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Moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do and while it is ultimately worthwhile- a change is as good as a holiday - it is not just a mentally draining process for humans with our animal family members also going through a bit of an ordeal with the upheaval. Dogs, and especially cats, have a tendency to not react well to change and upheaval and it can be quite traumatic for them to leave a place that they have come to think of as home – don’t forget that they have no idea that relocating is about to happen. So it is worth putting some extra consideration into what to do with them while you are packing and when the actual moving process is underway. The easiest thing to do is to take your furry friend out of the situation by having them stay elsewhere but many won’t be keen to part with them even for a short amount of time. This may not even be possible if you have an animal that does not respond well to separation and if that is the case, there are still some things you can do to keep their stress levels down as much as possible. A good rule of thumb is to give them a room in the home you are leaving that will be largely calm. Maybe it’s an office or one of the smaller rooms of the house. Pop them in here with their food, water and a bunch of their favourite toys and make them and their belongings one of the last things to be taken out. This keeps them in a calming environment and keeps the amount of time they will be caught up in the madness of a move to a minimum. If you have more than one, then do try and keep them together when you are on the move. You will be driving or busy the entire time and they won’t have anyone else to distract them, - so if you only have the one, make sure you take the time to give them some attention and reassurance especially while making your way from your old home to your new one. But just because you have arrived at your new home does not mean that your animals will settle in instantly and they will need some help. Dogs should be fine with their toys around and a lot of dogs will be too caught up in the excitement of what is happening to be too worried. But cats rely on scent so try and place things around the house that has the sort of smells they are used to, so they realise that this is their new abode. And try to make sure that one of the first things to be put in place are the beds for the animals – it’s their safe space and they may just need it now more than ever. Now it’s just a case of letting them acclimatise and it is always worth keeping cats indoors for a few days until it’s settled in that they are somewhere new, and they won’t be going back to their old home. Other than that, you will just need patience. Don’t worry if you notice changes in their personality or they seem distant or reserved, they will soon realise that they are home, and it rarely takes them long to start marking their territory.

We are trying not to look ahead to the Autumn and Winter months just yet, but they will be here before we know it and with that in mind, there is some TLC you can show your home that is far easier to do while it is summer. The reason for that is you are more likely to be able to take advantage of your garden, (British summertime weather dependent), and that will come in handy if you are at the stage where you think your home could do with a deep clean. So, take a day, get yourself a carpet cleaner and move as much furniture into your garden as you can so that you don’t miss a single dust-filled spot in your home. We advise checking the weather before doing this, and even if its sunny it would be wise to have some tarpaulin ready to go, but you will have a much harder time getting this done when the cold, wet weather comes to stay. You can tick a couple of cleaning jobs off at once here. Once the carpet is cleaned and drying, turn your attention to your upholstery and get those cushions and throw covers washed and cleaned – the furniture is already in the garden so it should all dry in no time if you’ve picked the right day for it. But let’s not stop at the interior of the house, now is the perfect time to tackle the exterior too and that is not just weeds and other bits and bobs around the house, but also the roof. The summer months are the perfect time to get up there, or get someone else up there for you, to clean out all the gutters so you don’t run into problems because of it later in the year and into 2022. And finally, the most important part – a barbecue. You’ve done all this work to make your home as presentable as it can be, so why not show it off by having your nearest and dearest over for a summer barbecue? It’s less fun to gather in the garden for food and drinks when it’s cold and raining and we are already in August – the sun will have waved goodbye to us all before we know it.

The world may be opening up but that does not mean that there are not still a ton of things that you can do at home if re-entering the busy world does not yet appeal. We've compiled some ideas of things you can organise at home this Summer that mean you won't even need to leave the house! Rose and Raff Garden Cinema and Events While cinema’s may be open again, you may still find the idea of bringing the theatrical experience home for you – particularly with movie premieres now having a habit of ending up on streaming far quicker than they used to. That is where Rose and Raff Garden Cinema and Events come in as they can bring a giant projector to you and not only that, but they can also throw a post-movie party for you and can even provide karaoke. The Party Kitchen The summer is here and if you are wanting a garden party from some of the finest food around then look no further than The Party Kitchen– a small business who specialise in providing Afternoon teas and grazing tables for all kinds of events and celebrations. Their menu has a wide selection of things to order that should tickle the tastebuds for everyone and the main problem you will have is deciding what you want to order and what you will have to skip as there is so much choice on offer. Bubbly Bliss Hot Tub Hire Had a busy day keeping the kids entertained while they are on summer holidays? Well, it’s important to take care of yourselves too and what better way to do that than by cracking open a bottle of bubbly and chilling out in a hot tub? Bubbly Bliss Hot Tub Hire do a range of hot tubs that stretch from one perfect for couples or even one that the kids can use. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to relax in style! The Princess Emporium There will come a point in the summer holidays where you have done all you can with the kids and you will need someone else to entertain them for a bit – what better way to do that than with a princess? The Princess Emporium are on hand to do just that and they can bring the party to your home or wherever else you decide to throw it. They provide all the entertainment, and they dress as some of the best characters around. They will make sure that your little one and all their friends have a party to remember. Teepee Dreams Sure, there are multiple places around the country that you can visit to fulfil your camping/glamping needs, but the option is also there to experience these things without having to venture further than your own back garden! Teepee Dreams offer a range of glamping options and even themed events! Check out their Facebook

It’s #IndependentRetailersWeek this week and given recent events, we think it has never been more important to get behind business in the local area. We have picked just some of the best local businesses in Rayleigh and below you’ll find out more about them. From salons to gyms to pubs, you can tick off most of your needs without shopping outside the area and here are some places worth considering. Don’t just take it from us, here we also share some of their lovely customer reviews! Hudson Barbers This one was our Managing Director, Ant’s, personal recommendation and based on Rayleigh High St, it couldn’t be more conveniently placed! Their customers said: “Always give a great haircut with a friendly, positive atmosphere!" Squires Coffee Shop With this little hotspot, you also get history as this is Rayleigh’s oldest tea and coffee shop! The menu is impressive with a huge variety of teas and coffees and this is before you even get to a long list of delicious food available to order. Absolutely worth checking out if you’re new to the area. Their customers said: “Great food and staff lovely place to visit it's our regular haunt"” Bogaz Turkish Restaurant On a Friday night at the end of each month, this is where you may just find the Lawrence Antony Homes team hanging out – it is a personal fav. If you love Turkish Cuisine as we do, then this is THE PLACE. If you haven’t tried Turkish food before, then THIS IS THE PLACE. Their customers said: “Very good service and a good selection of food on the menu" Lovely Libby’s Lovely Libby’s is such a unique find and you’re almost always going to walk out with something lovely for your home. Their cakes are also amazing. Their customers said: “Love love love this shop! Staff always helpful and there are so many different things to look at and buy! Everything is reasonably priced. The tea shop upstairs is lovely too and there are clothes and bags you can buy. Definite 5 stars” Wheatly Farm Garden Centre Wheatly Farm is a family run garden nursery. As well as stocking more traditional plants, shrubs and trees they also specialise in more unusual plants such as palms, bonsai and cacti. With over 2 acres of plants, they have one of the best selection of plants in the Essex area! Their customers said: “Lovely, beautiful lay hens and chickens, and very nice bushes for the garden, variety of plants. And dog food and local honey as well!” Salon Messina Hair Located in the heart of Rayleigh, what makes this salon so special is that they are completely sustainable! All of their products are Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Their product range nurtures and cares for their clients as well as our earth. Their customers said: "Lots of lovely lattés in a lovely comfy and chilled environment." The Red Door Bar The Red Door Bar is a unique and quirky bistro bar. The bar has a buzzing atmosphere that attracts all age groups making it the perfect place for all occasions. And best of all… they are dog-friendly! Their customers said: “Lovely food, great atmosphere and run by a brilliant manager in Samantha Davis." Stackhouse Gym This is a great gym and with memberships starting at just £35 per month, with student and over 60s discounts, this is a great place to work on your physical health. Their customers said: “The best gym in Essex - great equipment, very clean and tidy. The staff & owners make you feel so welcome (like family) I would highly recommend this gym to anyone even those that don’t have the confidence or are beginners in the gym. These guys/girls will make you feel at home!” Blume Lifestyle Imagine an amazing florist, lovely homeware and gorgeous fashion items all in one place. Could this place really exist? The answer is YES. It exists in the form of Blume Lifestyle on Rayleigh High Street and the owner is always so friendly. This is our very own Andrea’s recommendation! Their customers said: “Blume has done many weddings and open events at our venue and each and every time, the flowers are spectacular. So many different styles and looks.” Café No.11 Another lovely coffee house is Café No.11, using local produce and serving their all-day menu 7 days a week, this is the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even just for one of their amazing coffees. Their customers said: “Food is so good here. Everything is always lovely and fresh. The staff are always lovely and super helpful. Today I visited for the first time with my baby. They helped accommodate my large pushchair and also advocated breastfeeding. The staff made me feel so comfortable with a complimentary tea while I fed, after my meal. Will 1000% be returning just based on this as it made such a difference to my experience.”

Sometimes we look around our home and there is so much we want to change, that it can become quite stressful. Equally, sometimes our homes have recently undergone so much change that when we are finally happy with them, we feel a bit lost and forget how to enjoy the simplest pleasures our home can offer us. Here are a few simple things you can do in your home to help you to feel more relaxed and to de-stress. Become a plant parent to indoor plants! Plants have so many health benefits, they look great and can really style a corner of the home you're not quite sure what to do with. They offer a sense of calm whilst also a wonderful feeling of achievement when you look after them and help them to reach their full potential. Plants can: Lower levels of anxiety. Increase attentiveness and memory. Increase productivity. Reduce stress levels and boost mood. Spark creativity. -healthline.com Invest in a wax burner Candles are out, wax melts are in! For an affordable and lasting scent, treat yourself to some wax melts from an independent seller. I promise you, you'll be amazed by how calm you feel with one on the go. Be sure to use an 8hr tea-light and your house will be smelling amazing for at least 4 or 5 hours after it finishes burning too! I recently bought some Snow Fairy scented wax melts from an Etsy seller and my house smelt EDIBLE. Yes, I wanted to eat my house! Bath salts Is there really anything more relaxing than a bath? Yes, yes there is... a bath with bath salts. Go for Epsom or Magnesium and you'll be so relaxed. It really is possible to wash away your worries from the day when you have a salted bath. An Egg Chair Ok, it is still Summer -after all invest in an egg chair, or even a nice comfortable patio set and eat your breakfast in your garden or on your balcony. It's the most perfect way to start your day, unless of course it's pouring with rain!

Our headquarters is based in Rayleigh High Street with a huge community spirit, vibrant town centre and a rich heritage. Based at 1st Floor 91 High Street is the Rayleigh Town Museum where many dedicated volunteers spend time updating the archives of photographs and albums to retain the history of our lovely town. Housed in a 14th century timber framed building it sits pride of place in the centre of the High Street. https://www.facebook.com/rayleightownmuseum/photos/2560464924176908 Rayleigh Town Museum can be visited by appointment and generally takes about 1-2 hours to look through. There are a significant number of Rayleigh related artefacts, such as postcards, maps, books and more. These are displayed at a number of regular exhibitions held in town but they are worthy of a permanent home for all to see, enjoy, and learn about our Town’s history. It is number 4 in the top things to do visiting Rayleigh and as a member of the community it is a fantastic resource for a history hobbist. Being next to pizza express its so close to us at Lawence Antony Homes so pop in and say hello after your visit! The Museum is proud to have acquired the Visit England 'We're Good to Go' Industry Standard mark which reflects that we have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, have a Risk Assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and maintain social distancing.

Summer is hot, and housing is expensive. If you are looking to sell your property this article contains home staging ideas for your Essex property. Staging means hanging things in front to allow natural daylight through your windows while still allowing privacy for relaxing after a long day's work while still keeping it clean and fresh for weekly viewing while its on sale. 1. Add colour inside Add a feature wall colour to your home to help you get organized. At the same time you'll raise the overall value of your home which will increase the cash you can put toward your property. Having a staging wall in your home is a great way of giving yourself more space to store items without crowding others into your space. It might seem simple but having a cohesive look can make all the difference when trying to sell your home. 2. Use mirrors to reflect the light A mirror is a useful tool for many reasons. It can be used to help you reflect and see what you envision in your home. Home staging uses a mirror to help reflect the light that comes through your front door into your living room, bedroom and kitchen. The purpose of this mirror is to help you see your progress throughout the day while setting yourself up to achieve specific goals such as working on a project at night without getting distracted by the sight of bright lights or people coming and going. 3. Add greenery Home staging is a simple and cost-effective way to increase the size or quality of your home. By staging house plants, you can get much more out of them. Having plants in the property is beneficial to your mental health especially during this stressful time. 4. For decorative items, go for beach themed items There are beach themed home staging ideas for displaying every type of tropical decor. Furnishing ideas for creating a beach house are numerous and alluring. Outdoor rugs, palm trees, live plants and tropical artwork fill our homes with sunshine and swim in the amazing ocean breeze. If you enjoy classic decor but also like colorful outdoor furniture and accessories you could always make a beach house out of these items. 5. Invest in outdoor furniture and planters To show more space outside a house, you should have outdoor furniture. Use hardscaped planters or flower boxes to add depth to a living room because it draws the eye away from busy and cluttered walls. Simple changes like moving an umbrella from inside the house to outside can save you money. (Do this if you have an area on your patio that never gets sun).Improve curb appeal with better staging of areas outside your house

The average UK property price has risen by 8.6%, which is roughly £20,000 in the past year. This is the highest annual rate since 2014 according to the Office for National Statistics. Over the year, house prices in England increased to £268,000 (up by 8.7%), in Wales to £180,000 (up by 8.4%) and in Scotland to £162,000 (up by 8%). The North West was the region that saw the highest annual growth in average house prices (11.9%), while London recorded the lowest positive growth (4.6%). The figures reported by HM Revenue & Customs show that sales in March this year more than doubled from March in 2020. It is estimated by HMRC that 190,980 sales took place in March 2021, a 202.3% increase in transactions compared with the previous year at 94,380. Despite the tapering of the stamp duty holiday later this summer, it has been predicted within the sector that the high demand levels we're seeing will continue to propel activity and protect property prices. The vaccine roll out and easing of lockdown restrictions have led to dramatic changes to consumer confidence within the UK, supporting this expectation for the housing market. If you'd like to review your options for buying or selling this year, talk to us today.