When should I start getting ready to move?

jazzyja

Hi guys, weird question but I'm a FTB and feel abit itchy.
Searches came back on the 19th July. I asked solicitor what happens next and she said shes "raised a few enquiries with vendors solicitors" and nothing since then. So I'm not sure....should I start packing or arranging stuff?! I don't know how long the process is taking. We're only on week 5 currently but my searches only 2 weeks to come back. My vendor isn't in a chain and isn't purchasing another property (her husband has and they already have the property ready to move into). I've had the survey done, she'd sent me the documents with the fixtures and fittings, I've had the documents for windows warranty etc and had documents for leasehold info. Thanks x

onylon

Sounds like you still have some way to go as you don't have searches back and enquiries can take ages. How long are you expecting between exchange and completion?

I would start clearing out cupboards, decluttering, thinning out the wardrobes etc but unless you plan on a really quick completion I'd be reluctant to actually pack anything before exchange. There are some good sales on at the moment so maybe make a list of stuff you really need for the new place and do some bargain hunting? Only worth doing if you can be disciplined and not buy too much random stuff. 

jazzyja

onylon said:

Sounds like you still have some way to go as you don't have searches back and enquiries can take ages. How long are you expecting between exchange and completion?

I would start clearing out cupboards, decluttering, thinning out the wardrobes etc but unless you plan on a really quick completion I'd be reluctant to actually pack anything before exchange. There are some good sales on at the moment so maybe make a list of stuff you really need for the new place and do some bargain hunting? Only worth doing if you can be disciplined and not buy too much random stuff. 

Thankyou. And searches have come back on the 19th. I do need to start decluttering!! Just wasn't sure on boxing things up 

deannagone

As said, declutter like mad, organise all your cupboards/shelving/storage (including clothes) so when its time to pack its an easy job of just placing things into boxes.  Your place should be looking considerable more tidy and organised.  When it looks tidy and you are confident you can find absolutely anything easily, you are prepared to move.  When I did this (prepare properly) I had a 3 bed house packed up in boxes and ready to go in a few hours.

Its also easier to get rid of stuff you want to discard over time rather than all at the last minute.  Be brutal with discarding.  The general rule is if you haven't used something for a year, and have no firm plans to use it in your new property (like with DIY tools, sometimes you don't use them for over a year but know you will need something again because a specific job will need doing), it goes.

RelievedSheff

I would make a start now. 

Have a massive declutter. We did this before we moved and it saved us moving a load of stuff that we didn't need or want and made moving the stuff we did take much easier.

Start by packing stuff that you don't need on a daily basis. Pack things in boxes, but don't make the boxes too heavy and label each box with the contents and which room it is to go in the new house.

If you have furniture to take start dismantling the stuff you don't use daily and getting it wrapped and packed ready to go.

From us reserving our new build house to moving in was 3.5 weeks and we started packing pretty much as soon as we had reserved the plot. We did it bit by bit over the 3 weeks which didn't make it seem daunting. On moving day we literally had a few bits in the kitchen to pack away. We slept on a mattress on the floor for the last couple of nights.

You have done the hard part and got the mortgage offer and your searches are back. Assuming enquiries are simple to answer you could have a completion date sooner than you think.

hazyjo

Are you coming from a rented place with lots of stuff, or your bedroom (you mentioned being a FTB)?

Don't arrange anything until after exchange. Pack when you like as you don't (presumably) have a sale that might fall through.

jazzyja

hazyjo said:

Are you coming from a rented place with lots of stuff, or your bedroom (you mentioned being a FTB)?

Don't arrange anything until after exchange. Pack when you like as you don't (presumably) have a sale that might fall through.

Hi I'm a FTB from rented. We aren't getting a removal company we're just going to hire our own van and do it ourselves. 

jazzyja

RelievedSheff said:

I would make a start now. 

Have a massive declutter. We did this before we moved and it saved us moving a load of stuff that we didn't need or want and made moving the stuff we did take much easier.

Start by packing stuff that you don't need on a daily basis. Pack things in boxes, but don't make the boxes too heavy and label each box with the contents and which room it is to go in the new house.

If you have furniture to take start dismantling the stuff you don't use daily and getting it wrapped and packed ready to go.

From us reserving our new build house to moving in was 3.5 weeks and we started packing pretty much as soon as we had reserved the plot. We did it bit by bit over the 3 weeks which didn't make it seem daunting. On moving day we literally had a few bits in the kitchen to pack away. We slept on a mattress on the floor for the last couple of nights.

You have done the hard part and got the mortgage offer and your searches are back. Assuming enquiries are simple to answer you could have a completion date sooner than you think.

Crikey that's quick. I wasn't expecting it to be so fast but a friend mentioned today maybe I should start getting ready since searches are back etc. I'm so excited but really overwhelmed and stressed with the amount of !!!!!! I've to sort through:(

Teapot55

Have in mind the things you’ll really, really need to have to hand from the moment you will step into your new place. (Bit like the important items you keep with you in your hand-luggage that you’ll still have even if your cases go astray). 

Make a list over the next week or so of what you need those items to be. Keep the list handy (by the kettle?) so you can add to it as you think of things. 

Everyone’s list will be slightly different. (For me: the tablets I take every morning, loo roll, chargers for the mobiles, kettle & teapot & teabags & mugs, box of tissues, change of socks & underwear, deodorant, spare toothbrush, dusters & cloths, washing up liquid, bin bags, rubber gloves, kitchen scissors, sellotape, screwdriver, pliers. 

kazwookie

Start now, get rid of the junk and clutter you don't want, bin  / FB / freecycle etc

Pack the winter stuff

Get plenty of boxes and tape, large marker pen so you know what is in each box, and mark it with which room it is to go into.

Tiddleshalifax

We are potentially afew weeks away from exchange and we’ve started packing bits we don’t use and decluttering!!