We know moving house is equal parts exciting and stressful, so being organised is key.
Having a clear understanding of what needs to be done, and when, will help you stay calm and ensure you don’t forget anything.
At UKMC, we help homebuyers understand their mortgage options when moving house.
Whether you want to port an existing mortgage, or take out a new one, we can help you find the best solution for your circumstances.
The ultimate checklist for moving house
After your offer has been accepted
1. Contact UKMC to discuss your mortgage options
- Decide whether to port your existing mortgage or apply for a new one.
- Fill out applications promptly to obtain your mortgage offer
2. Find and instruct a conveyancing solicitor
- Fill out paperwork and provide ID and additional documentation.
3. Create a budget for moving expenses
4. Book your surveys (i.e. HomeBuyers’ Report or Building Survey)
- Review the findings and renegotiate if necessary.
5. Speak to a UKMC advisor about home insurance
- Consider Home Buyer’s Protection Insurance as well as Buildings Insurance.
6. Research removals companies and get quotes
7. Declutter your home
- Sell, donate, or recycle unwanted items.
8. Gather packing boxes and materials
9. Start ordering any new furniture or white goods that you need for your new home
Between exchange and completion
1. Set your move-in date
2. Book a removals van
3. Contact your utilities providers
- Energy supplier
- Water supplier
- Council tax
- Broadband supplier
4. Give notice to your landlord (if renting)
5. Start packing
- Label the boxes clearly.
6. Arrange childcare and/or a pet sitter for moving day
Two weeks before moving day
Update your address
- Give your new address to friends and family.
- Let your employer know you’re moving.
- Update your address with important service providers, including your bank, pension, credit cards, electoral roll, council, TV licensing, doctor’s surgery, dentist, DVLA, etc.
Set up mail forwarding with the Royal Mail
Cancel subscriptions like milk and newspaper deliveries
One week before moving day
1. Finish packing all but the essentials
- Pack valuables in a separate box and put it aside to transport yourself.
- Gather all important documents in a folder and keep them separate.
2. Deep clean the house
3. Go shopping for moving day essentials
- Cleaning products
- Toilet roll and kitchen roll
- Bin bags
- Snacks and drinks
4. Run down your fridge and freezer
- Defrost freezer
- Clean fridge and freezer
5. Label all the keys for the house for the next owners
6. Create a moving day ‘survival kit’ with all the essentials you might need.
- Don’t forget to include the kettle, mugs, and biscuits!
On moving day (at the old house)
1. Pack final items ready for the removals van
2. Pack valuables and important documents into your own vehicle to be transported separately to the removals van
3. Make sure your phone is charged up
4. Take photographs of your meter readings
5. Empty all the bins
6. Lock windows
7. Leave important or useful information out for the new owners
- Details of bin collection days.
- Heating and appliance instruction manuals.
- Local service information.
8. Carry out a final house check
- Check inside cupboards.
- Don’t forget to check in the loft, garage, basements, and garden.
On moving day (at your new house)
1. Make sure boxes are placed in the right rooms where possible
2. Unpack your moving day ‘survival box’ first
- (and get the kettle on!)
3. Take photos of meter readings
4. Check all the utilities are working
5. Make sure you have all the keys you need
6. Locate the stopcock and fuse box
7. Test smoke alarms
8. Find out what day your bins are emptied (you don’t want to miss the first one!)
After you’ve moved in
1.Consider changing the locks
2. Register with local services
- Doctor surgery.
- Dentist.
- Vet.
3. Review your mortgage and finances
- Make sure your direct debit is set up for your monthly payments.
- Check your first payment amount and date.
- Review and update your monthly budget.
Speak to UKMC for mortgage advice when moving house
Packing up your life and moving somewhere new marks an exciting new chapter.
But while moving house is exciting, it involves plenty of planning, paperwork, and heavy lifting too.
While we can’t help you pack the boxes, we can make navigating a mortgage for your new home as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
When moving house, you don’t always need to apply for a new mortgage; sometimes you can simply port your existing mortgage to your new home.
However, figuring out which option is most cost-effective and best suited to your unique circumstances can be confusing.
That’s why so many people turn to us for advice.
Our experienced advisors will take the time to understand your circumstances and compare thousands of mortgage products before explaining your options.
No jargon, no hidden fees, just clear, straight-talking advice tailored to you.
Ready to learn more? Call us for a chat on 01925 573 328 or submit a contact form and we’ll call you back as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
UK Mortgage Centre Limited is an Appointed Representative of Refresh Mortgage Network Limited.
Refresh Mortgage Network Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the Financial Services Register under firm number 1019794.
As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of buy-to-let mortgages.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate will writing and taxation and trust advice.
You may be charged a fee for your advice. A typical fee is £495, which would be payable when you receive your mortgage offer. Your dedicated advisor will discuss this further on your free initial phone call.
Registered company number: 15825320
