It’s easy to overlook the fact that there is a standard moving house etiquette that should be followed while leaving a property.

Moving home can be such a hectic time that it is easy to let the correct etiquette slip through the cracks.

Many individuals will be unsure of what the correct decorum is, meaning it is very important to learn more and follow the typical guidelines.

On the whole, you should leave your home in the same manner that you would like your new home to be left.

In this article, we will take a deeper look at the best practices to follow when moving home.

We will discuss which belongings should be left behind, items that should be cleaned as well as many other helpful tips to follow.

This moving house etiquette guide is designed to help you welcome the new owners into your old home and hopefully, the same will have been done for you!

Cleaning

When moving home, it is always a good idea to clean your old property before leaving.

There is nothing worse than arriving at your new home to find a huge mess!

Moving into a new property already means there are so many tasks to perform and a big clean is not something anyone wants to add to this list!

When tidying there are a few key things to keep in mind.

If you have carpets, a deep cleaning is recommended.

These can become very dirty without you even realising so be sure to show them some attention.

If you are leaving furniture such as couches and armchairs in your old property they will require a thorough hoovering and deep cleaning.

Sofas tend to collect all sorts of dirt without us knowing so it might be best to give them a clean even if you are taking them with you!

If you have a pet, you’ll be aware that they frequently make your house messier, so keep this in mind when tidying.

If you find that you have a surplus of stuff that you don’t know what to do with, don’t leave it behind!

Ask your removals company if they offer any storage facilities to secure your belongings until you’re able to sort through them.

This means there will be nothing left at your previous home for the new residents to go through, and you have the added benefit of having a bit more time to unpack.

Clear Communication

Open, clear, and consistent communication is one of the cornerstones of good etiquette during the moving process.

This will come in many forms and apply to various different people who will be involved in the process.

We would recommend that you inform your neighbours about your moving schedule.

This will help to ensure they are not inconvenienced by blocked driveways or noise during the actually move itself.

Similarly, ensure that your movers are fully aware of your expectations, timings, and any potential obstacles they may encounter, to ensure everything runs smoothly on moving day.

We would also recommend that you stay in touch with the people moving into your home as well as those leaving your new one.

Whilst you won’t want to bug them too much, it is a good idea to keep an open line of communication so any questions about the properties can be answered.

This will ensure everyone involved remains happy.

Fixtures and Fittings

When relocating to a new home, you should leave all fixtures and fittings that have been agreed upon beforehand.

Remember that you would not expect to arrive at your new home to find light fixtures, plugs, and kitchen worktops or cabinets gone.

Your conveyancer will handle this and it will be included in your conveyancing quotes.

Because this is typically agreed upon by someone else it can cause confusion and is therefore important to keep in mind.

If you took a significant portion of the fixtures and fittings that were present in the house viewings, the new owners may receive far less value than what they paid.

In broad terms, if removing something from the wall is going to be difficult, it’s best to leave it alone.

Here is a list of the fixtures and fittings you are typically expected to leave.

• Light fittings and switches
• Boiler
• Radiators
• Plugs
• Kitchen counters/cupboards
• Fitted Wardrobes
• Carpets
• Satellite dishes
• Curtain poles
• Lampshades

Leave the New Owners Something

It is usually a very nice idea to leave some thoughtful touches around the house to welcome the new owners.

As a welcoming gift to the new owners, people often leave a bottle of wine or milk and bread.

You could also help them out by making sure they have the essentials for their first few days.

This may include items such as toilet paper and shampoo/shower gel.

We would also recommend leaving a little note for the new owners.

This could include any specific information they may need to know about the house or neighbourhood.

You may want to include your mobile number to answer any questions they may have if you feel this is appropriate.

A note like this will undoubtedly help the new powers out a great deal!

Create an Inventory

If you intend to take items that were there when the buyer inspected the house, such as plants from your garden or doorknobs, you must make this known to the buyer before signing the fixtures and fittings inventory.

If you do take something with you after indicating that it would remain on the inventory, the buyer may sue you!

Creating a moving inventory will ensure you leave everything behind you should and will avoid any dispute or confusion.

Overall, it is just good moving etiquette to leave most of the fixtures and fittings when moving house.

Meeting Your New Neighbours

First impressions go a long way and this is no different when moving into your new home!

It’s a good idea to approach your neighbours on moving day and inform them of what’s going on after introducing yourself.

Choose an appropriate time range for moving in to prevent disturbing anyone nearby. On weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. is the optimal time, but if you’re moving on the weekend, a later start is usually preferable.

On the day of removal, make sure you are not blocking the street or any pathways.

Not informing them of your move can be seen as impolite, and it is not a great idea to irritate your new neighbours straightaway!

Ready to Start Your Move?

Relocating to a home is never an easy assignment.

There are so many things to consider throughout the move that the whole process can seem very stressful.

By following the advice in this article, you should be able to easily follow the moving house etiquette and reduce the burden of your move.

At R.H Pardy Moving & Storage LTD, we are always happy to assist with your move.

With years of experience moving individuals and families alike to locations throughout the UK, R.H Pardy Moving & Storage Limited can help you with every element of your move.

Our specialist team can guide you throughout every aspect of your relocation journey.

For added assurance, you will have the knowledge that you are dealing with a member of the British Association of Removers.

For more information about our removals services and to help with any questions you may have, be sure to give us a call today at 01202499390, or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.

A member of our team will be more than happy to help you answer your questions and get your move started in no time!