New Home Buyers?

Although buying a new house is a joyous occasion, it can very quickly turn into a very bad day. Therefore, by preparing yourself with the correct means, you can insure an easy and smooth way to step into your new house. Below are ways to help you which will leave you shouting from your new rooftop!

The first issue to hire a removal company. Aim to book a removal van as soon as contracts are exchanged and the completion date is set. Get at least three estimates from different firms, and try not to be swayed by the cheapest, as you get what you pay for. Find out if packing materials, boxes, crates and VAT are all included. A few weeks before the move, the removal firm should send someone to establish what the move will entail. This is the moment to point out if any items need special care, such as antiques or pictures.

Highlight any large items or furniture, such as a piano, as this may require a specialist handler. If you are unable to find a removal company, the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS) will be able to supply names of approved members in your area. Also, tell the removal company if access from your old property or to your new home will be difficult. Parking space for the removal lorry also needs to be taken into account. All these factors can add to the cost, and need to be considered in the estimate. Only accept quotations that are offered in writing, and include pricing for loading, unloading, packing, special handling or any other special requests such as cleaning and hanging. When accepting a quotation, ask for a written quotation to be sent to you as soon as possible.

Second is packing. This may leave you feeling like you want to pack it all in, but stick with it and it can be easy. Take time to sift through belongings, and this is a chance to really decide what you need and don’t need. Calculate how many boxes you will require and gets these in advance from local shops etc. It is worth saving old newspapers to use as inner lining. Boxes that are made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones which can be found in super markets or off-licenses. Remember; do not completely fill large boxes, as these will become too heavy to lift. Make sure that your possessions are insured for transit. Most removal companies provide such insurance, so check what it covers and what it excludes. Anything that you pack may not be covered by the removal firm’s insurance.

Third on the agenda is to hire professional cleaners to give your new place a thorough clean, before you move in. Some removal firms will arrange to do this too. By doing this, it makes the move less stressful, and you can put your feet up straight away when you arrive. Also, it can help to make a scale plan of each room in your new home. Give this to the removal team, so in theory, they will know where everything is to go. Colour coding boxes and furniture will also ensure that they end up in the right room. Fourth in the big move is to notify relevant parties of your new address, such as telephone and internet services, bank, building societies or pensions providers or any company that you have loans or investments with. Notify the Inland Revenue for a list of offices and ask local councils questions regarding council tax. It is also a legal requirement to notify DVLA, as you will need to renew your driving license and vehicle registration document.

Last but not least, when arriving in your new abode, make sure that all items that were included in the sale such as curtains, carpets and light fittings are there. If anything is missing, contact your solicitor. Also alert your surveyor straight away to any faults in the building that were missed in the original survey. It is also vital to ensure you have home insurance.

Now you can relax and be home sweet home.