Whether you are a first-time buyer, have just put your house on the market or you’ve sold and are nearing your completion date, the hard work of moving house can be overwhelming. Moving house ranks up there with divorce and bereavement as a life stress so doing what you can to minimise your stress levels is vital. Good preparation is the key to success because there is so much potential for things to go spectacularly wrong.
Get ready early
You may not be moving for a while but getting ready early can help reduce stress. Check local websites for packing boxes from those have just moved. Begin your decluttering process to start getting rid of things you won’t be moving on, as well as packing the non-essential stuff that you will be taking with you.
Sort your removal transport
However much stuff you have to move, you will still need transport whether it’s the help of a friend with a van, a self-hire vehicle or a full-on removal company. Shop around early to get the best price and ensure that, if you are using a removal company, you have checked out their reviews.
Redirect your post
Royal Mail’s redirection service can run for between three to 12 months or longer. Although it costs, it will ensure that you have plenty of time to check you’ve let everyone know your change of address. This is especially important for bills where non-payment could impact your credit score or perhaps result in debt collectors turning up at your old address.
Inform your utility providers
You will need to let the utility providers of your existing property know that you are leaving. This can be done up to 28 days in advance. Provide them with your new details and your moving date and take last-minute meter readings on the day to settle your final bills.
Find time to clean
This might be the last thing on your mind but taking the time and consideration to clean before you leave will be appreciated by your buyers. With any luck the universe will repay you kindly with your own sellers doing the same.
Question your sellers
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new property and suddenly wanting to ask the old owners a tonne of questions. When is bin collection day? Do they have warranties or manuals for anything they’ve left behind – such as electrical items? Do they have any leftover paint for any of the rooms that you might use to touch up? Perhaps compile a list that they can complete at their leisure.
Be prepared
Moving day can be particularly daunting. You’re suddenly looking at a pile of boxes and wondering where the teabags and kettle are because you’re desperate for a brew. Or you’re in the new property ready for bed but can’t find the screws to put it back together. Label everything meticulously with both room and contents.
For more information on how we can assist you on your sales journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
