This is the fourth of a series of monthly legal columns by Grantham-based multi-service law firm JMP Solicitors. Established in 2000, JMP provides services for a diverse range of local and national clients from individuals, to companies and organisations.

With just over 80 working days until Christmas, homeowners considering a house move should act quickly to ensure a smooth relocation before the festive period. Here Jacqui Harley, conveyancing executive at JMP Solicitors, has compiled a list of top tips for moving house, taking into account logistical considerations such as smartening up a premises, and organising belongings, pets and post.

1. Get the property ready for marketing

Once the decision has been made to move house before Christmas, it's a good idea to smarten up your home before putting your property on the market.

Declutter and redecorate if necessary, a coat of paint can work wonders, as can giving the house a deep clean, emptying the loft and turning the storage/junk room into a useable space. Your property will be then be more appealing to a prospective buyer, especially with a realistic price tag – always check the competing market.

It's also worth ensuring that you get the best survey you can before you commit to any purchase, if the boiler does not work and you've already moved in, prepare for an expensive replacement, especially around Christmas time.

1. Be patient

It's important to be clear on timescales which can often shift depending on how long a chain is. Sometimes you have no option but to sit tight, however you can still communicate your wishes to an estate agent and solicitor who can then communicate these to a buyer/seller on your behalf. Such an approach doesn't guarantee success, but it does increase the chance of a successful resolution. Ensure when viewing a property you make it clear that you want to move before Christmas and check how the seller responds. The last day you can move house and complete the sale before Christmas is Friday, 20 December 2019.   

1. Choose your removal company wisely

Moving house without the help of a removal company may be cheaper, but it can also be very stressful. 

If you are opting for DIY packing, it is best to start as early as two weeks before your moving date to box up items you aren't currently using. This will make the whole process less stressful and will also help with the de-cluttering of items that you never use or don't need, which can go to charity. Writing the contents and room on each box will help organise your packing and make unpacking easier.  

If you don't fancy packing yourself, get your removals company to pack for you. A good removals company will be able to supply you with purpose-built boxes and packing materials, and they will offer various packing options to suit you.

1. Don't forget to tie up loose ends

Be sure to inform utility companies that you are moving and have all mail forwarded to your new address once you have exchanged contracts. Write your Christmas cards in plenty of time and post with your new address pre-printed inside, this saves time and money on separate letters and messages.

1. Look after your children and pets

Both pets and young children can find moving house very stressful.

Whilst animals can be kept safe and secure in a separate room to the unpacking, it is best to see if family or friends can look after children for the day so that they do not get anxious about the moving process and leaving their old home. This way they won't feel unsettled and can just enjoy the excitement of arriving at their new home.

Jacqui Harley is a licensed conveyancing technician and a conveyancing executive at JMP Solicitors, heading up the Residential Conveyancing department. For further advice please call Jacqui on 0800 085 9966 or email [email protected].