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!

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.

Make sure existing structure is strong enough. Make sure the balcony surface is waterproofed properly. Most importantly check local council regulations. Privacy and overlooking neighbours is a major one.

Yes, but are you using the gap where rangehood was to centre, or the centre of the cook top. If you have cabinetry along the wall then you can hide the fact that the extractor fan/rangehood is not centre of the cook top. Or that is how it appears in your photos.