First time sellers – helpful advice for moving

At Scullion LAW we are on hand to guide and advise first time sellers.

We know there is often loads to do and it can feel exciting as well as overwhelming. We want to ensure your experience is as stress free as possible and we promise to do everything we can to complete on time, to help you move into your next home. As with everything, the timescales and complexities may vary depending on the chain but we have found this really helpful blog on rightmove to help you get organised for moving day. One thing we would advise, is not to organise your removal van or the delivery of any new furniture until missives are completed. We can not always guarantee when they will be completed as some things are out with our control. You are always best to give yourself a little extra time and move little later in the day if possible, just in case there are any last minute delays with the house you are moving into. Some people take slightly longer to get themselves organised. You can read our helpful first time sellers checklist here. 

And you can download the rightmove check list for moving day here.

Additional checklist prior to moving – shared from rightmove here. 

 

Preparing to move

When you’re preparing to move, we would recommend you starting with the following items as these can often take time and require the most notice.

The first steps

Removals

Get quotes from 3-4 removal companies – The British Association of Removers is a good starting point. Negotiate hard to get the best possible price.

Key contacts

Start working through the Key contacts checklist to let everyone know you are planning to move home. Most contracts require a minimum of a month’s notice so the sooner the better.

Moving schools

If your children are moving schools, inform the existing one in writing of the final date they will be attending. Call the new school to confirm the start date.

Getting rid of large items

Your local council may be able to arrange the removal of large items you no longer want. This service sometimes has a small charge.

Moving Pets

If your pets are not accustomed to traveling or are of a nervous disposition, you may wish to speak to your vet for any advice to minimise the stress. The journey teamed with unfamiliar surroundings can be distressing for some animals.

Existing furniture

Take measurements of your favourite/largest pieces of furniture you want to move so you can take this on viewings with you.

Start packing

Start packing the items that you do not use frequently such as things from the spare room.

Don’t forget the garden shed

Your main focus will be on the house but don’t forget the garden, garage, shed, attic, basement and the other obscure places that are easily forgotten.

Storage facilities

If you are moving far, or have a wait until you can move into your new home, you may want to consider storage for non-essential items which allows the removers more time to get the most important items to your new property in a timely fashion. The remainder can follow the next day.

Collect boxes

It can be tempting to pack as much into a box as possible, but lots of smaller boxes are easier and safer to move about than a few heavy ones. Start collecting boxes as soon as possible. Use the internet to purchase moving boxes at a discounted rate.

Neighbours

Let your neighbours know in advance so they can expect the removal van temporarily in the area. They may even offer to park their car elsewhere to allow the van some extra room to manoeuvre. Similarly, if there are parking restrictions outside your property, you may need to make arrangements to allow the removers to set up.

It’s nearly time to move in, with just one week to go. Here’s a list of everything you now need to start thinking about:

The week before

Confirm removals

Confirm the date and time of moving day with your removal company.

Packing essentials

Start thinking about your daily routine – what key things do you need access to everyday such as loo roll, the remote control, toothbrush, breakfast bowl, etc. Make a conscious effort to pack these items separately in something distinctive.

Marker pens

Permanent markers are an essential item to help locate items – write on every side of the box as it will make things easier to find. Use one colour to label which room the box should end up in and another for the main contents.

Dismantle furniture

Where possible, start to dismantle furniture that is not essential. The last thing you will take apart is the beds and this can be done the night before moving day.

Inventive wrapping

Bubble wrap is great for your valuables but items such as bedding and towels can be just as effective and take up less room. Just take extra care when unpacking! It’s amazing how simple (and secure) it is to move your jewellery hidden inside some socks!

Settle any bills

Pay your local bills such as newspaper delivery, milk, outstanding video rental, etc. where applicable and ensure future deliveries are cancelled.

Food

Make arrangements for refreshments and food on moving day. Sounds obvious but you will be amazed how easily this is forgotten. Keep the kettle, sugar, tea, coffee and milk aside with some mugs and biscuits.

Plan the journey

Plan your journey between your old and new property. Even if you know the way, everyone who is helping you move may not. Try to think about how the journey is affected at different times of the day as you may need to go back and forth. Look out for useful landmarks, such as shops, to help the removers find the property.

Instructions

Prepare a note for the new owners explaining how things work and where they can find useful items such as the boiler switches, aerial sockets and alarm codes. A few kind thoughts will go a long way when it comes to mail redirection and injects some humanity into the whole process.

Moving Day

At the existing property

• Meet the removers and give them a quick tour of the existing property
• Swap mobile telephone numbers with them so that you can contact each other if there are any problems
• Check the removers know where they are going and have directions. If the property is hard to find, describe useful landmarks such as shops, etc. will help prevent them getting lost
• Explain what is to go and what is to stay. If there is lots to leave behind, it may be worth marking this beforehand with bright tape to avoid confusion
• If there is anything that requires extra care, point this out at the start. But refrain from checking everything the removers take out – it can come across as patronising, unnecessary and causes delays
• Do a final check when the van is loaded to ensure everything has been taken
• Check all windows and doors are locked and the utilities are all turned off

At the new property

• Give the removers another quick tour so they know what rooms to put your items in
• Try putting up a sign (printer paper, white tack and a biro should do the trick) so they know which room is which, especially where bedrooms are concerned
• Use masking tape on the floors to show where you want your furniture to go
• When the van is unloaded, do a final sanity check to ensure nothing has been left behind
• It has been a long and tiring day so get the beds ready as a priority, and put the kettle on! Everything else can wait until tomorrow.

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