As soon as your offer has been agreed :
Instruct a solicitor.
Instruct a surveyor.
Moving house can be a stressful time.
Planning in advance will help ensure all tasks are covered and the day of moving goes smoothly.
6 – 7 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
a) Will you do the removal yourself? If not look into finding a removal company. Consider whether they will pack for you. Get 2/3 quotes. Good removal companies may be well booked in advance so make sure they are available.
b) Start sorting through the attic, shed and cupboards and drawers. Try and get rid of things you no longer need or use. There is no sense in paying a removal company to move items you no longer use or need.
c) If you are moving from a rented property make sure you have given your landlord the requisite amount of notice.
d) Double check the house insurance will cover you on the day of removal.
4 – 5 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
a) Get the packing boxes and materials delivered.
b) Double check access at both locations and ensure the removal company is aware of any potential difficulties regarding access etc.
c) Let your neighbours at both locations know that you will be moving in/out on a set day and apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may result.
d) Notify the utility companies, phone provider & local council that you will be moving.
e) Prepare change of address details – either an email or cards for family, friends and organisations.
2 – 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
a) If you have small children arrange for a friend to look after them for the day. Pets will also need to be considered.
b) If you are moving a long way from your current home consider whether you will overnight accommodation somewhere during the process.
c) Consider whether the car(s) need to be serviced if you face a long journey on the day of the move.
d) Start running down the food and freezer stocks.
e) Notify the milkman and newsagent.
f) Set up mail redelivery with the Post Office.
g) Start making notes of useful details to leave for the new owners e.g. where stop cocks are, names of the neighbours, dustbin day etc.
h) Contact locksmiths and organise for them to visit the new property as soon as possible after the move.
i) Buy labels to use on the packing boxes.
j) Start packing.
1- 2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
a) Confirm the final details for the day with the removal company.
b) Start dismantling furniture.
c) Arrange for professional companies to disconnect any appliances you may wish to take with you.
d) Keep packing.
2 – 3 DAYS BEFORE MOVING
a) Label keys that are being left behind.
b) Get the laundry up to date.
c) Prepare a box of essential items to help set up the house as soon as you arrive: toilet rolls, tea & coffee making equipment, clean bedding, pet food etc.
d) Make sure you have food and drinks for the day. Don’t forget a few tasty cakes to keep the removal men going.
e) Defrost the freezer.
f) Pack your valuables and decide how they will be transported on the day.
g) Pack as much as possible of the remaining items.
THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE
a) Do a final check of all areas that have been cleared.
b) Make sure you know what is in each box.
c) Make a list of where items are to be placed in the new house.
d) Make sure you phone is charged and the car is full of petrol.
e) Pack the final items keeping the essentials to one side for the BIG day.
THE DAY OF THE MOVE
a) Strip beds and place dirty laundry in bags.
b) Drop off the children and pets if as arranged.
c) Show the removal team where all the items are.
d) As the house is cleared clean and do a check of each room.
e) Check all outside areas – sheds etc.
f) Lock all windows and doors.
g) Do meter readings. It is useful to photograph the meters so there is no dispute.
h) Ensure the house is secure and deliver the keys to the estate agent.
AT THE NEW HOUSE
a) Check all the services are working.
b) set up the kettle and refreshments.
c) Do the meter readings.
d) Make up the beds.
e) Only unpack the basics.
f) When the removal men have finished make sure the van is empty before it departs.
g) Collect the children and pets.
h) Enjoy a glass of champagne.