Things that I've written about in my journal recently

I took a bit of a break from my journal over the summer, I'm not sure why but I just got out of the habit a little bit. But when the work started on our extension I wanted to pick it up and write some entries about what work had been done and how things were going. So that has been the main focus of my journal over the last few weeks, just to have something to look back on in the future. Not just a factual account but also how I've been feeling about it, and things that I'm looking forward to about the new space.

But I've also found time to write about plenty of other things! I made this very simple collage after feeling a little bit sad at the state of my poor garden, which is now a big muddy wasteland. I used some botanical collage elements and pretty floral washi stickers to remind me that soon I will have a beautiful garden!

For the first few weeks of term the road outside the school was closed and so I had to drop the children off in an adjacent street. I've walked this way plenty of times before, but sitting with them in the car when we arrived early gave me the time to properly notice the abandoned church which has been decaying slowly over the last few years. It is up for sale but it's really big, which is probably why it hasn't sold as a conversion project. I quickly drew a very small part of it to remind me, I'll be interested to see what happens to it over the next few years.

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to receive a Lakeland Christmas catalogue through the post. I  like looking through the catalogue more than visiting the shop, which is good as there isn't one that I can easily visit. But a Lakeland concession is opening soon at the garden centre down the road, and I'm very much looking forward to having a look round. In the meantime I spent a lovely quiet evening cutting out my favourite aesthetic Christmas photos and gluing them down to create an inspirational collage.

And finally I was helping my parents sort through some things at their house and I came across this amazing photo! It was in the 'throw out' pile so she's not a relative of mine, and no-one knows who she was or why they had the photo. I must admit that I've partly shared it here just in case someone might find it as part of an image search and be able to give me some more information! I just love it, that expression on her face. I wrote a little bit about why I liked it so much and who I imagine she might be.

Free things that I collect

As much as I aspire to minimalism, the truth is that I also want to live surrounded by things that inspire me and that bring joy to my life. I'm not a big shopper, and I've realised that most of the things that I enjoy collecting are things that I've picked up for free over the years. I love appreciating the little things in life, and saving small souvenirs that remind me of the places that I've been and the things that I've seen. 

Here are some of my collections:

Postcards

I have a huge collection of postcards that I've picked up over the years. Some of them are flyers for university events, and many of them came from trips to the cinema back in the 90s when they used to have racks of free postcards advertising all sorts of things. I used to come home with a bagful! If I ever spot one while I'm visiting somewhere I have to pick it up, I just love all the different designs and how advertising has changed over time. I currently have most of them stored in a deep plastic folder, but I do have a few favourites pinned around my desk and a large postcard display hanger in the utility room.

Business cards

In this digital age these are quite often still around, especially in pubs and restaurants. If I spot one at the till while I'm paying I surreptitiously slip it into my wallet, usually to stick into my journal later! They are a lovely reminder of the places that I've been.

Pens

I can't resist a free pen, and some of them have become my favourites to use. I have a great one which I picked up at a hotel that we stayed at in Florida last year. It's chunky, it writes smoothly, and when I use it I'm transported back to a lovely sunny beach and a relaxing pool.

Notepads

I can't resist a hotel notepad, especially if it has the name of the hotel on it. I also have a few sets of postcards, envelopes and writing paper purloined from various fancier hotels that we've stayed in. I keep the pads in my desk drawer to grab when I need to make a quick note of something.

Pretty boxes and bags

I keep any kind of attractive box or bag, especially gift bags. I've never bought a gift bag, I always seem to have the perfect one to hand when I need it! I use pretty boxes for storage, or I use the lids as trays in drawers for smaller items. I also keep a stash of plain boxes on hand for sending out eBay parcels. I quite often buy things like biscuits just for the tin that they come in, I do love a decorative tin and I always keep my eyes open in the post Christmas sales.

Beach finds

Shhh, I know that you aren't supposed to bring home shells and stones from the beach. But I think everyone that has visited the seaside has at least a few in their home, and I am very discerning with what I bring back. Also, most of the things that I collect from the beach are not natural materials, for example I love to search for colourful sea glass or marine plastic.

Tote bags

My husband often comes back with these from work events and we have quite a collection. I can't bear to throw them out! I don't tend to use them for shopping, but they are very useful for filling with charity donations and I hope they come in useful to the shop as well. Now that plastic shopping bags are harder to come by it's always useful to have a spare one or two that you don't mind not getting back.

Do you collect things that you come across in your daily life? 

How our orangery extension is looking now

A few weeks ago I shared a photograph of the hole in the side of our house. We are currently in the process of adding an orangery extension to our house, a project which we've been planning and saving for almost since we moved in nearly 12 years ago. Work started two months ago, and now we are finally at the stage where it is really starting to take shape!

We have a roof with the two lanterns in place and all the doors and windows are fitted so the structure is sealed and already feels warm even though there is no heating. Yesterday the plastering was finished, and the inside is starting to look amazing!

Now the plaster needs to dry and the next job is to put in the flooring. Firstly a foundation floor in the extension area, then to remove the old tiles in what was the kitchen and dining room and lay matching tiles throughout.

As you can see in the pictures, the wooden partitions are still in place. They've done a brilliant job at keeping the dust out of the rest of the house, and although it has meant that the kitchen has felt a little dark and depressing it did mean that we could carry on in the rest of the house without being in the way of the workers. The boards are due to come down later this week, and I can't wait to get a proper look at what the final space will look like!

Petite and polished: Creating sleek and stylish outfits for any occasion

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As a petite woman, you may have faced the challenge of finding clothes that flatter your figure, highlight your strengths, and preserve your personal style. However, as the fashion industry invests more into diversified sizing, shopping has become less of a chore. Clothes for petite bodies have evolved from a limited selection to a wide range of style-forward options. Here are some tips for creating sleek and stylish outfits that pull together petite and polished looks.

Master the Basics 

Every stylish wardrobe begins with a strong foundation of basic pieces. These pivotal items perfectly fit and flatter your body and can be mixed and matched to create various looks. Consider investing in a pair of petite womens jeans, as they are specifically designed for shorter figures and can be styled in countless ways. Opt for dark wash jeans, as this colour makes your legs appear longer.

When it comes to tops, go for fitted ones that show off your figure without bunching up or falling too long. Additionally, investing in tailoring can be a game changer. A well-tailored blazer or coat can provide a polished look while ensuring perfect fit and proportion for your body.

Play with Proportions 

A common misconception about dressing as a petite woman lies in the supposed need to wear only fitted clothing to elongate the silhouette. While this can be an effective trick, playing intelligently with proportions can also enhance a petite figure stylishly. Strategic layering is a practical way to add dimension and depth to your ensemble. For instance, a long, flowing duster jacket paired with fitted jeans can create an intriguing look while highlighting your lean features.

Similarly, choosing high-waisted pants or skirts can elongate your lower body. This illusion of added height can be further amplified with a pair of statement heels.

Add the Fine Details 

Maintaining a polished look often comes down to the finer details. Choose accessories that are proportionate to your figure. Oversized bags or extremely chunky jewellery can be overwhelming for a smaller frame. Instead, consider delicate necklaces, smaller handbags, or dainty bracelets. 

Photo credit Pat Kwon via Unsplash

Shoe choices are also key – while petite women can look fabulous in flats, heels, or wedges, the key is to find the right balance for your outfit. Consider pointed shoes as they can extend the line of your leg - a petite woman's best friend for creating an appearance of height.

Creating Occasion-Specific Looks

Professional Settings

In professional settings, structured pieces can create a polished aesthetic. Power suits tailored to your frame, or pencil skirts paired with fitted blouses, exemplify sleek corporate style. For an added touch of sophistication, a pair of pointed kitten heels can perfect the look.

Casual Outings 

For casual days out, jeans and a chic white tee can never go wrong. Layer with a classic leather jacket or a trendy denim jacket for a stylish touch. Complete the outfit with a pair of comfortable sneakers or a flat sandal with details that suit your personal style.

Evening Soirees 

Dressing up as a petite woman for glamorous events can be greatly enjoyable. Opt for dresses or skirts that show a bit of leg to elongate your silhouette, or select a fitted A-line dress that flatters your figure. Pair with high heels and delicate jewellery for the final touch.

In Conclusion 

With the right cuts, proportions, and careful attention to detail, putting together polished looks as a petite woman can be effortless and chic. By mastering basics, playing with proportions, adding the right details, and creating occasion-specific looks, all petite frame ladies can create stylish outfits that reflect their personal style. The petite aesthetic mantra rings true - your height is not a hindrance, but an opportunity to showcase your unique fashion sense.

Photo credit Artem Beliaikin via Unsplash

Journalling and bullet journal supplies for Halloween

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I love writing in my notebooks, and I have two journals consistently on the go. I use my bullet journal to plan my weekly schedule and keep track of my tasks for the day, then I use my illustrated journal to write down my thoughts and also as a creative outlet for small sketches and collages. I enjoy theming them both to the time of year, and with Halloween coming up I thought I'd share some Halloween themed supplies which would work really well for all types of journalling. 

Photo credit Michelle Gordon via Unsplash

Almost all of my bullet journal pages are edged with a strip of washi tape, I just love it! I have a pack of Halloween themed washi tape that I bought a few years ago and it's the perfect way to give a page an instant Halloween look. If you want something similar then you might like this big pack of cheerful Halloween washi tape, or you might prefer something darker like this huge set of magic and witch themed washi tape. 

When I'm working on a themed journal page, I often use some patterned paper as a background or as matting for a piece of ephemera. Something like this Halloween paper ephemera would work perfectly, or for a less bulky look some Halloween tissue paper would also work really well. 

I use stickers in both my bullet journal and my illustrated journal. For my bullet journal I like to use something small and fun, like these simple Halloween stickers. I especially like the small icons which you could use as bullet point markers. The stickers below are part of my Aesthetic Planner Stickers set which covers holidays and occasions throughout the year. But for my journal I want something a bit more dramatic, so I often go for some printed collage images which you can have fun cutting out and arranging on the page. I love this Vintage Halloween Ephemera Collection which is packed with spooky illustrations for all sorts of paper Halloween projects.

Until recently I always used the same fountain pen for writing in my journal, but after buying some new pens in gorgeous colours I've started to mix it up a bit. I use a new pen colour each day to make my entries stand out, and at this time of year I'm really drawn to autumnal colours. I have a set of these lovely pens - Zebra Sarasa gel pens - which come in a range of muted, vintage colours and are really comfortable to write with. It's difficult to choose a favourite colour but at the moment I'm really enjoying the golden yellow and the dark red.

Halloween usually calls for more muted, darker colours, so you can reflect this in the other accents that you use in your journal. For example coloured sticky tabs as bookmarks or to help find a certain journal page. I also love these fun Autumn leaf sticky notes which really stand out, both to use in a bullet journal or as a quick reminder around the house. 

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for bringing some Halloween fun to your journal pages this month!

Halloween activities for older children and teenagers

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I've always enjoyed having fun at Halloween with my children, but now that they are older we've sadly moved beyond Halloween toilet roll tube crafts and dressing up in sweet costumes for trick or treating. It doesn't mean that they are too old for the fun though, there are still plenty of crafts and activities that are more suited to older children. Here are some of my favourites!

Carving pumpkins

This is the classic Halloween activity, and is definitely one of our favourite Halloween traditions. I'm not the best at carving pumpkins myself, and I tend to stick with a simple grinning face. But there are loads of pumpkin carving templates available, and if you can trust your teenager with a sharp knife then they may enjoy attempting something a bit more complicated.

Photo credit Andy Holmes via Unsplash

Doing some Halloween themed baking 

My favourite Halloween bake was these Halloween iced gingerbread biscuits. They are so simple to make, and with some clever icing you can make all sorts of different designs. Even if you don't have any specific Halloween cookie cutters you can still improvise with what you have - I used gingerbread men cutters for mummies and Easter egg cutters for skulls! You can also make really simple Halloween cupcakes with some edible eye decorations and a selection of icing in vibrant colours. 

Making Halloween decorations

The children might have grown out of toddler Halloween crafts, but you can still get them involved in decorating the house for Halloween. Just bear in mind that as they get older their imagination might turn towards more realistic and gruesome ideas! You could think about a theme for the whole house, including window displays, lighting and garden decorations. I also love the idea of repurposing some of their toys into Halloween decorations, like old dolls and stuffed animals. Then on the night itself they can dress up to help hand out sweets to the younger visitors.

Photo credit Jen Theodore via Unsplash

Painting ceramic decorations

My children have always enjoyed pottery painting, and there are some lovely kits available, either classic Halloween designs or maybe something a bit more grown up like a decorative pumpkin or sugar skull. I find that the kits don't always contain the best paints, so we usually use our own acrylic paints and take the time to mix the correct colours and let the layers dry in between coats for a nicer finish. 

Taking photos at a pumpkin patch

They might be a bit old now to pose prettily next to an aesthetic pumpkin display, but if your teenager enjoys taking photographs then they might still enjoy a visit to the local pumpkin patch. It's a fun family day out and they can take some photos to share with friends on social media.

Photo credit Marius Ciocirlan via Unsplash

Having a scary Halloween adventure

If your teenager doesn't scare too easily then they might enjoy something a bit more adventurous like a Halloween themed escape room or horror maze. In the UK these are becoming much more common, and although they are a little too terrifying for me I can imagine that plenty of teens would love them, especially if they can visit with their friends rather than their boring parents!

Have fun celebrating Halloween with your older children!

Things that have made me happy over the last week

I am living in a bit of upheaval at the moment and it feels as though I have a lot going on. The disruption isn't too bad, but I am finding that it's more difficult to keep to my usual routine and that can leave me feeling a bit out of sorts. So I thought I'd think about some of the things that have made me feel happy over the last week or so!

Our orangery extension - It's really coming together now, we have windows and doors and will have the roof and some plastering completed by the end of the week. There have been so many decisions to make which I find hard work, but we are getting there and the end is in sight. 

Getting out for a run - I've not managed this as often as I'd like, but I'm also good at finding excuses. Even when I'm expecting builders and deliveries I can usually pop out at some point for half an hour, and I feel so much better when I've managed it.

Fresh brownies - I cheat a little with my brownies and I use a mix from Costco (Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix - yum!), and we don't get there often. It's been out of stock the last few visits and I was worried that they might have discontinued it, but luckily on a recent visit I was able to stock up!

Cups of tea - I don't have a tea drinking habit but I've been making them for the builders and I have discovered that I quite enjoy a regular cup, especially on a cold day!

My journal - I find that writing in my journal really helps to clear my head. I don't share my writing anywhere, it's not especially private but I'd be embarrassed if someone were to read it. I've been writing about the progress with our extension, some of the things that I've seen while out and about, and I also had a lovely time making a collage with some of my favourite inspirational images from the Christmas Lakeland catalogue!

A trip to Ikea - I love an Ikea trip. Ikea doesn't just sell products it also sells a lifestyle, and I really want that lifestyle. We didn't even buy that much, our main reason to visit was to buy a mirror and some lightbulbs, but of course some other things fell in the trolley as we were walking around. I did manage to resist the gorgeous Christmas scented candles though!

A wooden tray to serve my lunch - I bought this tray a year or so ago from Flying Tiger and I hadn't really used it because it had some greasy residue on it that I couldn't clean off. I finally gave it a scrub with some WD40 and it cleaned up brilliantly, so now I am treating myself to aesthetic lunch displays!

Hot water bottles - Even in summer I usually cosy up at night with a hot water bottle! I love an early night with my fluffy pyjamas and a good book.

Playing Jenga - I was re-reading My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking (a great book!) and enjoying all the beautiful hygge photographs, including one of a Jenga game in progress which inspired me to get out my set. It's such a fun game, it doesn't take long to play and it always brings a smile to even the grumpiest faces.

What have you been enjoying recently?

Shower enclosure trends to look for in 2025

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Innovative Features to Look for in Modern Shower Enclosures

Innovative shower solutions are a hallmark of modern bathrooms, and choosing the right shower enclosure is crucial for creating a comfortable, stylish, and functional space. Therefore, the latest shower enclosure designs focus on enhancing the overall shower experience. 

Here are the innovative features to consider when buying a shower enclosure in 2025.

Walk in Shower Enclosures and Frameless Glass Design

More and more homeowners are opting for open shower spaces for a spa-like shower experience. That’s why wet rooms and walk-in shower enclosures with no shower doors are high in demand.  Additionally, minimalist and sleek frameless glass panels are preferred for creating an airy feel in the bathroom. Beyond aesthetics, they are easier to clean due to fewer crevices for dirt and grime accumulation. 

Advantages:

● Clean, modern look

● Minimal maintenance

● Increases the sense of space

Smart Glass Technology

Smart glass technology is an innovative concept that will soon be available for smart bathrooms. The smart shower panels will take the shower experience to whole new levels of comfort. You will be able to switch between transparent to frosted glass with a flick or through mobile a. This feature can be a game changer for shared bathrooms by offering on-demand privacy. Additionally, such glass panels may be integrated with many advanced features like ambient lighting or mirrors etc. offering full control over the shower experience with a touch screen. 

Benefits:

● On-demand privacy

● Easy to maintain

● Adds a tech-savvy element to the bathroom

Hydrophobic Glass Coatings

Modern shower spaces are all about making shower experiences pleasant. But hard water, and soap deposit stains on glass panels make it hard to keep the shower enclosure in pristine condition. Repeated cleaning can also cause lasting damage to the surface. Therefore, hydrophobic glass coating is a highly desirable feature in modern shower enclosures. This innovative solution reduces the chance of water spots, and soap scum built up making the glass look pristine for longer. 

Advantages:

● Reduced water stains

● Low-maintenance upkeep

● Keeps the enclosure looking new

Curved or Quadrant and Offset Designs

Quadrant and offset quadrant shower enclosures are an excellent choice due to their stylish curved design. They offer space saving without compromising the aesthetics. Curved glass panels offer a modern touch while offering more room for a spacious shower experience. Additionally, they are suitable for corner fitting making them a suitable choice for bathrooms with odd layouts. 

Features:

● Space-saving design

● Adds visual appeal

● Ideal for smaller bathrooms

Sliding and Pivot Door Mechanisms

Sliding and pivot shower doors have become a preferred choice for all types of shower spaces. Sliding doors are a perfect choice for small bathrooms, while pivot door offers wide and easy access to shower areas coupled with smooth operations. You may choose a shower door with a soft closing mechanism that prevents slamming or noise for enhanced comfort, safety and longevity. 

Key Points:

● Space-efficient sliding doors

● Smooth, user-friendly operation

● Soft-close for durability

Customizable Finishes and Hardware

Interior design experts recommend moving beyond standard chrome and nickel shower enclosure frames. Black and gold are trending choices to add a modern touch to your bathroom. These colours are timeless and can create a powerful contrast between dark and light colours. Additionally, you can create a personalized look by choosing customizable handles, hinges and towel radiators. 

Options:

● Wide variety of finishes

● Customizable hardware

● Adds a personalized touch to the bathroom

Steam Shower Integration

Modern bathrooms are designed to promote health and well-being. A steam shower is an excellent option for someone looking for a spa-like experience without having to leave your house. It offers various health benefits including improved blood circulation, relaxing muscles, reduced blood pressure etc. You can simply turn your regular shower into a steam room by installing a steam shower or shower body jet with digital control for a personalised shower experience. 

Advantages:

● Health benefits like relaxation and detoxification

● Spa-like experience at home

● Adds luxury to your bathroom

LED Lighting and Digital Controls

The use of LED lighting and digital shower controls in the shower enclosure is on the rise. The LED lights help create the desired ambiance and illuminate the space while digital controls like thermostatic shower valves provide full control over settings, water flow and even sound systems. Not only do these enhance the functionality of the shower space but also offer a personalised shower experience. 

Innovations:

● Ambient lighting for a luxury feel

● Digital controls for personalized settings

● Integrate music and other smart features

Anti-Slip Shower

Safety is a top priority in modern bathrooms, especially for the children, elderly or people with limited mobility. Many modern shower enclosures now have anti-slip shower trays for enhanced safety and reliability. These grippy and highly slippery shower trays are treated with an anti-slip coating like polyurethane to reduce slips when wet. Slate effect shower trays are becoming a popular choice due to their luxurious look and anti-slip features. 

Key Safety Features:

● Textured surfaces for grip

● Available in a range of styles

● Enhances safety without affecting aesthetics

Water-Saving Features

Eco-friendliness has become a desirable feature in modern bathrooms. There are various ways to reduce water usage in the shower area. You may incorporate eco-friendly shower heads, built-in timers, and flow restrictors to reduce water consumption.

Benefits:

● Reduces water usage

● Lower utility bills

● Environmentally friendly

Final Thoughts

Bathroom Trends for 2025 hints at a transformative era in shower enclosure designs. Future shower spaces will be packed with a variety of features to enhance convenience, safety and style. Personal well-being, health, eco-friendliness, hygiene, and spa-like ambience should be the priority for someone looking to upgrade their shower space. Additionally, there will be a gradual shift towards technology integration making tech-enabled shower panels increasingly common. 

A hole in the side of the house

I may have been a little quiet on the blog recently, but it hasn't been at all quiet in our house!

We are currently carrying out a project which we have been planning for a long time - we are adding an orangery extension. We've been half thinking about it since we moved in, and so we never did any other work to the house in case it would turn out to be a waste of time and money. 

Finally at the beginning of the year we started to plan more seriously and began to put some ideas together. We had to wait for it to go through planning permission because we are joining to the garage, but fortunately it was accepted with no problems. 

It's the first time that we've been involved in a project like this and we haven't really known what to expect. We've been watching time lapse videos of similar projects on YouTube to get a feel for the order in which things will happen. This also inspired my husband to buy his own time lapse camera to record the progress which is fantastic to watch back and I'll definitely be sharing it when it's all done!

It seemed to take a while to really get going - we had problems with unexpected pipes in the wrong places and then the weather was atrocious. For a long time all we had to look at was a muddy back garden full of holes. But then the beautiful red brick walls went up, and this week the wooden structure is being built, and that has really given us a feel for how it's going to look. 

Currently most of the back of the house is missing, with wooden boards and tarpaulin the only protection from the elements. It was fine at first, but as the weather has got colder and windier it has felt a little bit as though I'm preparing food outdoors! Luckily the front of the house has escaped unscathed so we have the living room to retreat to, and we've not suffered at all with any dust or mess.

We are a couple of weeks away from having a sealed structure, and then the work will move indoors with plastering, tiling and a new kitchen. It should all be complete well before the end of the year, and I'm really looking forward to a Christmas at home with a new kitchen to cook in and stars to gaze at through the ceiling!

The pros and cons of using a property management company

This is a collaborative post

Buying a second property and renting it out can be a great idea if you've got spare cash you're looking to invest and want to create a nest egg for the future. Many new landlords though worry about the responsibility that comes with having tenants and choose to use a property management company instead to manage the day-to-day work that comes with being a landlord such as keeping on top of repairs and inspections.

In their article, we'll look at some of the pros and cons of using a property management company versus doing it yourself to help you decide which might be the right option for you.

Photo credit Jakub Żerdzicki via Unsplash

The pros of hiring property managers

Time-saving

Let’s face it, managing rental properties is a time-consuming task - it's one of those jobs that ends up taking up way more of your time than you bargained for, especially if you have issues such as unreliable tenants, tenants leaving unexpectedly or emergency maintenance issues. 

Expertise and experience

Property management companies have a wealth of experience and specialised knowledge and if you're a new landlord it might be safest from a legal perspective to hand this over to someone in the know. They'll know the ins and outs of tenant laws, and the rules around selling properties with tenants and will have established relationships with trusted contractors. 

Help to find reliable tenants

Finding reliable tenants is one of the biggest challenges for landlords, so property management companies have robust screening processes to ensure you get quality tenants who pay rent on time and take good care of your property. They also handle tenant relations, so you won’t have to deal with complaints or disputes directly.

The cons of hiring property managers

The cost

A property management company will normally charge you either a fixed fee, a percentage of the rent, or a mix of both, and if you're close to break even as it is then this could be prohibitive. You've still got to factor in tax on your rental income and repair costs, so for some landlords, especially those with a single property, this extra expense might outweigh the benefits.

Photo credit Alexandra Gorn via Unsplash

Loss of control

When you hire a property management company, you’re entrusting them with the day-to-day operations of your property. This means you’ll have less direct control over decisions and tenant interactions, meaning it's not the ideal choice for people who find it hard to delegate decision-making.

Variable quality

Unfortunately, not all property management companies are created equal and the quality of service can vary hugely between different companies. One of the best ways to choose an agency to work with is via a personal recommendation from someone you trust who has direct experience working with them in a professional capacity. 

Deciding whether or not using a property management company is the right decision for you will depend on lots of factors, including your level of experience, the amount of time you have available and how much you can afford to give away from your monthly rental income. We hope this has given you a starting point though to help you make the right choice for you.