Moving Home - Mortage & other considerations

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When selling your home it is no longer a requirement to provide a HIP

The only compulsory documents now required are:

• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) >> Conveyancing & EPC Quote <<

Removals

When moving home things can be easily overlooked, especially when there is so much to organise in just packing for the move. The following checklist may help as a good reminder

• Book a removal firm as soon as you exchange contracts and the completion date is set.
• Often it is best to seek a recomendation for a removal firm from those who have moved recently. If that is not possible then it is always best to get at least three estimates from different firms. With removals you tend to get what you pay for.
• When comparing estimates make sure you are comparing like with like. Are packing materials, cartons and crates and VAT all included?
• A few weeks before the move, the removal firm should send someone to establish what the move will entail. Point out anything that needs special care and attention, and tell the removal company if access from your old property or to your new property is likely to be difficult. Parking space for the removal lorry will also need to be considered. Such problems can add to the cost of a move and should be considered in the estimate.
• All quotations should be in writing and include pricing for packing, loading and unloading, storage (if required), special handling for breakables and valuables and any other special requests, such as curtain hanging and cleaning. If you accept an estimate, insist that a written quotation is sent to you as soon as possible.

Changing Address

• Have you contacted your Council Tax office?
  Contact your local council's Council Tax office to let them know the date you move out of your current property and when you move into your new one so they bill you correctly.
• If you receive benefits have you told your benefit provider?
  Give your details to the local Jobcentre Plus office or, if you don't yet have Jobcentre Plus in your area, contact your Jobcentre or social security office.
• Have you redirected your post to your new address?
  You can download the form from the Post Office website. It can take up to 10 days to set up and there is a charge. However don't notify anyone of your change of address until the contracts have been exchanged, as the sale can still fall through leaving you to contact everyone again.
• Have you told the utility providers (gas, water, electricity)?
  You need to tell them at least 48 hours in advance that you are moving. Pass on the details of your current supplier to the people moving in. On your moving day you will need to read the meters in both properties so the correct bills can be issued. When you move in to your new home contact who you want to supply your utilities so they can register you as a new customer and start billing you from that day
• Have you updated your driving licence and vehicle registration documentation?
  You must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You must also inform the DVLA if either the name and address details shown on the registration certificate are incorrect.
• Have you updated your details on the Electoral Register?
  The register is updated every month and you need to be included on it to vote. A form is available from the Electoral Commission's 'About my vote' website. You can complete the form online, or download and send it to the Electoral Registration Office which is based at your local council.
  Electoral Commission register to vote (opens new window) 
  Find your local council
• Have you told the TV licensing?
  Your television licence will need to be transferred to your new address. You can do this online or by calling             0870 241 6468      .
  TV licensing change of address service (opens new window)