What do I need to do when moving home?
Posted on 1st April 2019
It can seem like an obvious question, but when you’re moving home it can be hard to remember everything that you need to do. So, our expert team of Solicitors in Preston, have put together a list of common things that people forget, but really should remember!
So, let’s start with the pre-completion of your sale ‘things to do’:-
Find some packing boxes, ‘Fragile’ tape and bubble wrap. You might thing your items just aren’t that damageable, but when you start throwing boxes into that moving van, those easy-to-forget about items might end up damaged. It’s best to wrap up anything that could remotely break or bend or smash, just for peace of mind.
Make sure that you have started to pack WAY before moving day. It can seem like it really won’t take that long to pack up, but when you start clearing out those years of clutter, what was an easy, do it over a couple of evenings job, can turn into late-night packing sessions and a very grumpy you the next day.
Enquire about Skips and Moving Vans. Now, this is two points rolled into one, but you should get an idea of the costs involved with skip hire and renting a moving van, so that you aren’t surprised come completion day, when you are landed with a bill for at least a couple of hundred quid. Skip prices can vary depending on the size and area, but your local council should provide these services (for a charge). With moving vans, it’s best to get a few quotes so that you know what to expect. Also, make sure that you hire one which is actually big enough to hold all your belongings. It may not look like you’ve got a lot, but those three wardrobes really do hide a multitude of sins!
Sort your paperwork. Not the best task in the World, but getting your paperwork in order before you move means that you can leave any helpful (and relevant) pieces for your new owners. Things such as instructions on how to work the boiler, the alarm codes, etc.
Have a hunt, and find those keys. Yes, over the years, you have probably mis-placed a key or two, but you don’t want to leave it until moving day to realise that the spare Garage door key has gone a-miss. Or, the key for the cupboard which you never use, is just that: unusable.
This list doesn’t cover every thing that you need to prepare, but just a few common things that people don’t always remember (Trust us – we don’t want out clients sat on their seller’s driveway waiting to move in, as the seller runs around like a headless chicken because they just can’t find their house keys!).
Now, on the day of completion (or even stretching into the few days following completion if you really have to), our Solicitors in Preston have got some other suggestions:-
Take meter readings. It may be the last thing on your mind, but if both you and your buyer takes meter readings the day of completion, there can be no argument over who owes what. The best way of doing this is to take a picture of the meter, and send this to your energy company who can then send you a final bill.
Change your address. Again, it can happen all too often that you’ve moved into a new house, and a year later you are still getting your seller’s mail. You might think that you’ve covered all the important ones (your bank, your Solicitors in Preston, and your Chanel subscription (and yes, for those of you who thought that was TV-related, we meant the fashion brand), but why take any chances? Royal Mail offer a mail-divert service, which you can find out more about here from just £33.99 for three months.
Lock all the doors and windows. You might be moving straight into your new home, but your buyers might be waiting a few weeks, or starting renovations straight away, so make sure that you have secured the property.
Cancel your insurance policies. Again, this might seem like something obvious, but amidst the hustle and bustle of moving home, you might forget about the £8.99 insurance cover for your boiler due to come out. Well, it may be more or less than £8.99, but you get the drift!
Pets. We thought we would go in simple. Pets such as dogs might not be so much of a problem, but if you have a furry-feline friend then make sure they get the moving-memo too! You don’t want to get on the road and realise that your cat does not know your new address.
Inform your Local Authority, such as Preston City Council that you are moving and the date of completion. You don’t want to be lumbered with a council tax bill because you forgot to let them know!
Again, our Solicitors in Preston haven’t covered every single thing you need to remember, but hopefully the list will prompt some much-needed ‘Ahh, I’d forgotten about that’.
If you are moving home, call our team on 01772 783 314 for a fixed-fee quote for your sale or purchase. Or, if you just don’t have time in your day for another person to call, fill out our online form and someone will get back to you within 1 business hour.
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Tagged as: Conveyancing Solicitors Lancaster, First Time Buyers, Garstang Solicitors, MG Legal, Property Solicitors in Preston, Solicitors in Preston, Your Local Solicitors
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