Moving can be a stressful time, but in our experience, if you are organised and plan in advance, then it can be reasonably stress-free and most importantly, an exciting time!
Simply, we’re experts in helping people move house. We’ve been matching people and property since 1856 and as a result, we’ve also built great relationships with other like-minded experts.
We know some of the very best removal companies, mortgage brokers, solicitors, locksmiths, professional cleaners – and we even know just the people to call if you want to have your new home fitted with beautiful, bespoke furniture.
Here are a few pointers that we hope will help you into your new home, as seamlessly as possible:
Four weeks before move-date
Book a removals van
To ensure you get the date and the company you want book your removals as soon as possible. Fridays and Saturdays can be more expensive and get booked up well in advance.
Contents insurance
Check your home contents insurance policy to see what cover you have regarding moving home. Your removal company can provide this if you are not covered.
Arrange parking
Arrange for parking of the removal van outside your current and new addresses. Removal companies can arrange this but they will charge for it.
Go explore!
Visit your new area. You’ve chosen this place as your new home, so use any spare time to visit the local pubs and shops and get an idea of your new locale.
White goods paperwork
Gather instruction manuals on the appliances you’re leaving behind. Guidance on how the boiler works, and where to find stopcocks and meters will be a godsend for your buyers. It’s worthwhile asking those you’re buying from to do similar for you, so you won’t need to get in contact with them once you’ve moved in.
Three weeks before move-date
Packing material
Order boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials so you can start packing in good time and not leave everything to the last minute.
Organise broadband
Let your broadband supplier know as soon as possible that you are moving to ensure you are not penalised for shutting down your account.
Let people know
Order change of address cards to send out to friends and family.
Medical contacts
If you are moving out of the local area you will have to de-register with your doctor, dentist and optician and register with new ones in your new area.
Book accommodation (if needed)
If you need hotel accommodation or prefer an airbnb during the removal, book well in advance, especially in the summer months when availability may be limited.
Two weeks before move-date
Household bills
See who offers the best deal on gas and electricity at your new home. The size and postcode of your new home will affect your gas bill so it is worth investigating all the options.
Inform your credit cards, store cards and insurance companies of your change of address.
Inform your cable/satellite operator of your moving date or if you wish to start up this service check to see if they are available in your area.
When you move home you are required to register your change of address to be eligible to vote.
Organise pet care
Book pets into kennels/cattery etc. or for friends/relatives to look after them during the move.
Get the kids ready
If possible arrange childcare on moving day or set aside an area of the house for them to play in with some of their toys. If they’re old enough, try and find easy things for them to do so they can help out.
Empty the freezer
Start to empty your freezer and throw out any out-of-date tins and jars in your kitchen cupboards.
One week before move-date
Let the council know
Notify your local councils (current and new) of your change of address. Council Tax is calculated on a daily basis so you could be due a refund.
Change the locks
Review the security arrangements at your new home. We recommend that you organise to change the locks on all your outside doors as you don’t know who may have had access to the keys.
TV license
Inform TV Licensing of your change of address. Keep hold of your current licence as you will not be issued a new one until your existing one expires.
Phone lines
Contact your mobile phone network to let them know your change of address. Call your home phone company to transfer your account.
DVLA and banks
Inform the DVLA of your change of address. Failure to do so is an offence. Contact your bank/building society with your change of address.
Get post forwarded
Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
Final household bills
Shut down and set up your water accounts.
Settle all outstanding accounts with your milkman and newsagent and cancel subscriptions.
Organise keys
Check with your estate agents that the keys to your new home will be available on the day of your move and what you should do with your own keys. Spare keys should be labelled and left in a secure place in the house.
Pack savvy
Pack a box for use in the new home to include light bulbs, toilet rolls, candles, screwdrivers, matches, cash and a note of important telephone numbers. Put this in your car.
Ready white goods for travel
Empty, disconnect and drain the pipes of your dishwasher and washing machine. Secure the drum with travel brackets.
Empty your fridge and freezer of any unwanted food and clean it.
Clean your house
Clean the property thoroughly before you leave. Many find it a lot easier to book a professional clean team. It does mean an additional cost, but it’s one less thing you need to think about, and gives your buyers a lovely welcome to their new home.
MOVING DAY!
Meter readings
Remember to take final meter readings for gas, electricity and water.
Stay hydrated
Keep refreshments flowing – moving is physically demanding work.
Unpack bedding first
Remove all bedding and clearly label the box for immediate unpacking for the first night at your new home.
Final checks
Once the van is loaded do one last check around the house to ensure all items have been packed.
Make sure to lock back doors and windows, and leave non-front door keys in an envelope for your buyers.
Day one in your new home
Meter readings
Contact your old gas and electricity companies to give them your final meter readings.
Parking permits
Surrender any parking permits from your old address and apply for a new one if applicable.
And relax
Sit back and enjoy your new home! Get your first takeaway. Pop the bubbly.
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