Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran of homeownership, house moving can be a nerve-racking and exhilarating process. From packing boxes, planning logistics, to setting up utilities, there is much to remember. Planning ahead will assist in avoiding financial shocks.
As established estate agents in Ilford, Oakland Estates is familiar with the local housing scene and what it takes to have moving-in day go like clockwork. We’ve compiled a convenient 10-point moving checklist to help you stay on top of all the details — from serving notice through to arranging removals. Follow these steps and enjoy an effortless beginning in your new home.
1. Check Your Moving Date
Arrange your moving date before anyone books or packs boxes. This usually follows exchanging contracts in buying a house, leaving you with a fortnight to go before completion — although this may vary. Booking it means you can then use the date to arrange removals, workdays off, and changing utility suppliers. Having a date booked in your hand gives your entire moving timetable structure.
2. Warn Your Landlord in Good Time
If you are a tenant, check your tenancy agreement to determine the notice period that applies. It is generally one month but can be longer under your agreement. It might be tricky to coordinate this notice with the end of your purchase, especially if there could be delays. Where feasible, have some flexibility by moving in with relatives or holding possessions temporarily in storage.
3. Book Utility Transfers Early
Inform your current gas, electricity, water, and broadband providers of your move. Most require a minimum of 30 days’ notice. Decide whether you are taking the services with you to your new address or cancelling them entirely. On moving day, obtain final meter readings and take photo evidence. This avoids billing issues later on. Compare rates for new utility providers on websites like Us witch — swapping is generally the best time to switch to a better offer.
4. Clear Out Before You Move
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5. Gather Removal Quotes Early
After you’ve scheduled your moving date, get quotations from three or more removal companies. Decide if you’d like full-service removals (packing included) or transport only for your already packed goods. Keep in mind that weekends and month-ends are peak times, so booking in advance secures availability and better rates. Read reviews and ask for insurance details to feel confident your belongings are safe with them.
6. Measure Up and Plan Furnishings
If your new property is available to view before you move in, take measurements of the most significant rooms, window sizes, and alcoves. This is especially applicable if you are buying furniture, blinds, or fitted storage. Book ahead to avoid cringe-worthy deliveries once you have moved in. Ask your best estate agents in Newbury Park team if you can book a measuring visit with the vendor.
7. Pack Non-Essential Items First
Start with things you won’t need early on — off-season clothing, reading material, additional bedding, and accessories. Have these packed in advance and make sure each box lists its contents and which room it goes into on the outside. This keeps your space simple to manage up until the move and makes unpacking easier. Use color-coded stickers or labels for different rooms so that movers know where they belong.
8. Arrange Parking and Access
If your new home is in a shopping area or has restricted parking, request a parking permit or bay suspension well ahead of time. Local councils may take 10 working days to act on requests. If you’re hiring a removal van, be sure to book sufficient space — larger vans will take two bays. Be aware of restrictions around your existing residence too to make the loading process smoother.
9. Redirect Your Post
Arrange Royal Mail’s redirection service so you don’t lose essential correspondence. Redirect your post to any UK or overseas address for 3, 6, or 12 months. You can sign up at most in five working days, so apply at least a week in advance. Inform banks, insurance providers, your GP, and HMRC of your new address to avoid future issues.
10. Book Professional Cleaning (Optional but Recommended)
It’s polite — and occasionally a condition of the tenancy agreement — to have your former home spick and span. Paying for professional cleaners to carry out an end-of-tenancy or pre-sale clean ensures your former home is spotless for its new residents. Likewise, consider paying for a deep clean on your new house before moving in. Cleaning your carpets is particularly worth the investment, especially if previous owners had pets.
To conclude,
Moving home involves dozens of tasks and decisions, but having an efficient checklist makes everything so much simpler. From negotiating your moving day and informing your landlord to booking services and clearing out ahead of time, every move you make in advance is repaid with a problem-free move.
With good planning, you can reduce stress and remain on track. Either buying, selling, or renting in East London or elsewhere, a bit of planning goes a long way to creating your day of moving less stressful and more pleasant. If you are buying, selling, or renting in Ilford, Newbury Park, Barkingside, Wanstead, or nearby, we can help.
Call us at 020 3972 7341 or email info@oaklandestates.co.uk.
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