Moving into a new property is an exciting time, it can be extremely busy and there is lots to think about. To help you stay organised and prepare a smooth transition, we have put together this comprehensive checklist to guide you through essential steps of settling into your new home. From utilities and insurance to safety consideration and personal touches.
Hopefully this checklist will assist you make your new house feel like a home quickly.
The mortgage criteria include a maximum loan to value of 99%, with a minimum loan of £95,001 and a maximum loan of £495,000. The mortgage can be taken out for a maximum term of 40 years and must not go past a mortgagee’s 70th birthday.
Utilities and essential services
- Notify utility providers; contact gas, electricity, water and broadband providers to set of accounts in your name and ensure a smooth transfer of services.
- When moving into your property remember to take note of your metre readings.
- Update your address, informing relevant parties such as your bank, government agencies and your subscriptions of your new address.
- Make sure you arrange your home insurance, if you have a mortgage, buildings insurance will be a condition of your mortgage (unless leasehold).
Safety & Security
- Consider changing the locks: for peace of mind, consider replacing the locks on all external doors and any outbuildings.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that these life-saving devices are functioning correctly.
- If you have chimneys, ensure that these have been cleaned and are functioning correctly.
- Consider installing a security system, explore options for home security including burglar alarms or CCTV.
Practical Considerations
- Locate the main water shut-off valve and fuse box. Familiarise yourself with these essential elements of your home’s infrastructure.
- Organise mail redirection, this can be set up by forwarding through Royal mail to ensure you receive any post addressed to your role property.
- Measure and plan spaces, take accurate measurements of rooms and doorways to check that your furniture and appliances will fit comfortably.
- Before you move boxes and furniture into a property, spend time ensuring that it has been thoroughly cleaned.
Home Maintenance
- Learn about your boiler and heating system, take time to understand how to operate and maintain your boiler, including annual servicing requirements.
- Set up a maintenance schedule to regularly check and maintain your property including cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, and servicing appliances.
- Build a list of reputable tradespeople that could be needed, such as, plumbers, electricians and other trades for future maintenance or repairs.
Personal touches
- Unpack strategically, starting with essential items, then gradually unpack and organise the rest so as not to feel overwhelmed.
- Decorate and personalise your property, adding your personal touches to make your new property feel like your home.
- Get to know your neighbours, introduce yourself and perhaps get involved in local community. They can provide valuable information and support.
Moving Home Checklist
4 weeks ahead
- Get removal estimates and book your chosen firm
- Order packing cases and materials if supplying your own
- Order curtains if needed
- Plan where furniture will go, get rid of things that won’t fit
- Plan your time off work
- De-clutter and dispose of anything you don’t need
2 weeks ahead
- Inform electricity, gas, phone and broadband suppliers that you’re moving
- Arrange mail redirection with post office/Royal mail
- Transfer TV licence to the new address
- Begin to pack nonessentials
- Begin running down the freezer
- If using a landline number, organise redirection
- If you have pets or children organise who will look after them during the move
1 week ahead
- Inform your GP surgery and register with a new one if moving into a new area
- Tell your counsel and asked for a council tax statement
- Inform your bank and insurance providers
- Inform other subscriptions
- Send change of address messages to friends and family
- Transfer any plants or trees you’re taking into pots
1 to 2 days ahead
- Defrost the freezer
- Prepare a box of moving day essentials, such as loo roll, so, teabags, mugs, bin bags, phone charger, pet food, bedding, cleaning materials
- Set aside valuable items and personal documents that will transport yourself
- Disconnect your dishwasher & washing machine (if taking them with you)
- Label boxes with the rooms they should go into within your new home
- label items in keys for the new owners
Moving day
- Allow time for cleaning, set-aside cleaning materials
- Ensure that all last minute packing is completed and the property is cleared
- Drop your keys off to the estate agents
After moving in
- Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen
- Check utilities are running smoothly and take your metre readings/inform the supplier
- Pay stamp duty (your solicitor will usually arrange this)
- Update your address on the electoral register
- Update your pet’s microchip addresses and register with the local vet
- Change locks
Moving into your home is an exciting adventure. By following these few simple steps, you can make the moving in process a smooth transition. Remember to take matters one step at a time, seek professional advice when needed and then enjoy the process of settling into your new home.
