Moving Home can be stressful. So much to do and so little time. We have prepared this short guide/checklist to make the process as straightforward as possible for you. If we have missed anything off please let us know by contacting us.

Runhams Helpful Guide to Moving House

1. Contact us and let us know that you are purchasing and/or selling a property so that we can send you all the necessary information and help arrange a HIP if needed. Let the Estate Agent who is dealing with your purchase and/or sale know that we are acting on your behalf. Alternatively, if you are renting, you need to make sure that sufficient notice is given to your landlord.

2. If you need a mortgage on your purchase, we know the best and most reliable mortgage providers so ask us to put you in touch with one.

4-6 weeks prior to the move

3. Let your employers know that you may need some time off work to complete your move. Most people move house on a Friday so that they can pick the keys up at lunchtime and then move in over the weekend. Friday doesn't need to be the day of completion, it is just the most logical day.

4. Start sorting out your belongings into boxes and mark them up clearly. Give away anything you don't need to relatives or charity shops for example. Make sure you don't forget to clear out the loft and garage - these take the longest!!

5. Let the children know you are moving and make the necessary arrangements with their schools!

6. Instruct the removal men as to when you are hoping to move - you may not fit everything into the boot of your car! Make sure that they have full insurance for your belongings.

4 weeks prior to the move

7. Make sure you have been to see us to sign all the contract documentation relating to your move and provided us with all the identification which we have asked for. At this stage, you may also like to make or update your Will. Ask us to include the price of your Will in your conveyancing bill.

1 week prior to the move

8. Cancel deliveries of newspapers, milk etc.

9. Put all your documents in a safe place and notify all of the following with your moving details: Banks, Building Societies, TV licence, Insurers, Inland revenue, DVLA, Council.

10. Have your mail redirected with the post office.

11. We will try and exchange contracts as long as possible before completion so that you know the exact date that you are moving house. Exchange of contracts is a process carried out by the solicitors involved in the transaction whereby your moving date is confirmed in a legally binding contract.

The Big Day is here!

12. Make sure everything gets loaded onto the removal van. Go round your house with one of the removal team and check you've got everything on the van. Pack the kettle last so that you are ready for the first cup of tea in your new home or buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate your move in style.

13. Lock all doors and windows and leave out any paperwork relating to appliances, burglar alarms etc for the new owners.

14. We will call you to let you know when you can pick up your keys. Your Estate Agent may also call you to confirm.

15. Take the meter readings in your old and new house. Note these down and make sure you ring them in, later on in the day.

16. Enjoy your new home!

Talk To Solicitors Who Speak Your Language Before You Buy Or Sell Your Home

For a free no obligation discussion and quotation, please either call us now on 01274 532233 or complete our online free estimate form.