Top tips for a stress-free move
Are you on the countdown to moving day? Or perhaps you want to get organised well ahead of time? We’ve teamed up with Zoopla to provide you with expert advice through our moving home checklist.
1. Before you start
You’ll first need to decide how you are going to move, ideally 6 weeks before your moving date. However, many people may have already planned this in advance. There are 3 main ways this can be done:
- Using a removal service for everything, including packing, transporting your items from one property to another, and unpacking once you’re there. This method will cost you the most, however it requires the least work as pretty much everything is done for you.
- You may want to do all the packing and unpacking yourself, only relying on the removal company to load the van and take it to your new property.
- The final way is doing it all yourself which is usually the cheapest method. Remember, you’ll need to find a big enough van and have lots of boxes ready. It’s always a good idea to see if any friends are free to give you a hand on the day.
Doing your own research can help you decide what route to take. If you’re unsure, speak to both removal and van hire companies to see what costs fit your budget best.
2. Preparing to move house
4 –6 weeks before
Once you have decided how you are going to move, it's time to start making bookings. If you’re using a removal company, speak to them and ensure your moving date is still fine. If you are doing it yourself, check the van you’re using is still available. Next, you may need to organise packing materials. This will allow you to gauge if you have enough materials or if you need more. Give yourself enough time in case you do need more things like bubble wrap and boxes.
Decluttering can also begin in this period, as you don’t want to rush it at the last minute. Anything you don’t need could be donated to charity or sold. Remember, the less you have, the easier and cheaper it will be to move.
If you’re downsizing, this step can be extra important as your current items may not fit into your new property.
Finally, use this period to book time off work if you need to. Giving as much notice as possible will ensure you can have the days off you need.
2 –3 weeks before
As your moving date edges closer, there are still a few things that you need to do.
Contact utility suppliers, arrange any redirects (mail or phone), pay outstanding bills, arrange your final payments, and sort out your home insurance. You’ll also need to think about transferring your TV license, broadband, and council tax.
Top tip: Take photographs of the utility meters in your old home when you leave, as well as in your new home when you arrive.
Another thing to remember is to start using up food from your freezer. On your moving date, you may not have access to a freezer for a prolonged period. Therefore, certain items may have to be thrown away if they are not used up.
Finally, if you have any children or pets, start to think about where they are going to be during the move. Will your children be at school or are they able to stay with a relative or friend on the date?
1 –2 weeks before
If you need to register with a new GP, now will be the perfect time to do so.
Furthermore, you will also need to inform the council and get a tax statement. This will help ensure that you are not paying any additional tax on your old property once you move. You could also be held accountable for any unpaid council tax of the people who moved into your old property.
Another important matter is informing your bank and insurance companies. Making sure all your details are up to date on all your policies is crucial. So, giving these companies reasonable notice will prevent any mishaps.
Finally, if you have any plants you’re going to be taking with you, now is the time to transfer them into pots. This isn’t something you want to rush 1 or 2 days before the move.
1 –2 days before
With your moving day right around the corner, you’ll need to make sure the last few things are in check.
Work out if any white goods are coming with you. If you are taking your fridge or fridge-freezer, make sure to defrost it. If the dishwasher is coming with you, this should be disconnected.
Begin to label your boxes, this will be helpful once you get to the new property. Also, set aside a few boxes for moving day essential items. These boxes can contain items such as toiletries, chargers, snacks, and drinks. Basically, anything that you feel you’ll need easy access to on the day.
Finally, label any keys you have for the property. This will show the new owners what key is for what lock.
3. Moving Day
At last, the big day is here. There are so many moving day tips that will help ease the process. We have complied some of the most important ones.
One of the first things you should do is strip any beds to make it easier to move them.
Start dismantling any furniture, however, if you have hired a removal company, they should do this for you (always check what they do and don’t do when you book).
Always allow yourself enough time to clean. Remember, you are going to be moving furniture, so dust and dirt are likely to be moved around the house. Any basic cleaning you can do will benefit the new owners.
Once the removal company arrives, or if you’ve hired a van, you can start loading up. When everything is loaded, do one last sweep of the property to ensure nothing is left behind.
When you arrive at your new property, the first pieces of furniture to be assembled should be the beds. Then you can start unpacking vital items in the rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen and bathroom. It's unlikely everything will be set up and perfect on the first day, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
4. After moving in
You’ll also need to think about paying stamp duty if your new property is valued at over £250,000. It's very likely that you would have already discussed this with your lawyer or mortgage advisor.
Check any meter readings and utilities. By doing this, it will help your supplier work out your bills. If you don’t do this, you may find that you’re overpaying as the supplier will estimate your usage.
Finally, once you are settled in you can start updating your address on various accounts. Some key ones to remember are the electoral register and your pet’s microchip.
To read more top tips for a stress-free move, head over to Zoopla