Congratulations – you’ve officially exchanged contracts! 🥳 That means your dream home is just around the corner, and the countdown to moving in has begun. But before you start imagining yourself in your new space, there’s still a little bit of prep to do. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the adventure, and we’ve got you covered with some simple and stress-free steps to get ready for your big move.
First things first – you need a moving plan! Whether you’re calling in the professionals or wrangling your friends with promises of pizza and drinks, it’s time to book your removalists (or recruit your trusty helpers). The sooner you get this sorted, the smoother things will go. Pro tip: Double-check your moving date with the movers to avoid any “oops” moments.
Packing doesn’t have to be the nightmare it’s made out to be. Start early by sorting through things you don’t use every day, like winter coats, books, and that stack of decor you “might” use but never do. Get yourself a few boxes, some bubble wrap (for the delicate stuff), and start packing a little each day. Before you know it, you’ll be packed up and ready to roll.
You’re almost there! Now it’s time to get your home all set up. Get in touch with your gas, electricity, and water providers to transfer the accounts to your name (don’t leave this till the last minute!). And don’t forget the internet – we know you’ll need it to show off your new home to everyone on social media! 📱
It’s not the most exciting task, but trust us, it’s an important one! If you’re buying the property, make sure you’ve got building insurance sorted. And don’t forget contents insurance for your stuff – it’ll give you peace of mind when you move into your shiny new digs.
Your conveyancer is your best friend right now. Keep in contact with them as things move toward settlement. They’ll be helping you navigate the final legal steps, and it’s good to stay updated in case anything needs your attention.
Time to make sure your lender is all set to release those funds when the time comes. Check in with your mortgage broker to confirm everything is on track for settlement. This is when your financial ducks need to be in a row, so don’t leave this to the last minute.
Your new home is exciting, but it’s also important to make sure it’s safe and sound. Once you’re ready, change the locks to make sure you’re the only one with a key. And take a moment to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors – better safe than sorry!
Once the chaos of moving starts, you’ll want an essentials box that has everything you need on your first night in your new home. Think toiletries, phone chargers, a few snacks, and a change of clothes. Trust us, you’ll be so glad you packed it.
Don’t forget to update your address with banks, utilities, and any subscription services you use. It’s a small task that will save you from missing out on important mail (and maybe a few birthday cards too). It’s also a good idea to set up mail redirection with the post office just in case.
We will schedule a final walkthrough of your new home before settlement. This is your chance to make sure everything is in the condition you expect and spot any last-minute issues. Once it’s all good, it’s time for the fun part – the move!
So there you have it! With these steps, you’ll be ready for the next chapter in no time. Exchanging contracts is just the start, but with a little planning and organization, you’ll be settling into your new home without a hitch. The adventure is just beginning – and soon enough, you'll be sipping coffee on your new couch and enjoying all the hard work that went into getting you there.
