If you've found your new home, the exchange of contracts is about to happen and completion is just around the corner, it's time to think about actually moving! Whether you are currently living in a rented property, with parents, looking to downsize or up sizing to your forever home, chances are you will have plenty of belongings to move. As house prices in the UK are still on the rise, lots of people will be looking to move house this year. It can be a stressful process but we have put together a handy checklist to help you prepare and avoid any problems during your move.
Start by Decluttering
Moving house is the perfect time to declutter because who wants to take unwanted or unloved belongings to a new home? Go through your whole house and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate or throw away. You could sell unwanted items online, hold a sale at your home or take your items to a car boot sale, and any profits made will always be helpful with the costs of moving house. You may find yourself taking a few trips to the tip before you move but anything you get rid of can reduce the amount you're moving, will save money and make the process easier.
Get a Moving Date
This is what everything else hinges on because if you don't know when you are moving, it is difficult to sort anything else out. As a rule, you will usually get a date after the contracts are exchanged, with the completion and moving date happening around two weeks later. If you are part of a chain, you will need to move out of your property and into your new property on the same day, but if you're currently living in a rented property or with parents, you can stagger the move over a couple of days.
Book a Removal Service
If you need a removal service, you can get quotes before you know your exact moving date and then confirm nearer the time. Some removal companies also offer a packing service, but whether you go for this will depend on your budget. If money is tight, think about hiring a van for the day and roping in any friends or relatives to help you move. When packing, it's always advisable to label all your boxes so you know where to put them in your new home, and you won't forget what you've packed!
Notify Your Landlord
If you are currently living in a rented property, you usually have to give a month's notice before you move. This can be difficult, but try to time it so you have a couple of days after you move out before the lease is up so you can go back in and clean. Also, keep the channels of communication open between you and your landlord or letting agency because, as the house buying process can be fraught with delays, you may need to change dates at the last minute.
Re-Direct Your Mail
Royal Mail offer a handy mail redirection service so you won't miss any important letters going to your old address. You can put this in place for around 6 months to a year so you'll have plenty of time to change all your addresses.
Change Your Address
Even if you have opted to redirect your mail, it is also important to change your address as soon as you can with all the important parties. This includes utility companies, banks, subscriptions, doctors and dentist. Also, update your address with the DVLA for your driver's license and vehicle registration. Inform the council, TV licensing, and the electoral roll of your new address and cancel or transfer any local services like newspaper deliveries.
Organise New House Insurance
It usually comes as a condition of your mortgage offer that you need buildings insurance in place but it is also important to organise contents insurance to protect your belongings. You can usually organise this up to 30 days in advance so it's a good item to tick off your list well in advance of moving day.
Apply for a Parking Permit
If your new home is in a resident only parking area, contact the council to apply for a parking permit. You may also be able to get temporary permits for visitors, which will help on moving day because the last thing you'll want when moving in is a parking ticket.
Make a List for the New Owners
If you own the home you are moving out of, it is a nice gesture to leave a list of handy hints and tips about the house. This could include which day is bin day, where to find the stopcock and instructions on how to operate the boiler or hot water system. It might also be nice to leave them a couple of local takeaway menus for their first night and of course, always give the house a good clean before you move out.
Create a Box of Important Things
As moving day rapidly approaches, it is a good idea to put all your important items in one box. This could include any paperwork about the move, mobile phone chargers, any valuables, toilet roll, snacks, cleaning products and, of course, the kettle, tea bags and milk! If you keep this box with you then there will be no searching through boxes when you arrive at your new home.
Finish the Food in your Fridge and Freezer
This is a point that some people forget but it is always a good idea to try and finish the food in your freezer before the move. Of course, if you are only moving down the road then your frozen goods will keep between houses but if you're moving further afield, it is wise to empty everything out of your freezer before you put it on the removal van.
Take Final Meter Readings
Moving day is finally here! You have everything packed, and you know where your box of important things is. There is one more thing to do: take a final meter reading of the electricity, gas and water meters at your old property. When you get to your new home, remember to take all the meter readings again, ready to give to your new utility provider.
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