its

place, it won’t feel cluttered.

It will also be easier for you and

your family to keep everything

nice and tidy so that you are not

in a mad cleaning frenzy before

every viewing appointment. And if

everything is neat and organised,

potential buyers will feel your

home is big enough for them to

live in too. This is where storage

solutions come in handy.

Why? Having a decluttered home

is a way to simplify your life. You

know where everything is, and

there is no more rummaging or

tearing the house apart trying to

find something.

Particularly after the festive period,

you will undoubtedly add more

items to your home. Gifts, toys, and

clothes are all brought into your

home. So, you either need to have

enough space in your home for

everything to go, or you will need


to get rid of something else to

make room for the new things. This

is often why parents will have a big

clear out of kids’ toys, getting rid

of anything that is broken or that

the children have grown out of to

make room for the new influx of

toys Santa brings.

How? Boxes and baskets - things

for putting things into. If everything

is stored in containers of some sort

in a cupboard, you will minimise

the likelihood that everything will

fall out onto your viewers’ heads

when they open the door. Tidying

away messy items into baskets or

boxes will make your cupboards

seem neat and clear.

No stuffing - if you have to stuff

things down to get the lid on or

the drawer or cupboard door shut,

then it is too full. Don’t have your

furniture bursting at the seams.

This overfilling will distract from

the lovely tidy organisation in your

home.

overfilling will distract

from the lovely tidy

organisation in your home

Start small - we all have a junk

drawer. Imagine if you had a totally

organised junk drawer! This is a

great place to start. It is small

and inconsequential, it’s only a

drawer, and it is just ‘junk’. It can

be easy to get carried away, and

once you’ve started clearing out

every cupboard in your home, it

can begin to feel overwhelming.

Before you know it, you will look

around, and really all you will have

done is make more mess. When

this happens, it’s easy to give up

and stuff everything back in the

cupboards that you emptied and

go and get a cup of tea instead.

Buy stacking boxes for bigger

cupboards: they don’t have to be

expensive, but stacking boxes can

be really helpful to stack and store

lots of irregularly shaped items

neatly. Particularly good for the loft

and the back of the garage. But

don’t forget to label the boxes with

what you have inside; otherwise,

you’ll probably never find anything

again. And this will mean that

some of your belongings are

already packed for your move.

Use drawer dividers: These will

provide separate compartments

within your drawers and will keep

things neat and organised and

stop the ‘rummage’ effect.

Use the space that you have:

Perhaps you can hang items inside

the doors in cupboards. Or use

shelf dividers to use the height

inside your cupboards, effectively

adding another shelf.

Storage solutions are the perfect

way to make your home feel

organised and tidy and ultimately

easier to keep clean. We have all

seen those mesmerising videos

of people stacking their food

cupboards, items decanted into

matching glass jars and baskets

that fit things in perfectly. In a busy

family household, it’s more likely

that your cupboards are stuffed

and overflowing than neatly

stacked and stored.

But there is a connection to selling

a property here. Clear, uncluttered

homes appear more spacious, and

viewers will look inside cupboards!

If you are planning a house

move, the easiest solution is to

use stacking boxes to store items

you won’t need in the immediate

future. This keeps superfluous

things tidy and organised and

gives you a head start on packing!


23


T. 01397 708555

E. sales@petermurphyestateagents.com

Unit 1A, Sheraton Retail Park,

Lochbridge, Fort William,

PH33 7NU

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