Moving house can be the most hectic event in your adult life. There are a million things you have to take care of, and hundreds of things that can go wrong. It is important to keep a cool and level head when dealing with the move. Moving house doesn’t take place over a day or two- it is a process that starts when you agree to buy or sell a house and ends only after you have moved into a new house. Some people find it easier to compile a list and tick off the things that they have completed. Here are some things you should consider right before you leave for your new home.

1. Complete all the formalities: Has your conveyancer/solicitor contacted you and given you the go-ahead to move? Are all the documents ready and finalised? Have all the payments been made to all the right people? Is your mortgage in order? Have you contacted your bank and other institutions about the move. All these are important questions you should be asking yourself 2-3 days before you move in/out of your house. If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, take a step back and get them done immediately.
2. Shut off the gas and water: Contact the water, gas and electricity companies in advance so they will be disconnected when you move out. Contact your new companies so they can switch it on in the new home you are moving into. Give the companies a 48 hour notice at the very least. This gives them enough time to connect/reconnect the basic necessities that you will need in a new house.
3. Children and Pets: Try to keep small children and pets out of the way on your moving day. Things are already stressful enough without them getting underfoot. For your convenience and peace of mind, leave them with a babysitter, daycare group or at relative/neighbour’s house.
4. Change your address: Change your address in all important places such as your ID, driver’s license and other documents. Let most companies you need know where you will be living. You should also contact your bank so they can transfer your account to a branch closer to your new address. Make sure your mail and bills will be forwarded to your new house for your convenience.
5. Check the costs: It is important to plan and budget the costs of moving house months in advance. The cost of moving house depends on the area, the value of the property and economic condition of your region, along with other factors. The costs generally include stamp duty, legal fees, deposits and removal costs, along with others. Before you move make sure all the costs have been accounted for. Keep copies of all the important documents such as contracts and receipts to remove any chance of trouble later on. Your mortgage should also be ready by the time the transaction moves toward completion. Other costs include insurance, maintenance fees and other running costs. Keep some money aside for emergency repairs that might appear out of nowhere.

Keeping track of the tasks at hand will help you move house on time without stressing yourself too much. Also, your conveyancer is there to help you out. They will arrange all the formal aspects, leaving you free to handle the practical side of moving. If you are worried about the cost of moving, your conveyancing firm can provide you with a quote, allowing you to budget accordingly. If done properly, the cost of moving house shouldn’t be too much, especially if you are selling your home. So relax, take a deep breath and let the moving process begin!