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Feature: 10 Things To Do To Make Moving House More Successful

By March 5, 2015Home

The very thought of moving house can fill some people with dread.  Buying and selling your home can be one of the most expensive and life-changing financial transactions most people undertake.  There are many unknowns and so many tasks to get done. Planning ahead and putting resources in place will make sure that you achieve your goal.

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1. First Night Essentials

Ensure you have a store of essentials for the first night in your new house. On moving day you are going to be too busy during the day to even think about going shopping for food, drink and toiletries (or at least a take away menu).  Pack a box of essentials for the first night and make sure you label it clearly so you can find it.  Don’t forget to put the kettle, coffee and tea bags to one side so you can keep the removals team happy with a cuppa.

2. Re-directing Post

Tracking down post sent to your previous address can be tricky, so don’t forget to change your postal address with all those who send you mail.  Make a list of the financial organisations (e.g. banks) that send you information, especially if it is an occasional statement.  Royal Mail has a highly recommended redirection service that you can easily set up.

3. Registering with a local GP and Dentist

You and your family’s health is important, so before you move to your new home, find your nearest GP and Dentist and register with them.  Don’t forget to let your current practice know you are moving.

Click here to find your local GP

Click here to find your local Dentist

4. Utility Providers (Gas, Electricity and Water)

Make sure you take final meter readings for Gas and Electricity and inform your suppliers you are moving house. If you are switching, make sure you take the meter readings at the new property before you move in and let the new providers have these meter readings as a soon as possible. You don’t want to end up paying someone else’s bill.

5. Registered Address for your Car and Driving licence details

Don’t forget you need to let your car insurance company know you have moved (letting them know could save you money). DVLA also need to know that you have moved. Your V5C will need the correct address on it for purchasing road tax and re-insuring your car.

Click here for more V5C information 

6. Choose a trusted solicitor

Many people think they can handle all the legal arrangements themselves, and some can.  For the rest of us, having the support of a good solicitor makes life much easier.   To avoid a stressful rush, make sure you find the right person before you even start looking for property.  So when you do find a great place you want to live in, you’ll be able to proceed immediately.  Be wary of “cheap deals” from any adviser as it could mean that they are dealing with huge numbers of clients, and so will give limited or slower service.

7. School and Nursery

As a military family you may be expected to move at short notice, which can have quite an impact on your children and their schooling.  As soon as you know where you are going to, find out what’s available, what the choices are and how they work, then register with local nurseries and schools which seem right for you.

Click here to find your nearest schools and advice on Ofsted ratings 

This Government website is really helpful too! 

10. HM Armed Forces Welfare Services

If HM Armed Forces is asking you to move then get in touch with the welfare organisations based at the location you are posted to.  They can provide advice and support to get you settled in.

Click here for more information on HM Armed Forces Welfare Support 

Click here for the Army Families Federation which is really helpful.

9. Getting a job

A new location may mean that some of your family need a new job.  Luckily there are organisations out there dedicated to supporting people in the military family to use their talents and find work in new locations. Look at the vacancies in your new location before you move and think about what you would like to do, and what’s available.

Recruit for Spouses could help you

10. Be organised

Create a ‘To Do’ list and keep any important information together in one place, on paper and/or on your computer or tablet.  As soon as you know when and where you are moving, start planning by writing down what you need to do and when. For your own sanity try not to leave it more than 3 weeks before the big day!  And as you pack your boxes, use labels or a felt pen to list what’s in your boxes – it saves a lot of time and stress at the other end when you’re searching for that kettle, or pair of slippers!

If you have any other tips for moving home that could help the military family, please drop us a comment below. 

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