A GUIDE TO MOVING HOME Get organised ahead of the big day and make sure your move is as stress free as possible with this practical moving guide from Harrison Murray. Packing Begin packing well in advance and don’t be tempted to take things you don’t; moving could be the perfect opportunity to help the local charity shops and get rid of that unwanted clutter (or, for the aspiring entrepreneurs there’s always Ebay!!). If you are taking a large amount of things with you; it could be useful to hire some removal boxes or tea chests. Removals Compare quotes from several removal firms. Check their insurance and be clear on what the firm will do if anything gets damaged or lost; you’ll want to be sure that all your possession are covered in the move. Insurance Notify your insurance company of your move and make sure you are covered in your new property from the day you move in. Even if you are renting you will need contents insurance. Redirect your Post Visit the post office or royalmail to arrange your post to be re-directed for 1,3,6 or 12 months. Parking Resolve any parking issues in advance; liaise with your neighbours to leave parking space outside the property. If there are parking restrictions at your new home it may be necessary to apply in advance for a residents’ parking permit from the council. Meter Readings Arrange for final readings of your gas/water/electricity meters. Take readings in both properties on the day of the move so the correct bill can be issued from the start. Telephones/ Broadband Arrange for your final bill and notify the company of your change of address; check to see if you can transfer your current number to your new home. Equally contact your broadband provider so they can start with the transition as quickly as possible. Fridges/ Freezers Don’t forget to empty, defrost and clean your fridge/ freezer if integrated or leaving behind. Timings Help things run smoothly and be clear on your timings. Make sure you know what time you’ll be able to access your new home. Prepare a Box of Essentials Pack a small, separate box for tea, milk, toiletries, snacks, bedding & keys, or any other items that you may need during the move to save rooting through endless boxes. It is worth having a list of contact numbers agent, solicitors, removal company readily available during the move. Moving with Children Give children tasks and responsibility before the move, this will help them to feel in control of their situation. If possible, let children see their new bedroom before the move. On the day of the move arrange childcare to help the move be hassle free. If this is not possible, give them tasks of ensuring their rooms are clear and all toys are packed up and on the van. Perhaps include their favourite comfort toys or books in the “Essentials Box” Children After the Move Be Patient. It will take children some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Maintain a routine and keep to the same bed and meal-times. If moving to an entirely new area, help your children make friends by exploring new activitites, clubs, soft play areas, parks in the new area – it is likely that friends met here will be fellow pupils in their new school. Pets Consider putting your pets into kennels or a cattery for a night, or arrange for them to be looked after on the day. Don’t leave them behind! For cats that do explore outside make sure their rounded up ahead of moving day to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth (I speak from experience!!). Change of Address Even if you arrange for your post to be redirected, it is still necessary to notify a host of relevant organisations of your change of address; save yourself a lot of time and hassle by using an online change of address service such as iammoving or moveme. These sites allow you to notify list of up to 1,500 companies. Who to Notify: Gas Water Electricity Landline/ Mobile Phone Broadband Provider Sky/ TV Provider DVLA (Driving Licence) DVLA (Vehicle Registration) Car Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance TV Licensing Authority Doctor, Dentist, Optician Council Tax Any subscriptions clubs or magazines Employer HMRC (Inland Revenue) Banks, Building Societies & Credit/ Store Card Companies Savings/ Investments – Premium Bonds; Share Certificates/ holdings Electoral Register Arrange or Update Your Will Not something everyone will associate with a house move. But once inside your new home it is important to protect your new home all its contents. By arranging or reviewing your Will this will help to ensure that the disposal of your assets will be in accordance with your wishes. It may also identify any potential Inheritance Tax issues and help you plan ahead.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:10:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015