From packing boxes to securing your mortgage, here are the most important things to remember when moving house.
Moving house is undoubtedly one of life’s most stressful events. Between securing a mortgage or finding a new one and making sure your belongings are transported safely, there’s a lot to remember. That’s why we’ve written this guide – to help you survive moving day with minimal stress.
Keep this guide handy, even if moving day is well off. Planning ahead is vital for a smooth move.
Pre-move preparation
Show us the money
There’s no moving date without a completion date. Make sure your funds are ready from your lender, and your deposit is ready to go. Coordinate with your solicitors (or ask your broker to do it for you) to avoid any last-minute delays.
Engage your inner Marie Kondo
With dates set and the move in motion, it’s time to start decluttering your house. When moving day comes, the last thing you want is to be moving items into your new home you know you’ll never use. Start making piles: donate, sell, recycle, and keep. It might feel tedious now, but your future self will thank you.
Pack smart
Here’s one most of us learn the hard way: the first-night box. With all of your belonging in various boxes, you might find yourself without the essentials on the first night in your new home. To avoid this, label boxes by room and keep essentials in a first-night box.
While we’re on the topic, you might also want to make sure your mortgage paperwork and property documents are easy to find during the move. You never know when you’ll need to check them.
Spread the news
We don’t mean with friends and family (although this is a good idea, too). More like utilities, insurance, banks, and any other subscriptions who’ll need to know you’re moving.
Ask for help
This one’s important if you’ve got kids or pets: you might find it helpful to arrange for someone to help so that they’re safe and out of the way. Perhaps a relative, a friend, or trusted dogsitter.
Moving day essentials
With completion done and keys in your hand, it’s time to move in! We recommend starting bright and early. There’s lots to be done so you’ll want to get a head start.
A few things to keep close by:
Paperwork: You never know what you’ll need to check and when.
Water and snacks: Fruit, nuts, or gummy bears – whatever you need to fuel yourself. Moving is busy work!
Checklists: Tick things off as they go so you know you’re on track.
Valuables: Make sure you know where your most important belongings are. It’s easy to lose track of items in the moving madness.
Tips for a smooth move
Communicate: Make sure everyone involved in the move – moving companies, solicitors – knows the timeline.
Protect floors and furniture: Put down blankets, mats, and use tape to make sure you’re protecting the home as you move.
Remember to take breaks. Take a pause to have a few of those gummy bears and a cup of tea. Rest is important.
Post-move settling in
Sometimes this feels like the hardest part. You’ve done so much already, yet there’s still more to do. Let’s break it down so it doesn’t feel like a mountain of tasks.
Start with the essentials
These are the first things to unpack. Focus on bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms – one room at a time, mind. Anything you might reach for in your first week of your new home.
Check utilities and services
There are a few bits to sort through here. Make sure utilities like water, electricity and broadband are up and running with the right details. If your mortgage provider requires proof of home insurance, make sure this is set up.
Finish up so you can put your feet up
There may be rooms you plan to redecorate. If so, you might not want to unpack those just yet or you’ll be giving yourself another job. Otherwise, finish up the last of the boxes and give yourself a pat on the back!
Get mortgage help on move-in day
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when you’re moving house. It’s easy to get cause up in the logistics, but the last thing you want is to forget important details like legal documents or mortgage paperwork.
At The Mortgage Hut, we take care of the whole mortgage process for you. From finding the right lender and product, to submitting the application and finalising the offer. We keep you updated every step of the way, so you can focus on moving with one less thing to worry about.
Considering a move? Planning ahead is key to a smooth move. Make sure your mortgage is in order before the madness begins. Speak to The Mortgage Hut today.
FAQs
What happens with my mortgage on moving day?
Your mortgage funds will be released to your solicitor, who will send them to the seller’s solicitor to complete the purchase. There’s nothing for you to do here, as your mortgage broker and solicitor will be taking care of things. Just make sure you’ve got any important information easily accessible in case your asked for it.
What documents do I need with me on moving day?
It’s wise to keep your mortgage offer, solicitor details, ID and insurance documents easily accessible. We know there’s a lot to consider already but taking a few minutes to gather these documents and pop them into an envelope, folder, or plastic sleeve is worth it to make sure you’re fully prepared and ready to go.
