It has been said that the actual move is one of the most stressful events of all, so be prepared for the whole process long before you begin. Read our checklist for hints and tips to make your move as smooth as possible.

Start by choosing your removal company:

Word of mouth is generally thought to be the best recommendation, ask around friends and neighbours – or try British Association of Removers This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or National Guild of Removers and Storers This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , professional bodies who regulate and ensure a code of practice.

It is advisable to obtain three quotes – don’t just choose the cheapest; you tend to get what you pay for! When comparing estimates, make sure you are comparing like with like. Are packing materials, boxes, cartons and crates and VAT all included?

It is suggested you meet with the removal firm at your property in advance to talk through what is required, arrange access, discuss any possible difficulties and agree details for packing etc. Check the removal company’s insurance cover against your existing household policies to make sure nothing is duplicated nor left out.

Remember that anything you pack yourself may not be covered by the removal firm's insurance. If you are planning to transport any precious items yourself, check that these are covered when in transit by your own contents insurance.

Make an inventory of everything you need to be moved, highlight any particularly fragile or valuable items, antiques etc or especially large or awkward items which may require specialist handling (for example a piano).

Tell the removal company if access from your old property or to your new property is likely to be difficult – are there narrow gates or bridges? Parking space for the removal lorry will also need to be considered. Such problems can add to the cost of a move and should be considered in the estimate. Don't accept an estimate over the phone. All quotations should be in writing and include pricing for packing, loading and unloading, storage (if required), special handling for breakables and valuables and any other special requests.

Make a plan of each room in your new home to give to the removal team so, in theory, they know exactly where everything is to go. Colour-code or labelling packing boxes, cases and furniture in the hope that this will mean it ends up in the right rooms. It will save so much time if you’ve thought this through beforehand.

Establish a written timetable with the removal firm – and make sure they have clear directions to find your new home!

• Arrange for disconnection of appliances/items to be moved: e.g. cooker, washer, light fittings, mirrors etc
• Use up stocks and de-frost fridges and freezers ready for removal
• Cancel milk, newspapers, window cleaners etc – pay off outstanding accounts
• Round up any keys left with workmen/neighbours (hand these to whoever is to hand them over to the new owners – this might be either your solicitor or your estate agent
• Collect/return any items lent/borrowed
• Allow time for transfer of your current internet services (up to a months’ notice may be required)
• Have a clear out. Valuable items that are no longer needed can be auctioned or sold to a dealer in second-hand furniture. Other items can be donated to charity shops or recycled
• If you have time, its very helpful (and will be greatly appreciated!) if you can compile a fact file for the people who are moving into your property, such as instruction leaflets and service information for the heating system and appliances you're leaving, together with details of rubbish collection, milk deliveries, recycling schemes and so on

• When leaving your old house, take the final meter readings – electric, gas and water. Get someone to look after the children for the day. The same goes for pets - or book them into kennels or a cattery
• Pack a flask and picnic to have when you get to the new house – you’ll appreciate the forethought when you arrive
• Depending on the condition of the house you are buying, you may also need to keep cleaning materials and a vacuum cleaner handy to have a quick whip round
• Have all paperwork and contact numbers relating to the move with you
• Keep some dust sheets to one side in case it’s raining – they can be put down to protect carpets as the removers go in and out of both properties.  The removers will probably have their own, but you never know

• Read the meters and check that the telephone, security alarm, electricity, gas, central heating and water all work
• Make sure all items that were included in the sale (such as carpets, curtains, light fittings and kitchen appliances, are there). If there is anything missing, contact your solicitor
• Think about getting the locks changed on your new property - you never know who the previous owners may have given spare keys to in the past and simply forgotten about it

• Family and friendsEmployers and employees (gardeners, cleaners, window cleaners, etc)
• Mail order companies, magazines/publications
• Charities that you subscribe to
• Clubs and societies (sports, social, other) that you belong to/subscribe to
• Professional organisations and associations
• Doctors, dentists, opticians, chiropodists and the like
• Banks and building societies
• Stock brokers, investment companies, share registrars/holdings, national savings and premium bonds
• Credit/store card companies, finance companies and other loan/fund providers
• Rental companies
• Inland Revenue, National Insurance/DSS Office
• Driving Licence Centre (DVLA) – to renew driving licence and vehicle registration documents
• Council Tax office and the Electoral Register
• Utilities: gas, electricity, water, telephone (land line and mobile), internet service providers
• TV licensing authority and satellite company
• Insurance companies: house buildings and contents, health, travel, pension/life insurance
• Motoring organisations, motor insurance, motor breakdown cover provider
• Mailing preference service
• There’s bound to be someone that you’ve forgotten and so it’s good idea to pay for a redirection service through your local post office

We hope that you’ve found this guide helpful and in some way it goes to making your moving day slightly less stressful.