You’ve exchanged! Congratulations! Your completion date is set and you have your date to move. The legal work is just about done and we will have written to you to outline what happens next in the process.
But what about all of the practicalities involved in moving? Here’s our handy checklist which hopefully will assist you getting organised for the big day.
Removals
It’s often tempting to look for the cheapest option but remember the mantra – you tend to get what you pay for. There are various types of services available; some removal firms will offer packing services in the run up to your move and handle everything on your behalf, some will move what you have packed, a man with a van is often useful for the smaller move or if you are on a tight budget, hire a van and rope in family and friends. If you are looking to hire a removal firm check that they are insured for loss and damage just in case an accident occurs whilst moving.
We usually suggest that all valuable items and important papers are packed separately and kept close to your person throughout the move.
It’s best to label the boxes that you have (remember that empty boxes are often readily available from supermarkets and shops) with brief details of what is in them and which room they are to go to. That way your removals will know where to put things on arrival. A brief plan of the house (use the agents’ floorplan) with the rooms labelled will also help.
On arrival
It’s always worth having a box or bag with items that you will need immediately. We suggest the following as a basic guide:
- Food and Drink. Don’t forget your tea and coffee (or something stronger if you are struggling with the stress!), milk, sugar and sandwiches to keep you going. Have the kettle and mugs at hand. Nothing better than a cuppa when you arrive! A couple of bottles of water is a good idea too.
- Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Matches
- Torch
- First aid kit just in case
- A basic tool kit including a screwdriver, pliers, hammer and a few screws, nails and picture hooks
- A couple of boxes of chocolates. Give them to the neighbours when you arrive. It’s a good way to break the ice, meet them and put you in their good books from day one.
- Your mobile phone
The locks
We always advise to have the locks changed when you move in. After all you don’t know who has had keys for the property in the past. You may consider simply adding another lock to the door. This will give you the peace of mind that any previous key holders cannot access and give you the added security of another lock.
Post
If you need your post redirected, you can complete form P944 which is available from the post office. There is a small charge for redirection.
Meters
Your seller should have read the meters (gas, electricity and where there is a meter, water) when they move out but you should also take readings and inform your providers of the numbers (remember that you are under no obligation to stay with the same supplier as the seller and you should shop around (there are various price comparison websites available) to see what is the best deal for you). Utilities (including council tax) run with the person as opposed to the property so you take over with a clean slate from completion.
Updating people with your new address
You will need to advise friends and family of your new address but don’t forget to inform the following:
- The local authority for council tax purposes
- The water and drainage authority
- Your bank and/or building society
- Insurance and pension companies
- The DVLA in respect of your driving licence
- Credit card companies
You may also need to find a new doctors and dentist depending on your circumstances.
If you are considering moving home and are looking for a free, no obligation quotation or consultation, why not give one of Alexander JLO’s expert property lawyers a call and see what we can do for you?