Supposedly up there with divorce and losing a loved one, moving home is said to be one of the most stressful things to do in life. However it doesn’t need to be this way and instead of dreading ‘moving day’, look forward to it. It’s exciting and with this essential guide, the whole thing will be hassle and stress-free.

One month before

• Confirm the date of your move or alternatively if you are renting, inform your landlord.
• Have a good clear out of your belongings.
• Check contracts for TV, broadband and Internet as many require 30 days notice period.
• Research removal companies and compare quotes. If you decide to go it alone, now is the time to book your hire van.
• Purchase a variety of boxes, bubble wrap, brown paper, tape and markers.
• Book some time off work. Even if you are moving on a weekend, the Friday and Monday will be useful to have off.
• If you need to organise storage, then now is the time to research possibilities.

Three weeks before

• People ALWAYS underestimate how long it takes to pack up but start early and pack up the spare room and attic.  Leave necessary things accessible - things like books, DVDs and ornaments can be packed, as these are not essential.
• Start to eat things from the freezer – meat is difficult to transfer so use it up in family dinners.
• Visit the post office and arrange for your post to be re-directed to your new address. There is a small fee for this.

Two weeks before

• If you have children or pets, make arrangements for them. Unfortunately they’ll only get in the way on moving day!
• Continue packing up and write the room of which the items belong in, on each box.
• Send some change of address cards to family and friends.
• Check that your belongings are insured for transit. Most removal companies include this but double check before it is too late.

One week before

• Find the instruction manuals for the new owners and keep in a neat pile.
• Give away plants and plant pots that you won’t be taking with you to neighbours.
• Get in touch with banks, credit cards, pension and share providers, insurance companies, loan providers, council tax, employers, schools, utility providers and your doctor informing them about the change of address. It is also a legal requirement to inform the DVLA.
• Update your address on online shopping websites.

The night before

• Make a ‘last out, first in’ box full of essentials.
• Go to sleep early and get some rest!

On moving day

• As you leave your old property, take meter readings and when you arrive at your new place do the same.
• Before you leave, do a once over and check every room.
• When you get to your new house, inspect it and make sure it is how you expected as well as any furniture/appliances that have been left.
• Change the locks in your new home – you never know who has a set of keys.

Ensure that you empty every box, introduce yourself to the neighbours and then relax. Enjoy your new home!