Christmas is a time for rest, relaxation, merriment, and, perhaps, overeating. Unless you are moving house…
No, really, people do move home at Christmas! It’s more common than you may think.
If you are looking at a Christmas move, there is much to ponder. Preparation and planning, always key during any house move, are even more important at this time of year.
Martin & Co is here to help. Take a look at our moving home checklist for the festive period…
1. Prepare the paperwork
At this time of year, with the festive break on the horizon, it’s even more important for buyers and sellers to have all their paperwork and documentation together.
Make sure you get everything signed and sent to where it needs to be in good time, giving you the best chance to achieve your scheduled completion date before Christmas.
2. Be contactable
Any property move requires effective communication, but it becomes even more crucial during the Christmas season as estate agents and conveyancers rush to meet their clients’ needs before the holiday.
Either your solicitor or agent, or both, will almost certainly need to contact you during December, so make sure your phone is on and your emails are up and running.
3. Book your removal company
The earlier you can do this, the better. Even though moving at Christmas is more common than most people think, removal companies are less busy during December.
That means the earlier you book, the better deal you are likely to get. Get in touch with two or three companies early to gauge their availability and grab yourself a bargain—and remember, many companies close down over Christmas until after the New Year, so get in touch with firms you need now!
4. Pay in advance
Your deposit should be in place well in advance of your proposed completion date.
Keep the transfer times for money between the buyer, seller, and mortgage company in mind, and get your funds in place as soon as possible.
5. Don’t leave it until the last minute
This is a mistake. Problems can, and often do, occur on completion day. Whether it is with funding, bank transfers, or perhaps a plumbing problem in your new property, keep in mind that the people you need to rectify these issues will almost certainly be going home early on the final working day before Christmas!
With tradespeople and banks not working again until after the New Year, it could take over a week before you can realistically sort out any issues.
If possible, avoid a completion day close to Christmas Day. Always try to complete several days before the UK closes down!
6. Exchange and completion
Remember that most lenders need at least five days (often a week) between the exchange of contracts and their completion.
In order to avoid a ‘close call’ completion date as mentioned above, do what you can to push your sale and purchase to exchange as early as possible.
7. Consider the weather
As we write this guide, the sun is shining, and the wind is a mere pleasant breeze. Twenty-four hours earlier, Storm Diana was rampaging across the country with high winds and heavy rain.
This proves that you simply cannot trust the British weather. Although a white Christmas appears improbable, we should prepare for winter storms.
Monitor the weather conditions leading up to your completion day. If bad weather looks likely, it might be worth considering a delay to your move, as long as that would cause major upheaval over Christmas.
But consider this: If a removal company was unable to complete your move due to adverse weather, that would be far worse.
8. Sort utilities early
Utility bills are one of the most common things to slip from memory during a move. So, add in the pressure of a festive move, and it’s even more likely you’ll forget to call the electrical supplier.
Four of the most important things for a comfortable Christmas are heating, hot water, gas, and electricity. After a stressful move, the last thing you’ll want is no gas when preparing the Christmas dinner in your new home.
9. Pack your decorations
Even during a festive house move, you’ll want to celebrate Christmas in style. This is especially true after the stress of moving!
Make sure you store your Christmas decorations in easily accessible boxes amidst the chaos of a move.
You’ll want to get everything up and looking great as a priority; after the strain of moving, you’ll all need some merriment.
10. Give loved ones your new address
This might not seem like much of a priority among everything else we’ve mentioned above, but you wouldn’t want all those lovely Christmas cards going to your old house, would you?
Make sure you tell everyone in good time that you’re moving and give them your new details.
11. Keep things festive
Most movers flake out for at least 48 hours after moving home. But at Christmas, there’s no rest for the wicked.
It’s important to remember Christmas during the chaos of a house move at this time of year.
Put boxes and a newly decorated home aside and make time to celebrate with family and friends.
If you’re moving house this Christmas, our offices are always here to assist you. Get in touch today.
