Looking to Move House in 2022? Here’s Where to Start

Moving home is a big decision, especially if you’ve lived in your current property for a while. Whether it’s time for you to fly the nest and you’re venturing out on your own into a rental property, you’re buying your first home or you’re looking to sell your current home and purchase another, the moving process takes time, dedication and commitment. Here at Oakheart Property, we’re proud to have an experienced team of sales and letting agents who will be there to help you with your upcoming move. From finding the best property for you to ensuring that the entire process runs as smoothly as possible, we’ll be there to help. We understand that regardless of your circumstances, the thought of moving can feel a little daunting. So, our team of experts have compiled some tips to help you move home in 2022… 

Have you considered what it is you’re looking for? You might be looking for a home with outside space and parking. For some people, a bigger kitchen or an additional bedroom might be at the top of their priority list whilst others could be looking to downsize. It’s a good idea to consider what is important to you and how much of a deal breaker these things are. You should also think about how much deposit you have, your budget and how much you would be willing to pay for a new home. Once you’ve worked out what you can afford and what you consider to be non-negotiable, the house hunting process is likely to feel a lot easier. Remember don’t be afraid to be strict on your budget as there will be more costs to come when you have signed the contract for your dream property including all your home necessities, surveying and more.

Over the past year, the housing market has seen some significant growth. Popular property search engine Rightmove has predicted that 2022 will continue to see ‘huge levels of buyer demand, and not enough homes available to buy’. With so many buyers looking for their dream property, the market has become quite competitive. However, working with an experienced and trusted estate agency can help make the process run much more smoothly. 

If you inform your estate agent of your property must-haves so they’ll know what to send your way. They can also contact you before a property is publicly advertised too! So, you may end up with first dibs on your dream home and be able to make an offer before anyone else. Here at Oakheart Property, our dedicated team prides themselves on going the extra mile to make the home buying, selling and letting journey as straightforward and stress-free as possible.   

Once you’ve figured out some of the most important practicalities like budget, must-haves and location, it’s time to start getting organised. If you’re putting your current property up for sale, then you’ll need to make sure that your home is in top condition. From decluttering and adding a fresh lick of paint to maintaining the outside of the property, there’s a lot to consider. 

Check out our recent blog post on getting your home ready for sale to find out more about this. Even if your house is already sold or you’re renting, you’ll still need to get organised and begin packing. It’s likely that you’ll want to give your home a thorough clean too after sorting through your belongings and packing. It’s important to leave a rental property in excellent condition to avoid losing any of your rental deposit. Spend time sorting, decluttering and cleaning to get your home into the best place possible before your impending move. 

Once you have your moving date, you’ll need to organise your removals. You should certainly shop around and get a few different quotes before deciding who to go with. Remember to check reviews and ensure that you’ve hired a trusted and reliable company. The last thing you want is to be let down on moving day! You might even decide to look into van hire and persuade some of your family and friends to help with the move - we say it’s worth a try! 

Don’t forget to contact your current utility companies and let them know that you’ll be moving out. You’ll be able to submit final meter readings and close your accounts. It’s also a good idea to think about the utilities that you’ll need to set up in the new property. Remember to take meter readings when you arrive at your new home and contact their utility companies to ensure that accounts have been closed and readings have been passed on. 

Here at Oakheart Property, we have an experienced team of estate and letting agents across Essex and Suffolk who will be more than happy to guide you through the entire home buying process. 

Looking to purchase a home or sell your property in Colchester, Essex? Get in touch with our friendly, experienced team and find out how we can help you!