Moving home? Here is a checklist you shouldn't be without

Congratulations! Your offer on a house has been accepted, and you are well on your way to becoming a homeowner.

Organising your move should not be left until the last minute. With so many different things to do, rushing a move can cause undue stress and could become a financial burden.

To put your mind at rest, here is a list to guide you through the process.

12-8 weeks before moving day…

Create a moving budget

This is the most important step! Figure out what you can and can’t afford to outsource and what you’ll need to do yourself.

Shop around for quotes

Now you’ve figured out your budget, go to three or four different companies who offer the services you are looking to outsource and compare quotes and service levels before making a final decision. Remember, good value doesn’t always mean the lowest price!

Start to arrange removals

Armed with your moving budget and quotes, you will now know whether you need to enlist the help of your nearest and dearest, outsource to a professional or hire a van. Whichever option you’ve chosen, we recommend discussing potential dates with you preferred choice but don’t confirm any dates until exchange.

6-4 weeks before moving day…

Start to de-clutter

If you have not used an item for more than a year, it is not worth keeping unless of course it has sentimental value. Moving provides a wonderful opportunity to have a clear out and, be ruthless!

Notify your landlord and utility services

Allow as much time as possible to advise the utility providers (electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet) of changes and connection requirements. If you are renting, it is advisable to check your tenancy agreement - most landlords will only ask for a months’ notice however, there is no harm in giving them a little extra notice, especially if you’ve had a stress-free tenancy.

Start collecting packaging materials

With many other things to do before the move, we recommend getting this out of the way early. Start collecting boxes, old newspaper, bubble wrap and anything else you need for packing.

4-2 weeks before moving day

Provisionally book time off work & arrange child or pet care

Taking the day off work will allow you to fully focus on the move, so make sure you give your company plenty of notice. Although it may seem unnecessary, you’ll be grateful of arranging child and pet care for the day of the move.

Send out change of address notices

Make sure that friends, family, deliveries, services, educational and healthcare services are all aware of your move date and new address. Doing this sooner rather than later will save you a lot of stress and hassle.

On exchange

Make sure your bank knows that you are moving

Inform the bank of your change of address to ensure your statements and documents do not continue to get sent to your old address.

Confirmation of details

Confirm all details with you estate agent, solicitor and mortgage adviser. Ensure everyone is on the same page and will be on time on the day. If there are any hiccups you still have plenty of time to iron them out.

Arrange Insurance

Make sure you are covered by home and car insurance from the day you move in. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong on the day and you not be covered for it.

1 week before moving day

Clean out all white goods

Defrost the freezer and start clearing out the fridge.

Confirm removal details

If you are enlisting help, check that everyone has confirmed their availability. If you are unfamiliar with the route to your new home, do a test run and check for any traffic and limited access for heavy vehicles.

Gather your essential items

Make up a box with essential items, including fully charged electronic equipment, refreshments, food and toilet roll! Make sure this is packed last so you can get to it easily on the day of the move.

Finish packing

By now, most of your packing should be underway. Ensure each room has been emptied and that boxes are labelled by room. This will make unpacking a lot easier and ensure removal men place boxes in the correct room at the new house.

2 days before moving day

Easy access to important documents

Make sure you can access important documents. Create a folder with all the important details and store it somewhere safe but easy to get to on the day. This way if there are any disputes over detail you will be able to resolve them quickly.

Final check

Finally you are ready to move to your new home! Everything should be packed and loaded into the van, this is the last chance to sweep the floors and do a final check to make sure everything has been packed securely.

To help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible, click below to download and print off this checklist! You can stick it to your fridge to ensure you don’t forget anything in the run up to the big day.

Still searching for your next home? Register your details with your local Romans branch on 01344 985 666 and the team will send you details of any homes that match your requirements as soon as they come onto the market.