Things to Be Mindful of on Your Next House Move

Moving out of your old home is a huge decision to make. Your family should also be a part of the consideration, especially if you have children. You will need ample time to prepare your family in this big move; otherwise, there will be more problems even after you have relocated.

Take Your Time, but Plan Ahead

It usually takes time for the family to decide, plan and take on this challenging feat before finally settling in the new home. But the process itself of moving from one home to the next can be very stressful and expensive due to the packing materials, hauling truck fees, and many others. But you can plan ahead of time, call people with connections, and search the web for resources to make things easier from moving out to moving in. Decide and plan months before the actual move out - It is easier to move out of your old home when you are certain of the steps you'll take from start to finish. If this is a huge decision that took a year or so, make sure to plan months in advance. You will need to plan for the budget and the future of your family after the move. There will be emotional and stress issues along the way, so it is best to be prepared to ensure that things will be okay afterwards.

Decision-making can take time, so it is also important to consider this early on. Decide on the companies to connect with and talk to even before packing your fist box of clothing and things. This can be done by searching the web or talking to people you know who can recommend such companies. Start packing your stuff a few months in advance - It is essential to pack some of your household items as early as a few months or weeks. Those that are frequently used should be left unpacked until the day before the move. These items can consist of clothes good for a few weeks, kitchen utensils, tableware, and other basic necessities. Save a box or two for those items to make packing easier and hassle free on the day before you leave. You can also use recycled boxes or rent large plastic boxes and storage bins to prevent clutter in your new home and to help save the environment.

Do Your Due Diligence

Set up a cleaning schedule for the old house - If you can manage to clean the old house on your own, it is best to set a whole month to do this. Involve your whole family and do it as you pack stuff each month or week prior to moving. This eliminates too much time spent on cleaning the premises in just a day or two. Set up the weekends with your family in cleaning the house from the inside and out. This also ensures less stress and hassles, as well as extra costs. But if you are too busy and hooked up with other tasks, it is best to call professional cleaners to clean up the premises a day before you leave. Some folks call up their mortgage company to handle it for them, but this may cost more comparing to hiring cleaning specialists.

Go for the professionals when it comes to moving houses and getting connected on time - You can call ahead and talk to a professional moving service that also has numerous connections when it comes to home utilities. A good moving service does not only have the best hauling trucks and people, but they have the proper management to help you get electricity, internet, phone and gas suppliers right on time. These companies know the best agencies and providers especially the electricity and gas suppliers within the region. These utilities should be your priority, so make sure to call them up and have your connections scheduled in the soonest possible time.

A family does not deserve the stress and hassles of moving. There are many ways to make things work for everyone with minimal costs and problems. The secret lies in planning and finding the right company to help you move and settle in with the basic utilities in place.

Options in Utilities; Perks and Tradeoffs

Managing your monthly energy dues is difficult if you're unaware of the details of your consumption. This shouldn't mean that you have to be obsessive-compulsive, minding the breakdown to make every kilowatt and cent is accounted for (though it really helps). In Sydney electricity companies often provide other utilities; choosing the best energy plan is as simple as signing up for online services, but you still have to evaluate the rates and terms that meet your needs. The good news is you're always entitled to choose and switch providers, as often as you please. There are rules and contracts to comply with, but at least you won't be locked into a lousy contract for very long.

Choosing the Right Provider

It's illegal for your local government to endorse any single provider, but it's required to offer you a guide in choosing the provider with rates and plans you're at least comfortable with. You have to be particular with the details at the get-go. There are comparison sites you can visit to survey the options available to you, but it's important you evaluate factors across the same criteria. Don't compare apples to oranges, and break down cost comparisons to the smallest unit, in cents per kilowatt hour. If there are service fees compounded with your subscription, these have to be applicable to the same number of days.

The Perks and Penalties of Subscriptions

Subscriptions always come with perks, to sweeten up the deal. The problem with some providers is these withhold information unless absolutely necessary, and it's possible your provider will hold out on discounts, rebates, and freebies for as long as possible, or until you make an inquiry. You're better off safe than sorry and abuse your right to enjoy the perks of the competition. On the flipside, you should also confirm any extra fees applicable to your subscription, penalties if you're terminating it prematurely or if you're delayed with the payments. Contracts aren't as reader-friendly as you might expect, but pouring over the small print will save you a world of worries later on.

Rates and Terms Are Relative

Many providers service households and businesses across different states, so it's important yours is aware of your location. Your state may have different energy policies and pricing plans, and this will significantly affect the terms of your subscription. In Sydney electricity companies are aplenty, and many offer all the utilities you'll ever need for comfort and necessity. Electricity, water, gas, internet service, and even cable service are covered for in one subscription plan. You’re better off with a comprehensive plan, if you want to spare yourself the hassles of juggling utilities offered by a variety of providers.

Guide To Switching Internet Service Providers

Check your current contract for the termination policy

Most of the time, a contract will have a 12-month term minimum. If you are cancelling before your reach a full year, you will be made to pay bloated cancellation charges. But if the charge is fairly reasonable and cheap, then you can go right ahead. Also check if your modem is only being leased to you. Switching to a different provider while keeping the previous modem can result to additional charges.

Shopping for internet service provider Australia

In looking for a new provider, make a checklist of things you need to consider. One important thing is that your area is covered by the new provider. Location can be a factor in the quality and the speed of the connection you are getting. Inquire about extra charges and minimum contract periods. Always compare companies and try to negotiate deals whenever you can. There are a lot of places where you can get help comparing different ISPs easier. Go to compare sites like Connect Now and get a list of internet service providers Australia of your choice and then you will be given a summarized data of each provider’s features. Also, you can check these articles that talk specifically talk about tips in choosing an ISP:
Choosing Internet Service Provider

Education Consumer Tips

Finding The Best Internet Service When You Move To A New Place

Making the switch

Because switching can take some time, plan ahead on when you are going to make the actual switch. Make it a weekend so you are not disrupting any work. It is also recommended that you stay with your old ISP for another month just to ensure that you will have a connection during the whole ordeal and you can still be able to go about your normal activities. This is very important if your business or work transactions happen mostly online. Don’t forget to check policies regarding traffic management. Even if your package says unlimited, it can still be subject to the policies in your contract. Without you knowing, you can be under certain data restrictions which can then paralyze your online activities. Store all communications you have made with your new provider so that you can refer back to that when you find something amiss in the service you are given.

What to do after installation

This next part is essential for those folks who run websites. Your IP address and DNS may need to be updated because of the new move. Ask your provider to help you transition your site’s domain to your new IP address. Same goes for the email accounts that are hosted by the provider. Make sure all of those things are being taken care of. It is a long process to have everything in your site reset and if transitions are not done properly, this may cause some potential problems in the future. Consider hiring third party providers to take care of your domain issues. They will be more experienced in these situations and can communicate with your provider and settle things themselves.

When you’re ready to go out and shop for providers, you can check out internet service providers Australia here.

Cutting Costs With Natural Gas

Every month we pay for utility bills that leave little to none of our hard-earned money. Switching to natural gas for your home could mean huge savings. Natural gas is not only environmentally friendly, it is also economical. Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. It is better and costs less than propane and electricity. Appliances that use natural gas are also more efficient in energy consumption. They do the job faster so you are using less energy. This means more savings for you. It is abundant and we will not be running out of natural gas any time soon. This abundance drives costs down. The use of gas pipes to deliver natural gas assures a continuous non-stop supply. You no longer have to bother replacing tanks every time you run out of gas.

Save your money and reduce energy usage with natural gas. Follow these quick energy-saving tips that are easy to remember: 

•  For heating, insulate your house and seal leaks or spaces where air can pass.
• Keep vents and furnaces clean and free of debris that might reduce air flow.
•  Use windows to adjust home temperature. Let the warm sun in the mornings to warm up the house and close the windows at night to keep cold air from getting in. Double glaze windows for additional insulation.
• Install a fireplace glass door. This will keep cold air from coming in through the chimney.
•  For water heating, always set your water temperature to 120. You can save energy and still enjoy warm water.
• Use hot water sparingly.
• Opt to use the microwave over an oven. A microwave uses less energy.
• You can have your house checked for energy efficiency to determine how much your house losses heat and at what rate.
•  Fully load the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher to maximize the energy used in every run.

Know where and how to cut costs. Make the right energy choices to save money for your family. Appliances that run on natural gas are highly efficient compared to electric ones. They were modelled with energy savings in mind to help reduce everyone’s carbon footprint. Haven’t got a pipeline installed? Not a problem. Installing a pipeline is a simple process. Look for a gas company that is available in your area. You can talk to different companies to compare services and cost. For reference, read this article on how to choose the best gas company.

Related article:

Save Money On Your Utilities

4 Smart Caveats When Signing A Contract With Electricity Retailers

The Retailer As The Mediator- Dealer

As a consumer, you have the right to choose your electricity retailer. An electricity retailer is a mediator, an independent broker who arranges contracts and transactions between the energy supplier and the residents, or consumer. A contract with an energy supplier lasts for a period of 1 year to 5 years, with an agreed fixed price of the electricity component in the bill.

Electricity retailers quote on the electricity component of the bill, usually procuring 50 percent of the total charges. Other than the sole electricity charges, transmission and distribution charges are also levied in the bill.

Options When Buying Electricity

As a consumer, you can choose to buy energy according to:

• Regulated price plan (RPP)- you pay electricity according to every kilowatt you use. In some states, the regulated price plan is modified twice a year, on May and November.

• Electricity retailer- a contracted price per kwh is charged. That contracted price is actually agreed with the retailer, and in turn affects the electricity line charged in your bill. The state’s electricity board does not regulate this contract price, but on the other hand is determined by the energy retailer. The fixed price of the electricity is indicated in the bill for a number of years, but it is subject to change.

• Spot market pricing- available for consumers with interval meters. Electricity is charged according to wholesale market prices that change every hour.

An energy supplier charges consumers delivery, regulatory and debt retirement charges regardless of whether you choose to pay according to retailer or spot market pricing.

Of the three options, what is the best choice to buy electricity?  It depends on your needs and preferences. If you choose to sign a contract with an energy retailer, here are some tips to consider, but  a basic caveat is: “know who you’re dealing with”.

Before signing a contract with an energy retailer, note these tips:

• Ensure that you’re dealing with a legitimate salesperson. Look at his or her ID badge and get a business card.

• Don’t divulge personal information such as your gas or electric bill details unless you’re sure you want to sign the contract.

• Read the contract carefully before signing. Be particular about the price comparison and disclosure statement discussed by the salesperson.

• Once you’ve entered into the contract, you’re usually given a leeway of 10 days to cancel it. Read the contract in detail, and research about important questions. Clarify with the retailer because consumers are generally given a 30 days grace period to cancel the contract after paying their first bill.

Discuss in details with electricity retailers your concerns about energy usage and charges. These mediators are designated to the legwork because energy suppliers do not go door to door.

Choosing An Internet Service Provider- Your Best Broadband Options

It’s exasperating when your internet ticks you off again and again. You’re not obliged to live with it, actually, because you can switch internet providers. How do you shop for the best internet provider, and if you’re a newbie in the cyberworld, what’s the difference between broadband, cable, satellite and fiber optics?

Don’t call the internet “just the internet” because 82.3% of Australians use it for an average of 19 hours per day. Basically, your internet service provider can make an enormous difference in your mood and important activities. There is a great number of internet service providers Australia. Here is a guideline on how to find the best internet service provider and comparing your options.

What are the different types of internet services?

Broadband is a broad term, precisely, because it covers all the categories of “always on” internet connections- DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber- optics or FiOS. Broadband internet connections are high speed and keep you instantly connected to the net. The other choice conversely is dial- up. It still does exist and there are people who nonetheless pay up for it. Get a dial- up connection only if it is your only choice. Otherwise, it has to be broadband.

Different Types Of Broadband Connections:

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)- uses regular phone lines to operate, delivering download speeds of 25 megabits per second. Later this year, 100 Mbps or more are expected. A DSL connection is less expensive, and you can choose from several DSL internet providers. You get stable and consistent internet speed because you get a dedicated line. However, speed is slow and unreliable if you are far from the provider’s central office, and DSL is generally not as fast as other broadband connections.

Cable broadband- provided by your cable television provider. Connection runs through coaxical cable TV wires with download speeds of 3Mbps- 100Mbps. Cable is faster than DSL and satellite connections, and is more available than fiber optic broadband. The downside is that you get slower connection if more people are using cable broadband in your neighborhood.

Satellite- a satellite dish is installed at your home, to which a satellite beams the internet feed. You get 15 Mbps down and 3Mbps up in speed from a satellite internet connection. Apparently, the speed is slower than other broadband connections, plus it is more expensive.

Fiber optic or FiOS- the latest technology in internet connectivity. A network of optical network using light operates the internet connection. Fiber optics lines are as thin as human hair, made of pure glass material. Speed is 300 Mbps down and 65 Mbps up. You get the highest speed with a FiOs connection, but it is available in limited areas.

Consider these factors when choosing an ISP:

Availability

Download and upload speed

Cost and contract

Terms of service

Add- ons and special features

Reliability

Customer support

There are many considerations, but these tips can guide you through with a smart decision. Call a specialist website to help you choose the best internet service providers Australia.

How to Choose the Best Home Phone Providers

These days, people often wonder about the merits of owning a home phone when cell phones are far more convenient. In these modern times, people just can’t be bothered to push buttons or dial numbers just to be able to reach a person or company that they wish to speak to when you can just tap your cell phone screen and in mere seconds, your contact is on the line ready and waiting.

The importance of home phones have been proven time and time again especially during natural disasters when the power runs out and there’s no way to charge your cell phone’s batteries. Some homeowners also still prefer landlines especially those who have elderly relatives living with them who don’t want to use a cell phone and prefer a landline. In times of emergency, 911 dispatchers can easily locate you using your landline number and they can’t really do that with a cell phone.

But perhaps the most important reason why you should hold on to your home phone is the fact that your internet connection depends heavily on it. If you’re using ADSL broadband internet then you can’t really do without a home phone. If you have an home-monitored alarm system or if you run your business from home and you have a fax machine, then a home phone is handy and in more ways, more dependable than a cell phone, which is why most homeowners still prefer to have one at home even if they own fancy smart phones.

Moving to a new home can be very stressful and among the things that make the move as such is the transfer of utilities. What would make this even more difficult is when you find out that your current provider does not service the area you are moving to. It also becomes more inconvenient when in all the stress of preparations, you forget to inform your new home phone providers of your move date so you arrive to find that you don’t have a phone connection and will have to wait for at least three weeks to get one.

If it happens that you will need to contact a new home phone provider, the first thing to remember is that they should not only be competitively-priced, they should be first and foremost reliable. You should base your choice on the following factors: the number of minutes you spend on the phone every month, what time of day or night do you make the most number of calls and if you make most of your calls during the weekdays or the weekends. This is important because you’ll need to decide on a price plan that matches your phone usage and find the best phone providers Australia who can provide that.

You will also need to understand the types of home phone packages and plans you can avail of, like the pay as you go service where you pay for each call you make and the packaged bundles which includes extra services like free unlimited calls during the weekends or during the evenings. Some of these home phone packages include free handsets or offer you discounts if you buy the handset from the provider. You will also need to ask questions regarding installation and connection charges, service standards, policies on debt and disconnection, deposits, maintenance contracts and rates.

Then there are also the contracts to consider – your home phone contract will usually run from a minimum of one to a maximum of two years and if you decide to end your contract early, you will need to pay early-termination fees. There are lots of things to consider when choosing your home phone connections  but as long as you know what you want and expect from a provider, you can definitely find the best one with no problem at all.

Incidentally, you can also get help from the moving company you choose as moving companies these days also offer the free service of taking care of utility transfers on your behalf. You just need to remember to notify your current phone provider at least 5 days before you move out to avoid any additional charges for a rather hurried disconnection. 

And lastly, when you ask the moving company to take care of your phone reconnections, they will first need to determine if the property you are moving into has an active phone line or none because those with active phone lines will usually just take 48 hours to connect, while properties without active phone lines can take 3-5 working days. If you are moving to a new property on the other hand, connections can usually be made within 48 hours provided the builders have arranged for the required infrastructure to be installed on the property.