There’s no denying it. Moving house can be an ordeal. Aside from the expense and stress incurred in finding a new home, arranging a mortgage or tenancy, and sorting out a deposit, there’s also the inherent cost and hassle of moving your life to a new home. However, as in all things, the better prepared you are when moving house, the more you can reduce costs and eliminate stress.
Moving house 101: Start doing your research on contracts right away
Preparation is key. As soon as you know that you’re going to be moving, you should start doing your research. This doesn’t just extend to finding a great moving company. It also comes to managing other contracts like your energy supply when moving house. As the experts Switch-Plan will tell you, it’s not always as simple as moving your existing energy plan to your new home. You’ll need to deal with the incumbent supplier at the property, find a new energy plan for your new home, and arrange the switch in a timely manner.
The sooner you do your research, the easier it is to decide on what plan you’ll choose when you move in and take legal responsibility for the energy supply.
Be proactive in managing contracts as soon as you move house
Many of the contracts associated with your new home can’t be set up until you’ve moved in. But being aware of them will ensure that you don’t miss anything and will make the process quicker and more manageable.
As well as your energy contracts you should think about signing up with your local medical practice, changing the address on your driving license, notifying your local council, and dealing with other utilities like water and broadband.
Start saving money straight away
Being proactive in managing your contracts enables you to start saving money sooner. Let’s take a look at your energy supply, for instance. As soon as you move house, you’ll be placed on a deemed contract with whatever supplier your new home’s previous occupant used. This means that you’ll be on a default variable tariff which is almost always the most expensive plan a supplier has to offer. Find a new plan before you move in and make the switch as close to moving day as possible and you can get off to the best possible start when moving house. You could potentially save money from the day you move in.
Make more savings every year when moving house
Even after moving house, a proactive mindset is the key to long-term savings. This applies to your energy tariff, but it also applies to other things like your broadband, phone, mobile, and even car insurance. Providers rarely reward your loyalty, and the longer you stay with them, the more likely it is that you’re paying over the odds.
Keep switching every 12-18 months to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming slog. You can always rely on the good people at Papernest to find the best energy plan for your new home, even when it’s no longer new to you! If you are looking for removals in Milton Keynes contact Ark Relocation today.
Related reading: our exchange to completion timeline, guide to removals costs, and what to expect during a survey. When you are ready, get a free quote from Ark Relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does conveyancing usually take?
Typically 8–12 weeks from offer acceptance to exchange of contracts in a straightforward transaction. Chains, slow searches, mortgage delays, and unresponsive parties can extend this to 4–6 months.
What is the fastest way to speed up conveyancing?
Instruct a solicitor on the day your offer is accepted — not after. Respond to all queries within 24 hours, have your mortgage in principle ready, and provide your ID and proof of funds immediately. Choose a solicitor with a specific residential conveyancing team.
What causes delays in the conveyancing process?
Common causes: slow local authority searches (can take 6–8 weeks in some councils), mortgage offer delays, undisclosed title issues, slow responses from the buyer/seller or their solicitors, and management company delays for leasehold properties.
How do I prepare my removal company if exchange is delayed?
Contact Ark Relocation as soon as you have an indication of possible exchange — we can provisionally hold your preferred date while you wait for confirmation. Never book and pay for a removal before exchange of contracts.
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My Story: Gabby Gomes of Ark Relocation
I’m Gabby Gomes, the heart and soul behind Ark Relocation in Milton Keynes. With over three decades in the moving industry, I’ve steered Ark Relocation to be a trusted name, offering everything from house removals to commercial relocations. We’ve also ventured into European and International removals, ensuring seamless transitions for our clients, whether near or far.
