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Photos that make the difference

First impressions count; most potential buyers start by looking on the internet to search for properties, the photographs are often the first chance you will get to make a good impression.

We use specialist photographers in architectural photography. They don’t just take photographs they produce stunning images. All our photographers are experienced and highly skilled professionals who are equipped with top of the range professional cameras and lighting equipment. These creative photographers love what they do and are always on the lookout for a unique feature or an imaginative angle.

How to prepare your home

For us to be able to get great photographs on the day, it is important that your property is prepared before we arrive, in a word DE-CLUTTER.

We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to remove as much clutter as you can. This will not only help your home look as inviting as possible in the photographs but will also help with the presentation during your viewings.

We have compiled a brief guide designed to help you prepare for our photographer’s visit.

We do not necessarily photograph every room e.g. we never photograph inside garages, utility rooms or sheds, and rarely the smallest bedroom. We suggest that whenever possible you use these rooms to store any unwanted items.

Inside

Open all curtains and blinds, all windows should be closed for the duration of the photo shoot.

If possible, have someone look after your dog for a couple of hours while we photograph your home, or simply take it for a long walk. Hide away all pet food bowls and toys.

Clear Kitchen worktops of food, dishes, papers, phone chargers etc. Please keep the sink clear of dishes, cleaning products, cloths and sponges. Cooker hobs should be cleared of any pots and pans, remove any calendars, personal photographs and magnets from the fridge.

Try to hide the waste bins and recycling boxes.

Tidy or remove extension cables or wires around the television, as this can look messy.

Make sure that books are neatly placed on bookshelves and any other clutter such as greeting cards are removed.

Remove toiletries, bottles, sponges and cleaning products from bathrooms. We suggest putting them all in a plastic bag and leaving it in the bath. It’s okay to leave a couple of bottles but no more. Leave only one or two neatly folded towels.

Make sure all clothes and shoes are packed away, try to remove bulky items e.g. fans, exercise equipment and trouser presses from the main bedrooms.

Clear away any personal artifacts like money, mobile phones, jewellery, medication etc.

If you have the chance before our visit to have a few vases of flowers to hand they can work wonders to give a room that extra lift, or simply as a great prop which we can move around to balance out a shot.

Outside:

We prefer to keep the driveway clear of cars, you don’t necessarily need to do this before we arrive, but be prepared to move them at some point during our visit.

Hide all wheelie bins, recycling waste bins.

Tidy away garden hoses, tools, bikes, footballs and children’s toys.

Please avoid doing the laundry on the day of our visit because clothes hung out to dry are never an attractive feature.

All garden furniture should be uncovered and neatly displayed.

Try and mow the lawn and clear up any scattered leaves before our visit.

Depending on the time of the year, remove covers from swimming pools.

Garage doors should always be closed.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/photos-that-make-the-difference/

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She Works Hard for Your Money

Independent mortgage guru Katie Parsonage is based at Robert Leech. Katie is a mortgage adviser with the Mortgage Advise Bureau, the largest estate agent based mortgage brokers in the UK, and since 1995 has helped hundreds of people find the most suitable mortgage for them while making invaluable savings along the way. Here are her tips to ensure a smooth process and put you ahead of the game when buying…

Get good advice

Find an independent broker that you trust and feel comfortable working with – don’t forget you will be telling them some very personal information. Don’t just visit your bank as they may not have the best deals on the market and be aware that comparison websites may not show exclusive deals that brokers have access to.

Be prepared

Speak to a broker before you start looking at properties – you may find that borrowing is more affordable than you think. Being able to give a broker’s details to estate agents proves to them that you are a serious buyer who has done their homework. The agent will then be in a position to recommend you as a strong buyer to their vendor and this could make a difference if there are several offers on the same property.

What sort of mortgage deal is right?

Spend some time exploring all the different types of mortgages that are available and how they work. There will be a lot of decisions to be made concerning the term, fixed versus tracker rates, whether to use an “offset” or not – you will have your mortgage a long time and your broker should be more than happy to discuss everything with you.

What fees will you have to pay when you take out a mortgage?

Make sure you have a clear understanding of how much you will have to pay and when. Different lenders charge different fees, some of which you can add to the loan. Brokers will take these into account when recommending the best deals, sometimes the lowest rate is not the best deal when fees are taken into account.

Review your existing mortgage

Don’t forget about your mortgage once it’s all arranged, you should aim to review it 3 months before your deal is coming to an end to look at remortgage options or to ensure that you still get the best deal.

If you would like to discuss your mortgage with me, please call me on 07767 428580 and I will be happy to help.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/she-works-hard-for-your-money/

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Woolborough, the History of a Medieval Manor House

Click here to view this Grade II listed five-bedroom farmhouse which offers over seven acres of land, stables, paddocks, a swimming pool and over 700 years of extraordinary history.

The name Woolborough Farm derived from Thomas de Wolbergh the owner during the early 1300s. During this period the house was believed to have been the residence of wealthy farmers and by 1478 had become a manorship. In the late 1400s it is rumoured that a small battle of the War of Roses took place in the grounds of Woolborough farm, with cannonballs having been discovered dating to this period and a medieval illustration of a cannon with Woolborough Farm in the background.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Woolborough Farm’s occupants secretly committed the greatest treason of the time by harbouring a Catholic priest in the roof. The remains of the priest hole today show markings on the wall, which are thought to have been made by the priest himself as he counted the days he spent concealed in the walls.

In the sixteenth century, the estate came into possession of George Evelyn the Father of John Evelyn the famous writer and diarist who witnessed the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague. Woolborough Farm was gifted to his sister on her marriage to Thomas Stoughton, an English politician.

In 1792, the estate was inherited by the major romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley’s father. Shelley was believed to have spent time in his childhood playing in the gardens and was set to inherit the house before being expelled from Oxford and eloping with Harriet Westbrook, much to his Father’s disapproval. Following Shelley’s tragic drowning in 1822, Woolborough farm was succeeded by his only son Sir Percy Florence Shelley in 1844.

In the 1920’s, A.A. Milne stayed as a guest at Woolborough Farm and was said to be taken by the grounds, in particular the lake and island, which inspired scenes for Winnie the Pooh and the “World of Pooh”.

Beatrice Harrison, celebrated cellist, famous for being chosen as the official soloist for the HMV recording with Elgar as conductor and for broadcasting her duets with nightingales on the BBC became owner of Woolborough farm in 1937 with her sister Monica. She recorded her time there in her personal diaries as they tended to their vast collection of animals in the grounds.

During the Second World War a cannon ball crashed through the ceiling from the roof above. 300 years late, this was one of the shots from Oliver Cromwell’s army during the civil war from around 1640, which had lodged in the rafters until the wood eventually gave way.

The current owners must have an appetite for history as they also own and run Britain’s oldest paint manufacturer, the luxury, Mylands paints, which they have used throughout Woolborough Farm to sympathetically restore the property.

Wendi Leech, Partner for Robert Leech comments; “Woolborough Farm is a truly unique property, not only do the grounds and house offer an idyllic family home but the new owner will help write the next chapter in this amazing history.”

The current house dates back to the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries with features added over the years from its succession of owners. The original chimney and door is still retained and believed to date back to the fourteenth century. The door even shows mysterious markings believed to be medieval witch marks and there are arrows in the oldest part of the house to send evil spirits up the chimney.

“The house includes original exposed beams, cellars for a games room, a heated swimming pool, attic playroom and outhouses” explains Wendi. “Outwood is a picturesque village, close to nearby the market town of Reigate with fast commuter links to London from Redhill and Salfords stations.”

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/woolborough-the-history-of-a-medieval-manor-house/

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Brexit and its effects on the property market

If ever there was a time when that much over used expression was applicable, that time is now ‘ Keep Calm and Carry On’, it really is the best advice to be given over the next few months.

The result of the historic referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union is in and everyone now knows. As an immediate result, the Government, economy and currency have all been in turmoil, which will obviously have a knock on impact on the property markets, but Britain now has a mandate to reassert itself in global markets and renegotiate relations with Europe on its own terms.

So how will this affect the property market?

Some uncertainty is likely to slow the property market for a while, however, the ‘must movers’ will still move in line with their personal circumstances – upsizing, downsizing, relocating for work purposes or moving for schools, but in contrast, many investors and less committed buyers may sit tight to see the economic and social impact of the announcement.

The ‘wait and see’ period could lead to some price adjustments; hopefully the Government will act swiftly to avoid the property market becoming stagnant which would have a knock-on impact on the economy.

Our hope is, that whoever succeeds David Cameron will appoint a chancellor who will temper the higher stamp duty levels which have curtailed demand across the capital by up to 50 per cent and which in turn is filtering out to the south east of England.

When the new prime minister takes charge and appoints a new chancellor, the present draconian stamp duty rates could be reduced somewhat to encourage more activity in the market place.

The pound may fall, against other major currencies and whilst this may only be in the short term, it does make the UK even more attractive to overseas investors.

Many global investors will take advantage of this, just as they did in the immediate aftermath of the last financial crisis. It is also likely that major multi-national employers will wait to see how the economy pans out before making radical changes. If so, we could expect a boost to lettings markets as more overseas employees wait to see what their prospects hold before buying a home here.

When currency rates do stabilise and confidence returns to the market, the clearing economic outlook should present a great opportunity for those bold enough to seize it. We understand many buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and investors may still have questions about where this result leaves residential property markets in our area.

At Robert Leech our experienced and dedicated professionals are always here to assist in any way we can, so if you have any property related queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/brexit-and-its-effects-on-the-property-market/

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Creative Sales Tactics

Creative sales tactics on a second viewing from Craig at Robert Leech Oxted.

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A Piece of Surrey Heritage

The 350 year old mill is among just a handful of working postmills left in Britain and one of only about 25 windmills of all types that still operates. It is the oldest, a fact testified by the original deed, which still exists and records that it was “made on the eleventh day of October in the seventeenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King defender of the Faith Anno Domini 1665 . . .”

The mill stands 39ft high, with sails measuring 60ft across, to this day, when the wind blows, its four millstones grind flour and even now the 25-ton mill buck is so perfectly balanced on its 1,000-year-old oak post that it can be turned to the wind by just one man and can still be operated by one person thanks to the remarkable craftsmanship that went into building it.

The builder was a miller named Thomas Budgen and his work commenced in 1665, a year before the Great Fire of London. Legend has it that when the millwrights were completing their work, they looked north towards London and saw a vivid red glow in the sky It was the Great Fire.

The legend is immortalised in a poem that reads:

In sixteen hundred and sixty six, When London was burning like rotten sticks, To tell the news to neighbouring farms, I, Outwood Mill, swung wide my arms. The wind blew high on the Surrey Down, And fanned the fire in the crumbling town. Folk cried: ‘It will burn ’till the great wind calms,’ And wildly, wildly I turned my arms. How the timber crashed! There were terrible falls, London Bridge went and great St Paul’s; The folk gathered round me were filled with alarms, But I stuck to my post and I swung my arms.”

In 1792, a matter of yards from the post mill a stock mill was constructed as a result of a bitter family feud between William Budgen, the then miller and his nephew Ezekiel Budgen it was intended that the new mill would supersede the old, but when trade declined the old windmill triumphed and the new smock mill closed instead. After a period of dereliction, the smock mill finally collapsed in the early 1960s. Up until this point the two mills dominated the landscape and were known locally as the Cat, the smock mill and Kitten the post mill.

In more recent times previous owners have opened the mill to visitors who have been able to see this great piece of engineering in action and could even buy a bag of Outwood Mill flour. The grounds of the mill have been used for a multitude of events including vintage car meets and country food fayres.

Robert Leech himself, has lived in Outwood for over 35 years and says ‘If you ask anyone if they know of Outwood, I guarantee the response will be along the lines of ‘yes, the place with the windmill’. Arguably, it is one of the most famous and iconic structures in Surrey Outwood Mill quite literally is unique, being the oldest working windmill in the country, standing serenely in the centre of the Common, as it has done for hundreds of years and now the chance to own this piece of history could be yours. This could be a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs to take the windmill forward into the future.’

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/a-piece-of-surrey-heritage/

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Jungliest Massive – the new interior trend

Maybe it’s because of the Olympics and Brazil being home to the largest rainforest or it’s just the need for for us all to put some colour back into our homes after the reign of grey, but Jungle is everywhere. It’s a celebration of vivid colours, bold patterns and lots and lots of plants, its a bit of Morocco mixed with Mexico.

If you want to explore this mode and need some inspiration then look no further than @Thejungalow on instagram and pintrest and you’ll be dusting off that peacock chair, your portrait of Frida Kahlo and popping out to buy some vivd emerald paint.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/jungliest-massive-the-new-interior-trend/

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A True Country Show

Every year the village of Outwood gets together to stage the Outwood Village Country Showa much loved event that is growing by the minute and we are very pleased to have been asked to sponsor it again.

This year it falls on 3rd September 1pm onwards.

The show is expanding rapidly and is now held over two sites with the newly founded Lloyd Hall housing the ever popular Horticultural Show and the two adjacent fields staging the main show, stalls and arena. It’s a beautiful setting, that is geared to promoting not only excellent local Arts and Crafts but also to provide great entertainment for children and families.

So come along bring a rug, find a spot, grab some lunch and enjoy a summer’s day packed with terrier racing, shopping, punch and judy, falconry, everything a country show should have and lots lots more, including the odd local celeb… more info on the very informative website.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/a-true-country-show/

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Gracias. Danke. Grazie. Cheers. Merci.

We regularly get thank you cards and emails sent to our offices from clients we’ve helped buy, sell or let a property.

Last week we received this testimonial from a Landlord that has just let her family home on Doods Road, Reigate through our Reigate Lettings office:

"Renting out a family home could have been a stressful process, if it wasn’t for the experienced and professional support offered from Sally and her letting team at Robert Leech. Sally was able to take us through the process and provided us with key resources for each step. However, what sets this agency apart from the others is how Sally continuously goes that extra mile for both us and our tenants needs."

It’s great that we are so well thought of and it’s testimony to our exceptional service, hard work, patience, expertise and skill that we receive so many messages like the one above.

We are truly committed to our clients and there’s no better evidence we get of that than the kind words and cards clients share with us.

If you’re thinking of letting or selling your property? Make sure you choose an agent that you can rely on. Click here for a valuation.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/gracias-danke-grazie-cheers-merci/

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Give Your Home Kerb Appeal

Top Tips from our regular blogger Laura Bedell-Pearce from Laura’s Gardens a Reigate garden design service specialising in small garden redesigns, border makeovers and container planting.

Get Kerb Appeal: 5 Ways to Entice More Buyers

We all appreciate a finely presented house. And if yours has an inviting exterior or a glorious garden it’s going to stand out on the property portals.

Here are 5 key ways to get your home ready for sale this Autumn.

Tidy up: It’s amazing how much better a photo looks if it’s uncluttered. So now is the time to store, bin or recycle those odds and ends outside the home. Empty plant pots, children’s toys and reels of hose all need to be hidden from view.

Take a look at the front door: Could it do with a fresh coat of paint? Is the knocker straight, the bell working and the house name or number clean and visible? Keep it neat and in keeping with the age of the house and others on the street – now is not the time to make a statement with hot pink!

Time for a wash and brush up: Sweep up all the fallen leaves (dull, repetitive work, but it’s a great work-out) and jet any hard surfaces down. If you can’t do this yourself there are several local firms that can. And it makes a huge difference. Eradicating weeds, moss, lichen, blackspot and more can make driveways look like new.

Look up: Do the gutters need cleaning or mending? Are there cracked, slipped or missing tiles on the roof? Now is the time to address this, before a buyer’s survey brings it up.

And now for the fun bit: Dress the front door with a pot or two. You can go for the classic look with lollipop topiary such as bay or box, seasonal plants (cyclamen, hebes and cineraria look great at this time of year) or go all out and get your beds landscaped. If you know you won’t remember to water plants you can still enjoy some greenery. Simply buy a pot (as large as you can afford and ideally not plastic), a good quality fake plant, plant it in soil and top dress with stones (we won’t tell!). The investment will be worth it. And remember, you can take the containers and plants with you when you move.

Have fun and good luck!

For more ideas visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurasgardensuk/ or visit www.laurasgardens.com

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/give-your-home-kerb-appeal/

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Preaching to the Converted

We have been very lucky to have many impressive and historic properties on the Robert Leech books over the years, but the newly converted chapel of St Silvans, set in the idyllic Staffhurst Woods on the outskirts of Oxted, holds a special place in our hearts.

Back in June 2014, the Oxted branch took on the chapel as a ‘doer-upper’ after it was decommissioned by the local parish in 2010 the property immediately generated a phenomenal amount of interest and caught the imagination of would be purchasers.

St Silvans was subsequently purchased by a small local developer who converted this redundant building into a magnificent 3 bedroom home, with such an abundance of quirks and original features that it does not befit the usual estate agency description.

From the moment you enter the church through the original solid oak door, you cannot help but be amazed by the interior. The developers have managed to create a wonderful, contemporary space whilst still maintaining a homely, welcoming feel – no mean feat considering the height of the vaulted ceilings in the main living area and kitchen. There are cleverly designed mezzanines with glass frontages in both the living and kitchen areas, which have been carefully constructed not to up stage the rooms.

The bespoke kitchen is a real centrepiece to the property complete with butlers sink and american style fridge freezer but what makes this space really unique is the original magnificent arched window which creates a dramatic backdrop.

The house sits centrally within the plot surrounded by ancient woodland with the rear gardens over looking meadows – it truly is the perfect country retreat.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/preaching-to-the-converted/

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A Garden for All Seasons

Many of us, if we’re honest, enjoy a spot of spontaneous plant shopping. And we’re most likely to do this when the weather is good and we want to be outside. As a result, gardens tend to be well stocked with spring and summer flowering herbaceous plants but…come winter, none are in flower and most have dropped their leaves or even died right back to ground level, leaving a rather stark space. You may not be sitting in your garden now but it’s going to be your view for several months so it’s worth planning for.

To solve your naked garden woes, here are my 6 top tips for the Winter Garden.

1) Evergreens – Evergreen shrubs, plants, climbers and trees should form the structure of your garden. Some popular, hardy choices include: yew, bay, climbing jasmine (trachylospermum jasminoides), holly, hebe, photinia and box (but this is currently very prone to disease so try ilex crenata).

2) Grasses – No, not a large clump of pampas (this is not the 70s!) but try one of the many other varieties such as miscanthus sinensis morning light or miscanthus zebrinus and repeat for stunning effect. The grasses reflect light beautifully, move with the wind and create beautiful displays when covered in frost.

3) Red Stems – Some plants are grown especially for the intense colour of their red stems which are revealed when their leaves fall. Some ideas to get you started include the acer palmatum and cornus sanguinea (midwinter fire).

4) Plants with decorative seed heads – Many plants don’t need to be pruned until late Jan / Feb. Their seed heads can create fabulous architectural interest and movement in winter. I’m particularly fond of mop head hydrangeas and verbena bonariensis.

5) Garden Structures – If you invest in beautiful plant supports such as wooden or wrought iron obelisks, rose baskets, lobster pots or arches they will take on a new lease of life when the plants they support die back. Some are quite beautiful sculptures in their own right.

6) Lighting – Naturally you can have great fun with Christmas lights but it may also be worth getting a professional installation of permanent lighting to highlight particular garden features. On short winter days you can enjoy the display from inside your home and on balmy summer evenings you can sit out til late.

So, simply get to know your soil type and garden environment, select structural plants that like these conditions and you’re well on your way to creating a beautiful garden for all seasons.

Laura’s Gardens

For more ideas please visit my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/laurasgardensuk/ or www.laurasgardens.com

Laura’s Gardens is a Reigate garden design service run by Laura Bedell-Pearce. Laura specialises in small garden redesigns, border makeovers and container planting.

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/a-garden-for-all-seasons/

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One of Oxted’s most sought after roads, Alderwood

On one of Oxted’s most sought after roads, Alderwood is an impressive five bedroom detached family house, take a look inside…

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Maximising value & saleability

Thinking of selling your home and want to maximise the value and saleability?

Although the urgency seems to have subsided from the market – most probably caused by the continual issue of Brexit and general uncertainty within the market as a whole there is still a great deal of activity within the property market and if you position your home correctly you will maximise the value and saleability.

Here are our top tips…

Throughout life we will always try to achieve the most we can. Be that doing well at school, getting a great job or finding that dream home. Essentially we all want to reach our full potential, so why do we not always allow our property to reach its full potential as well? Simply put, it’s because we don’t always know the best ways of doing this. It is for this reason we have put together some suggestions and tips to help get you moving at a faster pace!

There are TWO key aspects to making your home as saleable as possible: Price and Presentation.

Always price to sell

Ensuring your property is marketed at the correct price from the onset is important. It is never a good idea to market your property at a price higher than your agent feels is achievable. With the use of sites such as Rightmove, which allow purchasers to see how long a property has been on the market, the old idea of testing the waters is not necessarily a good one. A property that has been on the market for a while may have purchasers questioning why this is the case. The most likely being that it is overpriced – any house WILL sell if priced correctly.

Presentation, presentation, presentation.

This will be one of the key factors to how quickly your property will sell, along with being a big contributor to achieving the best price. A fresh coat of paint, a clean property and a well maintained exterior go a long way. First impressions count. The pictures of your property online will be the first thing most prospective buyers see and will likely effect whether or not they decide to even view.

There are many ways to increase the value of the property but in our opinion these are time and time again the most effective.

Maintain your property

A house that looks cared for will achieve the highest value. As a seller what you really don’t want are prospective purchasers walking around your property seeing lots of £ signs every time they see cosmetic work that needs to be completed. It is likely your purchaser will think these works will cost far more than they actually do and will be asking for you to take a lower offer than really is acceptable.

Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom

If you can do this without incurring too much cost this will definitely increase the value of the house. By changing the layout of your property to add an en-suite, an extra w/c or a bedroom you will be making your property appeal to a wider market and increase its premium. But always remember the cost of implementing any significant changes such as a loft conversion will not necessarily increase the value by enough to justify the expense. If you are unsure what works are worth doing, ask an expert.

Spruce your house and garden up

This can be completed at a relatively low cost, with paint, a new carpet and a few well-placed pot plants. If your property looks, fresh, new and modern purchasers will pay the premium to not have to do the work themselves.

Written by Michelle Cheshire, Senior Negotiator Oxted

Content source: https://www.robertleech.com/maximising-value-saleability/

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Maintain your inner peace while moving home with children

Ways to maintain your inner peace when moving home with children

Is this really possible? I’m not so sure, but there are definitely ways in which we can help our children make the transition from their old home to their new home, more positive, fun and hopefully less tantrum filled. Moving hardly ever comes without its hiccups. In fact, not once have I ever moved without feeling some level of ‘un-zenness’. However, my last move was smoother, and given that this was our first move with an 8 year old and 3 year old I feel pretty proud of this. I would also like to thank my wonderful estate agents, Robert Leech in Lingfield!

Name dropping aside… Here are a few things you could try to help make the house moving process be less scary and maybe even fun!

In the last few weeks leading up to the move

In this time period you will want to help your little one(s) get used to the idea of moving. A good way to help them feel positive about the move, is to take them to their new home, show them which room will be theirs and talk to them about the new, exciting adventures you will soon be having e.g. playing games in the new big garden, decorating their new bedroom or doing something they love such as baking cakes in the new kitchen.

Take this time to get to know the local parks, play areas and of all the places you know your child will enjoy, so that they can start to make happy memories, even before you have moved. Remind them of these fun new places whenever they feel worried, as these will all soon be just round the corner from their new home.

Sometimes it can be difficult for a child to imagine what it’s going to be like in their new home. So, if finances allow you could consider making plans for decorating their bedroom? You can spend lots of time together creating a mood board full of all the new exciting ideas they have for their own special sanctuary/den!

Most children will also like being able to pack their own belongings. This will reassure them that not everything’s changing and that they will be taking all of their toys and special things with them. Maybe make some labels for them… personalise them with their name and some fun little slogans. Packing should be exciting for your child; as a family you’re all embarking on a new adventure.

One thing you really should do, is to pack an overnight bag for you and your family. Without super powers, it is unlikely that you will be able to unpack everything on moving day. I learned this the hard way! This is essential you have everything you need for the first night especially items your child cannot sleep without. Let’s face it, do you really want to be hunting for that special bear as bedtime approaches?

Saying goodbye

Why not consider having a leaving party with all of your close friends and family? Children love a celebration and this will make the new home feel more exciting and positive. Everybody will be happy and talking about how sensational the new home will be! You could also take this opportunity to take photos of your guests in your old home, giving your child something to look at and remember while they are adjusting to their new home.

One of the best things we did for our family while preparing for the move was to create a little video of us in our old home talking about all the fun things we had enjoyed doing. We went from room to room, pointing special things out and sharing our memories. We also took the time to explain how we will be able to create new, possibly better memories in our new home.

The big moving day has arrived

In all honesty it is best if your children are not there on the moving day, because you’re likely to be very busy, unable to provide your child with as much attention as usual and possibly feeling under a lot of pressure to get things sorted. But, if they are with you, the key to keeping stress levels to a minimum is being prepared and keeping them busy.

Children like structure, so if possible you will need to stick to their core routine as much as possible i.e. make sure they eat and sleep when they normally would… Nobody wants a hungry or tired child on their hands – a recipe for disaster! Get the snacks in and sleeping bags at the ready.

When you pack the moving van, make sure your children’s boxes are the last to go in. This way, you will be able to have all of their things accessible as quickly as possible. They may be able to unpack some of their own items, if they’re old enough.

Give your child a job title for the day- “Mummy’s little helper”, “Daddy’s organiser” – create a special badge for them and give them a clip board with pens! Not only can they keep you in check, but also they will feel important and involved in the process. This will also give them the opportunity to create some new art work that can be put up almost straight away.

Relax – you’re homeward bound

So, the hard works done ands all the boxes are in. You may not know where the plates are, or even where the bottle opener is (I did!), but one thing is for sure, dinner will be on all of your minds and cooking a gourmet meal will not be a top priority. Take this opportunity to let your child take the lead, plan the evening ahead- they can choose their favourite take away, favourite snacks and even favourite movie which you can all enjoy together, in your new home.

STAY CALM. STAY POSITIVE. HAVE FUN.

Written by Michelle Cheshire, Senior Negotiator at Robert Leech Oxted

This article originally published on Robert Leech Estate Agents blog.

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The Best Bluebell Walks in Surrey

Discovering a carpet of bluebells is a highlight of spring. We’re spoilt for choice for where to find them in Surrey, so we’ve chosen our favourite places to spot these beautiful flowers in and around the local area.

The Woodland Surrounding Outwood Common – recommended by Robert & Wendi Leech

Enjoy a refreshing, but easy walk through the cool and shady, ancient Hornecourt woodland that surrounds Outwood Common. It is owned by the National Trust and is part of the larger Harewood Estate. Here you’ll find pretty displays of delicate spring flowers – bluebells, primroses and wood anemones.

In need of refreshment? The Bell at Outwood is the perfect pitstop for a post walk beverage…

Ridlands Grove Limpsfield Chart near Oxted – recommended by Christine Taylor

This easy, child friendly walk, takes you around Ridlands Grove, which has a spectacular display of bluebells in the spring. There are also animal homes to view along the way, including Owl House, Fox Villa, Hedgehog Hall and Peter Rabbit’s Post Office, where you can even leave letters for Peter Rabbit.

In need of a refreshment? The Carpenters Arms, on Limpsfield Chart is the place to head after a stroll with its wonderful garden and sunny terrace.

Glovers Wood, Charlwood– recommended by Charlotte Simons

If you fancy a longer walk, Glover’s Wood, on the edge of Charlwood, is one of the largest areas of woodland in the Surrey Weald. The wood contains oak, hazel and birch trees and features historical relics including a medieval bank and ditch system. At this time of year, you may be one of the few people to witness some of the best hidden bluebell and wild garlic displays in Surrey.

In need of a refreshment? The Half Moon in Charlwood Village is the place for a pint and sandwich to revive aching legs!

Gatton Park, Reigate – recommended by Emma West

Many of us walk the chalk path along Reigate Hill towards Colley Hill, but not all of us go east from the car park to Gatton Park. Here there are 260 acres of beautiful historic parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, with Edwardian gardens.

In need of a refreshment? The Sportsman at Mogador is a firm favourite for walkers on this part of the North Downs.

Great Earls Wood, Oxted– recommended by Andy Wilkins

Close to Staffhurst Wood on the edges of Oxted you’ll find the ancient woodlands of Great and Little Earls Woods form the western extremity of a much larger expanse of woodland. Famed for a fantastic display of bluebells in spring Little Earls Wood to the north-west also has an area of old hornbeam coppice.

In need of a refreshment? The Royal Oak now The Grumpy Mole at Stuffhurst Wood is a wonderful country pub and does excellent food.

The Ancient Yew Tree, Crowhurst– recommended by Michelle Cheshire

A lovely walk along public footpaths stretching from Lingfield through to Crowhurst. Beautiful bluebells and snowdrops can be found along the route to this exquisite yew tree with its very own front door. Dating back circa 4000 years old this ancient tree is thought to be the oldest in England.

In need of a refreshment? The Redbarn on Tandridge Lane, Blindley Heath is a gastro pub in a 300-year old converted barn with an all day, seasonal menu.

This article originally published on Robert Leech Estate Agents blog.

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Spring Cleaning, 10 Handy Tips

The annual Spring Clean is, like many traditions, on the wane but if you are in the mood to throw those windows open and give everything the once over, here are a few handy tips that might make it easier…

Use the label on fitted sheets.

If you’ve ever struggled putting the fitted sheet on your mattress, listen up: Thanks to Reddit user Nolapatrona, we learned the corner with the tag always goes on the bottom right side of your mattress. Genius.

Polish copper with ketchup.

If your copper item is looking tarnished, squirt some ketchup on a rag, then sprinkle salt on top. Rub the mixture on your item and repeat until you’ve covered every inch of the surface. Rinse it off and your item will be as shiny as ever. Watch and see how it’s done here.

Restore white trainers with baking soda.

One of Twitter user @sarahtraceyy‘s tweets went viral this year because it showed the astounding before-and-after pictures of her white Converse shoes. Even better: All it took was a little baking soda and laundry detergent.

Use foil as a scrub brush.

When in a pinch, you can use foil to help you around the house for much more than food storage. Here, it’s balled up and being used as a dish scrubber, but it can also polish silver, protect pie crust from being burnt.

Clean brass with ketchup, vinegar, or lemon.

When you have company coming over last minute, brass is one of the easiest metals to polish with what you already have on-hand. All three of these pantry staples will do the trick. Don’t believe us? Watch and see for yourself.

Flip your wine glasses.

Most people have strong preferences if their glasses face up or down, but we say do both. This trick will help you fit way more glasses on your shelf, since they can nestle more closely together.

Dish Soap + Vinegar

Add three drops of dish soap to a bowl of vinegar to attract those annoying flies in your home that are impossible to get rid of. The detergent will cut surface tension, so the flies will sink and drown. Just toss the cup once your home is fruit fly-free.

Clean Your Shower Head Overnight With White Vinegar.

Fill a sandwich bag with white vinegar and place your shower head in the solution overnight. In the morning you should have a dirt and grime free shower head.

Clean Your Blinds By Using Kitchen Tongs Wrapped In Microfiber Cloth.

Is your feather duster not doing it for you anymore? Use tongs wrapped in microfiber cloth to rid your blinds of dust and dirt.

Squeegee Hair Picker Upper

A new use for an old item! Turns out your squeegee has a brilliant use other than getting your windows squeaky clean. Use one as a quick and easy way to wipe pet hair off of your carpets and rugs.

Original content: https://www.robertleech.com/spring-cleaning-10-handy-tips/