We know that moving into a new house is one of the most stressful experiences people can go through, and especially nowadays with a pandemic outbreak. However, the housing market continues to boom and with the right advice your moving process can be quick and stress-free.
Many homeowners and buyers are thinking of moving in time for Christmas, and although there are some changes to the moving process, it can be done carefully and safely.
People can put their homes on the market, view new properties and move to a new house in every tier under the current government laws.
Here is some important information for anyone looking to move the next up-and-coming months:
Plan and prepare for a different way of moving
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a lot of aspects of moving will need to be planned as early as possible. For example, you might be planning to get a survey for your new property, or you might want to use a removal company to help you with the moving.
In the current climate, a lot of these services have changed the way they operate, so make sure to contact these companies as early as possible in advance of your moving date.
Removal companies are allowed to operate but if they are unavailable, another household can help you move by adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here are some other guidelines on moving your belongings:
- Try to pack most of your belongings by yourself.
- Clean your belongings thoroughly before they are touched by others, including removal firms.
- While the removers are in your home, make sure internal doors are open so they don’t have to open them and adhere to social distancing rules. Don’t provide refreshments but you should ensure removers have access to handwashing facilities.
With thousands of delayed house moves due to the lockdown, there will be a demand for removal companies, which is one more reason to ensure you plan ahead.
Read the government’s advice on home moving during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pay attention to small costs that you can easily keep down
Moving home has always been considered an expensive life event and most movers factor in removal hire, improving their previous property or buying new furniture. But on top of these expenses, there are some small costs that you might not have accounted for.
One of the top costs that movers do not consider are supplies and unexpected mortgage fees. To keep packing supplies down you can use items that you already own to pack your objects. For example, you can use towels to wrap glassware securely or you can use your suitcases to pack heavy items.
Under the current circumstances, we would suggest you don’t borrow moving supplies from your friends or neighbours.
To avoid unexpected fees, such as mortgage fees, you probably know what we are going to say; make sure to plan every aspect of the moving process thoroughly, early and without rushing. We suggest you create a house moving checklist that includes all the costs and fees of moving home.
Remember, mortgage fees are best to be paid upfront. If you don’t pay upfront, they are added to your mortgage and you will end up paying interest on them.
Get advice from specialists
We know we can’t eliminate all the stresses of moving but our team would be happy to help you with advice and a free informal chat.
Our team can help you with all aspects of residential conveyancing including:
- Buying
- Selling
- Remortgages & additional mortgages
- Property transfers
- New build purchases
- Right to Buy purchases
- Lost title deeds
Please use our online contact form to get in touch.
