Moving house is widely considered as one of the most stressful experiences in adult life. If your new year also means a new home, consider the preparations below so you can ensure the move happens as smoothly as possible, and you can focus on enjoying the rest of the year in your new place.
Getting organised
Starting the plans for your move early will ensure the experience in the weeks leading up to the big day, as well as the move itself, will happen as easily as possible. Clearing out old possessions, booking in with a reputable moving company and fully researching the ins and outs of the buying process will ensure you’re as prepared as possible when it comes to choosing that perfect new home.
Planning when to move
The time of year you choose to move house can greatly affect how smoothly your move goes. Particularly if you’re moving with young children or pets, moving in the winter or summer months might make for a less pleasant experience if it’s particularly hot or cold – especially if you’ve not worked out how to operate your new heating yet.
It’s best to leave plenty of time for the process of finding a new house, and the spring is when most houses go on sale, giving you the most choice to find your perfect new home.
Saving for unexpected fees
If you weren’t previously sure whether ‘conveyancing’ is even a word, let alone an essential part of the moving process, creating a savings plan for unexpected or emergency fees could help make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
When buying a house priced at the national average of £218,225 (as of January 2017), you can expect to pay around £3,271.50 which includes council tax, property surveyors, valuation fees and of course, conveyancing.
Understanding stamp duty
Stamp duty is a tax which applies when you buy freehold and leasehold properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If your property will cost over £125,000 (or £40,000 for second homes), the amount of tax will vary depending on which band your new property falls into.
It’s worth knowing that if you’re a first-time buyer, stamp duty doesn’t apply on the first £300,000. The process of submitting your stamp duty tax return must be completed within 30 days of purchasing your new home – otherwise you might incur extra penalties and interest. There are certain properties exempt from stamp duty, and more details of this can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Brexit
If your plan to move to Europe has been on the cards for a while – why not make the most of our freedom of movement within the EU before the UK leaves? With an uncertain future in terms of visa requirements, there really is no time like the present. Looking into reliable removals services for European moves could be a great option, especially early in the year when migrating to warmer climates feels more appealing than ever.
Some useful reading elsewhere on our blog include:
Top tips for preparing for your removals service
Things you shouldn’t put in self storage
Understanding mortgages when buying a house
For a dedicated and professional team on hand to ensure your move is as efficient and stress-free as possible, look no further than Barnes of Lincoln and Newark. With a wealth of experience spanning 5 generations, our purpose-built storage facilities and expert packing, transportation and unloading services will ensure the perfect moving experience – in the UK or internationally. Get in touch today for a free home quotation!
