Hern and Crabtree column
By Effective Communication
I’ve spoken a lot over the last few weeks about general market conditions, given tips as to how to best market a property and even suggested certain hotspots that would be worth a look at if considering a move.
But nothing has been said about the actual moving day itself.
Purchasers spend so long dreaming of their perfect home and what they’ll do to it once they get the keys that they often forget the obvious things associated with taking this big step.
It’s a well known fact that in the stress stakes, moving home is right up there with getting married, having children or applying for that much wanted job – but this is the one that really shouldn’t cause so many headaches as preparation really is the key.
Think ahead and just try to leave as little as possible until the last minute.
As soon as you know your moving date and before you even think about packing up, make a list of all the practical things that will need to be taken care of ahead of a move.
This includes things such as informing your current utility companies (water, gas, electricity) of the date that the account will cease to be in your name – they will require notice and you don’t want to be paying unnecessarily – and equally, informing your new supplier of the date from which you will take ownership. The last thing you want is to spend your first night cold and unable to have a shower or a cup of tea because you’ve forgotten to let them know you’ve taken possession.
The post office will need to be informed if redirection of mail is required and don’t forget about the council as you will be entitled to a rebate on your council tax for time that you will not now be at your current address.
Think about things like broadband and telephone connection (again most will require a period of notice) – it’s not very convenient to arrive at your new home and spend the first day trying to negotiate the best internet package.
Things such as car insurance are also key – your insurer needs to be immediately informed of any change of address – ie the date from which your cover needs to apply to a new location. It is also an offence to display the wrong address on a driving licence so the DVLA needs to know if you’ve moved home.
These are all things to think about before you even reach for the cardboard boxes but, once you do, organisation is the key.
Use a move as an opportunity to declutter but even if you have to take everything with you, label boxes clearly – it sounds obvious but really does make a difference when it comes to unpacking the van at the end of a long day.
I’m a big fan of the ‘essentials’ box. So, while in general, all kitchen equipment goes in one box, bedroom bits in another for example, keep out the things you’ll want within five minutes of closing your new front door and put in a separate box marked essentials. These will include kettle, tea bags, a few mugs etc..and the all important hammer and measuring tape if you’re really up for getting stuck in straight away.
As a last tip, keep to hand any important numbers you may need – just in case things don’t quite go to plan.
The more organised you are, the smoother the move will be and the quicker you’ll be able to settle in to your new domain.
Tags: hern and crabtree, moving house, nigel john
