Countdown

• Pack early. You need to start at least a couple of weeks before your move. De-clutter and get rid of any items you never use.
• Contact at least three removal companies to ask for a quote. Good removal companies will get booked up well in advance, so contact them even if you do not have a completion date yet as they will usually honor quotes for a couple of months.
• Arrange for someone to look after children and pets.
• If you need storage, book early.
• Book your car(s) in for a service, particularly if you are moving long distance.
• Arrange for household insurance for your new property and check that you will be covered from the day you move in.
• Contact the local authorities if you have any parking restrictions at either address to arrange parking suspensions. Some removal vans can be the same size as a double-decker bus and need extra space for manoeuvring into position.
• If you need hotel accommodation during your removal, book your hotel well in advance, especially if you are moving in the summer months.
• Arrange to redirect your post by Royal Mail. Remember they redirect on each surname not the whole house name or number.
• Notify all the relevant companies and services of your new change of address (see box "Who to notify").
• Arrange for a locksmith to change the locks of your new house. This would be best after the removal men have left, maybe the day after.

• If you have arranged to have carpets, curtains etc. delivered to your new address, confirm that the companies have the correct delivery address, date and time.
• Finalise details with your removal company; make sure they have directions and maps to both properties.
• Start dismantling furniture.

• Start cleaning your house.
• Do a last-minute laundry. Have you arranged for a plumber to disconnect the washing machine? Some removal companies will do this for you but only as a favour; most will not and cannot as they are not insured to do so.
• Any spare keys should be clearly labelled and left where they will be seen on moving day, but not in view from a window.
• Make up a box of refreshments and essential items for your first few days - such as toilet roll, light bulbs, tea-making equipment, scissors, toiletries, pen and paper, torch, first aid kit, a few pieces of basic cutlery, crockery, corkscrew and of course a bottle of champagne!

• Defrost and dry out your fridge-freezer.
• Throw out items in the kitchen that are out of date.
• Pack valuables and documents and put them in a safe place.

• Aim to finish the packing today, apart from a few essentials in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Charge your mobile phone, as you will need it tomorrow.
• Pack valuables and documents and put in a safe place. Make a list of contact details you may need on the day of your move: for example, solicitors, estate agent, mortgage broker.

• Drop the children off or organise a corner of the lounge with some of their toys and a few treats. Older children may want specific tasks such as packing up their own personal box, tea duties or checking cupboards.
• Finish packing up last-minute items like toiletries boxes.
• Strip the beds.
• Check your house thoroughly before you leave.
• Lock all windows and doors.

• Try to arrive ahead of your removal team so you can unload and look around and investigate your new property.
• Make sure all services - electric, water and gas - are working.
• Put the kettle on for your removal team when they arrive.
• Don't try and unpack everything today, just essentials such as bed linen and towels.
• Order a takeaway, enjoy a glass of champagne and relax.