Moving Home Checklist

Moving Home Checklist

Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience, as well as an exciting one. The following points should help you to avoid any last minute panics.

Once your completion date is finalised:

  • Make sure that you know how you and your belongings will travel to your new home – if it’s miles away you might need to book a hotel.
  • If you need a removals firm, book a reputable one and check whether they provide insurance. If not, arrange transit insurance.
  • Arrange storage if you need it – your removals firm might offer this service.
  • If you are living in rented accommodation, give your landlord the required notice.
  • Book time off work for your move if necessary.
  • Pack non-essential items and out-of-season clothing, making sure that boxes and cases are clearly labelled with contents/intended room.
  • Make sure that important paperwork such as passports, driving licences etc is in a safe place. Paperwork for the move should all be kept together and accessible.
  • Arrange for the Post Office to redirect your mail when you move. At least one week’s notice is needed. Redirection forms are available from Post Office Counters and charges will vary according to length of time the service is needed. Contact Royal Mail on 0845 7740740 if you need further information.
  • Notify your Council to alter your Council Tax details. Two weeks’ notice is preferred. They will need to know the completion date/moving date, the address of your new property and details of your buyer if you have one.
  • If your new home will need gas or electric installing, notify your supplier as soon as possible.
  • Do you need a babysitter, or someone to look after pets during the move?

 

The week before:

  • Cancel services such as milk, newspapers, window cleaning etc.
  • Finish packing.
  • Sort out any final bills.
  • Give details of your move to gas, electricity, water and telephone suppliers. You can pay extra to keep the same telephone number, providing you move within the same exchange area. If you need a telephone or extra line installing in your new home, make the arrangements.
  • Don’t forget to notify credit card companies before your next statement is due.
  • Make sure that you have notified insurance providers before you move. Your policy might not cover your contents, car etc at your new address.
  • Notify other service providers such as cable/satellite TV companies etc of your move date.

 

The day before:

  • Defrost the fridge and freezer.
  • Leave the house and appliances clean for the people moving in.
  • Pack an “emergency rations” kit for the move – if you’ll want tea or coffee, make sure the kettle’s accessible – and plan something to eat. You might also need toilet tissue and cleaning items. Don’t forget about food for pets, if you have any.
  • If you have younger children, make sure you have enough toys to take with you to occupy them.
  • Look in each room and any garden buildings to check that everything has been accounted for.
  • Confirm arrangements and directions with your removals firm.

 

On the Day

  • Disconnect any appliances you’re leaving behind.
  • Keep pets in until ready to set off – the disruption may unsettle them.
  • Strip the beds and pack the bed linen – if you’ll be using the same items on your first night, make sure that they travel with you.
  • Make sure that you have the keys you need for your new property.
  • Read gas and electric meters and record the details.
  • Have one last check around your home to ensure it’s secure and that you haven’t forgotten anything.
  • Close and lock all doors and windows and take all the keys to the estate agent.

 

In your new home…

  • Give it a clean before you unpack.
  • Read gas and electric meters and give all the details to your suppliers.
  • Connect appliances such as fridge, freezer, cooker etc.
  • Make sure that you know how to operate the hot water system and heating.
  • Make the beds – you won’t feel like doing it at the end of a tiring day!
  • Get extra keys cut if you need them.
  • Keep pets in until the hustle and bustle of moving has died down.
  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbours.

 

If you would prefer to have a water meter, contact your supplier after you move in – they will need to survey the property.

If you think your Council Tax band is unfairly high, contact the Valuation Office once you’ve moved in. The nearest office is in Stoke-on-Trent on 01782 298400.

When you acquire your new property, your financial circumstances may change. This would be a sensible point at which to make or amend a will, and to receive impartial financial advice. Hand Morgan & Owen can help with these issues. If you would like more information, please call us on Stafford 01785 211411 or Rugeley 01889 583871.

Enjoy your move! If we can be of any further help, please let us know.

For further advice on buying, selling or letting homes and business premises, contact our property team at Hand Morgan & Owen on Stafford 01785 211411 or Rugeley 01889 583871.

Published on web site – April 2007

Disclaimer

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances. (50587)