Moving House Checklist: What You Need to Do

What needs to be done when moving house?

Moving into a new house can feel like a mammoth task. You’ll likely have a million and one things on your mind, and it’s often difficult to know where to start.

So, what should be included in a moving checklist? We’ve put together eight key steps to help you stay on track:

1. Agree on a moving date
   You’ve just completed on your dream property – congratulations! Now it’s time to think about when you’ll move in. Your moving date will need to be agreed with your conveyancer or solicitor and the sellers of the property.
2. Notify your utility companies
   Once you know your moving date, you’ll be in a better place to update your utility suppliers. Let them know when it is that you’ll be moving out and whether you’d like to stay with them or end your contract. And don’t forget to take meter readings before you leave.
3. Book a removals service or hire a van
   If you’re moving into a new place, the likelihood is that you’ll be bringing things with you. Look up some removals companies and compare quotes before deciding on which one to use. It can also help to have a clear out before your big move.
4. Pack and label boxes
   This should hopefully be a bit easier after having a clear out. Try to keep a note of what’s in each box so you’ll know where to look when you arrive at your new property. It can also help to label each box by room, so you or the movers know where to put them.
5. Arrange child or pet care
   Moving can be hectic, and it will be difficult to look after any children or animals on the day. Consider asking a friend or family member to help out, and make sure to give them enough notice.
6. Find out how things work in your new property
   Most houses have their own quirks, and it can help to ask the sellers if there’s anything you should know before moving in. This could include instructions for appliances, where the stopcock is (the valve that controls the water supply) or how to work the thermostat. You could also leave a list for the people moving into your house as a nice gesture.
7. Update your address
   Before you move, make sure that people know your new address. As well as telling family and friends, you’ll also need to update the local authority, your employer, the DVLA (if you drive), HMRC, your bank and any other financial service providers. If you’re subscribed to a magazine or food delivery service, make sure to let them know about your change of address too.
8. Pay stamp duty
   This will only apply if your new property is worth more than £250,000 (or £425,000 if you’re a first time buyer). Your conveyancer or solicitor will work out how much your stamp duty bill will be, and this will need to be paid within 30 days.

Things to remember on moving day

It can be easy to forget things in the excitement of your moving day. That’s why we’ve put together a separate moving in checklist, specifically for the day you move into your new home:

• Check you haven’t left anything behind – remember to check cupboards and any other storage space
• Have everything ready for the removals company – this will help to ensure the move goes as swiftly as possible
• Take meter readings when you get to your new property – make sure to write these down and keep them safe as you’ll need them when setting up your bills
• Check for any items the seller has left – hopefully, the previous owner has also done a final check of their property but there’s always the chance that things could be left behind
• Make sure your essentials are accessible – keep any chargers nearby and don’t forget to label the box containing your kettle, you’ll be grateful of this after a few hours of unpacking
• Pack a ‘first night box’ – try to think about what you’ll want to have ready on your first night. This could include bedding, a tablet to watch your favourite TV show or anything else that will make you more comfortable.

Remember that it will take time to get things exactly as you want them. You’ll likely be worn out after hours of unpacking, so it’s important that you take some time to relax, too.

How a solicitor can help with your move

There’s no denying that moving house can be stressful. A solicitor or conveyancer’s role is to handle the legal side of your move, so there will be one less thing on your plate.

They will also be responsible for communicating with the seller throughout, helping to make the process of moving as smooth as possible.

To find out more about how we could match you with an experienced conveyancing solicitor, give us a call or start your enquiry online.

Note: First4Lawyers offers this information as guidance, not advice. Before taking any action, you should seek professional assistance tailored to your personal circumstances.