Advice for Home Buyers from Rush Witt and Wilson - Leading Estate Agents in Hastings, Battle, Northiam, Bexhill and Rye

"Plan ahead" are the watch words of any successful move. Check out our homebuyers checklist to help make your move go without a hitch!

To make your move easier to organise we have produced a checklist of essential tasks to do before the move date. Moving house requires a lot of organisation, so if possible get started a good three months before you hope to move and stay ahead of the game!

Choose a surveyor

Your mortgage provider will arrange for a valuation of the property. You may wish to organise a survey of the property as well. You have the option of either using the same surveyor that is carrying out the valuation or choosing your own surveyor.

Whichever option you choose you must decide whether to have a full structural survey or a housebuyer's report. When you have chosen, you will need to commission the survey and wait for the report from the surveyor.

Make essential preparations for the move

Whilst you are awaiting the results of the survey, it is a good idea to ensure you have done the essential preparations for the move:

• Clean out your loft, garage and cupboards to get rid of all your junk that has accumulated over the years. If some of these items are worth selling then put them aside ready for a car-boot sale, fair or charity collection.

• Make a list of who you need to notify of your move.

• Investigate whether to use a removal firm or van hire. Obtain estimates from at least 3 removal firms and van hire companies and weigh all the costs and benefits.

• Start collecting boxes and other packaging materials for your move if they are not being supplied by your removal firm (contact local stores and removal firms).