Moving Check List

Moving home can be really exciting, but also really stressful! It is difficult to even know where to start and there are so many small things you will not want to overlook you can start to feel like it is a never ending task. To make things a little simpler and more orderly use the Home Owner’s Alliance handy moving house checklist to make sure you don’t forget any important details.

Initial preparations
Decide on a moving date (usually the completion date) and as soon as contracts have been exchanged you can start setting things in place. Avoid moving on Fridays and bank holidays as this is when removal companies will be in high demand and may charge more. For a less stressful move, opt for off-peak times such as mid-week.

Have a clear out! There’s no point moving items you no longer need. Donate them to a charity shop or if they’re valuable, try selling them at an auction or sell to a second-hand furniture dealer.

The removal firm should provide boxes at a cost. Don’t over pack your boxes so you can still lift them. And label them with what is inside and where you want them to go in your new home to make things a lot easier when it comes to unpacking.

Make sure your possessions are insured for transit. Most removals companies provide insurance, but check what this covers and whether there are any exclusions (e.g. anything you pack, rather than the company). If you’re planning to move any precious items yourself, check these are covered when in transit by your contents insurance.

The Big Day

• Arrange for someone to look after your children or pets for the day
• Hire professional cleaners to clean your new home before moving in
• Keep a box of essentials for when you move in with kettle, cups, milk etc so you can at least have a cup of tea when you get there.

Leaving Your Old Home

• Write out a fact file for the people who are moving into your property. Include instruction leaflets and service information for the heating system and appliances you’re leaving, together with details of rubbish collection, milk deliveries, recycling schemes etc.
• Collect all the keys to your home, including those left with neighbours, nannies and relatives, and give them to your solicitor or estate agent.
• Organise the post office to redirect your post.
• Cancel milk and newspapers if you have them delivered.
• If you are moving to a different area, make sure you notify your GP and register with a new one.
• Register to vote again. This is important so you don’t lose your right but also for your credit rating

Making the Move

• Make sure the foreman of the removals company has the right keys for the new home. Travel with them or make sure someone will be there with the keys to let them in.
• Ensure that all items that were included in the sale such as carpets, curtains and any white goods are there. If there is anything missing, contact your solicitor.
• Check that the phone, security alarm, smoke alarm, electricity, gas, central heating and water all work.
• Read the gas, water and electricity meters – take a photo in case you need to change suppliers.
• Think about getting the locks changed on your new property – you never know who the previous owners may have given spare keys to.

Who to Tell You’re Moving

• Telephone and internet service providers
• TV licensing – your TV licence doesn’t automatically move with you when you move house and if you don’t you could end up being unlicensed in your new home, even if you paid for a licence at your old address. Fines run up to £1,000, so ensure you’re covered
• Bank, building society, pension provider and any company you have loans or investments with
• Credit card and store card companies
• HMRC, Inland Revenue
• Local council – for council tax and to re-register to vote
• Employers
• The schools your children attend
• It is a legal requirement to notify DVLA and renew your driving licence and vehicle registration document
• Your place of work

If you are thinking of making a move in 2018 give us a call – we would be delighted to help you from initial marketing right through to completion.