Pack up your troubles

Moving home can be stressful, especially if you’re new to the property ladder. But, by following a few simple tips, you can help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Seek mortgage advice

Try and get a mortgage offer in place before you start the buying process. It can be tempting to cut out the middleman and ‘go direct’ when choosing a deal, but the guidance you can get from qualified mortgage advisers, like us, can be invaluable.

We’ll compare a wide range of lenders and thousands of deals to find the best mortgage for you. We’ll also advise you on the right insurance cover to make sure you and your new home are protected. And we’ll be on hand throughout the application process to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Choose a reliable estate agent

If you’re selling up and want an estate agent to market your property, make sure you choose one who knows the local market.

It’s easy to be tempted by a lower agency fee or higher suggested asking price, but make sure this doesn’t reduce the number of viewings or compromise on service. A comparison site like www.estateagent4me.co.uk can help you come up with a shortlist of agents in your area.

Find a good solicitor

As with estate agents, choosing a reliable solicitor can help remove unnecessary stress from the buying and selling process.

You don’t need to use a local firm, but you should consider postal delays when it comes to signing or verifying important documents.

Seek recommendations from friends and family where possible and make sure your solicitor is always going to be easy to get hold of.

Pack to a plan

Start packing up non-essential items early on. Label boxes on the top and side with details of what’s inside and where it needs to go, and keep screws and bolts from deconstructed furniture attached to the relevant piece.

Create an essentials box for items you’ll need on moving day (including things like kettle, mugs, lightbulbs, bedding etc.). If you’re paying to use a professional removals firm, check they’re a member of the British Association of Removers.

Small but important details

Make sure you find out those small but important details about your new property before you move in. Ask the previous owner, their solicitor or the estate agent, things like where the stopcock and utility meters are, what day the bins are collected, details of any alarm codes and who supplies the utilities. If the sellers leave any appliances, ask for the instructions and details of warranties.

Review your insurance

While putting buildings insurance in place is normally a condition of your mortgage, it can be easy to overlook other types of insurance that will help you pay your mortgage should you become ill or unable to work. We can help you identify the risks you face and, where appropriate, put policies in place to financially protect you and your family.

If you’re planning on moving home, please talk to us about your mortgage and insurance needs.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.