1 All items and boxes must be labelled, BUT all the destination rooms should also be labelled (except maybe kitchen) because removalists don't know from the first second which is "Kid1 Bedroom" etc. In the case of furniture, it is really worthwhile having a rough floor plan worked out beforehand where you want the furniture pieces. This way removalists can do their job without you having to stand there giving instructions. 2. If you have a big enough car, bring all the important things like coffee machine, boiler, cups, drinks, lunch supplies, vacuum cleaner, as well as documents, cameras, jewellery by yourself. Fill your Esky or camping fridge with the cold stuff from the fridge. 3. Definitely de-junk before you go. OR designate a space in the old house for things you WONT take, and deal with that later. Between now and your moving day, try to consume as much as you can from the fridge. 4. Pre-pack as many things as you can before moving day. Don't skimp on wrapping paper for fragile items. Once we had to move on a really, really hot day. We got everything unloaded into the empty double garage first, and then later moved things into the house. This helped the house stay a lot cooler. Have a good move!

What about Bird of Paradise. Mass planted. They will grow snout 4-5 feet tall itch the flower spikes standing above that. They are as tuff as nails, love tropical conditions. Have an Asian contemporary feel about them. Are very sculptural. Interesting foliage and amazing flowers. You can plant Xanadu philodendrons between that will act like a sub layer and fill in the gaps with their own interesting leaf formations. On that front corner where your stack stone and letterbox are I would keep it low and simple for the posties access. Mini variegated lomandra as that will highlight the darkness of the wall. Try to get in as much good soil as you can before you plant as it looks like it's clay, if so dig in some gypsum. Great soil equals happy plant.

You will need to consider the balance between the LHS and RHS when doing your renovations. The garden on the right is pretty full. On the left you will need to balance this up. Part of the entrance problem is that the paint work is too dark. A bright contrasting paint ie. an orange base, could really lift the stairs and trims around the windows. And then have the door a paler version of the trim paint. It would then stand out better. Leave the railings of the deck. This is all fine. There is not that much wrong. What you have done is good and works well with the style of your home.

I have a similar family room, with big windows and a sliding door and we have block out Roman blinds on them. They sit at the top of the windows most of the time as we don't have any privacy issues with being looked in at by the neighbours. We really only put them down at night in the winter. Ours have a creamy coloured background with taupy wavy lines on them. Very neutral. I never could have imagined that's what I wanted til I saw the fabric. Good luck I'll see if I can find a photo to post.