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Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 1: Forgetting to Change Your Address
– Don’t Forget to Change Your Address!
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 2: Not Packing Properly
What You Need to Know to Get Started.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 3: Not Hiring Professional Movers
How to Prepare for a Successful Move.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 4: Packing Too Much Stuff
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 5: Not Labeling Boxes
How to Get Started.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 6: Losing Important Documents
How to Safely Pack and Move Important Documents.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 7: Not Cleaning Before You Move
Not cleaning before you move.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House: Final Thoughts
Items to complete when moving home
We have made the Moving House Checklist that will help you keep track of all of the crucial tasks down the way to moving home.
This checklist addresses all of the key jobs you have to finish your move, from employing a conveyancer all of the way to the house warming.
You are able to download a version of the checklist, or register for our email list to receive them in bite sized chunks while you move through every stage of the process.
Happy moving!
1. Research your move
However, if you have found your new home and your offer is approved, it is time for you to begin your moving home checklist! Without any complications, an easy move is able to take around eight weeks to go through. It is crucial to get the legal side in position in the beginning to guarantee a clean transaction of your property sale or even purchase.
Do research & find a Conveyancing Solicitor – you are able to go through the articles of ours about what a conveyancing solicitor does, just how much conveyancing costs and also the way to select an excellent solicitor.
Discover what you should think about when selecting a mortgage, then organize your mortgage
When you are wanting to market your property, check estate agents with netanagent
Research the new area of yours for info regarding neighborhood news and also facilities
If you’ve kids, transfer their school records and order more uniforms
If you’re presently renting, confirm the moving date of yours with your landlord or estate agent
Try to get priceless assets assessed for insurance and check in case the insurance policy of yours will cover your move. Otherwise, the removals company of yours should have the ability to offer cover – get it earlier to stay away from any kind of complications
Buy a journal or even file to maintain notes and documents on your move – include things like to do lists, numbers that are important, details and dates of interactions. You may want to obtain a USB on your keyring to make sure you usually have the required electronic documents along with you and back up everything on the cloud.
2. Organize your house survey
With just a little over a month before your moving day, you might want to begin clearing out anything you do not wish being relocated to your new home. Having a great clear out will help you save cash on your removals, and also make unpacking easier! You can start planning your move, even if you have not got a firm day just yet. Have a look at what you should think about when selecting a removals company so that you are able to understand what questions to ask.
Determine which survey you require and the way to select a surveyor
Compare expenses on a RICS surveyor for your house survey
Make a complete listing of your possessions
Determine what you should take to the new home of yours and also exactly where you will place them – a floor plan of your new house might help; your seller or maybe estate agent needs to have one
Learn the most effective methods to purge the unwanted possessions of yours. Keep in mind, removal companies quote on amount therefore the less you’ve to shift, the less expensive your move will be
Take a look at How you can select a removal company and after that get removals quotes
Collect packaging supplies – the removal company of yours might be able to provide you with them or maybe you might have a reallymoving price reduction via the Moving Home Warehouse
When you are moving because of a job switch, learn what expenses the employer of yours will cover
Look at the parking constraints for big removals vehicles at the current home of yours and also at your new home. Your removals firm could have to apply to the Council for permits
3. Finalise contracts and pack
With one month left before you go, you’ll most likely have had a Chartered Surveyor inspect your new property and inform you of its structural condition. If you have issues, you might wish to renegotiate the offer of yours. You will at this point be equipped to consult the solicitor of yours about exchanging contracts as well as finalising your moving date which means you are able to appoint your selected removal company and also organise parking plans and also permits for all the removals vehicles at both of the addresses. It is getting near!
Speak with your solicitor regarding exchanging contracts and also finalise your moving date
If you have not confirmed a day with the removals company of yours, determine their availability. If you have previously obtained quotes for your move but have not chosen a company, check the feedback of theirs via reallymoving.com.
As removals companies might impose a premium during busy times like bank holidays, Fridays & in the summertime, determine if you’re able to be versatile.
Figure out a route for the moving day – think about the route of the removals truck of course, if there happen to be any low bridges or weight restricted areas
Should you require storage facilities your removals company might be able to offer and / or recommend them. You are able to have a glimpse at the guide of ours on how to pick the best storage unit.
Organise to have the new house of yours cleaned between the existing owners moving out and also you moving in
You are able to purchase furnishings prepared for arrival at your new home and book carpeting fitters when any carpets require changing. In case you’re having blinds or anything else fitted, and are not moving far, go to the property to check out measurements in person. Or else use plans.
Begin packing non essential things and least used rooms – for info on when you should pack which items take a look at our moving house guide
Clean out the loft, garden shed, along with outside spaces and other storage – clean any gardening equipment you really want the removals company to move.
Notify relevant utilities companies and also switch home insurance to the new home
See that everything you’re taking along with you in the automobile fits
Book overnight hotel accommodation if the trip is a lengthy one – lots of hotel chains provide frequent offers in which rooms in much less preferred locations may be booked fairly cheaply
4. Get prepared to move home
Around this stage in the move of yours it is all about confirming details that are important in planning for your move. But if your removal company cannot offer additional solutions like un-plumbing automatic washers, disassembling/reassembling furniture and packing, it would be a great time for you to organise these also. On your moving day, you might want pets or children to remain with loved ones, which means you are able to concentrate on getting all moved effectively.
Finalise specifics with the removals company – check times, , parking and emergency numbers directions
When pertinent, check you’ve plenty of prescription medication for the moving period
Arrange pet and child care for the moving day – give family and friends adequate notice in case you will need help
Book individuals to handle services in case the removal company of yours isn’t offering them e.g. home cleaning, dismantling of flat package home furniture, plumber for the dishwasher as well as laundry machines
Safely get rid of all flammable liquids and materials which require specialist treatment – your removal company cannot move hazardous fluids
Cancel local services you get & settle outstanding charges. Don’t forget to think about any subscription boxes or even publications, together with the paper, cleaners, gardeners, window cleaners or perhaps oil deliveries
Run down other perishables and freezer foods which will not travel well
5. Update your address and get yourself organised
It is the final week of yours at your old address prior to moving to your new home, and also throughout this week the goal is organising, finishing packing as well as being good to go!
Have important papers together in a secure, but accessible, place.
Make a Moving Day Survival Kit with all you need for getting you through the day being stress-free, calm and in control
Finish off as much of your packing as you can so you’ve everything prepared to go – make certain you are doing this systematically and do not forget about outdoor equipment and toys
Cross-reference boxes to rooms – have a look at the advice of ours on colour labelling containers making organisation much easier over the day
Collect together keys for the current property of yours and do not forget spares given to friends or neighbours
Provide the post office your new address and plan a mail redirection service
Defrost the refrigerator and freezer – make sure they’re totally dried out prior to moving
Return any borrowed items you may have overlooked, such as books or tools
Give away flowers and plants you will not be taking along with you – it’s not simple for removal companies to move potted plants. If you’re wanting to take the plants of yours have a peek at the guide of ours on transporting plants.
Wash and dry all clothing and linen – box up and label so it is all set to be taken out at your brand new house
Make plans to pay for the move of yours and also make sure you’ve enough cash resources in the bank account for emergencies
Mail out change of address cards to relatives and friends – for a complete list of who to notify when moving home check out our Change of Address Checklist
Reserve a time to obtain keys to the new home of yours from the Estate Agent
6. Get ready to leave your previous house
it is your last twenty four hours at your old address – It is time for a last check and walk round the home to make sure nothing is forgotten. An overnight bag is going to help you settle straight into the new home of yours and also have a great night’s sleep. Be sure that this’s separate from the things going with the removal lorry.
Go all around your house for a last, comprehensive examination – spend some time carrying this out to make sure you leave nothing at all behind
Pack nighttime bag for the household so you’ve your toothbrush, towels, washbag and pyjamas handy
Assemble a mini toolkit which includes a razor-sharp blade for opening cardboard boxes on arrival
Make sure you’ve the keys to the new house of yours, or have organized to obtain them ahead of time and collect together keys for those locks out of your old home
Ensure your mobile phone is completely charged (and you have got the charger of yours handy on the day)
in case you’re arranging assistance from friends and family on moving day, establish the specifics with them and they’ve the new address of yours when they want it
7. Lock up and move out
On one day where emotions are able to run higher, you are able to feel relaxed and in command with a strategy, meaning you will know what you have to do in your final morning in the property. Be ready for when the removal company of yours shows up so they are able to start promptly. Determine if any boxes require special attention or perhaps are to not be taken by them. Be sure you take the meter readings that you can offer to the providers of yours and then leave the keys for the brand new owner. It is now time to shift to the new home of yours!
Capture all energy meter readings for water, gas and electricity . We suggest going for a picture of the meters with your mobile phone. It might additionally be truly worth comparing suppliers to find a much better deal.
Strip the beds and pack your curtains and bedding
Identify fragile items and boxes going along with you inside the car, therefore the removals team of yours does not pack them
Ensure someone stays until the movers of yours have finished packing to examine the packing inventory – make certain you’re happy everything is accounted for because you are going to have to sign as confirmation
Leave all of the sets of keys as organized for the brand new owners
Check all windows are sound and utilities are turned off
Make certain the movers of yours have contact details for yourself and verify the address of the brand new property
Keep duplicates of contact details for your conveyancer, removal and estate agent company
8. Check your new property
Whenever you turn up at your new home it is vital that you make your removal company conscious of any specific instructions and they know what room the cardboard boxes are headed to. Make certain you’re satisfied that every thing on the inventory of yours is accounted for prior to your moving company departs. But 1st things first – find your kettle!
Grab the kettle, supplies and cups out of your Moving Day Survival Kit. You are able to arrange a tea and coffee station with snacks and water for whenever you want a rest.
Confirm what’s going where and any specific instructions to your removal company. Be sure you’ve someone ready and available at the brand new property to guide them throughout the house. If you colour code the areas on the flooring plan to match with cardboard boxes this can allow it to be much easier for them. You can also adhere a coloured small note on each door to allow it to be much easier.
Account for every item on your inventory and check for any damaged or even missing items. Only sign it when you are happy
Take out your Moving Day Survival Kit to make sure you have got all you need to feel relaxed.
Place moving along with other essential documents in a secure place in which you are able to quickly locate them in a ocean of cardboard boxes – it may sound odd, but in the bathtub is a great choice!
Examine power meters inside your new home – capture pictures on your phone to have them safe
Check that all of the keys for the home work. If perhaps you have hired a locksmith to place brand new locks in, keep fresh keys separate from older ones.
Check out your garden – make certain it’s child/pet proof if applicable (check for concealed ponds, busted fencing or maybe entry points that require securing)
Sweep for things – if the prior owners have left anything set it inside a box and also arrange for them to obtain it later
9. Relax in your brand new home
After months of planning and preparation, you and the family of yours are in your new home! Right after a hectic moving day, do not attempt to unpack everything right away. Make up the beds then devote the night relaxing with family along with a celebratory takeaway, and congratulate your self on making it through the day.
Perform a fast clean and tidy, make the beds so that you are able to fall right in to them after a hectic day. We are certain you will be excited for sleep.
Plug in your telephones, mobile phones and bigger devices like freezers and fridges
Operate the boiler and heating – make certain you know just how to put it to use so that you are able to have a warm shower and comfortable house
Settle younger kids in an area with a few toys and treats
When feasible, keep animals away until such time as you are settled in
Create a note of emergency contact phone numbers e.g. outside of working hours medical professionals, vets, taxi numbers, regional clinics etc
Do not count on everything being done immediately – order dinner and then leave the unpacking for tomorrow. When you are buying a takeaway with an app or maybe online make sure you update the delivery address of yours!
Final Thoughts
Allow me to share a few things you might want to do:
Let older kids organise their very own rooms – you may wish to rearrange things down the road although it is going to help them feel at home
Rearrange deliveries – in case you’d milk, newspapers or maybe subscriptions set up to the old address of yours, you might want to start them once again at your new property.
The neighbours of yours might introduce themselves, but in case they do not, take the chance to say hello. They will likely have tips that are great about the area
Sort the bedroom of yours – making your room a bit more like yours with personal items and photos are able to make a huge difference to comfort levels
Moving To Apartment Checklist, 15 Things You Must Not Forget
Moving into a new apartment can be very stressful, but with a bit of careful planning and a Moving To Apartment Checklist, the move can run quite smoothly. When moving, there are so many things that have to be done at once and I have compiled this Moving To Apartment Checklist, to make things easier on the day.
When you move it all takes careful planning, and you need to start about 6- 8 weeks before the move. Moving is specialized work, and not something that you can do yourself, so making the right choice of removalist is very important.
Give written notice on your apartment for the full 8 weeks. Keep a copy of the letter which should be dated and kept in your folder for the move.
Ready For Your Moving To Apartment Checklist?
Get three quotes and then book a removalist for the date of the move. If you have a friend who has moved recently, ask them who they used to move as ‘word of mouth’ can be a great recommendation. You will find that the quotes on the move vary widely, and you can save up to 25% on moving costs. Check with your apartment manager to schedule the move and find out if you need any permits for the moving truck. Notify your insurance company, home, and contents about the impending move, and the dates. They can then transfer your policies with you to the new house.
Moving To Apartment Checklist part1: Four Weeks Prior to the Move
- Book a carpet cleaner for the day after the move.
- Book a thorough house clean to leave everything in order when you have moved out.
- Change the locks on the new property, as you never know who has a key.
- Cancel and redirect post from moving day.
- Power, Gas, and Water(utilities), cancel services for the moving date, and arrange new ones for your new apartment.
- Arrange cable and TV connections for the new house.
- Check transport links and public transport links for your new area.
- Start the sorting out process of things to keep, things to give to charity, and redundant furniture to sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of excess.
- Put clutter outside for the rubbish clean up, or arrange a collection.
- Organize a pest spray for your new apartment, this should be completed annually.
- Any large furniture like a piano or a pool table will need specialized removal, check with the removalists.
- If you live in an area where uranium is present, arrange for radon testing in the new apartment to keep your family safe.
- About 4 weeks out, the removalist will deliver the packing boxes and tape, and start packing up by sorting less-used rooms first.
- If you notice any paint scrapes, get a painter through to repair the damage now, as you will want to get your bond back if renting.
- If you are moving to another state check to be sure that you are moving to a safe neighborhood.
- Book the children into their new school and notify the old schools, check the uniform status of the new school.
- Have pet tags made with your new address for the dog and cat.
- Send out change of address emails to all friends and family.
- Find a doctor in your new suburb and ask your old practice to transfer the medical records over.
- Check the removalist’s insurance policy, in case the truck catches fire.
- If you are moving interstate, change the address with the motor vehicle registry, and car insurance.
- Notify your bank and credit card providers of the move and new address
- Register to vote in your new area
- If you are a church regular find your new place of worship.
- If your new suburb is in the same city, take a day to walk around it and find out where all the shops and cafes are.
- Make sure that you have the Uber Eats app on your phone as you will be too tired to cook.
- One week out from the move, ask to inspect the new house again. If it is not clean get the realtor to send the cleaning team through.
- Make sure all the windows lock.
- Identify any faults or serious defects that may need fixing before you move.
- Check whether there are window coverings, you may need to call the Blinds man.
- Check heating and air conditioning, water pressure, and if the oven works. This all sounds excessive, but it does save time.
- Check boundary fence to identify gaps where your dog or small child could escape
- Look for Junior sports teams in the new area, so the children can connect with others immediately.
- Check pre-schools for early learning opportunities for 2-5-year-olds, if they are still at home with you.
- If you are going to a new workplace, check the time it takes to get there, and whether parking is available.
- Keep your moving folder. credit cards and laptop with you so you can iron out moving glitches easily on the week of the move.
- If you have a packer working for you, supervise them to ensure everything is well marked.
- If you are having trouble finishing the packing, call Air Tasker and get them to send back-up.
- All boxes should be clearly labeled with the room they are going to on arrival at the new house.
- Confirm the removalists the day before and ask how they need to be paid, cheque, card, cash?
Moving To Apartment Checklist part 2: The Day of the Move
Your moving checklist for the apartment is comprehensive, but the day of the move is always stressful, so be up early and totally ready for action.
From experience children are not helpful during a move, so they should either be at school or with Grandma for the day, send the dog as well, and you will be able to achieve everything without too much interruption. If the weather is hot buy a 24 pack of bottled water, to keep the removalists and yourself hydrated. As soon as the truck is loaded, drive to your new apartment to meet it at the other end. Once you are at the house open everything up and turn on the electricity and air conditioning.
Moving To Apartment Checklist part 3: Moving Day
- Make sure all the rooms are clearly marked for the removalist to place boxes
- As soon as the beds are in, make them up for the night.
- Check meter readings in your new apartment
- Let the refrigerator sit for 40 minutes before turning it on to allow gas in the coils to settle.
- Start on some essential unpacking
- Removalists are usually quite quick and efficient, in the USA they are tipped at 10% of the total bill. ( not in Uk and Australia).
- Bring the children and the pets home, and purchase milk and bread and any essentials.
- Plug in the TV or devices to get the children normalized to their new home.
- Order some takeaway food, and leave the rest of the unpacking for the next day.
Moving To Apartment Checklist part 4:The Next Day
- Ask the children to help organize their rooms and give input.
- Take the children and the dog, for a walk in the nearest park
- Keep unpacking the boxes, as you unpack fold them down, and try to get them out of the house fast.
- Your moving checklist for the apartment is going well, ring the removalist and ask him to collect the empty boxes as he uses them again.
- Say hello to the neighbours, if they haven’t already been in, they will be able to give you some local knowledge, like babysitters. and lawn -man.
- Using a moving checklist allows you to stay organized and get everything done fast.
- Put all your books into bookcases.
- Any excess stuff, put in the garage while you decide if you want it or not.
- Identify any furniture that will be required for your new apartment.
- Google all the local services you may require like car service and gas, plumber, electrician, and keep a list of them.
- Call security to reset the alarm system if you haven’t already done it.
- Go to the supermarket to get supplies and stock your new kitchen and pantry.
Whenever you move, it is a major life stress event, and it is a good idea to take a week off from work to get everything sorted out and in its place.
Children and animals need help to adjust to their new surroundings and the move will be extremely busy. It is easier to move within your own city, but a move across the country can be overwhelming.
If you are sending your car across the country on a long truck trip, be sure to remove the tollway tag first, otherwise, you will be billed for every tollway the truck passes and this could amount to hundreds of dollars.
Moving To Apartment Checklist: Conclusion
Some people don’t mind moving, as it can be a useful opportunity to get rid of the clutter that we all collect along the way. While other people absolutely hate to move and stay in the same home for life. A lot of it depends on personality, and the ability to organize yourself. When making a moving checklist for apartment work for you, your move will go as smoothly as it possibly can.
Moving Into New House Checklist – The Ultimate Moving Checklist
Moving Into New House Checklist – Essential Things You Need to Do When Moving House
Are you planning on moving house? Moving house is an enormous task, and it comes at a worse time after the chaos of buying or selling your home. In the US, 9.8% of Americans move annually. Over 3 million people move interstate every year.
Moving house does not have to be a headache. With a little planning and with the help of our Ultimate Moving Into New House Checklist, you can make the move a lot smoother.
Here is our moving checklist.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 1: Three Months Before Moving
Estate Agents
An experienced real estate agent can help you buy a new home, sell your old home or find a new place to rent. The majority of realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. As such, they abide by a code of ethics. Under the code, a realtor must always put the client’s interest ahead of his own.
Want to buy or sell your home? Hire a qualified realtor. Before you buy or sell your home, determine your buying and selling goals. This means determining the price range you’re willing to accept.
Next, know how much equity you have in your home. Make sure you’ve enough equity to use as a down-payment for your new home and cover other costs – closing costs.
Find out how long the realtor has been licensed. If you hire an experienced and licensed realtor, you have a better opportunity to sell your home faster or find a great home to rent or buy.
While vetting realtors, try to find out how many transactions they completed in the last year. The exact number does not matter, but the estimate you receive will tell you how well they’re doing to keep their business consistent.
Lastly, narrow down to the top 5 realtors, get their contact information and give them a call. Have several questions prepared.
Lawyers/Solicitors
Did you know that if you fail to give the right amount of notice when you move out, your tenancy does not end? In fact, you’ll owe your landlord rent for the time until your tenancy ends. If you also give an invalid tenancy notice, your tenancy could end on the earliest date. To prevent this and more, consult your lawyer.
He can guide you on the rules of moving out, when to give notice to your landlord, teach you legal ways to move early, and more. When you move in, you also need a lawyer. This is true, especially if it’s your first time signing the lease agreement.
When buying or selling your home, a lawyer/solicitor will review the contract. Your realtor will send your accepted offer of purchase to your lawyer for review. They will also examine the title of the property. This is to make sure that the title to your property is properly transferred to you. They can also protect you against title and mortgage fraud.
Lastly, your lawyer will prepare financing documents. Bank documents are often confusing for many people. So, it’s your lawyer’s job to make sure you understand the terms of your mortgage.
Mortgage Prices
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life. Before taking the plunge, there are a lot of things to consider. First, take a deep dive into your finances. How much do you earn every month? Do you have any debt – student loans, credit card debt, car payments? Are you paying off these debts?
You want to be sure that you can pay for your mortgage while also paying your usual expenses. Most people get approved for a mortgage, especially if they make their monthly payments responsibly.
If you’re planning on buying a home, you want to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even start looking for a home. This helps you and your realtor to manage expectations. We recommend comparing mortgage prices. Most banks have an online mortgage calculator, or you can chat with a mortgage advisor.
If selling your old home before paying off your mortgage, you must get a mortgage discharge. You, your lawyer, and the notary must complete every step in the mortgage discharge process.
Once the process is complete, the lender’s rights are usually removed from the property. However, if you paid off the mortgage before selling your home, then you own the house and you’re free of “debt.”
Radon Testing
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Inhaling radon over a period of year increases the risk of lung cancer. Three months before moving to your new home, have the building tested for radon.
If the landlord or real estate agent informs you that they already carried out radon testing, ask for a copy of the test results. If you’ve questions about the results, contact your state radon office or the National Radon Helpline at 1-800-557-2366.
Long-distance Moves
The time has come for you to move everything you own hundreds or even thousands of miles away. That kind of task is huge, and to ensure success, you need a plan. Start by creating the ultimate moving checklist. We recommend using an online calendar to know when to complete each task.
Next, calculate the costs of your move so that you can budget wisely. We estimate that you’ll need as little as $15,000 to more than $200,000. Create a do not pack list. This comes in handy if you’re moving across state lines or to another country. To save precious time, hire a packing service.
Many people underestimate the costs, time, and effort required for moving short distances. As a result, it’s tempting to perform a self-move to cut costs.
To prepare for a short-distance move, create a to-do list. Your list can include canceling all utilities, hiring a moving company, forwarding mail, and more. Next, start packing early. We recommend you start two weeks or a month before your planned leaving date.
Then, take inventory of your belongings then get moving boxes. With the help of family members and friends, pack your belongings in the boxes. Don’t forget to pack an essentials bag.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 2: Two Months Before Moving
Home Insurance
Home insurance policies normally cover old and new homes for 30 days. So, when you move from address A to address B, your stuff is automatically covered. However, you must inform your insurer at least two months before. This is because your insurer is closely linked to your home.
Moving to a new address also means new changes, and your insurance should update them. Your insurer will analyze your new situation and update your coverage. If you’re purchasing a new home or renting a home, sign at the notary two months before the date of your move.
Renters Insurance
If you’re moving from address A to B and you’re renting address B, your landlord will require proof of renters insurance. So, you can either send a copy of your policy or request your insurer to add your landlord to your policy.
Since you can move your renters insurance, call up your insurance provider and make sure they know the new location you’re moving to. Also, inform them of your actual date and whether or not your new landlord needs to be in the policy. If relocating to another state, the underwriter will rewrite your policy.
Contents Insurance
Just like your renters insurance, you can transfer your contents insurance from your current address to your new address. But, you’ve to call up your insurance provider. This is because premiums are usually based on property type and address.
Your contents insurance covers both your current and new home for up to 60 days. So, you don’t have to buy contents insurance for your new home from your existing insurer.
Getting a Will
You should get a will or update your estate planning documents if moving to another state. While the principles of wills and trusts are similar from state to state, you want to get your affairs in order. Getting a will is the best way to determine which beneficiaries will inherit your property after you pass away.
That way, your family and other beneficiaries will not argue over who gets what. Rethinking your will when you move across state lines ensures all changes conform with state laws. You can use trust and wills online estate planning services online. But we recommend an experienced attorney.
Life Insurance
Do you’ve an existing life insurance policy? Have you already provided your insurer with accurate information about your future residency? Then your life policy should continue provided you keep the payments up to date.
If you’re moving to a new home, inform your insurer of your change of address. This is vital especially if you need a new mortgage or your level of debt changes. By revising your life insurance policy, you ensure that your family can cover costs in the event of your death.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 3: One Month Before Moving
Carpet Cleaners
If you’re moving to a new rental, it’s the responsibility of the landlord to arrange for residential carpet cleaners. Before moving out of your old house, conduct a thorough inspection. Check for damage, severe stains and stench from pets or other factors.
If you can, hire professional carpet cleaners. They can clean your carpets at your new and old home. Don’t try to clean the stains or damage yourself. The last thing you want is to cause more damage.
Professional carpet cleaners have proper equipment and knowledge to treat and clean carpets. They can provide hot water carpet extraction, and much more.
Stain Removal
Speaking of stain removal, there are plenty of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. These solutions provide much better results than harsh chemicals. Not only that. They are better for your family’s health and air quality.
Hire carpet cleaning experts as they will ensure you don’t have to wait for your carpets to dry. You can ask your landlord about a particular situation. But to get the best results, be honest.
The landlord can clean the stains from your carpets. But he will deduct carpet cleaning costs from your security deposit. We recommend having your carpets at your new and old home cleaned a month before moving out.
Removal Van Hire
Research and organize your moving company. You want to do this a month earlier because there is a lot of stuff for you to pack and transport. You don’t want to start looking for a moving company a week or a few days before you want to move.
Yes, Removal companies can be flexible especially when you want to change your moving date. But it’s best you give your preferred Removal company a call 4 weeks before the move. This will simplify all your logistics.
For most Removal companies, intrastate moves take a day. As such, you’ll find fewer companies willing and available for intrastate moves compared to a local move.
Painters and Decorators
You need to hire painters and decorators a month before you move into your new home. This will ensure ample time for them to make any modifications you need to your new home. Need the nursery room painted blue or pink? Hire a painter and decorator early.
The painters should start repainting your old home immediately you move out. Once they’re done, return the old keys to the relevant party. Alternatively, you can save money and repaint the home yourself before you move.
Storage Services
Most storage companies can reserve available storage units a month before you move out. The earlier you book, the more time you’ve to declutter before you move out. Decluttering allows you to get rid of old and unwanted stuff such as old toys, clothes, DVDs, electronics, and much more.
Storage units are also space-saving solutions. The majority of facilities provide short and long-term storage. To reserve a storage unit, research the company and the location you’d kike to store your stuff. Make a reservation, sign the contract and store your stuff.
Packing Services
In the chaos of moving house, one of the most important parts that people fail to give attention to until the last minute is packing. Proper packing is essential as it ensures your fragile and delicate items make the trip damage free.
To protect your belongings, hire professional moving packers. The company uses industry-standard packing material to ensure that your belongings are safe and undamaged during transit. That being said, they can also unpack and help you settle into your new home a day or two after you arrive, which is time-saving.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 4: Two Weeks Before Moving
Cable TV/Direct TV
If the DirectTV service isn’t available at your new location. If you can not continue to enjoy the same benefits cancel your contract by giving them a call. To cancel, call their toll-free number. If you go over your contract, you’ll have to pay a $20 charge. Your monthly fee will be this amount until the end of your agreement. A $15 deactivation fee applies only when you want to discontinue your service.
Besides canceling your contract, you may have to return your unboxed equipment to a company-owned UPS or FedEx Office pack. They will send the equipment back to DirectTV at no charge to you.
Internet Connections
Most internet providers make it easy for you to move your service to your new address. After all, these companies want to retain you as a customer. To transfer your internet, inform your ISP that you’re moving. Find out if your ISP services your new area.
Once you move to your new address, schedule a date for your ISP to install the internet. When moving, carry your router or modem. Most routers have a physical power button. Simply press the button to shut down the router then pack it.
Air Conditioning
Can I relocate my HVAC unit? The simple answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. One of the biggest challenges of relocating a HVAC unit is that the refrigerant line should not be bent. This would create a leak.
To relocate your HVAC unit safely, hire professionals. They will pump out all the refrigerant, relocate the unit, reconnect it, pump back the refrigerant, and it’s done. They will vacuum any moisture or air in the lines to ensure the refrigerant circulates well.
The experts will also run new thermostat wiring and secure the unit. They will insulate the copper wires and place a protective cover so that it does become an eyesore. Finally, they will position the system and restart it.
Pest Removal
It’s important to get a pest inspection before moving into a new home. Pests can cause serious structural damage, put you and your family at risk for diseases and other threats. You want to find an exterminator you can trust so you don’t have any problems. So it’s important to look for a trusted exterminator before moving in and out.
Pest control specialists will visit your old and new home. They will inspect the inside and outside of your home to identify the problem and find access points. Then they will record their findings and present you with a report recommending the right pest control treatment. Once you hire them, they will effectively eliminate the pests and ensure your home is free from unwanted guests.
Landscaping
If you’re renting, you’ve to return the property to the same state before you moved in. But if selling your home, you can dig up your plants or negotiate as part of the property. However, there are plant moving restrictions from one state to another or one country to another. Also, if your plants are too well established, you don’t have to take them.
If you can’t take established plants, we recommend taking cuttings. When packing the containers in your moving van, make sure they can’t tip over. Wedge them as close together as possible or add some padding.
Want to know which plants enhance your garden and landscape aesthetics? If you want your new garden re-designed or improved a landscape gardener could be what you need. They can help make your garden a place you are proud of and make it a beautiful, relaxing place for you and your family. They can help you choose plants and flowers that are best suited to the soil, climate and light levels and where they will look best. Or if you are after a water feature they can often design this too.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 5: One Week Before Moving
Piano Moving
Moving a piano is challenging considering it’s a prized possession. We recommend hiring professional movers to do the job. They will map out the moving path at your current and new address. The experts will clear any obstructions out of the path.
Then they will measure your piano plus the hallways, door frames, and staircases. The team will also protect your floors and make sure pets are not nearby as they move the piano. Once you move your piano to your new home, prepare to tune it as the keys can shift during a move. We recommend that you wait atleast a month to tune the keys.
Pool Table Moving
Just like piano moving, you need to hire professionals if moving your pool table. Pool tables can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. As such, their weight and bulkiness make it a challenge to move. However, if you hire professionals, they will simplify the task for you.
Professionals will disassemble the pool table, pack and protect all the parts. They will load them into the truck and drive carefully to your new home. There, they will reassemble the pool table and position it for a smooth experience.
Moving Fine Art
Before moving artwork, wrap it in plain brown paper or unprinted newsprint. Apply heavy-duty corner protectors and a layer or two of bubble wrap. Then, tuck your artwork into large, heavy-duty picture boxes. For additional protection, wrap the artwork in plastic.
Once the artwork is ready for transportation, load it in a climate-controlled trailer or truck. Look for a trailer or truck with air ride suspension. We also recommend hiring fine art movers to ensure a safe move.
Moving Into New House Checklist part 6: One Day Before You Move
Blinds installation
When it comes to buying a home, it’s best to ask for clarification about blinds, curtains, and curtain rods. Traditionally, they’re considered fixtures as they’re anchored to the wall.
If you’re selling your home, remove your curtains and blinds. The worst thing you can do is take all the blinds and hope your buyer or landlord does not notice. Once you move to your new home, have the blinds installed. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes for the first blind and 10 to 15 minutes for every other blind.
Moving Into New House Checklist: Final Words
There you have it. The ultimate moving checklist for when moving house, to ensure you make a seamless transition from your old home to your new one. If planning to move house, start making plans three months early. Map out the tasks related to your move. Next, set a moving budget. This will allow you to cover your moving costs.
Always research and compare services. This comes in handy when looking for a moving company, lawyer, realtor, mortgage, packing services, and more. Make sure the service you choose has good reviews.
Request time off for your move if you’re making a short-distance move and are planning to keep the same job. You can ask for a few days around a weekend or take five days off. Lastly, don’t forget to give your landlord a two-month notice.
Best of luck!