20 things to do when moving house
Moving home can definitely be a chaotic and stressful experience, but being prepared can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you stay organised and ready for moving day
Agree a completion date
Communicate regularly with all parties in the chain: Keep in touch with your solicitor, estate agent, and any other parties involved in the chain to ensure that everyone is aware of the agreed completion date and any potential issues that may arise. This will help to minimise any delays or misunderstandings during the moving process.
Inform your landlord
Notify your landlord or property manager: If you are currently renting, inform your landlord or property manager of your move-out date and any other necessary details.
Cancel or transfer utility services: Contact your utility providers (e.g., gas, electricity, water, internet) to cancel or transfer services to your new address.
Get removals quotes
Get multiple removals quotes: It’s a good idea to get quotes from at least three different removals companies to compare prices and services. Make sure to provide each company with the same information so that the quotes are comparable.
Make sure your new home is insured
Sort home insurance: This is important to ensure that your new home is protected against any potential risks or damages. You can do this by contacting your current home insurance provider to update your details or by shopping around for a new policy.
Update your driving licence
Update your address with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) by filling out the appropriate form or updating your details online.
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Let your car insurance know you’ve moved
Inform your car insurance company of your new address, either by calling them or updating your details online.
Take final meter readings
Take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water to ensure you are not charged for any usage after you leave.
Get your mail redirected
Get your mail redirected by signing up for Royal Mail’s redirection service, which will forward your mail to your new address for a set period of time.
Let your doctor & dentist know you’ve moved
Update your doctors and dentist with your new address to ensure that your medical records and any future correspondence are sent to the correct address.
Move your tv licence
Move your TV Licence to your new address by updating your details on the TV Licensing website or by calling them. This is important to ensure that you are covered to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer at your new address.
Let your bank know
Tell your bank or building society of your new address to ensure that any important correspondence is sent to the correct address. You can usually do this online or by calling your bank.
Update your electoral role details
Update your details on the electoral roll by registering to vote at your new address. This is important for voting in local and national elections and can also help to improve your credit score.
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Apply for a parking permit
If you live in an area with controlled parking zones or need a permit to park on the street, you may need to apply for a new permit for your new address. Check with your local council for details on how to apply for a permit.
Make child care arrangements for moving day
If you have children, it’s important to make arrangements for their care on moving day. This could involve arranging for a family member or friend to look after them or booking them into a child care service for the day.
Update broadband and digital TV providers
You will need to inform your broadband and digital TV providers of your new address and arrange for your services to be transferred to your new home. You may need to schedule an installation appointment for your new home.
Eat all the food in the freezer
Eat all the food in the freezer or store it elsewhere until the appliance is up and running.
This will prevent the food from spoiling and potentially causing a bad odor in the house. You could use a cooler with ice packs or ask a friend or family member to store it for you.
Don’t forget to defrost the freezer before you move out.
Leave a list for your new residents
Leave a list of current utility providers and important information for the new residents:This will be helpful for the new residents to set up their own accounts and avoid any confusion.
Include information such as the electricity, gas, water, and internet providers, as well as the location of the stop cock (the valve that shuts off the water supply to the house).
Pack an essentials box with things you’ll need on moving day.
Moving day can be chaotic, so it’s helpful to have a box of essentials that you can easily access.
- Valuables, such as jewelry or small electronics that you don’t want to get lost or damaged during the move
- Important documents related to the move, such as contracts, lease agreements, and paperwork for your new home
- Your passport or other identification documents that you may need during the move
- A drinks kit with tea, coffee, milk, sugar, mugs, and a kettle
- Snacks to keep you fueled during the move
- A phone charger to keep your phone powered up
- Toilet roll, because you never know when you might need it
- Cleaning products, bin bags, and a vacuum cleaner to tidy up any messes that may occur during the move
- Something to keep kids entertained, such as a favorite toy or book, to help them stay occupied while you’re busy with the move.
Let everyone else know
Let anyone else know that we haven’t already covered
- Family members and friends who may need to contact you or send you mail
- Let your magazine and newspaper subscriptions, milk delivery service, and other regular deliveries know that you’re moving
- Your workplace, so they can update their records and send important documents to the correct address
- Your child’s school or daycare, if applicable, so they have your new address on file and can send important notices or information to the correct location
Top tips
Start planning as early as possible. The more time you have to prepare, the smoother the moving process will be.
Create a moving checklist to keep track of everything you need to do before, during, and after the move.
Finally, take a deep breath and try to stay calm throughout the process. Remember, moving home can be stressful, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can make it a smooth and successful experience.
For more info on moving property and mortgages, please contact a member of the Strive team, by emailing [email protected] or call us on 01273 002697.
