Moving is a big job, especially if you decide to take it on yourself. If you do, then get organised. Sort out boxes and packaging, hire a van well in advance, call in favours and get friends to help. The more work you do before the day of the move, the easier it’ll be. If you decide to get a removal firm to do the work, you should get at least two quotes and make sure you use a member of the British Association of Removers. You’ll still need to put in some work before the day of the move and get things boxed, packaged and ready to go. Organisation is the key to success and labelling boxes clearly and making sure they go in the right room at the new property will save a lot of time and effort. The last thing you want is to clutter up your new home so take the opportunity to throw out any stuff you no longer use or want.

Arrangements also have to be made over the telephone and utility connections so that final readings can be taken, and numbers and lines switched as needed. It is also worth telling the Post Office you’re moving. Not only will this help prevent your personal details falling into the wrong hands, but it’ll also mean you can see the accounts or correspondences you’ve forgotten to inform of your new address and get things changed. Once you get to your new house read the meters immediately and make sure the phone is connected. Good luck with the unpacking!

Move Angels’ Quick summary

• If you are going to take on the removal yourself then get as organised as possible as far in advance as possible. It’s going to be a stressful day, don’t make it more difficult than it has to be.
• Take time to draw up a list of all the people you have to inform of your change of address. Have you told your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and accountant? What about the TV license, your utility providers and the local council? You also need to tell the DVLA as well as get your details changed on the electoral role and make sure that credit card providers, schools and colleges also know what’s going on.