How to move house

1) Preparation, preparation, preparation Don't leave anything to the last minute. Start planning ahead as soon as possible, and make checklists of everything you need to consider, as well as contact lists for your removal company, insurers and estate agents, in case of emergencies. Think about items such as new carpets six weeks in advance, so that you can order them in time for your moving date.

2) Be ruthless with your stuff Moving house can be a great opportunity to streamline your possessions. Throw away rubbish and give other items to friends or charity shops. For items you do want to take with you, save old newspapers or wrapping paper for breakable objects, and recycle boxes from local shops or supermarkets.

3) Stagger your packing Start packing up non-essential items, such as books, extra crockery, memorabilia and out-of-season clothes, well in advance, and only save day-to-day essentials until the last minute.

3) Choose the right removal company Get several quotes before picking your company and make sure they're a member of the British Association of Removers. Check if they offer discounts on weekdays. Make a list of the possessions that you're transporting so you know if you've left something behind or if it's gone missing.

4) Make a plan for your furniture Work out what will be best in your new house, and what isn't worth bringing with you—just becauese you're attached to something doesn't mean that it will look good in your new place. Think about what will fit through your door (and warn the removal company about oversized items), and plan which pieces of furniture should go where before taking them to your destination.

5) Check your insurance Make sure your home insurance covers you from the day you move into your new home. Also check the fine print of your moving insurance, and the limits of your removal company's insurance, especially if you are transporting valuable items.

6) Inform providers and local services Make sure you inform utility providers about your move, and you may want to obtain quotes from new companies if you are changing area. Inform your doctor, dentist and optician, and find your new local branches and surgeries. Notify any service providers, such as milkman or newsagents, and give them your moving date.

7) Get your post forwarded Visit your local post office and arrange for your post to be forwarded to you. They will charge you a fee for this, so if the purchaser of your property is willing, you may want to arrange for them to forward it to you and cover their costs, or gather up your post for you to collect.

8) Send out change of address cards Make a list of everyone who should be informed about your move, from professional contacts to family and friends. You may wish to send out an ecard as well as, or instead of, postal cards. If you have children, make sure you include their friends and schools.

9) Finalise details with your estate agent Work out the best time to pick up keys for your new home, and ensure that it is in a fit state for you to move into—you may wish to look into professional cleaning services or do some work on it before moving all your possessions in.

10) Get to know your new area Explore your new neighbourhood and work out where the best local shops and services are as soon as possible. Find your nearest modes of public transport. Introduce yourself to your new neighbours on arrival, especially if you are going to be disrupting their street with removal vans and/or building work.

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