Lag between completion and moving in

d0nkeyk0ng

I hope to complete in the next week. I won't move in to my first house for a few weeks. I'm still at home with my parents. There's no rush to move in straight away.

What should I do between completion and moving in? I've looked up checklists for moving, have found someone who will change the locks. I'm looking for a cleaner to give the place a once-over. I can sort out utilities once I've completed.

Should I run the heating and water daily/weekly? Open windows for an hour each day or something?

I've got no immediate need to move in but I will try to do so over the course of a month.

Pixie5740

Take meter readings and contact the utility companies. Since it's winter you can either let the heating some on or drain the system. Airing the property from time to time isn't a bad shout either.

Does your buildings and contents insurance say anything about how long you can leave the property unattended?

Edit: It might be worth seeing if the local council offers any kind of discount for empty properties too.

engineer_amy

I completed on 18th may, moved in officially on the last Thursday in june in 2009.


Most of this delay was because of the fact that I wanted floors lifted, walls replastered, fully decorated before I moved in, and also because my big furniture, like bed and sofas, were not arriving straight away.


My insurance stated that as long as the house was not left unattended for more than 30 consecutive nights then it was ok.


We were in the house during this time decorating, so there was heating on, windows opened, taps run etc.


I would agree with getting all your meter readings done on the day of completion where possible and setting up the utility accounts.


Get up to the roofspace and see if anything has been left behind. we found quite a lot of junk that the vendors didn't want to take with them.


If you are going to redecorate straight away, its easier to start when there is no furniture to move around, and if you are not staying there overnight breathing in the paint fumes!

d0nkeyk0ng

Thankfully doesn't need redecorating - already been done. The place is ready to move in. Just need appliances and furniture.

Figured I'd poke about and explore. Have already worked out council tax bill and when rubbish collection is. Loftspace was checked by surveyor who didn't report anything up there.

Good shout about buildings insurance - had no idea about unattendance.