Now that you’ve secured a beautiful new home in St Albans, it’s time to prepare for the house move. As with buying or renting a house, the more organised you are, the less stressful it will be. Here’s our essential checklist for moving to St Albans.
People to contact
There are a variety of organisations and companies to update about your house move, such as:
- Monthly bills: Contact your mobile phone, TV, broadband and home phone providers to update your address details.
- Utility providers: The companies who supply your gas, water and electric will need to be informed about any changes. Also supply final meter readings so you are not charged anything you shouldn’t be.
- Work and school: If you have children, provide the school with your new address. Likewise for work and for any next of kin details.
- Official organisations: Update your address with the DVLA after you have moved and request a final council tax statement to settle the bill, while informing them about the electoral roll.
- Financial institutions: This includes your bank or building society, credit card company and any pension and investment fund providers you may have.
- Insurance provider: Tell your home contents insurance provider the date you are moving, along with any other policies for things like cars, pet, mobile phones, health and life insurance.
- Health services: Doctors, dentists, opticians and any private medical care you pay for should also be informed so it doesn’t affect access to treatment.
If you subscribe to magazines, newspapers or newsletters, or are signed up to a local gym, you should also let them know about your change of address.
Getting ready to pack
Packing up your belonging is one of the biggest tasks to undertake. You may be surprised at how much needs to be moved once you see it laid out in boxes and containers.
Start planning this as early as possible, planning where larger items will go in advance and disposing of any items you no longer need to make things easier.
You will likely need to order some new boxes or containers so your items can be transported safely and efficiently without fear of accidents and breakages.
Finding the right removal company
There are no shortage of options when it comes to removal companies. A good place to find a reputable company is TrustATrader, which will list local and verified options.
Costs will vary depending on the company, services used (such as packaging) and the amount of items you need to transport.
Get at least three quotes and look at reviews to see what customers are saying. Ask friends and family if they have any recommendations for companies recently used too.
Prepare the property for the new occupants
If you’ve sold your house, the contract will detail the condition the property will need to be left in for the new owner/tenant.
Compile a room-by-room checklist of things to review to make it easier to ensure everything is covered. Also put together a brief sheet for the new owner so they can easily locate things like the boiler, alarm, meters etc.
Just as important are the keys to any sheds or garages featured with the property, so the new people moving in are able to access them without issue.
If you were renting the property, you should ensure that the property is left in the condition stated on your tenancy agreement and hand over all keys to your landlord.
If you would like any further advice on the points mentioned above, get in touch with our friendly estate agent team today. Alternatively, if you’re thinking of moving to St Albans but haven’t found the right property yet, browse our available properties to rent or to buy.