Moving house checklist
So… you’ve just exchanged contracts. Your completion date is set. What now? Our Head of Property Mark shares his tips on what you should do in between exchange and completion to ensure you have a smooth move.
Prepare to move
Exchanging contracts places strict legal obligations on all parties to complete the sale on an agreed date. It is now safe to book removals and time off work. If selling, you will normally have to vacate the property by 2pm although your conveyancer will advise you of the agreed time. Pack up and have your boxes ready to load onto the removal van as soon as possible in the morning. If you are renting now is the time to serve notice on your landlord and inform them of the day you will be vacating your current home.
Contact your broadband and TV supplier
Now you have a moving date contact your broadband and television supplier. It is likely they will need several weeks’ notice to move your service to your new home. Be prepared to have no internet when you move into your new home and consider using your mobile phone as a hotspot to get by until you are back online.
Tell people you are moving
Moving house is a busy time. Don’t forget to tell important contacts you are moving. Work, your bank, the council, the electoral register, your doctor, your dentist, your children’s school and the DVLA are amongst the places which will need to know your new address.
Start your insurance
Normally the buyer will assume risk for the property from exchange of contracts. This means a buyer should start any necessary insurance policies from exchange of contracts. The seller will not normally be under any obligation to fix anything which breaks in between exchange and completion.
Pack a moving day essentials kit
The day of completion can be a long day. Money must be transferred from one solicitor to another and the only guarantee given by the banking system is that funds will reach the payee by close of business. You may not get your keys in time to unpack everything on the day of completion. A moving day essentials kit can make your wait more bearable and should include bottles of water, phone chargers, snacks, toilet roll, tea and coffee facilities and a bin bag.
Take meter readings
On the day of completion don’t forget to take final meter readings for your electricity, gas and water suppliers. These will be used to issue your final bill. Take a photograph of the readings on your phone in case you need to prove your usage after you have left the property.
Residential property & conveyancing team
At Morrish Solicitors each of our specialist property lawyers has decades of experience in dealing with the sale and purchase of residential properties.
To enquire about our residential property and conveyancing services, call us on 033 3344 9600 or email [email protected] with your request.
