To wonder if it's normal to leave a house in between moves?

[TreatTreat]

I'm due to move into my new house soon but in the meantime it lays empty. It's because of when the removals were available. Is it normal to leave it for a few weeks? I'm having sleepless nights worrying about it and wondering if I should make the round trip (200 miles) to check on it.

Usually the chain lines up so that one person moves out and you move in on the same day. Where are you living now? It does happen but please ensure you have the right insurance for an empty house (not sure how long it needs to be empty to need this).

As PP has said check your insurance, covers for the house being empty, snd how long it covers.
200miles is a long way do you have an old neighbour that can check for you?

Nuclear option contact a tinning company- its what they do in social housing. If your not sure what I mean check out VPS or armed secure online. (You may need to look for a local one near you im NW) Normally an initial charge for installing, then x amount per tin per week, then removal - its not overly cheap but may be worth it to put your mind at rest. Just make sure its removed day before new owners arrive.
It won't be nice to look at but will be secure,

Thank you both for your replies. It's a rental and it'll be less than a week since I last went to when I go and move in properly but I'm worried about it being empty somehow. My mind is frazzled though.

Insurance is normally ok for up to 28 days unoccupied. But check obviously! Otherwise how could holidays be covered?

Its unclear if youre selling the property or just leaving it unoccupied? Can't a neighbour or agent check it once a week?

Definitely inform the landlord/agent and check your content insurance (even if it is empty).

We moved twice into houses which were empty but in both cases the seller had neighbours with keys who had a look out and checked every couple of days.

What are you worried will happen?

Just read youre denying it out.
Landlord insurance is what you need, check cover for void period.

So it’s a house you are renting from a landlord, and you are already paying rent and have the keys but just can’t move in for a while (a week?). I don’t see the issue at all - you could be on holiday for 2 weeks!

Thank you. That's what I think too, that I could be on holiday for a few weeks but then I worry about not being there!

Does your landlord know that you are not there?

I've told them as a 'just in case they need to know'.

We left it for 2 weeks after completion, as we were re-decorating. But that was in the same town.

Then it’s ok, I do get that you are worrying but it’s the matter of doing a list:

• checked that it’s ok insurance wise
• notified the landlord (make sure they have a spare key)
• coming for checks regularly when possible but not at the same time so no pattern
• Mentioned to neighbours if it’s appropriate so they were aware and gave them a number
• do everything to speed up things on your side

once all these have ticked you can do nothing so if you are anxious it’s not about the move it’s about your anxiety and it’s a different thing altogether.