It is no secret that moving home can be a stressful time. Staying ahead of the game and being prepared is key to minimising any stresses and ensuring your move from one home to another goes as smoothly as it possibly can.

You can find our guide below on what you need to remember when you are moving out and  when you are moving in.”

Preparing for moving out day

1. Clear out anything unwanted in plenty of time, whether this involves donating to charity, taking items to your local landfill site or selling. 
2. Start packing non-essential/non-everyday items such as ornaments, pictures/wall mounts. Nb. If any damage or holes caused by removing anything from the property, repair in a good state. 
3. Whittle down freezer food (1 month before) and if you are removing the freezer ensure you are able to defrost your freezer in good time (24-48 hours prior to moving). 
4. Cancel any subscriptions you may have that are associated with the property such as Sky TV in good time. In advance check the contracts and make note of notice periods that they may require. Nb. Some services provide a continuation of service at your new address rather than simply cancelling your contract/subscription. 
5. Update your new addresses – remember to include doctors, dentists, opticians and schools etc. 
6.  Collect spare keys that other family members may have. 
7. Book your removals in good time to ensure availability. 
8. Label your boxes, specifying contents and room type. 
9. Notify your local council and the local water authority of the date fixed for Completion and ask for a statement showing the amount under or overpaid. The authorities are not always able to prepare statements prior to Completion, so please also advise them of your new address.
10. Take last meter readings for Gas, electric and water meter, or instruct the estate agents to take readings on your behalf. 

Be mindful and courteous to leave the property in a condition that you would expect to move into. 

Moving in day

1. Ensure that your solicitor has a mobile number for you in readiness to contact you on completion and confirm that you are able to collect the keys. 
2. Ensure that your mobile phone has plenty of charge, and provide more than one number if possible, as some areas may not have a good signal. 
3. On the property you are buying, please arrange for the electricity and gas meters to be read on the day of Completion. Notify the authorities of your new address.
4. Your seller should not disconnect the line without prior notification to you. Any telephone handset should be either removed or left at the property in accordance with the information given by your seller on their Fixtures, Fittings & Contents Form.
5. Please note that the property you are purchasing must pass to you in the same state as it was in on the date of exchange of contracts.
6. Check that all keys to doors and windows are present and working. 
7. Check that the water is running. 
8. Ensure that you prioritise unpacking essential items. 
9. Be mindful of your neighbours when moving in and storing furniture/ parking cars/vans etc. 
10. Order a local takeaway and relax in the evening.

If you wish to find out further information on our property services, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Contact Us button, we would be more than happy to advise you further.