FTB: Things to do between Exchange / Completion

tomelk31

We exchange contracts on our first house yesterday and will be completing on the 4th May. Is there a check list of things we need to do before completion? For example inform utilities companies.

Lokolo

I hope you have insurance already bought.

Other things to do - start packing!

tomelk31

Yeah insurance is done. The EA mentioned contacting utilities companies if we need gas/electric and water for completion then to contact utilities? I presumed it would carry on when we moved in and we would pick up then bill from then until we switch or signed up to a new bill.

cairnsie13

In regards to gas/electricity companies it's best to inform them of the date you moved in and to take a meter read for that date so you are only charged for the right amount of time and no overlap from previous owners. May also be a good idea to take a photograph of the meters incase u have any problems with the energy company. From then u can continue with the energy company the property is with or change when convenient for u

penguingirl

We ended up completing the day after exchange (not ideal) and found that everything could be done once we moved, but the 2 delays were mail redirection as this takes a few days to start, and phone line/ internet which took a couple of weeks to get sorted. And it's hard trying to tell people you've moved without internet (our house gets no mobile signal!)

walwyn1978

If you have a car/motorbike tell the vehicle insurance your new address, or this could cause issues in the slim chance it was damaged at home before you got around to updating details.

Start asking friends/relatives/neighbours if anyone has cardboard boxes for packing, or ask your local supermarket if you can have some of their packaging.

McTaggus

A good starting point is to go through your bank account and look at everything that you have coming out, and then decide which you need to inform you are leaving and on which date (if you are renting currently) and also who you need to inform when you move in to tell them the date you'll be taking responsibility. Then also have a think about anyone else you need to update your address with, such as any online shopping apps etc. that you might use - I once accidentally sent the owners of our old house three packets of printer paper after ordering from Amazon

Having recently moved, our list included the following:

• Mail redirection set up from date of move
• TV, broadband and telephone providers
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water in
• Water out
• Council Tax
• Contents insurance start date at new property
• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• GP Surgery
• Vets & microchips
• Amazon & other online shopping apps
• Supermarket online delivery address
• Car Insurance & start date at new property
• DVLA
• TV Licence
• Drivers Licence
• Arrange boxes to be delivered by removal company
• Packing frenzy
• Sit around twiddling thumbs because you have been too efficient and want to move already
• Realise you've packed the things you need to cook a particular meal
• Unpack three boxes labelled "Kitchen Misc" to find said item
• Repack boxes so you feel like you're doing something else productive towards readying for the move
• Twiddle thumbs a bit again
• Panic because removal day is tomorrow
• Feel like a spare part while the removal men do everything
• Move in
• Have a glass of fizz to celebrate
• Take all meter readings, call all utilities companies again
• Have another glass of fizz
• Begin the unpacking frenzy

Wishing you the best of luck with your move! Have fun in your new home! :T