Moving house is often described as being on a par with the death of a close family member or divorce when it comes to the degree of stress it can create.
Indeed, having gone through the nail-biting performance of bagging your dream home, the arduous process of getting a mortgage approval and then dealing with all the bureaucracy thrown at you by the solicitor it’s likely you are feeling drained before you have even started packing.
However, research by Boiler Plan has uncovered a list of top moving tips from people who have already been through the process themselves.
So, if you are about to move house and need a checklist of jobs to help you plan ahead – look no further.
Redirect mail
Although this might seem like something which can wait until after the move, advice from the experts is to put redirecting your mail at the top of your priority list.
Indeed, if you wait until you are in your new home to inform people of your new address, you might miss vital bills or information.
The Post Office offers a redirection service which, for a small cost, will redirect your mail to your new address from a specified date. You can organise this ahead of time and the Post Office won’t start redirecting until your chosen day, which ensures post doesn’t arrive too early.
Informing utility companies and other organisations at the same time can also save time and effort in the long run. Don’t forget the DVLA, if you are car owner, your children’s school and your doctor and dentist!
Electoral register
Making sure you update your address on the electoral register is also important. Not only does it mean you can vote but it’s also important for maintaining a good credit score in the future – something which will help if you need to take out a new credit card or remortgage later down the line.
You can register to vote by visiting www.gov.uk
TV licence
It is a criminal offence to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer without a valid TV licence. Without one you could risk prosecution or a fine of up to £1,000 plus court costs.
It only takes a few minutes to update your TV licence, so make sure it’s on your moving day checklist.
Boiler
It’s a good idea, when you move house, to check your central heating will work efficiently, particularly at this time of year.
Homeowners are advised to get their boilers serviced once a year. Boiler Plan advises organising the service for the week before you move in for extra peace of mind and to ensure it runs effectively the first time you switch it on.
Insurance
It’s a condition of most mortgage lenders that building insurance is in place, so it’s highly like you already have this form of protection in order.
However, it’s also a good idea to insure your contents particularly as items can get damaged in the move. Boiler Plan recommends getting insured 30 days in advance and putting the policy into motion the day you pick up the keys.
Parking permit
If you don’t have a drive, garage or free residential parking you will need to apply for your parking permit ahead of the move to the new home.
You will require proof of residency to do this so go prepared with the necessary paperwork.
Kids and pets
Moving day is bound to be hectic. Adding children and pets to the mix will only increase the chaos. Getting relatives or friends to help by looking after them can help lighten the load on the moving day and allow you to concentrate on the move itself.
Don’t forget to update your pet’s microchip and name tag.
‘Survival pack’
Make sure you don’t pack your kettle. In fact, putting aside a box of moving day essentials – such as mugs, tea and coffee, milk and some sweet treats – will ensure you have enough supplies to keep you and your helpers going strong all day.
It will also be worth putting aside cleaning products, bin bags and some overnight items in a suitcase so you don’t have to rummage around the boxes looking for your toothbrush on the night you move in.
Meter readings
It’s easy to forget, but taking meter readings is essential to ensure you are not overcharged for your gas, electricity and water. Your provider will use this reading to make up your final bill so make sure it’s accurate. This should be the final thing you do before closing the door on your old home.
Thanks for sharing the great post that will help in moving.