Seven Top Tips for a Pre-Christmas House Move

It may come as a surprise, but the lead up to Christmas can be a busy time for house moves. Having helped many customers over the years we’ve picked up some helpful tips along the way.

Here are a few pointers to help with your pre-Christmas move, so that when moving day arrives you can focus on the important things - like where to put your tree.

1. Choose a home that's ready in time: Timescales can sometimes feel out of control when moving house. Reduce your stress levels by choosing a new home that will be ready in plenty of time for you to move into.
2. Be open about your timescales: If you’re keen to move before Christmas, it makes sense to consider the position of your buyer to ensure their timescale (and the position of those in the rest of the chain, if there is one) fits in with yours.
3. Confirm your move date asap: If you know you are going to be moving in November or December, it’s advisable to confirm the date well in advance. In legal terms, this means having an agreed gap between exchange of contracts and completion. Once you have exchanged contracts you have the comfort to start the process of moving, for instance booking a removals company, packing up your home etc.
4. Get prepared for Christmas: If you are normally one to leave Christmas to the last minute, we recommend doing things a little differently if you are planning to move. Try to complete your present buying in advance, and if you are feeling exceptionally organised you could even wrap your presents (this will also reduce the risk of keen eyes getting a glimpse of what may be going under the tree). 
5. Give advance warning of your change of address: Christmas cards are the perfect opportunity to communicate your new address details (assuming that you have exchanged contracts!). Don't forget to re-direct your post and also to contact utility providers the week before you move. Broadband and telephone companies can take longer, so as soon as you have a fixed moving date it would be advisable to get them booked in.
6. Don't forget the decorations: Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than putting up the Christmas decorations. If you are moving to a larger home you may need to invest in more decorations or ones of a different style. Either way, make sure the box of decorations can be easily located after you have moved.
7. Child and pet care: If you have children and or pets, it’s always a good idea to arrange for them to be somewhere calm on moving day. Once the last box is in they can be happily welcomed into their new home.

If you are looking to move home before Christmas, take a look at the amazing pre-Christmas offers we currently have for you.