The process of moving house can be stressful, but by taking a few steps to prepare properly for moving day, you can make things easier. We share our top tips for a smooth move to your new home.
On completion day, you will be able to collect the keys to your new home from the estate agent once your sellers’ solicitor has confirmed to them that the purchase money has been received. If you are in a chain or the banks are busy, which can often happen on a Friday, then you may find that completion can take place quite late in the day. Making sure you are organised will help you settle in more quickly once you do have the keys.
Book your removals
You should ideally speak to a removals firm before contracts are exchanged to check that they have availability for your chosen day. You can choose to have your home packed and unpacked for you if you want, which can really make the day much easier, particularly if you have young children.
You may also need to arrange for some items to be moved separately, such as pianos, which often need a specialist removals service.
Label your boxes clearly and keep your essentials handy
You can start packing as soon as contracts have been exchanged. Get some packing boxes and start by putting in things you don’t need on a day-to-day basis. Do this one room at a time if you can, so that when you unpack at the other end, you don’t have to move items into different rooms. Make sure each box is labelled both with the room it is to go in and the contents.
Before you put items into a box, ask yourself realistically if you still need and want them. If not, save yourself the trouble of packing and moving them and take them to a charity shop or recycling centre instead.
Pack one box with your essentials and keep that with you in your own car if you have room. You could include tea, coffee, a kettle, your phone charger, cleaning supplies and food. If you have young children, make sure you have everything they will need. If you have space, you can put their bedding and night clothes in your car as well to make sure that they are easily to hand in case your completion is later in the day.
Contact utilities and cancel deliveries
Let your utility companies know of your change of address, to include phone and broadband suppliers, to minimise disruption. You will need to ask for final bills and make sure that you read the meters before you leave your old home and as soon as you move into your new home.
Take this opportunity to go through regular deliveries you have set up, such as magazines and subscription boxes, and cancel any you no longer really want. Make sure any that you wish to continue with have your new address and the date you will be moving.
Arrange child and pet care for the day
Moving with young children and/or pets is twice as hard. Wherever possible, arrange for them to spend the day elsewhere. The chaos of moving can be very distressing and if they are able to have a day somewhere else with plenty of exercise, they are likely to settle better when they do arrive.
See if you can set up as much as possible before you fetch them, so that they are surrounded by familiar items. If you have small children, prioritise their bedrooms so that they do not have to stay up late.
More moving tips
Visit our moving tips pages to get more tips on moving house with children or pets, how to save money moving house and much more.
Contact us
If you would like to speak to one of our expert property lawyers, ring us on 0333 305 5189 or email us at info@lpropertylawyers.co.uk
