Posted on
Thursday, February 21, 2019
When it comes to moving home, being methodical and well prepared can help to ease the stress before, during and after the big day.
Here at Keys and Lee, we’ve put together a moving checklist to help you keep track of all of the important steps along the way.
Two months before your move
You will typically need at least two months to prepare for your move. This is when you will begin to compare quotes and reviews and choose your conveyancing solicitor. Getting the legalities in order early on in the process can help to ensure a smooth legal transaction of your property sale/purchase.
It’s worth getting any valuable possessions assessed for insurance and checking if your insurance policy will cover your move. If not, your removal company – if you’re using one – should be able to provide cover.
Keeping note of the details of your move, including to-do lists, important numbers, dates and conversations, can also prove useful.
Six weeks before your move
Going through the home to clear and declutter should ideally be done around this time. Doing this well in advance will make moving day less strenuous. Consider making a full checklist of items for each room, ticking off as you go.
It’s worthwhile to colour coordinate and cross-reference your boxes; this is an effective way to keep associated items together.
Of course, nothing should go to waste, either. Once you’ve decluttered, there is always the option of selling unwanted goods on eBay and using sites like freecycle to help raise extra funds. Alternatively, Gone for Good and other charities make a useful home for electronics and old clothes.
This is also a good time to get removal quotes. When comparing quotes, do so based on the ratings, service and feedback of each company rather than just the price. You can also begin searching for a surveyor to carry out your home survey.
One month before your move
By now, you should have had a surveyor inspect your new property. You’ll then be able to discuss exchanging contracts with your solicitor and finalising the moving date.
Hopefully, by now you’ll have a good idea of which removal company you’re going to appoint. Consider parking arrangements and permits for the vehicle at both addresses. It’s also useful to think about the travel route to your new home and whether it’s suitable for a large removal van or lorry.
If possible, order furnishings for your new home and book carpet fitters for any that need replacing in advance. It’s worth revisiting the property to take any necessary measurements before doing this.
Two weeks before your move
At this point, you should be confirming the all-important details and contact information with your estate agent and removal company. It’s also a good time to organise un-plumbing washing machines, disassembling/reassembling furniture and finalising the packing.
Assuming the packing is complete, consider having the boxes arranged by which room they will go into once you’ve moved in.
Having an ‘essentials’ bag or box for important documents such as birth certificates, passports, and other important information will help you to locate them easily and protect them from being stuffed in an unsuitable box.
One day before your move
This is when you’ll do the final checks, ensuring that nothing will be left behind and everything is stored where it should be. Check that you have the keys to your new property, or have arranged to collect them in advance, and gather together keys for all locks from your old home.
Ensure you get a decent night’s sleep, as you will be on your feet for the majority of moving day.
On the day of your move
Moving home is often referred to as one of life’s most stressful events, so it’s important that you keep a level head and approach the day with as much patience as possible.
When the days comes, be ready for your removal company to arrive and inform them of any boxes that need special care.
Check all windows and doors are secure and utilities are switched off. Also, consider keeping copies of contact details for your conveyancer, estate agent and removal company – just in case they’re needed.
Ensure that you take the meter readings for water, gas and electricity to give to your providers and leave the keys for the new owner.
After your move
Once moving day is over and you’re beginning to settle in, you will need to account for each item on your inventory, checking for any missing or damaged items.
Make sure that all of your current keys are working and everything is order. If you have not done so already, notify any important contacts of your new address to avoid any confusion.
You’ll also want to confirm that all bills or other mail will still reach you. Thanks to Royal Mail’s Postal Redirection service, it’s possible to do just that. You can get redirected post for three, six or 12 months, so consider setting it up as soon as possible.
All in all, while moving can be taxing – especially if you’re selling at the same time – you can minimise the headache with careful organisation and some forward planning.
Here at Keys and Lee, we assist people through the process in Romford and the surrounding areas. For more information on how we can help you sell, let, buy or rent a home, contact us on 01708 766 241.
To find out how much your property could be worth, you can also request a free and instant online valuation.
