Moving home needn’t be one of life’s most stressful events with Confused.com’s helpful checklist, which guides you step-by-step in the run up to the big day.
There are many things to consider before, during, and after you’ve moved house.
To ensure a hassle-free experience in the lead up to the move, Confused.com has produced HelpMeMove, a free interactive moving home checklist. An all-in-one tool with checklists that let you organise everything and gives you recommended times to arrange all aspects of your move.
- Find mortgage deals and conveyancers
- Get quotes for removal companies or 'man and van'
- Locate schools and doctors in your new location
- Organise your new digital TV and broadband
*HelpMeMove is owned and provided by The Moving Service Limited whose registered address is 6 Whittle Court, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8FT. (company number 5672869).
Two months before you move
- Book time off work either side of the move.
- Find a new school for your children and arrange to transfer their school records.
- Order cardboard boxes, start packing up what you can and arrange self-storage if needed.
- Have a clear out of old possessions that are no longer wanted - moving house is a chance for a fresh start.
Five-six weeks before
- Appoint a conveyancer and arrange a building survey.
- Consider taking out a life insurance policy, which may be required as a mortgage condition. If you already have life insurance, check whether it still meets your requirements. Remember to shop around to get the best deal.
- Hire a removal company - the British Association of Removers can help you search for reputable companies, or ask friends for recommendations. Get a number of quotes before you book.
- Check your home insurance policy to make sure you have cover from the day you move in to your new house, or even from the day you exchange contracts. Now might be a good time to review your home insurance needs and check whether you are on the best deal. If you are moving to a smaller or larger house, you may need to review the value of your contents and buildings cover.
Three-four weeks before
- To help you stay connected, do an online search to find cheap TV, broadband and phone deals for your new address.
- Consider a new credit card - if you are purchasing items for your new home a 0 per cent interest on purchases card might help with the expense and provide valuable protection on larger purchases.
- Redirect your mail and tell friends and relatives that you’re moving.
- Look at the cheapest energy tariffs for your new home.
One-two weeks before
- Keep on packing and perform a thorough clean - there’s not long to go.
- Sort out your bills – update your addresses with your TV licence, bank or building society, current credit cards, insurance providers and any pensions and investments you may have.
- Cancel local deliveries and services, such as newspapers and the milk round.
- Register to pay council tax for your new home.
The day before
- Do a final quick clean where furniture has been moved or floors have got dirty.
- Strip the beds.
- Walk through your house to make sure everything is accounted for.
- Make sure you have the keys to your new home, or have arranged to collect them.
The day of the move
- Make a note of all meter readings and keep this somewhere safe.
- Before leaving, take one final look around to see if you’ve forgotten anything. Also check that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off.
- Make sure you are present when the removal crew arrives so you can guide them around the house.
- When the removal company unloads your furniture at your new place, check for any damage.
Once you are in your new home
- Switch utilities providers.
- Introduce your pets to their new home.
- Update the electoral register, as you won’t be automatically registered to vote.
After you have moved in
- Register with a local doctor and dentist, and find a vet if you have any pets.
- Check out the local area including restaurants and other social activities – buying a local paper can help you get a feel for what’s going on.
- Sit back and relax, or why not go and say hello to your new neighbours.
