Conveyancing Solicitors Kent

Moving Home Checklist

Moving Home Made Simple

Moving home is very often a huge undertaking with many variables to consider so planning ahead is essential. To assist you we have created a handy checklist for you to help plan and keep track of all the stages from your offer being accepted to moving in.

Choose your conveyancer

Your first step is to find a conveyancer to handle the legal side of your move. That is where we come in and you can obtain a quote from multiple established, endorsed and local providers here.

Arrange your mortgage

If you require finance for your move you will also need to arrange your mortgage. It is important that start to arrange your mortgage as soon as possible from the ‘decision in principle stage,’ to the full application process.

Get a Home Buyer Report

It would also be advisable at this stage to enlist a surveyor to carry out either a RICS Condition Report, RICS Home Buyer Report or RICS Building Survey depending on which is more suitable for you. This could help you avoid unforeseen repair costs once in possession of the property and provide an idea of how much these will be before committing to the purchase. If you are getting a mortgage they will conduct their own survey however this will just be for valuation purposes and will not provide you with an in-depth report into the condition of the property.

Location Information

Depending on your circumstances there are many area of research you may have to undertake especially when moving to a new area. If you have children it is important to investigate local schools and transport links. If you rely on public transport you should ensure bus stops and railway stations are in close proximity in addition to local amenities. You may also want to work out in advance your essential travel routes and timings such as your routes to work, schools, grocery shops and the times they are likely to take at peak hours.

Arrange buildings and contents insurance

You will need to purchase an insurance policy for the building cover on your new home. In addition it is strongly advisable to have your contents covered too. You should think about how much cover you will need for contents in and away from the home. If you have an existing policy you may want to think about it covering any breakages on your move.

Arrange life insurance

Usually getting a mortgage is an ideal time to start thinking about life, critical illness and income protection cover to safeguard your family.

Keep a track of the sales progression

It is likely that the estate agent will provide a dedicated contact for you communicate with as your sale progresses however you will be in receipt of information from your solicitor, estate agent and mortgage provider therefore it is important to stay organised and keep all the information organised, up to date and accessible.

Get ready to notify your change your address to key organisations

Make a list of all the change of addresses you will need to make and consider utilising the Royal Mail’s postal redirection service to cover any forgotten address changes. Common address changes include banks, doctors, schools, DVLA, utilities, insurance companies, prescriptions, vets, libraries, gyms. Don’t forget to inform your family and friends.

Moving from rented accommodation?

If so you will need to provide your landlord with notice and plan ahead to make arrangements to ensure the property is handed back without any worries of losing your deposit.

Finalise your moving date

As the conveyancing process progresses will need to work with all parties to arrange the date of exchange of contracts and completion which is the day you will be able to collect the keys. From here you can plan the move itself.

Planning the move
  • Get and compare quotes for moving costs
  • Remember to cost in boxes and packaging
  • If you need to put any items into storage, in case of a prolonged period between exchange and completion, you should fine and compare costs of local centres
  • Plan where your larger furniture items will go first and use a floorplan if one is available
  • Do you need to organise blinds, carpets or curtains? An empty house is the best time to get these installed
  • Do you need to purchase any new kitchen appliances
  • Book a collection time for the keys to your new home
Moving day
  • Make sure that you clear the loft, shed, garage and garden plants
  • Recycle as many items as possible at your local tip and be warned that high vans and commercial vehicles are not allowed into the local council household waste management sites
  • Make provisions for any pets and young children. You will need as much focus and time as possible
  • Plan your meals to make sure you are well fed and watered during your move day
  • Allow time to clean the house or flat in addition to the packing and unloading
  • Note any fragile boxes so they are obvious to any and all handlers
  • Organise a central basics kit to make sure your necessary items are accessible and in one place. These would include your mobile phone charger, medicine, children’s toys and toiletries
  • Ensure any important documents you need for the move are always at hand
  • Make sure you perform a final few checks
  • Take the meter readings when you have everything loaded
  • Secure property including all doors and windows
Your new home
  • Position all the important furniture items such as the beds and sofas
  • Make sure you know where the bed linen is
  • Get other basics into position such as your toiletries, clothing for work and school
  • Count all the keys you have for doors and windows and tag them
  • Read the utility meters and make a note of them
  • Check the entire boundary of the property including the garage, gardens and any out-buildings
  • If you haven’t already put together a list of useful numbers for doctors, taxis and other useful services
  • Finally it is time to enjoy your new home and get a good night’s rest!

Advice Centre