The Complete Moving House Checklist

Key takeaways

Preparation is key to a smooth move. Arrange your insurance, packing, and removals early to make moving day less stressful.
Don’t overlook the small tasks such as mail redirection, bin collection days, and updating your address to help prevent issues later on.
Before settling in, carry out a thorough inspection yourself to ensure that agreed appliances are in place and everything in the house is functional.
Don’t hesitate to seek support and assistance from your sales advisors, solicitor, and development company to help guide you through the process.

Your new beginning

The final approach to buying a new home is both a thrilling and exhausting journey, often involving many weeks spent on additional time and resources.

At Sky-House, we believe that the process should be as effortless as possible, which is why we have compiled the complete moving home checklist to help you stay organised as you enter your new chapter in life. We love to help our homeowners so that they can spend more time focused on the things that matter most.

Buying with us Sky-House Co

Before moving house checklist

Understanding what to do when moving house can be overwhelming, but it’s important to have certain procedures in place to help make moving in day as seamless as possible.

Obtain insurance

Typically, as stipulated by the lender, it is expected that building insurance is taken out on your new property from the date of exchange. This will protect your building against major damage, such as instances of fire or flooding. This is especially important from the exchange since you are now liable for the building, which is why the lender will dictate a minimal set fee to cover the cost of repair, rebuild, and the replacement of any internal fixtures. Generally, this applies to freehold properties, with leaseholders expected to fulfil this on the buyers’ behalf.

Finding a removal company

Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to rely on a removal company to help move your belongings into your new home. It’s wise to start looking as soon as you have a completion date set, especially since removal companies can be booked up quite quickly, particularly if completing on a Friday or a holiday. It’s important to obtain several quotations and check if any packing materials are included in the service.

Start packing

It’s never too early to start packing, beginning with your non-essential items that won’t go amiss for a short while. This is also a perfect time to declutter your home of old items that can be donated, sold, or thrown away. This includes any food in the cupboards and freezer that may have been long forgotten.

Shop around for packing supplies to get the best value, ensuring that everything is clearly labelled to make the move-in day that little bit easier. If you are selling your current property, remember to leave behind any appliances or fixtures that were listed in the TA10 form for the new owners.

Arrange your utilities

Once exchange occurs and a completion date is agreed upon, it’s now time to organise utilities so that your new home is set up with essential services under your name and not the previous occupant. This is applicable to any home service that should be transferred over to your new address, including TV license, gas, and home phone lines. Doing it too soon may cut supplies off for the current tenant, so it’s key to be conscious of this.

Energy

You can notify your existing provider up to 28 days before you’re due to move, ideally providing at least 48 hours of notice. This allows the provider enough time to process a final bill, so it’s important to take your final meter reading on the date you move out. Upon moving into your new home you should contact the property’s existing energy provider to notify that you are the new occupier.

Water

Likewise with your water provider, the earlier they’re notified the better. But it’s expected to provide at least 5 working days’ notice before moving, allowing time to arrange a final water meter reading.

Council tax

You should inform your local council of the date when you expect to move, transferring the payment based on your new address. If moving into an area that falls under a different local authority, then you will need to set up a new direct debit directly with them.

Broadband

Only after exchange has happened should you consider transferring or switching your broadband provider. It’s important to see if your existing provider services your new neighbourhood and can offer the best deal, with the ability to switch providers if needed. When opting for a different supplier, it’s crucial to be aware that new connections can take a couple of weeks or more to set up.

Inspect your new home

While it is exciting to start adding your personal touch, it’s essential that you take the time to complete a thorough inspection of the property. If you notice any faults or missing items as listed on the TA10 fixtures and fittings form, then you should raise these with the property developer or your solicitor.

For serious faults, it’s worth alerting a surveyor. It’s considered good practice to check that all the appliances, electrics, plumbing and alarms are in good working order. If the property had a previous owner, then changing the locks can also provide additional peace of mind.

When moving into a new build home, a dedicated sales advisor will accompany you to the property, ensuring you’re satisfied with the condition of the home and officially releasing the key!

Change your address

Beyond notifying new utility suppliers, you should inform relevant bodies that you have a new change of address. These should include:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
Electoral Roll
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Banks and credit card companies
Pension services
Car, home, pet, phone and health insurance
Employers
Schools
Subscription services
Notifying any friends and family

Register with local services

When moving into a new area, it’s important to register with the local GP and dentist as soon as possible, ensuring you maintain access to essential services when you need them. Also, don’t forget to check when your new local bin collections will be!

Pay your stamp duty

If you’re not a first-time buyer, you’ll be likely required to pay Stamp Duty within 14 days of your completion date. In most cases, your solicitor can help arrange this on your behalf, but it’s always critical to confirm this. Failure to pay on time places full responsibility on you as the buyer, and can result in additional penalties.

Taking care of all the mundane and small details early on in the moving house checklist will help make the transition to your new home a smoother experience, so you can spend more time focused on the more exciting aspects of moving home!

Become new-home ready with Sky-House

At Sky-House Co., we’re committed to building more than just homes, we’re creating warm and sustainable communities designed for the modern family. We strive to ensure people can start living as soon as they move in, which is why we aim to make the buying process as seamless as possible.

Whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder, or searching for your next home, our experienced sales advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to begin your new journey? Book a viewing today and discover the Sky-House vision.

Choosing a Sky House really was the best decision. My Sky House is completely different to all new build homes and that's why I love it. Hassle free with all the extra details. Of course, the economic values are great but the roof terrace is the perfect touch and my favourite part.

Resident at Fox Valley

I love the sense of space and light. I like how every part of the house has a purpose and feels different in its own right. I think one of my favourite spaces is the landing. It could easily have just been an after thought - but I like that it feels like an extra little room to sit and read or just chill in.

Resident at Oughtibridge Mill