30 Things You Need to Know When Moving Home

You’ve found your dream home, exchanged contracts, and arranged your mortgage. All that’s left to do now is move in – and that’s the easy part, right?

Well, even after you’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s with solicitors and mortgage advisors, there are still a number of things that need to be ticked off before you can settle in your new home.

To help, we’ve compiled a checklist of 30 things (in honour of our 30th birthday, of course) that you need to know when moving to a new house.

1. Confirm the date of your move
First things first, you need to get your moving date officially confirmed. With no complications and no chain, a straightforward move can take around eight weeks to go through. It’s essential to get the legal side in place early on to ensure a smooth transition of your property purchase and, if applicable, sale.

2. Give notice to your landlord if you are renting
Using the proper process as in your contract, it’s important to give the necessary notice to your landlord. Make sure you check how long your notice period is, since you will have to abide by that unless you have a break clause in your contract.

If you don’t give required notice or combine your move with the end of your lease, you may end up paying both rent and mortgage at the same time.

3. Contact your existing utility suppliers…
You will need to let all of your existing utility suppliers know when you’re planning to move out, including electricity, gas, phone and broadband. The more notice you can give the suppliers the better, as the process may take several weeks.

4. ...And your new providers
Get your researching hat on – it’s time to find new providers. Deals for utilities and broadband can change depending on the area you’re in, so it’s worth using a comparison site to ensure you’re getting the best price.

Even if you’re sticking with your existing supplier, you’ll need to provide up to date meter readings from your new property as soon as you’re able to. While your TV license will be the same provider, you will notify them of your change of address.

We recommend downloading any important documents you may need to an electronic device in case your internet connection take a while to set up at the new property (as well as some Netflix shows to keep you occupied!).

5. Start decluttering
Now is the time to start decluttering, as it’s a lot easier to get rid of things you don’t need at your new place before you get there. Donate items you no longer use to charity - or even sell them and make some extra cash to spend on your new property!

6. Start collecting boxes
Start to collect free packing boxes from friends, family, or high street shops and supermarkets to help you store your items. If you’re making any purchases, it’s worth keeping boxes, bubble wrap and other packaging too.

If you want to be really organised, you can also label the boxes to certain rooms and items.

7. Get quotes on your removal costs
Removal quotes can vary greatly, with some firms offering prices based on a full day’s use, and others on an hour-by-hour basis, so it’s important to understand what you need and get a few quotes.

If you are moving into a smaller property, or you aren’t wanting to spend an arm and a leg on removal vans, it may be cheaper for you to hire your own van and get some friends/family to help you.
Regardless of which service you decide to pick, make sure you have got all your valuables and personal documents in a safe place; keep them on you or give to a trusted person, if you can.

8. Contact relevant sources to let them know you’re moving
As well as service suppliers, there are a number of other people and organisations you need to inform of your move, including:
• Workplaces
• Banks, insurance, pension and credit card companies
• The council and electoral roll
• Doctors, dentists, opticians and other healthcare providers
• TV Licensing
• National Insurance
• Post redirection services

Also, don’t forget to delete your old address from all online retailers, such as Amazon and Ebay.

9. Start tidying outside areas
Especially if you’re selling your property, it’s a good idea to start to tidy up outside areas, such as the shed, garden area and front of the house. This includes tidying weeds and making sure everything looks presentable.

10. Food purchases
Start to be wary of the food you are buying from this point onwards. Make sure to cook all of your frozen food – you don’t want to have to transport this during the move as it’s extra things to pack, which aren’t necessary and may defrost en route!

Only buy what you absolutely need when it comes to perishable items –don’t waste your money on food that may go to waste.

11. Check your vehicle
If you have a car and are planning on using it during the moving process, you may want to check that is it running smoothly and up for the journeys needed - the last thing you need during this time is your car breaking down.

12. Make suitable arrangements for moving day
If necessary, ask for childcare or pet care for the day of the move. This is one less thing to worry about during what is likely to be a very busy day.

13. Contact the DVLA
If you drive you will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to change the address on both your driving license and your Vehicle Registration form. If you don’t do this, you can be fined up to £1000.

14. Time off work
House moves can take place any day of the week, so if you’re able to, it’s a good idea to request annual leave or time off work. This means you’ll have time to pick up the keys, make any last-minute arrangements and begin to move your possessions.

15. Pack a handy bag
It’s worth packing a bag/suitcase that is full of all of your essentials, such as a change of clothes, blankets, snacks and toiletries so that when you move into your new house you don’t need to rummage through boxes on your first night.

16. Furniture disassembling
Start to disassemble any furniture you can so that it’s easier to load into your van on the day of the move. This can save time on the day, and potentially costs if your moving fan is hired on an hour-by-hour fee.

17. Repair, repair, repair
Make sure to repair any scrapes, scratches, nail holes or marks in the property you are leaving. If you were a tenant in your last property, this can help you avoid any nasty fines or deposit disputes with your landlord.

18. Do your laundry
Do your laundry so that you don’t have to cart dirty clothes to your new home. It will then be all clean to put away from your boxes into your wardrobes.

19. Out with the old keys…
Label any spare keys and remove all old house keys from your keyrings – these will be either given to your estate agent ready for the buyers’ completion day, or returned to your landlord or letting agency.

20. … And in with the new
Find out when you will be receiving the keys to your new home so you can plan your arrangements accordingly.

When you collect your new keys it’s important to check you have at least one for each door and window, including garages or any outbuildings. Then, make as many copies as needed.

21. Disconnect your appliances
Disconnect any appliances that you will be taking with you, such as the cooker, oven, fridge, washing machine, dish washer.

If necessary, defrost your freezer to avoid any leaking during transportation.

22. Take images of electronic devices
There’s nothing worse than trying to re-connect a TV or sound system when you’ve lost the instructions. Our top tip? Take pictures the back of your electronics before disconnecting them so you can set them up easily in your new place.

23. Share your contact details
Whether it’s the removal company, your sellers or your buyers, make sure all the necessary people involved in your move have your contact details and new address, in case they need to get in touch during the process.

24. Take care of the paperwork

With so much going on, it can be easy for things to get misplaced during a move, but it’s important you look after any important paperwork. This includes information and details from your state agent and conveyancer.

25. House check
When everything has been packed and you’re about to leave your old property, do one final check to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. Go through all of the drawers and cupboards in every room and check your garage, if you have one.

26. Read utility meters
As mentioned above, one of the first things to do when you get the keys to your new home is to read all utility meters. It can be a good idea to take photos on your phone to keep readings safe, if you ever need them.

27. Bin day
You’re likely to have a lot of rubbish as you unpack, so try to find out what day your bins are collected at the new property as soon as possible and make a note of this so you don’t forget.

If you’re unsure, you check your rubbish collection day on your local council’s website.

28. Time to unpack!
Now the fun really begins! Once you are in your new home, start to unpack room by room, beginning with rooms or items you will need most. Try to have a system as you go - unpacking in an order is more helpful then unpacking all of the boxes at once and ending up with random items all over your house.

29. Make a note of emergency numbers
Especially if you’re new to the area, it’s always a good idea to make a note of emergency contact numbers, including out of hours doctors, taxis, vets and local hospitals, so you have them to hand if they’re needed.

30. Relax!
Finally, take the rest of the night off to enjoy your new home! Remember, moving can be a long process and everything won’t be done overnight, so take each day as it comes and even a little progress everyday makes such a difference.

We hope you found this checklist an easy guide to help you when moving house. If you have any other tips or tricks to share, head over to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let us know.

We hope you love your new home!