Are you planning a house move? Discover how to make stress-free moving easy with our handy guide. Get expert tips and advice from Success Van Hire, ensuring a smooth experience throughout your relocation.
Moving to a new home can often be an incredibly demanding and nerve-wracking ordeal for countless individuals. It entails a series of decisions, unexpected changes in circumstances or timelines, legal complexities, and disruptions to your daily routine. However, by approaching the process with careful planning, practicality, and guidance from a comprehensive article, it is feasible to minimize numerous challenges and ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
Within the confines of this piece, we will delve into crucial choices that arise throughout the moving journey and examine the probable timeframes involved. Additionally, we will offer a range of valuable recommendations, spanning from selecting the right conveyancer and removal service to essential tasks to be accomplished at various stages of the process. Naturally, each family’s experience may vary, as no two moves are identical. Nonetheless, we have endeavoured to address the majority of decisions and issues that typically arise during such endeavours.
Congratulations on finding your dream home, having your offer accepted, and receiving an offer on your property. This is fantastic news! Now comes the pivotal moment of making a crucial decision: selecting the right professional to handle the legal aspects of your sale and purchase.
For many individuals, the primary choice revolves around whether to opt for a conveyancer, a specialist in property transactions or to engage a solicitor who offers conveyancing services in their areas of expertise. It’s important to understand the distinctive roles each one plays, as well as considerations such as cost and timeframe.
In broad terms, the disparities between conveyancers and solicitors encompass factors like legal qualifications and expenses. A solicitor is a fully qualified legal practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of legal matters beyond conveyancing. They are members of the Law Society. On the other hand, a conveyancer may possess a narrower scope of legal qualifications, focusing specifically on property transactions, and they belong to a recognized organization, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. It’s worth noting that some solicitors employ licensed conveyancers, presenting a favourable alternative.
Naturally, legal expertise comes with associated costs. Conveyancers generally offer a more affordable option, but certain complications that may arise during a property transaction, such as boundary disputes or complex situations involving divorce settlements, may require the involvement of a specialist lawyer. However, in the majority of cases, a conveyancer should be capable of guiding you through the entire process and handling nearly all eventualities from start to finish.
One of the primary challenges that can arise during the conveyancing process is the occurrence of missing paperwork. From the beginning, buyers and sellers must complete numerous documents and provide comprehensive information regarding various aspects of the property. These documents include details about what is to be included or excluded from the sale, such as fixtures and fittings, lease payment documentation (if applicable), records of any building or extension work undertaken while owning the property, and other pertinent papers. Incomplete documentation can lead to delays, necessitating follow-ups by either you or your conveyancer.
To illustrate, let’s consider a simple example: You may have added an extension to your property but forgot to inform your leasehold agent. Although obtaining retrospective planning permission or consent from the leaseholder is usually manageable, this oversight can add stress and unforeseen expenses. If you’re planning a house move, it’s often advisable to gather all your paperwork and records before commencing the process, rather than dealing with it amidst the ongoing move.
Another significant issue frequently encountered by movers is communication difficulties. While many firms now offer online tracking software or dedicated phone lines to keep clients informed about their cases’ progress, reaching the person responsible for your transaction can sometimes be challenging, as your conveyancer is likely handling multiple moves simultaneously. Furthermore, there may be instances of mix-ups or delays caused by the failure to submit the necessary paperwork. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to stay vigilant regarding the status of your case and promptly follow up with an email or phone call if any concerns arise.
A helpful tip is to ensure that any communication received from your solicitor or conveyancer is addressed promptly and courteously. Avoid unnecessary delays in sending documents or responding to simple queries, as even a week’s delay can contribute to extended timelines without justification.
Reputable solicitors and conveyancers usually provide an estimated cost for their services. While the final bill may vary due to unforeseen circumstances during the process, such as additional legal expenses or retrieval costs for paperwork, legal professionals can give you an idea of the main expenses associated with the transaction. These may include land registry searches, customary conveyancing fees, and various other costs. Solicitors generally have higher rates, but certain expenses will be standard for both options.
It is advisable to compare prices and seek a competitive offer. However, be cautious of websites or advertisements that lure you in with headlines like “Sell your house for £500!” These are typically baseline costs, and the actual figure will be significantly higher, especially when dealing with both selling and purchasing properties. Similarly, be wary of hourly rate advertisements, as costs can quickly exceed your budget. In all cases, request an itemized quote and ensure you understand the purpose of each charge. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
If you have chosen to work with a solicitor, be aware that some practices may have unconventional methods. Although it may seem outdated, some solicitors prefer not to correspond via email or insist on face-to-face meetings to provide progress updates. These practices can increase costs and may be impractical to manage, particularly if you work full-time and cannot attend frequent meetings. It is also crucial to select a solicitor specializing in the relevant field to avoid paying extra for someone with less experience compared to a standard conveyancing service. Additionally, do not be surprised if your “run of the mill” house move is not the top priority for a solicitor, as they may have urgent legal cases to handle before attending to yours.
Navigating the aforementioned complexities may appear daunting, but there’s no need to panic. Many conveyancers rely on word-of-mouth referrals, so seek recommendations from friends and family, especially those who have recently moved. They may have valuable suggestions or cautionary tales regarding specific professionals to consider or avoid. If you have a mortgage, rather than being a cash buyer, your lender may provide a recommended list of solicitors or conveyancers. Some lenders may insist that you use one of their approved solicitors or pay an additional fee as part of the remortgaging costs, which can amount to several hundred pounds. It’s worthwhile to explore this option before appointing a legal representative.
As your journey progresses, you are likely approaching the imminent move into your new property. At this point, any unexpected legal matters that may have surfaced should be resolved or nearing completion. When your conveyancer provides an estimated timeframe for the move, and you are approximately two months away, it’s time to give serious consideration to the next significant decision: choosing a removals service. The main choice here revolves around whether to hire a professional removal company or handle the move yourself by borrowing a van. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and there are additional factors to consider regarding the transportation of your belongings.
Before exploring the available moving options, it’s important to consider whether this is the perfect opportunity to declutter and part ways with items you’ve been accumulating over the years. Unless you possess exceptional organization skills, chances are you have a loft filled with boxes, garden storage overflowing with barely-used tools, and toys purchased for your children decades ago.
If you’re looking to dispose of unwanted items, you have several options. You could attempt to recoup some money by selling things on platforms like eBay, Gumtree, or similar websites. Advertising in local papers or participating in car boot sales may also be worth considering. While you may not earn substantial amounts for most items, the proceeds could contribute towards other moving expenses. Keep in mind that listing and advertising items will require some time and effort, and some items may only fetch minimal amounts. Another option is to offer items for sale or as gifts to friends and family. Additionally, you might realize that you no longer need that rusty old bike or seldom-used gadgets. Making multiple trips to the local recycling centre, donating to charity shops, or even renting a skip can significantly assist in decluttering. Remember that the more unwanted items you eliminate, the less you’ll need to pack (or pay someone else to pack), and the more space you’ll have in your new home. If you’re merely planning to move items from your current loft or outbuilding to a new one, it may be time to let go!
Storage is another crucial consideration, particularly if there are uncertainties regarding moving dates or if you and your partner are combining households and require a place to store belongings that won’t fit in your current residence. Numerous companies offer secure, purpose-built storage facilities at affordable rates per week. If you find yourself in need of extra space, this can be an
excellent option. However, be sure to weigh the costs of long-term storage, as delays in your move could result in higher expenses than anticipated.
An excellent strategy is to pack many items in advance and place them in storage well before the moving day. This way, on an actual day, you only need to focus on moving larger items such as furniture, appliances, and essential belongings. Boxing up books, clothes, DVDs, and items you won’t require before the move can save a significant amount of time and make efficient use of the pre-moving period. If you’ve rented a storage unit, it’s best to maximize its utilization. Renting a unit solely to store two bikes and some garden furniture would be impractical. This approach also frees up space in your current property and allows you to move, store, and pack larger items at your convenience.
Once you have successfully decluttered and finalized the items you’ll be taking to your new property, a crucial decision awaits: who will handle the actual removals? There are several main options to consider: hiring a specialist removal company, renting a van and moving, or opting for an intermediate solution like hiring a man with a van. Naturally, various factors come into play when evaluating these options, including the volume of possessions that need to be moved, your physical ability to handle furniture on your own (or the availability of friends to assist), the distance between properties, and the cost involved.
Let’s examine each option in detail and carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The market is flooded with a wide array of professional moving companies, each offering their services to assist with your relocation. These companies can typically provide you with an initial quote that is fairly accurate, taking into account factors such as the distance between properties, the estimated volume of your possessions (often determined through their websites based on your current property size), and additional considerations like the presence of speciality items (e.g., a grand piano) or the need for multiple stops, such as at a storage facility.
Furthermore, some companies may even offer a home packing service, where their team will come to your residence and handle the boxing up of your belongings. However, it’s important to note that this service usually comes at an additional cost. It can be an excellent option if you find yourself unable to manage the packing process on your own or simply wish to avoid the hassle and time it entails. In certain cases, a representative from the moving company may visit your home to assess your belongings, allowing for a more accurate quote to be provided.
There are several advantages to utilizing the services of a professional moving company. Firstly, these firms specialize in the intricacies of the moving process, ensuring a higher level of expertise and efficiency. Additionally, it’s often possible to find reviews from previous customers, enabling you to make an informed decision about the company’s reliability and quality of service. Moreover, the quote provided by the company is typically the amount you can expect to pay, and they typically include insurance coverage in their costs. This means that if any of your belongings are damaged during transit, you will be covered—an assurance that cannot be guaranteed if you choose to transport your prized possessions, such as a flat-screen TV, in the family car on a moving day.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks associated with specialist moving companies. The cost of their services can be quite high, making them less suitable for those on a tight budget. In such cases, exploring self-moving options may be a more viable alternative. Additionally, the availability of these companies can be limited, so if your preferred choice is fully booked on your desired moving day, you will need to seek alternatives.
One popular option that many individuals consider is renting a van and handling the move themselves. This choice eliminates the expense associated with hiring a professional moving company, and if you can enlist the help of a few strong individuals, it can make the moving process go smoothly at your own desired pace. The process itself is relatively straightforward. Once you determine your moving day, you can assess the size of the van required and compare offers from different rental providers. As a helpful tip, we offer a diverse range of options on our van hire page, including the highly sought-after Luton van, which is ideal for removals. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of free delivery and collection of the van. 😉 Factors to consider include whether to rent the van the night before to save time and reduce stress on the actual moving day, as well as the cost of additional insurance. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the insurance coverage provided with the van rental does not extend to any damages that may occur during transit. Therefore, you might need to arrange separate insurance to cover your valuable possessions.
However, one significant drawback of renting a van yourself is the need for assistance in the moving process. Unless you’re only moving a few small pieces of furniture, you’ll likely require several pairs of hands. It’s essential to arrange for help in advance and not rely on last-minute calls to friends. Additionally, ensure that the individuals assisting you are available both at the starting location and the destination. There’s no use in having help load the van if there’s no one to assist with unloading later. Some individuals may be tempted to begin packing the van the night before the move, but unless you have a secure garage or property, this is not advisable. Opportunistic thieves may target removal vans, especially if they are parked on the street or easily visible. It’s generally recommended not to leave your valuable belongings in the van overnight under such circumstances. It’s also important to consider that the van you rent may not be large enough to complete the move in a single trip, which means you’ll need to allocate time for multiple round trips and multiple rounds of loading and unloading.
If you have items stored in a local storage facility, they usually provide bays where you can conveniently drive in for easy loading. However, remember to factor this into your moving day schedule. It often takes longer than anticipated to transfer items from your storage unit to the van, particularly if your unit is located in winding corridors or contains bulky or cumbersome items.
If you’re not comfortable or interested in organizing your entire move but also can’t afford a full-scale removals service, a great alternative is to hire a local “man with a van.” This option offers several advantages, including reasonable hourly rates. The faster you pack and unload your belongings, the more cost-effective the final bill becomes. Hiring a “man with a van” eliminates the need to arrange van rental and collection on your own, and you’ll benefit from an extra pair of hands. Some of these services even provide two individuals, giving you even more assistance. These professionals are skilled at efficiently packing the van, maximizing space utilization, and potentially reducing the need for multiple trips.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. When opting for an hourly rate, you might be required to book a minimum amount of time and pay for it regardless of whether you finish the job quickly. Additionally, any unexpected delays like traffic jams or unforeseen legal issues on a moving day can result in additional costs. You’ll likely need to obtain additional insurance coverage to protect against damages during transit. Another challenge is that it can be challenging to find reviews from previous customers of the service, making it a bit of a leap of faith. In such cases, it’s beneficial to seek out word-of-mouth recommendations or advertised testimonials to gain confidence in the chosen service provider.
Now that the legal matters have been taken care of and you’ve addressed the considerations regarding moving and storage, it’s important to think about the additional decisions and events that will affect you as the moving day approaches. Here are some essential points to keep in mind as you move forward:
Now is the perfect opportunity to start preparing for the necessary paperwork changes. Take the time to inform various individuals and organizations about your change of address, starting with your employer. Reach out to your employer’s personnel or HR department, particularly if you receive important mail at home, such as pay slips. Additionally, consider planning your annual leave around the moving date well in advance. If you have children who will be changing schools due to the move, contact both their current and future schools to provide them with the transition dates.
Make sure your solicitor or conveyancer has a copy of the inventory of items that will remain on the property. While you may have already completed this task, it’s crucial to confirm that they have the inventory. Leaving additional items behind in your old property could lead to unexpected removal expenses charged by the new owners.
Continue the decluttering process. Most likely, you have already rid yourself of much of your old junk and unwanted belongings. However, it’s worth revisiting your possessions to see if there are any more items you no longer need.
At this stage of the process, financial matters take on great importance. Ensure that you have all the necessary funds in place to cover the expected costs, which your solicitor should have provided details of by now. One crucial aspect often overlooked is stamp duty, which can significantly increase the cost of a new property, particularly if the purchase price exceeds certain thresholds. For example, there is no stamp duty for properties priced at £125,000 or below, but any amount above that incurs the duty. For properties between £125,000 and £250,000, you must pay 2% of the purchase price as stamp duty. If the price exceeds £250,000, the rate increases to 5% for the portion above that threshold. Additionally, there are additional bandings of 10% and 12% for properties costing more than £925,000 or £1.5 million, respectively.
To calculate the stamp duty, let’s say your new house costs £300,000. You would pay (£125,000 x 0) + (£125,000 x 2%) + (£50,000 x 5%) = £5,000. Stamp duty is typically paid through your conveyancer or solicitor on the day of completion, so it’s crucial to have the funds available. It’s also an ideal time to arrange for switching your home insurance to cover the new property. Speak to your existing provider to ensure coverage from moving day onwards.
If you haven’t started the main packing or moved items into storage yet, now is a good time to acquire necessary supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packaging materials. The number of boxes you’ll need may surprise you, considering books, DVDs, CDs, games, and other assorted items take up a significant amount of space. Local supermarkets or your workplace can be great sources of free boxes, but be sure to ask well in advance as others may also be seeking materials. If you can’t find free boxes, make sure to purchase an ample supply. Home or office supply stores and post offices usually have a good stock.
If you’re buying a new building property or have a good relationship with the current homeowners, consider asking if you can take measurements for fittings such as carpets or curtains, in case they won’t be left behind. Most vendors will be accommodating or provide room sizes for you, allowing you to be prepared and tick another item off your post-move list. Even if vendors leave the carpets, it’s still worth measuring.
Around a month before the move, set up a mail redirection service to ensure you don’t miss any important documents or correspondence. The Royal Mail offers various redirection options for 3, 6, or 12-month periods. Keep in mind that they require at least 5 working days’ notice to set this up, so don’t leave it until the last minute. You can arrange this service at most post office branches or through the Royal Mail website.
Next on your list should be a final thorough clear-out. As you start emptying kitchen cupboards and garden sheds, you’ll likely come across many items that can be thrown out or recycled. Take the opportunity to give the garden a final cut and tidy, if the season permits, to complete another task on your list.
Your utility companies will also need to know your moving date to ensure a smooth transition of accounts between properties. This can be an excellent opportunity to explore better deals or negotiate for improved rates, especially if you are not bound by a fixed contract. Savvy consumers can save significant amounts annually by comparing utility and telecoms quotes, so review your paperwork and see if substantial savings can be made. Switching gas or electric providers usually takes around two weeks, so it’s wise to aim for ending your contract with the existing providers on the day of your move, if possible.
Once you have arranged your mail redirection, it’s important to create a comprehensive list of all the contacts and companies that need to be notified about your change of address. Certain contacts hold significant importance, such as your bank or building society, the Inland Revenue, pension and financial account providers, insurance companies you have policies with, TV licensing, and the DVLA for updating your driving license and car registration documents. Don’t forget to include entities from which you regularly receive correspondence, such as book or magazine subscriptions, television and broadband providers like Virgin or Sky TV, and, of course, inform your friends and family. Also, remember to update your doctor or dentist with your new details, especially if you’re moving out of the area and need to find alternative healthcare providers. Ensure you have an ample supply of any medication you take to last throughout the moving period.
As the moving date approaches with just a couple of weeks left, it may seem like there’s ample time to complete everything, but you’ll be surprised by the number of tasks remaining. By this point, most of your belongings should be packed in boxes. A practical tip is to ensure each box is clearly labelled with its contents and the room it should be placed in at your new home. Many people make the mistake of packing boxes without proper labelling, leading to confusion when unpacking. Proper labelling will save you a significant amount of time in your new property.
At this stage, it’s crucial to consider document storage and safety. Even if it’s just a binder containing important documents like passports, medical records, and insurance papers, it’s essential to keep everything together in a secure location. Make sure to write down and have easy access to emergency contact numbers as well. If any last-minute issues arise on moving day, it can be frustrating to search through boxes for contact details of solicitors or removal companies.
Another helpful tip is to clean shelves and kitchen cupboards as you empty them. Leaving your old property clean and tidy is both considerate and respectful. Imagine the disappointment of arriving at your new house full of excitement, only to spend hours dusting and cleaning before being able to unpack. Clean the cupboards as you pack, and then give them a quick once-over the day before you move out. While going through your kitchen cupboards, remember to check the contents of your freezer as well. If you plan to take your fridge and freezer with you, you’ll likely need to defrost them before the move. This presents an opportunity to use up any perishable food rather than letting it go to waste. Don’t throw away money needlessly! Non-perishable items like canned goods or pasta can be packed at any time.
As you enter the final week before the move, it’s crucial to prepare for the big day. One helpful suggestion is to assemble a box of essential items that will see you through the move. Include important documents, emergency contact numbers, a supply of non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, spare batteries, fuses for the new house, a flashlight, keys, a kettle, and any items that will keep you and your family entertained during the journey, especially if you have kids or it’s a long trip. Moving day is likely to be exhausting and stressful, regardless of how well you’ve prepared, so having something enjoyable to occupy your time is essential. You can add food, drinks, medications, phone chargers, and other necessities closer to the moving day.
If you’ve hired a removal company, contact them to confirm final details and any last-minute instructions, ensuring they have the address of your new property as well as your current one. If you’re handling the move yourself, remind any volunteers who have offered to assist you. It’s also a good time to cancel any regular deliveries, such as newspapers, and settle any outstanding accounts.
A couple of days before the move, switch off your fridge and freezer and ensure they are fully defrosted and thoroughly cleaned, regardless of whether you’re taking them with you or leaving them behind. Use up any perishable foods remaining as well. Furniture that needs to be disassembled before the move should be taken apart and placed in an easily accessible spot. Remember to package any instructions, screws, and fittings and label them clearly, keeping them together with the corresponding furniture.
Review the arrangements for moving day to ensure you understand the process for exchanging keys and paperwork for both properties. Refuel your car and have some extra cash on hand in case you need it on the day. Don’t leave these tasks until moving day itself to avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, take the time to give the kitchen and bathroom a final cleaning. Once these preparations are complete, you’re nearly ready for the move. Although it’s an exciting time and you may feel full of energy, try to get a good night’s sleep before the move to ensure you’re well-rested.
After weeks and months of preparation, moving day will quickly approach, and several valuable tips can help you and your family navigate the day with minimal hassle and stress. Before tackling the major tasks, pack your bedding and ensure you have a satisfying breakfast—even a simple toast and drink will provide energy and fuel you for the upcoming move. In your emergency supplies box, include a flask and some biscuits. They may come in handy throughout the day and can even be a thoughtful gesture for your removal crew or helpers.
Before loading the moving vans, it’s essential to give the house a once-over. Turn off and unplug all electrical items, including those staying on the property. In winter, make sure the central heating is also turned off. This is an opportune moment to take final gas and electric meter readings, as well as a water meter reading if applicable. Note down these readings and keep them with your important documents, as you’ll need to notify your utility providers of the readings as soon as possible.
If you have an appointed time to collect the keys for your new property, make sure you aren’t running late. Being punctual will avoid unnecessary stress and potential delays, especially if you’re collecting the keys from a solicitor who may have other appointments scheduled. Once you have the keys, consider sending someone ahead to unlock the new place and be ready and waiting when the moving van arrives. While this may be challenging for long-distance moves, it’s worth arranging for someone to be present at both locations during the process of local moves.
If you’re handling the move yourself, start loading the van as early as possible. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to fill the van, and if multiple trips are anticipated, it’s wise, to begin with the first load early on. Remember to stretch properly before lifting heavy items and avoid attempting to lift or carry anything too weighty. Sustaining an injury would not only cause distress but could also disrupt the entire day.
Once your old house has been fully cleared, take a final walk-through to ensure nothing has been overlooked, checking cupboards and wardrobes thoroughly. Confirm that all electrical devices are unplugged or switched off, turn off the lights, and securely lock up the property. At this point, hand over the keys, including any spares, to your solicitor or conveyancer.
Now, all that remains is to reach your new place and unload everything. Take initial meter readings and keep them with the readings recorded for your old property. Once the unloading is complete, we recommend taking a moment to put the kettle on, put your feet up, and savour your new surroundings.
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