Moving Home?

As with most things in life preparation is the key to success but when moving it is also the key to sanity. Moving home is a bit like going on holiday, only 100 times worse beforehand and without the sunshine and sangria at the end. But if you plan it well your move should go fine and the next day you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about.

Leading up to your move

If you are buying or selling a house it is essential to find a good conveyancing solicitor because they can make, or break, your whole move. Mortgage companies will often offer discounts to encourage you to use their preferred legal firms but ask yourself the reason for this. Its unlikely to be because the company are leaders in their field, more likely because they offer the best financial incentives. Even in seemingly simple exchanges it is best to source a reputable outfit to deal with what is likely to be your biggest financial transaction to date.

Everyone knows people who have moved before, so ask around and find out who to use and just as importantly who not to use. As the selling/buying process comes to a conclusion you will reap the benefits of choosing well as a good solicitor will keep you informed (essential), negotiate favourably on your behalf and smooth any hiccups. You have enough to deal with already, make sure you minimise the stress caused by the legal processes.

When you are ready to exchange you should consider the best move day. Bear in mind that everybody wants to move on a Friday so mid-week moves will often be cheaper and you will have greater choice of removal companies.

Using a removal company will not only cut down on the physical work involved but it will also reduce the risk of damage to your possessions. Using professionals to pack and move your personal effects is the safest way to get everything to your new home safe and sound. Remember removal companies will happily pack your goods too, a process that is incredibly laborious and normally the point where you drop the priceless (Ikea) Ming vase.

When choosing a removal firm it is essential to shop around. As with any purchase you should look to find a company offering a good service at a reasonable price. Removal cost comparison websites like ours are a good place to start because you only need to enter your details once and you’ll end up with enough quotes to make an informed choice.

Now is a great time to get rid of all those bits and pieces that you really don’t need. Go through your stuff a few weeks advance and pack anything you don’t need into boxes. Then sell the lot at a boot fair, on eBay, in a garage sale or just bin it.

If space is going to be tight, one way to reduce stress on the day is to put non-essential items into storage. That way you won’t be up until four in the morning unpacking your books and DVDs so that you can get into the kitchen. Storage is relatively inexpensive as long as you don’t use it for a prolonged period. You may even have a friend or neighbour with an empty garage or space in a warehouse.

You’ll also need to think about getting someone to care for your pets and children on the day. You don’t want to be worrying about whether the tortoise has had enough lettuce when you’ve just discovered that the seller hasn’t even started packing yet.

Finally, make sure that all of your worldly goods are insured. Accidents do happen. Storage facilities burn down and even removal lorries get cut up by East European truck drivers.

The day of your move

Remember, the chances are that you and the other workers will want a cup of coffee so make sure you’ve got everything you need with you in the car including the kettle!

The first call you need to make is to your solicitor to make sure that things are on track. Your solicitor should be able to give you some idea of what time your keys will be available so that you can let the removal company know what time they can get in.

When you arrive at your new home make sure you spend ten minutes walking round while its still empty. This will give you plenty of time to make sure that everything is as described by the vendor or the landlord.

If you are renting a property note marks on walls and carpet stains. If you can, take photographs and send them to the agency/landlord.

If you’ve bought the premises and there is a discrepancy contact your solicitor immediately. It’s a lot easier to sort these things out before everything is unpacked.

Finally, put your hands on your hips, take a look around and pat yourself on the back (champagne tastes especially good at moments like these).

Congratulations you’re moved in.