_Nine things to think about before moving house

Moving house is an exciting time, but anyone who has ever moved will tell you that the process of moving is also one of the most stressful.

There’s so much to consider, from booking a removal van and sorting out your utilities, to arranging your broadband. There’s also the little things that can slip your mind, such as telling your GP you’re moving, or buying a new parking permit for your car…

However, moving house needn’t be that stressful. With some careful planning and helpful advice from experts such as Knight Frank’s Home Solutions team, we can help make your move as stress-free as possible. 

So, what exactly do you need to consider?

Confirm your moving date

This may sound obvious, but it’s essential that you first and foremost confirm your moving date with the house seller or landlord. You could run into a whole host of problems if you don’t. Once you’ve had it confirmed, you can start the moving process.

Are you insured?

It's worth making sure that your possessions are protected against loss or damage, even if you're renting. If you're buying a new house, you will probably need to have buildings insurance as part of your mortgage contract. If you already have insurance, check to see if it covers you during the move. Let your insurance provider know you're moving as you may have to change your policy. 

House clearance

Moving house is a about making a fresh start and is a great excuse to get rid of any unwanted furniture or any other items that you no longer want or need. Make a list of what you want to take with you to your new place and a make a list of what you don’t want. Our expert clearance team can help clear the property in no time.

Book a removal van 

One of the most demanding tasks is moving your belongings from one place to another, so it’s essential you book a removal van. There are lots of removal services out there and choosing one can be overwhelming. Our Home Solutions team has an extensive list of vetted and professional companies that can help you choose the right one. Most companies will see you through the whole process, from packing your belongings and moving them, to unpacking them in your new place.

Keep your items in storage

If you have items that you’re not sure what to do with, it could be a good idea to keep them storage until you’ve decided where to put them. Our specialist consultants can help you search for storage facilities in your area that suit your budget, and you can then arrange for your items to be delivered and stored there.

House cleaning

If you find cleaning a tedious chore, then cleaning an entire apartment or house will feel like an overwhelming task. Find out what cleaning services operate in the area you’re moving to, but if you need help, our Home Solutions experts can send in a team, whether it’s for a deep clean of the property, or just to do the carpets.

Moving house with pets

Moving house can be an upheaval for pets, especially cats and dogs. By nature they’re very attached to their territory, so moving house will be disorientating for them. If you can, get a friend or relative to look after your pet, so there's less stress on both sides. If you'd rather keep your pet with you on the day, pick a quiet room in your old house and close the door to reduce noise. Make sure they have their usual bedding, toys, water etc. to help them keep calm.

Update your utility bills

The move is much easier to handle when all your essentials such as water, gas and electricity are taken care of. Remember to let your providers know when you’re leaving and when you’re moving to new place in advance – you don’t want to move into a new place and find you have no water! If you need advice with this, the team can help you, from switching addresses to helping you find a better quote.

Set up your TV/broadband

Of course, you’ll also need to set up the TV/broadband for your new home. If you want to keep your current provider, simply let them know before you move. Make sure you give them enough time so you can get it installed as soon as you move in. If you want to change providers, our experts can take you through the whole process from helping you choose the right package to getting an engineer to install it for you. 

If you’d like the Home Solutions team to help you with your move, contact Anna Isajenkowa on 0203 967 7172 or Pam White on 07983 507 107. For more information visit our Home Solutions webpage.