The logistics of moving can be quite complex and the process can feel overwhelming – particularly as a first-time buyer. We’ve put together this checklist of things to do when moving house, so whether you’re sourcing quotes from suppliers or packing your belongings, you’ll always know what’s next.
Remember, this is an indicative timeline – your house move may be very different. We’ve helped hundreds of people move into their dream Crest Nicholson home, so if you’re ever feeling lost, our Sales Executives are on-hand to guide you through the home buying process.
There are a number of key companies you’ll need to inform about your change of address. Even if you take advantage of the Royal Mail’s Redirection service, you should take the time to inform some organisations of your move directly.
These are some of the high-priority organisations you’ll need to inform, which can affect your vote, identification and tax.
To keep your details secure, banks and other financial institutions will often use your address to verify your identity. Be sure to keep them updated:
Your building and contents insurance provider will need to be informed of where you are moving and when. It’s also worth checking if your belongings are covered for the move – if not, you may want to add this or seek it out from your removals company.
Elsewhere, you should also update any car, home, pet, life, health or mobile phone insurance you’ve taken out.
Inform your gas, water and electricity providers that you’ll be moving. Give them the exact date and supply them with photographs of your meter readings to ensure you get charged the right amount.
Let any other services you pay for know that you’re moving, too. These can include things like:
Find a doctor’s practice local to your new home and register as a patient to minimise any delays should you need treatment.
Also consider other health providers, such as your optician, dentist, and so on.
Get in touch with your child’s school to inform them of your imminent move. This is essential if you’re down as an emergency contact, but can also help them be sensitive to your child’s changing situation.
You’ll also need to inform your employer so they can update their records, as well as any other associations or networks you belong to.
Now you’ve covered all the essentials, you just need to tick off any other companies who may get in touch via mail. These could be:
You’ve had your offer accepted and the date is in the diary. Three months might seem like a long time, but it’s best to be prepared. Now is a great time to conduct a bit of research and get organised:
One of the major things you’ll want to do now is find a conveyancer – they’ll take care of the legal transfer of ownership and ensure the legal side runs smoothly. Now is also a good time to start the big task of decluttering your home, deciding what you’ll keep and what you’ll throw away.
It's not long until your moving date, so it’s a good time to revisit that research you carried out. Select your utilities providers and arrange for installation to minimise any downtime. You should also start packing items you won’t need until after the move.
With your move confirmed, it’s time to confirm the finer details with your removals company. It’s also a good idea to call in favours and have your pets or children looked after by someone else, so you’ll be able to concentrate on the task at hand. Check in with friends and family and see who’s available.
With just a week to go, you’ll want to have all but your essential, day-to-day items packed and ready to go. For a smooth transition on moving day, formulate a plan for the removal company so you know which boxes and possessions you want them to take first.
It’s the big day – if you’ve followed our tips up to this point, you just need to execute your plan. Flag any boxes that you’re taking in the car with you to your removals team and which order they should take their boxes in.
Congratulations on your new home! The planning is over, but there are still some things left to do. Try to unpack your belongings in good time to prevent boxes from hanging around unopened for months to come, but remember that it’ll take time to find a place for all your possessions.
That’s it! As part of our buying process, we’ll ensure you’re looked after for up to two years from the day you move in – so if you have any questions, get in touch with our customer service team.