Moving is undeniably stressful, so it’s understandable that you might forget a few steps along the way. However, while some missed steps won’t cause too much chaos (such as failing to label a box), others might lead to even more stress. Read on to learn the four essential steps you definitely don’t want to forget when planning a move.
1: Speaking to a Mortgage Advisor
Getting a mortgage might seem like an uphill battle. It’s very stressful and can leave you feeling more confused than ever before. Instead of trying to do it all yourself, always seek the advice of a professional mortgage advisor. They know what they are doing – they likely know how to access exclusive deals and can help you create an application that will work best in your favor. Plus, it will help you understand the kind of mortgage you can afford, as
you might find that you can get a high value mortgage for a more expensive property.Speaking to professionals will clarify all of this and even help you save money!
2: Checking Out the Local Area
Don’t forget to check out the local area when looking at properties. It’s easy to become swept up in whether the kitchen is big enough or if there are enough bathrooms to suit your family, but you also need to be happy with the neighborhood. Here are some things to keep note of when browsing properties:
- Local Schools
- Nearby Stores
- Access to Highways
- Amount of Traffic
- Crime Rates
Of course, there might be some things you care more about than others. For example, if you’re looking at a city center property, you might be okay with higher noise levels as long as there are plenty of nearby amenities.
3: Mapping Out a Timeline
You might think you have all the time in the world, but once the ball starts rolling, moving day comes at you fast. That’s why it’s so important to map out a timeline, so you can be prepared for whatever is coming. As soon as you have closed on a property, write out all the important dates you need to prepare for (including moving day!). Then, decide how long you need for each task. For example, you might realize you need to start packing your old home
two weeks before the moving date to ensure you’re not rushing.
4: Notifying the Right People
You can’t keep moving home a secret! It’s your obligation to inform certain people and companies that you are moving. For example, you’ll need to contact your utility providers and bank to inform them of your change of address. Likewise, you’ll probably need to inform your place of work that you’re moving so they can update their records.
There are many steps to moving. It’s not something you can complete in a day. Whatever you do, don’t forget about the above four steps – the last thing you want is to keep paying for a utility bill at an old address or move into a place with a high crime rate!