Moving house is widely considered one of the most stressful life events, and according to property experts, a number of common mistakes during the process can end up costing homeowners hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
For buyers and sellers in East Herts, including Stanstead Abbotts, careful planning during a move can help avoid unnecessary costs, financial surprises and last-minute stress.
Check Your Insurance Cover
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving home is assuming their home and contents insurance will automatically cover the move itself. In reality, many policies do not provide protection for items during a DIY move.
If belongings are damaged or lost while being transported, homeowners may find they are not covered. Experts recommend checking policy details carefully and arranging additional cover if necessary.
If you are hiring a removal company, it is also important to confirm that they carry appropriate liability insurance. This ensures you are protected if items are damaged or lost during the move.
Avoid Double Utility Payments
Another common mistake is forgetting to cancel or transfer household bills when moving. This can lead to unnecessary double payments or unexpected exit charges.
Homeowners are advised to contact utility providers at least a month before moving and arrange to transfer or close accounts. Providing final meter readings and taking photos can also help avoid disputes after leaving a property.
Update Your Address in Advance
Failing to update your address with important organisations can also create problems after moving. Banks, insurers, healthcare providers and government agencies such as the DVLA should all be informed of your new address.
Missing important letters could result in penalties or fines, including potential charges for failing to update your driving licence details.
Plan for Your First Mortgage Payment
Another financial surprise many buyers encounter relates to their first mortgage payment. If a mortgage completes part way through the month, buyers may need to pay interest for the remaining days of that month as well as their full payment the following month.
This can result in a larger first payment than expected. Planning for this in advance or aiming to complete at the start or end of a month can help avoid the shock.
Plan Ahead to Reduce Moving Costs
Moving home already comes with significant expenses, from legal fees to removal costs. By planning ahead, checking insurance cover, organising utilities and preparing for mortgage payments, homeowners can avoid some of the most common and costly mistakes.
If you are planning a move in Stanstead Abbotts or anywhere in East Herts, the team at Hunters Stanstead Abbotts can help guide you through the process and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us today for
expert local property advice.
CONTACT HUNTERS STANSTEAD ABBOTTS TODAY
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“I have been in and around the Hertfordshire property market for over 25 years, starting as an estate agent in the county town of Hertford and now running a successful lettings and property management company based in Stanstead Abbotts. I have let and managed property all over Hertfordshire from the area that I currently work to Wheathampstead where I owned and managed a lettings & estate agents to Watford and surrounding areas where my company acted as a marketing agent for one of the largest property management companies in the country”
