Often ranked as the third most stressful life event after bereavement and divorce, moving house need not be fraught with difficulty if approached with foresight and organisation. To ease the process, we have curated a concise guide of practical steps designed to help make your move as smooth as possible.Chancellor Rachel Reeves is examining new ways to raise revenue without altering income tax, VAT or National Insurance. Proposals under discussion include taxing the gains on main residences sold for more than £1.5 million, shifting the burden of property tax from buyers to sellers on homes above £500,000, and even introducing an annual levy on higher-value properties. Final details are expected in the Autumn 2025 Budget.
What does this mean for the Scottish housing market? Should all three proposals go ahead, only one would apply across the UK: taxing the gains on main residences sold for more than £1.5 million, as this falls under HMRC’s jurisdiction. Property transaction taxes are devolved, with our own Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Council Tax already in place. This means that any seller’s levy on properties over £500,000, or any annual levy on higher-value properties unveiled in Westminster, would not automatically extend north of the border.
“Often ranked as the third most stressful life event after bereavement and divorce, moving house need not be fraught with difficulty if approached with foresight and organisation.”
Weekends are often more costly than weekdays, so confirm with your removals company. If you anticipate the date may change, consider insurance cover, which is usually more affordable than expected.
Seek at least three written quotations, ideally from personal recommendations. If not, websites such as www.moving-quotes.co.uk or www.moveme.com can provide trusted local firms.
If you are packing yourself, check whether your removal company supplies boxes and when you can expect them. Otherwise, order online well in advance. If you opt for a professional service, confirm schedules, as many firms also unpack at your new home.
Even the most thorough list will overlook someone, so set up a Royal Mail redirection service for three to six months. To save time, www.iammoving.com updates your details with over 1,500 organisations.
Key contacts include:
• Banks and credit card providers
• Utilities and service suppliers
• Local council and DVLA
• Insurers and HMRC
• Schools, doctors and dentists
• Subscriptions, clubs, family and friends
Moving offers the perfect chance for a clear out. Put aside valuables requiring special care such as jewellery or fragile heirlooms so they are not packed with the rest.
Label boxes clearly with numbers, arrows and fragile where required. Keep a digital list of contents by box number for easy reference. Prepare one survival box with essentials including a kettle, tea, snacks, chargers, toiletries, towels and bedding.
Ensure everything is ready in advance, with children and pets cared for elsewhere. If possible, have someone at the new property to meet the removals team. Label each room with the corresponding box number to streamline unloading.
Once inside, take final meter readings, arrange to change locks and introduce yourself to the neighbours. Then order a bite to eat, put the kettle on and enjoy the satisfying task of turning your new house into a home.
