MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST: TOP TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE
Whether you're an experienced mover or a first-time homebuyer, there are numerous factors to consider when relocating. Staying organised is key to ensuring you don't overlook any crucial steps in the moving process.
By using our comprehensive moving home checklist, you can divide the process into manageable tasks. This ensures every step is completed efficiently, helping you reduce the stress of relocating.
#1. Hiring A Conveyancing Solicitor
Once your offer on a home is accepted, it's time to hire a conveyancing solicitor. They will guide you through the conveyancing process and manage all the legal aspects of your move. Your solicitor will conduct the necessary searches and provide the relevant documentation for you to review and sign.
Set your conveyancing fee budget
Compare different conveyancers
Provide them with your mortgage documentation
Review the outcomes of the conveyancing searches
Wait for the exchange and completion of documents
#2. Arrange A Home Survey
Getting a RICS Home Survey is a smart way to ensure your home is a sound investment before finalizing your purchase. Although not legally required, it is strongly recommended. A qualified surveyor will thoroughly evaluate the property's overall condition.
Compare Surveyors
Arrange a Survey Appointment
Wait for the Survey Documentation
Review the Survey Report
Decide on the Purchase
Negotiate or Withdraw
Provide Reports to Your Lender
Await Lender’s Confirmation
#3. Confirm Completion Date
The finalization and exchange of contracts is a crucial step in the conveyancing process. Your conveyancer will manage all legal documents and important paperwork on your behalf. Although the completion date may not always align with your moving day, they often happen simultaneously.
Contact Your Conveyancer for Contract Exchange
Send Final Legal Documents
Sign the Contract of Sale
Confirm Finances and Pay Deposit
Arrange Building Insurance
Agree on Completion Date
Transfer Your Deposit
#4. Choose A Removal Company
As your property transaction nears completion, it's time to consider hiring a professional removal company. While moving items yourself is an option, expert removalists can handle the job quickly and efficiently.
Start by calculating potential removal costs and deciding which fixtures and fittings you want to take or leave behind. Removal costs can vary based on factors such as long-distance moves, the number of vans needed, and additional packing services. These variables should be considered when deciding the best time to book a moving company. For a more affordable option, consider part-load removals or small removals, which tend to be cheaper than traditional full-service removal companies.
For unwanted furniture, you can donate items to charity shops or hire a house clearance company. You can compare quotes from affordable house clearance companies through platforms like Omni Removals to find the best deal.
Decide What Items to Keep or Get Rid Of
Set Your Moving Budget
Compare Removal Company Quotes
Choose a Removal Company
Arrange a Home Removal Survey
Consider Additional Removal Services
Confirm Price and Moving Date
#5. Declutter and Pack
Once you've booked your removal service, it's a good idea to start packing early. Packing most of your items ahead of time will help ensure a smoother, less stressful moving process. This way, you'll be better organized and ready for the big day.
Start by cleaning and decluttering your home to reduce the number of items that need to be moved. This not only helps organize your belongings but can also lower your removal costs. You can either purchase packing supplies from your removal company or find free moving boxes at local shops to save on expenses.
Declutter Your Home
Remove Fittings and Fixtures
Create an Inventory
Start Packing Room-by-Room
Label Boxes
Follow Our 20 Packing Tips for Moving House
#6. Contact Organisations and Companies
Before moving, it's essential to notify the relevant organizations and companies about your change of address. If you're renting, be sure to give notice to your landlord to officially end your rental contract. Don't forget to inform utility providers, banks, insurance companies, and any other relevant parties of your new address to ensure a smooth transition.
Government Organizations
Financial Institutions
Insurance Providers
Utility Suppliers
Regular Bills
Broadband
Health Services
Work and Education Contacts
Leisure and Family Activities
Cancel Current Parking Permits
Send Final Utility Meter Readings
#7. Update Your Address
Before your moving day, it's important to notify relevant companies of your change of address, including subscription services. Make sure to inform them of both your old and new address. These companies include:
Health Services
Utility Providers
Financial Services
Insurance Companies
Government Bodies
TV Licensing
Subscription Services
Friends and Family
Place of Work or Education
When creating your updated address checklist, don't forget to set up a mail redirection service from your previous address. This ensures that any outstanding mail you may have forgotten to update will still be forwarded to your new home. You can easily arrange this through Royal Mail Redirect to make sure you don't miss any important correspondence.
#8. View Storage Options
If there is a gap between your completion and moving date, consider using container or self-storage. This can be particularly helpful if you're moving from a larger home to a smaller one and need extra time to organize your belongings. Storage options give you the flexibility to store items securely until you're ready to move them into your new home.
Research Storage Costs and Options
Decide Which Type of Storage You Need
Compare Storage Providers
Decide Which Items Will Go into Storage
Pack Chosen Items
Separate the Storage Boxes from Your Moving Boxes
#9. Final Preparations
As your moving day approaches, it's important to tackle any last-minute tasks on your to-do list. Confirm your moving day details with your solicitor and estate agent to ensure everything is in place. Additionally, take time to prepare your old home for the new owners by thoroughly cleaning the property and making sure it's in good condition for handover.
Finish Packing and Dismantling Furniture
Perform a Final Deep Clean
Pay Final Bills
Check the Council Tax Band
Check Your Home Insurance
Pack an Essentials Box for Moving Day
Arrange Care for Children or Pets
Order a Food Shop Online for the New Home
Do a Final Check Around the House
#10. Moving Day
On your moving day, your movers will begin loading the removal van. Stay in contact with your estate agent for updates on the keys and any last-minute details. Keep important contact numbers handy, including your solicitor and removal company, in case of any unexpected delays or issues.
When moving, always keep your essentials box with you. This box should contain crucial items such as important documents, the keys to your new home, and any ID or completion documents you may need. Keeping these items close will help ensure nothing is missing when you arrive at your new home and make the transition smoother.
Greet the Movers
Submit Final Meter Readings
Leave a Note for the New Homeowners
Collect Your Keys
Instruct the Movers
Inspect the New Property
Perform a Final Inventory Check
Wipe Down Furniture as You Unpack
#11. After Your Move
After you have moved home you will want to begin the unpacking process and settle into the new property. Here are some useful things to do in the first few days:
