Whilst many house searchers consider the process of hunting for their next home to be exciting, once a purchase has been agreed there can still be significant anxiety and tension to follow! Here are our tips for a, ahem, relatively stress free transaction.
Firstly, embrace the process! You are embarking on a project that should lead to something exciting and special for you and your family.
Once you commit to moving, seriously begin the process of ‘de-cluttering’. Disposing of possessions that you’ve hidden at the back of a cupboard for the last 5-years might be a bit of an emotional roller-coaster but can ultimately be cathartic. There is little point paying a removal firm to pack and relocate redundant contents to a new home.
If you start the process of de-cluttering early enough, it will also serve to enhance the presentation of your current home. Minimise the number of ornaments, excess furniture, books and family photographs on display, pack them away and label the boxes clearly. Keep these items accessible just in case you decide you need something.
When it comes to finally moving, choose your removal firm carefully. Consider using a company based close to your new home. They will have a clear and beneficial understanding of local road and traffic conditions. If your completion is held up for any reason it will be easier for them to manage if they are already in their local area. Ask them to explain how they will pack your contents, what insurances they have in place and satisfy yourself that they know what they are doing… Then let them do what you are paying them to do!
A nice touch is to consider whether your arrival at your new home is likely to cause access issues for your new neighbours. If this is the case, a brief introductory note to those potentially effected, forewarning of your arrival and introducing yourself can work particularly well.
Young children can find the process exciting but still somewhat unsettling. Read or give them books which put a positive spin on the whole project.
Call in favours from friends and family; arranging sleepovers at key moments, so that you can get the maximum amount done without interruption at key moments.
Explore your choice of Conveyancing Solicitor prior to finding your new home and agreeing the purchase. Be confident that you are clear about (i) all fees and charges, (ii) do they have local knowledge that might help the conveyancing process, (iii) how much contact and communication you will have with them, (iv) how you will be kept updated, (v) will they communicate with your selling agent – rememberer that your agent wants to see a smooth transaction too. Harness that common agenda and use it to your advantage.
Tell your solicitor you would like to get to exchange as efficiently and promptly as possible but insist upon an appropriate amount of time between exchange and completion; thereby allowing you to plan your move in a timely manner.
Pay for a cleaner to visit your new home before you! If at all possible, have a reputable commercial cleaner work their magic just prior to your arrival. Once your possessions are in, a thorough clean becomes rather more challenging.
Talk to your existing utilities providers in advance of the move date and tell them your plans – this gives them a chance to advise on anything unique to them. On your final day at your current home record and photograph your meter readings, then do the same the moment you arrive at your new home.
