Moving Home

Checks for Moving Home

Once the moving date has been confirmed book a reputable removal company, these will want a couple of weeks notice. Get tea chests or boxes ready for packing or use the removal company to pack contents.

Make sure meter readings are organised, apply for the final telephone bill and inform the council tax department. Cancel all relevant direct debits.

Remember to defrost the fridge and/or freezer make sure cooker is clean, no one wants to move around greasy appliances.

Pack a box of necessary items, milk, tea, coffee, some cutlery, a few tool such as screwdriver and hammer, soap and towel and toilet roll so that hunting for essential does not cause problems. Valuable items, documents, cash and keys should all be kept separate and safe.

Make sure boxes are labelled so that they can immediately be placed in to corresponding rooms on arrival at the new property.

Remember to inform companies of the new address such as insurance companies for home and motor policies, TV licensing, DVLA, doctor and employers.

Points to Check for Property Buyers.

If the property is an apartment check the length of the lease. Are there services or ground rents to be paid and how much these are likely to cost. Is there a garden it is shared or private and who is responsible for upkeep. Check that hallways and other communal areas are clean and find out who keeps these clean.

For both houses and apartments the following points should be looked into and considered.

The location is it in a chosen area, is commuting feasible if necessary, is public transport available close to property, are there any local shops and schools and are there any allocated parking or available parking.

Are the nearby houses well looked after, this can often be an indication of type of area and could affect property prices.

Look for signs of subsidence, tiles missing from the roof and are tree roots likely to cause a problem.

Moving inside the property – are there any damp patches, do the windows all shut properly, check that the window frames are not rotting and the double glazing, if any, is in good condition.

Find out when the boiler last had a service and what, if anything, is to be left in the property i.e. appliances, carpets or curtains and if they are included in the property price.

Finally will any existing furniture to be bought to the property fit the rooms and is there ample storage space.