Before you move into your home, there are several key considerations you need to think about in order to make the process of moving house a lot easier. Being aware of the steps you need to take, and the financial decisions you will have to make will allow you to go into this new venture with your eyes wide open, and not be caught out by any surprises that you were not counting on. Knowing your options, and what you will need to consider before you move house, is one thing. However, once you have moved house there are future long-term considerations that you will also have to plan for.
Mortgage Vs. Renting
Most people can’t afford to buy a home straight out, and that leaves them with two main options, either renting or if they can afford the cost of deposit, or getting a mortgage. You need to consider what the best choice is for you. If you are planning to live in the same property for at least five years, it is worth seeing if you can get a mortgage. If you do not see yourself staying in your home for more than a few years then it is probably a better option to rent and wait until you have settled down until you get onto the housing ladder. Being clear on what your choices are, and what you want to do, is an important decision, and will make all smaller decisions a lot easier. Take a look at leasing a home, mortgage financing options and government help schemes to help you decide. Once you have decided what option best works for your individual needs, then you will be able to focus on other important decisions, some of which are included below.
Electricity
The monthly costs of living include your mortgage or rent payments, but also the cost of running your home including your electricity and water bill. These utility payments can add up to quite a considerable sum, with gas prices in particular making up a large portion of the cost of living. Being savvy with your electricity choices can make all the difference when trying to keep on top of your finances and stay out of the red. When you are ready to set up your utilities, make sure you shop around to get the best price, and it might even be worth investing in energy saving appliances or solar panels. Investing in solar energy will enable you to save money in the long term, as you will only need to pay for the installation and minor repair or upkeep. An additional plus of this form of energy, is that if you produce a surplus of energy, you can sell of the energy that you do not need, meaning that you are not only saving money but will also be getting an additional income.
Decorating
Make sure you are aware of any regulations or planning permission that you need to apply for before you undertake any significant repairs, conversions, or extensions. This is important to know before you make an offer on the house if being tied down by planning regulations is a key concern for you. Consider what you are prepared to invest in a property, and if you want to buy a property at a lower price and then fix it up, or if you want a home that doesn’t need any additional maintenance or investment.
Organize All Of Your Documents and Receipts
While you are likely to be up to your ears in receipts and documents, it is imperative that you do not throw anything away and make sure that you keep hold of every piece of documentation. Keeping all of your documents carefully filed away is important because it means that in the future you will be able to bring out any proof of costs or documents that you will need for evidence or reference as long as they are filed away safely. This is particularly useful if you are moving for work-related purposes, as you may be able to claim tax relief. In a similar vein, take an inventory of everything that you pack, in order to track and then make a claim for anything that gets lost, broken or stolen.
Get Good Insurance
When you are moving your whole life from one place to another, you will want the security of having your property taken care of. It is important to note that many insurance companies will not cover items of value that are damaged or lost in transit. So, before moving home, look around for the best possible insurance (not just the cheapest) that offers you good value for money, and allows you to claim any damages sustained to your property during the move. Once you have moved home, see if you can transfer your current home insurance onto your new home, and see if you can get a better deal than you have presently as a reward for your loyalty and continuing to stay with a particular company. Do not, however, be afraid to shop around, and educate yourself on what options are available to you.
Consider Hiring An Unpacking Service
Unpacking all of your boxes can take weeks, and you may not get that last box unpacked until months after you have moved in. If you have some remaining money left over from moving home, hiring an unpacking service is a good investment to make as it will save you time, effort and stress. If you have a large family, especially with young children, you may need the additional assistance that an unpacking service provides. With kids and toddlers getting in between your feet and exploring their new home, unpacking is a process that can be incredibly overwhelming. If you are on a budget, however, this might be an additional cost that you simply can’t afford, but If you cannot take time off from work, for example, this can help you and break even with the costs of unpacking as you will be able to continue working.