One of our sales team, Andrew, shares his thoughts on planning for moving day and the importance of being organised.
Make a list! There’s lots to remember!
Making a list of all the things that you need to do will help you stay organised. Some of the key things to remember include book the day off! Notify everyone about your change of address here are a few of the important ones to remember;
- Your work
- Your bank, insurance, pension and credit card companies
- The council and electoral roll
- TV Licensing
- Doctor & Dentist
- DVLA
- National Insurance / DSS office
- Post redirection services - this requires at least 5 days notice
Tip - don't forget to delete your old address from all online retailers (such as Amazon). There's nothing worse than realising your package has been delivered to an old address.
Once you have sent the formal messages remember to send one big email to friends and family to let them know your new address and the exact date you move in. They might not need it right away, but when Christmas card season comes around they'll be grateful you planned ahead. Last but not least make sure the van is booked!
If you bought your home off plan, arrange to view prior to completion to remind you what it looks like.
Take photos or a video of each room and draw a plan, this will help you to arrange furniture and then on moving day you can place things exactly where you want them. Remember the tape measure and make sure you ask as many questions as you can. Most people wait until there's a gushing radiator before they work out how to switch the water off or find the fuse board make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Ask the sales consultant where the following things are:
- Stopcock (valve for controlling the main water supply)
- Instructions for appliances
- Gas and electricity meters
- Thermostat
- Fuse box
Contacting utility suppliers to set up new accounts
This is an important part of getting your new home set up, so make sure you contact them as soon as you can – ie: water, gas, electric and telecoms to set up accounts in your name.
You may have to wait for your internet connection to be set up at your new property, so make sure you download anything important you might need. If you find yourself without internet when you move in, try turning your phone into a mobile hotspot. It's not a long term solution, but it will help you keep on top of things.
So what happens on moving day and when will you get the keys?
The solicitors will transfer all the remaining monies to finalise your purchase, this is usually completed by early afternoon, we are then advised that we can release the keys for your new home to you. We will then meet you at the property.
There’s lots to do on moving day so don’t forget to keep the kettle somewhere handy together with some of these :
- Mugs, tea, milk, coffee, sugar
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Loo roll, kitchen roll
- Duvet and bedding for the first night
- Temporary furniture - deck chairs etc
- TV or radio
We hope these top tips will help you to move into your new home with confidence.