Decide whether you need a professional moving firm or not. If you're thinking of moving yourself, look into the costs involved - several journeys over long distances can quickly add up. It may well be worth hiring the professionals.

Hire removal boxes or tea chests if they are not supplied by the removal company.

Label boxes with details of what's inside and where they're going at the new address.

Start using up frozen and tinned food.

Draw up a plan of where you want furniture to go in the new house.

Take down fitted items that are coming with you - shelves, light fixtures, mirrors, etc..

Sort out your cupboards and sell unused items or give them to a charity shop.

Book a hotel if you think you'll need one during the move.

Arrange for a friend or relative to help look after your children on moving day.

Ensure you explain to young children in advance what is happening so that they know what to expect.

Book pets into kennels/catteries or arrange for friends/relatives to look after them during the move.

Get your new address engraved on pet collars.

Notify your children's old and new schools of leaving/arrival dates.

Register with or log into www.iammoving.com to start updating address change details, plus stop/start dates for services like gas and electricity.

Arrange the professional disconnection of gas cookers and any other appliances that you are taking with you.

Cancel deliveries of paper, milk, etc. and pay off any outstanding accounts.

Return any library books and items borrowed from friends and neighbours.

Put all your documents and valuables in a single safe place.

Log into www.iammoving.com to notify the following organisations/providers with your moving details:
- Bank
- Credit/store cards
- Other financial companies, e.g. if you have a hire purchase agreement or loan
- Utility providers, e.g. electricity, gas, water
- Inland Revenue
- National Savings and Premium Bonds
- National Insurance/DSS Benefits
- Pension
- Insurers - motor, contents, life, travel
- DVLA (for driving licence)
- TV Licence
- Phone/mobile/Internet
- Local Council (for old and new address)
- Charities and clubs
- Magazine subscriptions

Tell your employer.

Inform your stockbroker and/or companies in which you own shares.

Inform your existing doctor, dentist, optician (and private medical care provider) and research new ones close to where you're moving.

Pack a bag with a change of clothes, essential toiletries and a 'survival kit' for the other end. Take things like light bulbs, fuses, tools, loo roll, candles, matches, cash, phone charger and a list of important telephone numbers.

Do your last-minute laundry.

Confirm that we will have the keys available to release to you, subject to solicitors’ confirmation.

Empty, defrost and dry out your fridge/freezer if you're planning to put it in storage for any length of time.

Seal packets, bottles or jars with tape to prevent any spillage.

Make sure there will be enough space for removal vans at both addresses. Sort out lift access if you live in a flat.

Prepare food and drink for moving day: tea/coffee, juice, fruit, bread, cheese and things like pasties. Don't forget some plates, cups, cutlery, a sharp knife, and the kettle.

Fully charge your mobile phone.

Get a good night's sleep.

Settle the children with their carer if they have one. If not, set up a room that contains their toys and a few treats. Give older children specific tasks, like packing their own personal box.

Give the removal team a full tour of the house.

Keep the kettle boiling and the biscuits flowing.

Strip the beds and keep the linen handy so you can pull it out for the first night in the new house.

Once the van is loaded, walk around the house with a member of the removal team to check you've got everything you want in the van.

Take the meter readings in your old and new homes.

Relax!