House move checklist

There is undoubtedly an incredible amount to think about when moving home. Aside from the numerous domestic tasks you need to take care of, there is plenty you’ll need to be doing admin wise too. The good news is, your DC Law case handler is on hand to help at every step, and if there is anything you are ever unsure about, or could do with guidance on, always remember they are only a phone call or email away.

To help you make sure you’ve got everything under control, we’ve put together a useful moving home checklist, together with a list of do’s and don’ts so you can make sure you’re getting everything right along the way.

• Book your removal company or arrange van hire
• Arrange disconnection and reconnection of telephone and broadband
• Arrange final meter readings for gas, electricity and water
• Inform both your current and new local authorities, Water Board and other service providers of your moving date
• Redirect post via Royal Mail
• Cancel any regular deliveries, e.g. newspapers, fuel or milk
• Organise disconnection and reconnection of major appliances, i.e. your cooker, fridge freezer and washing machine, etc.
• Organise informing friends and family of your change of address
• Inform children’s current head teachers of move
• Visit new head teachers, preferably with your children
• Register with new doctor and dentist
• Order carpets and curtains or book a fitter to lift and relay any carpets being moved
• Clear any outbuildings and loft or basement space before completion. Otherwise you could find yourself facing a bill from the buyer to remove items
• Start packing!

Collect your keys and move in. You may wish to consider changing the locks, as you can never be sure who could still have keys. Similarly if there is an intruder alarm, change the code.

• Banks and Building Societies
• Life, Motoring and Contents Insurance Companies
• Credit Card Companies
• DVLA
• TV Licensing Office
• Relevant government departments for pensions and benefits where applicable
• Friends and family

• DO arrange your mortgage or at least obtain an offer in principle before you make an offer on a property.
• DO ensure everything we send you is carefully checked and never hold back in asking us anything: we are happy to help and would prefer you to feel as though you are fully informed.
• DO return all documentation by the dates requested or as soon as possible to prevent delays.
• DO let us know as soon as you can if there are any special arrangements or agreements you have made directly with the seller or buyer, for example over fixtures and fittings.
• DO let us know if you are planning to be away on holiday or business at any stage during the transaction so we can work around your dates.
• DO ensure you can provide us with any relevant planning consents when selling.
• DO make sure that any monies due when buying are easy to access. A lack of cleared funds could delay the transaction.
• DO talk to us at any stage if there is anything you are concerned about, unsure of or need answers to.
• DON’T make personal agreements with buyers or sellers without first checking with your case handler that contracts are ready to be exchanged.
• DON’T go ahead with organising anything or making financial commitments until you’ve exchanged contracts. Keep any arrangements tentative.
• DON’T cancel any existing mortgage payments until contracts have been exchanged.
• DON’T cancel any buildings insurance cover until completion.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful. Anything we’ve missed? Need any more advice? Please get in touch.