Moving house is notoriously stressful, but it’s the delays that really exacerbate that stress tenfold. Whether you’re looking to upsize or simply relocate, the complexities and negotiation involved in buying and selling can lead to frustrating hold-ups. With a little planning and some proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of your move getting bogged down.
That said, before you even consider putting your house on the market, there’s something important to keep in mind; ensuring your finances are in order. Having a mortgage offer in principle from a reputable lender demonstrates your seriousness to potential buyers and definitely expedites the approval process in the interim. If you can also prepare some readily available funds for deposits and legal fees, you’re further preventing avoidable delays during the crucial exchange of contracts stage.
Choose the Right Conveyancer
A good conveyancer is worth their weight in gold. Try and opt for a solicitor with experience in regional property transactions who specifically can handle the legal aspects of your move efficiently. Clear communication and prompt responses are essential in this process – your conveyancer is there to walk you through it – so choose someone who is readily available to answer your questions and address any concerns promptly.
Moving house is always a constantly evolving chain reaction of individual negotiations, from estate agents and conveyancers to surveyors and removal companies. Proactive communication is key to keeping everyone informed and the process moving smoothly from your side. Regularly check in with each party involved, provide updates promptly, and address any issues that arise swiftly.
Declutter and Pack Early
Packing is a mammoth task much of the time, and leaving it to the last minute is a recipe for chaos and delays. Start decluttering and packing several weeks in advance, at a minimum. Label everything clearly, categorise belongings logically, and ensure essential items are easily accessible on moving day. This will minimise last-minute scrambling and ensure a more organised transition. Considering a storage facility can help in particularly fast transitions, and services like Big Yellow and Pickfords will hold onto belongings for an extended period if need be.
Consider Selling Your Home for Cash
If you’ve already identified your dream home and are fortunate enough not to be reliant on a sale to proceed, consider selling your current property for cash. Companies like We Buy Any Home offer a quick and convenient solution, and can provide cash offers in minutes in some cases, removing the long-standing uncertainties associated with traditional sales chains. This guaranteed sale, with funds arriving in a few days post-completion can significantly expedite the process for a seller and allows you to move into your new home without the need for further costs like temporary accommodation.
Proactivity and Flexibility
Popular removal companies fill up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons, typically in the spring months. Secure your preferred removal company well in advance and ensure they are aware of your specific needs and the logistics of your move. Additionally, book cleaning services and other necessary arrangements early to avoid buyers creating problems around the state of their purchased property.
While having a target completion date is ideal, unforeseen circumstances can arise, any conveyancer will be reluctant to confirm a date until it’s close. Maintain some flexibility when scheduling the exchange of contracts and completion date to accommodate potential challenges. This will help prevent creating unnecessary stress over an arbitrary date.
Source: Unsplash
Moving house can be a whirlwind experience at one moment and then a seemingly endless waiting game on another. With careful planning and proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of lengthy delays, at least from your side. By following these tips and staying organised, you can ensure a smoother transition and settle into your new home without the avoidable classic delays that so many run into.
Article written by Shay Mitch
