Moving house is one of the most stressful events we will experience in our lives – whether you re a first time buyer or have moved many times – there are many things to consider to ensure your move runs smoothly.
    Once you receive confirmation from the estate agents that the offer on your new home has been accepted or that the buyers have agreed a price on your home, you will experience a feeling of both excitement and anticipation – now is the time to prepare a plan of action.
    Solicitors

    The first step is to appoint a solicitor who will liaise with the estate agents and keep you updated on the whole process – they should be able to provide you with an estimated date for the completion of the sale ( the day the money is transferred and you get the keys to your new home ) – however this is subject to surveys, buyers / sellers being involved in a chain etc

    Removals

    The next step is to start packing and decide on how you are going to move. If you are moving from a 2 bedroom property or larger we always advise to try and obtain a quote from a reputable, local removal company.

    It is always tempting to try and save some money by doing it yourself, however when you consider all the costs such Van hire, Insurance, Fuel and more importantly the back breaking physical labour of lifting / carrying heavy furniture up and down stairs – using a professional removal company is a lot less stressful.

    Arrange for a home visit to assess to amount you need to move, remember to include items from the Attic, Basement, Garage and Shed.

    Self Storage

    If the property you are buying requires renovation work / decorating or you are going into rented accommodation you may decide to place all or part of your belongings into storage – this will make it easier for the tradesmen to carry out all the necessary work and avoid  any damage to your belongings.

    You may be downsizing from a large property and everything will fit into your new homes – place items you will not need into storage and you can sort them once you have moved.

    If you are using a removal company,  they will be able to provide you with an estimate for the size of the storage unit you will need. Pop inti your local storage centre and have a look at the facilities and the size of the storage units – you will also be able to buy good quality packing materials such as Boxes, Bubble Wrap, Tape, Mattress Covers etc.

    Packing

    Now is the time to decide what you will be taking with you and what you no longer require, try and separate items into keep – Charity Shop / Recycling – Tip Get Rid of / donate any unwanted items first which should free up some space at home so you have a better idea of the items which need to be packed for the move.

    Start packing items you do not need until you move into your new place, such as Ornaments, Books, Garage/Shed items.

    Use strong double walled cardboard boxes and avoid bin bags/lightweight cardboard boxes from super market which are likely to collapse when filled. If you have booked a storage init, start taking items/boxes which will fit in your car into storage leaving fewer items for the moving day.

    Who to tell you are moving

    When you have received confirmation of the final moving date, it is important to start notifying people of your impending move :

    • Utility Companies – Gas, Electric – take final metre readings on the moving day
    • Land Lines/ Mobile Phones/ Internet Service Providers
    • Redirect the post to protect yourself from identity theft
    • Local Council Office with regards to Council Tax and Register to Vote
    • Bank
    • Credit Cards/ Store Cards
    • DVLA
    • Doctor – Dentist – Opticians
    • Inland Revenue
    • Home Insurance – cancel & transfer to your new property
    • Schools your children attend
    Moving With Pets

    Your pets will probably sense that something is going on so it is important to try and make them feel comfortable during your move.

    Ideally try and make arrangements to leave them with the family and friends on the moving day – if this is not possible, book them into kennels.

    Place a tag on your pet with your name and number just in case they decide to escape once you have moved into your new home – there is more chance of them being returned to you.

    Moving Day

    On the day of the move :

    • Turn off all appliances – ensure the freezer has been defrosted and cleaned beforehand
    • Take Final Metre Readings
    • Take a Final look around the property to make sure you have not forgotten anything

    Pack some essential items you will need as soon as you arrive at the new property such as:

    • Kettle
    • Tea – Coffee – Milk – Mugs & Cutlery
    • Bedlinen
    • Important documents, Jewellery
    • Washing up liquid, Toilet roll
    • Spare light bulbs for the new house – just in case!

    If you have booked a removal company, make sure the kettle is the last item to be packed away!

    Arriving at your new home
    • The first thing to do is to unpack your essential items
    • Place all boxes and Furniture’s in the relevant rooms
    • Ensure all the utilities have been connected
    • Clean
    • Find the nearest Takeaway!