When planning to move house in the United Kingdom there are several things that must be done to make the moving process as painless as possible. This guide also includes a detailed check list which includes the various steps from when you decide to move, conduct research, book a survey and sign contracts. It also includes the process of packing, searching for a reputable company and the things that you should do before the moving day. Moreover, it gives some guidelines on how to change your address, how to arrange for moving, and how to ready for moving out from your old house. Last but not least, the guide lays down what to look for as soon as you get to your new home and how to make your stay comfortable.
What is the Procedure of Moving House?
Relocation is a very hectic process but if you plan well then you can make it as smooth as possible.
Investigate your relocation process and look for your new house
The first thing you should do is to prepare for your move in good time. Create some basic requirements and preferences that you should consider when searching for your next home. Visit the new area and see what the area entails including the transport network and places such as schools. Ensure that you are very well prepared in as far as the financial aspect is concerned; do not go overboard.
Arrange a home survey
A home survey is very important in determining weaknesses of your new home and is usually a condition of the mortgage agreement. Organize for a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey where the property is old or has some defects. This alone can make you avoid being ‘surprised’ by expensive repairs and also help you negotiate if issues exist.
Finalise contracts and pack
After the acceptance of the offer, it is recommended to get in touch with a solicitor to finalise the contracts. This entails the search and review of the draft contract. At the same time, it is necessary to pack your belongings. First, unpack the items that are not necessary and make sure that all the boxes are marked so that it will be easy when unpacking. Determine if you can or need to get professional packing, especially for delicate or precious stuff. This will enable you to organise your home and dispose of many things that you do not need.
Hire a removals company
Find a good and efficient moving company and contact them early enough prior to the date you wish to move, especially if you are planning to move during the weekends or during holidays. Hiring a professional moving company will mean that you will get the right packaging materials, your belongings will be insured and will be transported safely.
The following are the steps that you should take in order to prepare to travel and to move home.
In the weeks leading up to the day that you move home, finalise the logistics. Check with your removal company and make certain that they can get into both homes. Inform the utility companies and other service providers about your change of address so that you can arrange for the final reading and connection of the new place. It is recommended that you pack a box of things you will need for the first night in your new home such as toothbrush, toothpaste, spare clothes and important documents. Get as many leaves from work as possible to enable you to organise the whole process of moving well.
It is time to change your address and get organised
Notify anyone that needs to know about your new address. This entails updating your information with banks, insurance companies, DVLA and subscriptions among others. Forward mails from your old address with the help of Royal Mail service for receiving any consignment sent to your previous address.
Find out what you need to do before you move out of your current home
Before moving out, ensure that you empty your previous house as well as clean it up. This is especially so if you are a tenant, to make sure that you get your deposit back in full. Make sure that you check all the rooms including cabinets and other hidden spaces to confirm that there is nothing left behind. Get the final meter readings for water, electricity and gas, and inform the respective companies about your moving out. Tend to all the keys and relevant papers to make sure that they are left for the new owners. New boxes and cushioning to be bought for the safe transportation will go a long way in solving the problem.
Moving out
First of all, on a moving day, oversee the process of moving out from the current house. It is also important to see that all the boxes are properly labeled and the fragile items are well packed. Do not leave your documents and other valuable items behind. Ensure that you have considered for the traveling pets and children this can be a long and tiresome day. Confirm that everything is intact before you set off for your new home.
Check your new home
Once you get to your new home, make sure that all the utilities are on and that there is nothing that is either lost or broken. Perform an assessment, whether it is a new home or an old one and make a list of probable problems that need fixing. It is natural that before they depart, you should give the removal company instructions concerning the whereabouts of items and ensure that everything is to your satisfaction.
Feel free to move in your new home
When you get everything you own into your new house, it is time to start putting things where they belong step by step. Start with basic zones for example, the kitchen and the bedroom. Spend some of your time organising the new house to your desire, make sure that you live in a clean and organised house. Coming out and greeting the neighbours and going around the area can also make one feel at ease and comfortable in the new environment.
What is the Time Frame that One has to Take in Order to Move House?
Home moving in the UK takes weeks or sometimes months depending on certain factors that are discussed in detail below. The initial identification and analysis of the project as well as the financial proposal may take a few weeks. Stages like getting a home survey, signing of the contracts and applying for a mortgage may take another 4-6 weeks. Packing and preparing for the big day can sometimes take a number of weeks, the actual moving process is quite often completed in a day or a weekend. It can take several weeks to get comfortable in a new home and change one’s address. All in all, expect the whole process to take at least 8-12 weeks. However, you may find yourself in a chain which may lead to some time consumption.
Final Thoughts
House moving is a complicated task that implies not only preparatory actions and the right choice of actions. Engaging the services of a professional moving company will at least help in minimizing some of the stress that comes with the move; thanks to the likes of Excalibur Removals. For more information on the moving services that we offer as well as for a quick quote on your upcoming move, please contact us today.