Now that Contracts have exchanged and a settlement date has been set, it is time to start planning your move. Moving can be an overwhelming experience so we have prepared a checklist to make the transition easier.
Three weeks before the move
- Collect items you no longer want to keep and give them to the local charity, or have a garage sale, or take them to your local tip
- Find new homes for any plants that are not being relocated
- Organise childcare for the day of the move if necessary
- Organise for someone to look after your pets the day before and after the move
- If you are using a moving company now is the time to book one in as they may book out quickly on your moving date (for example on a weekend)
- Arrange home and contents insurance for your new property. Your bank will often need a copy of this as part of your finance application
Two weeks before the move
- Gather moving supplies (newspapers, bubble wrap, boxes, tape, scissors, rope/string)
- Start packing items that will not be used before the move
- Label boxes with their contents and the room to which it will be delivered. Keep a list of what is in each box and number them to make it easier to sort
- Place legal, medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place
- If you are arranging a cleaner for your previous property it is best to look into now
A week before the move
- Fill any prescriptions that will be required
- Start using any frozen food and perishable goods
- Notify organisations/people of your change of address. You may also need to arrange for connections of services to the new address – We have put together a Change of address checklist to help you organise this.
Post office redirect – You also have the option of redirecting your mail so that it can be forwarded directly to your new address. This can be done for a period of 1, 3, 6 or 12 months.
A few days prior to the move
- Pack all essential items and have all boxes clearly labelled
- Drain fuel from lawn mower, empty gas cylinders or bottles
- Use or dispose of any food you will not be taking with you
The day before the move
- Defrost your freezer, empty and clean out your refrigerator
- Do the laundry
- Pack your last couple of boxes
- Pack a small moving back to keep with you containing the following: snacks, water, mobile phone, wallet, first aid items, wet weather gear, tape, & keys
- Pack a box of essentials for when you arrive at your new home eg. tea, coffee, sugar, kettle, mugs, cutlery, paper plates and plastic cups, long life milk, breakfast items, garbage bags
- Make sure that sheets and pillowcases are easily accessible to make beds for your first night in your new home
You can download a copy of the above checklist here: Planning your move
For more information on Purchasing Property check out our other blogs:
Part 1: Finance and Deposits
Part 2: Stamp Duty
Part 3: Review of the Contract
Part 4: Property Reports
Part 5: Exchange of Contracts
You may also be interested in our Selling Property series:
Part 1: Getting your property ready to market
Part 2: Selecting an agent
Part 3: The Contract for Sale
Part 4: Exchange of Contracts
Part 5: Discharge of Mortgage
If you have any questions or need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at Southern Waters Legal. We offer a free 15 minute, no obligation chat if you want to go through your circumstances.
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