Notify your milkman and newspaper shop that you'll be moving home.

Notify your telephone, gas, water, electric, bank and credit card Companies.

If you're renting you need to notify your landlord of your moving date.

Arrange a time to collect the keys from the estate agent.

Ask your house removals firm to help you with the packing.

Mark all boxes displaying destination room, contents and fragile items.

Know what you want taken and what is to be left.

Start getting rid of possessions you no longer need.

Forward your mail to your new address.

Purchase packing supplies, such as tape, boxes and wrapping papers or plastics. Buy stickers or red markers to flag fragile packages.

Start keeping track of all moving expenses, because some might be tax deductible.

Don't load boxes too heavy, keep them manageable.

Be clear about what you want taken and what is to be left.

Get rid of rubbish and clutter before moving day, otherwise you may get unwanted rubbish at your new place.

Be there and give direction to the movers. Let the movers know what you want loaded first and loaded last.

Order packaging supplies at least few days before you move. Keep a few spare boxes for the day of the move.

Get rid of the rubbish before moving day and clean. Know what you want taken and what is to be left. Clean before moving day.

You should label your boxes with their destination in your new home. Write FRAGILE on all boxes with breakables so these can be stacked on top.

If you have a pencil handy, sketch a sample layout of your house, number the rooms on it, and post the layout on the removal man for reference.

Load the rooms to be unloaded first and last. Whatever room is first from the entrance in your new home should be that room - unload back to front. The kitchen should be done at the very end, because heavy appliances should go in the van / lorry first.

Don't forget to have all your tools ready when you start unloading - put your tool box in last in the truck.

Take all your valuable documents and passports etc with you!

Begin to plan your removal, as soon as you have accepted an offer on your house or flat, don't wait until exchange of contracts, this can sometimes be within the same week as your completion date. Start arranging for removal companies to visit you as soon as possible and start packing up or de-cluttering when you know you are moving house.

Below is a schedule of tasks to carry out before your move.

When you decide to move and get your quote from Londons Moving, please consider the following information:

0.   Before putting your home for sale, you will need a Home Information Pack. (HIP)
   
0.   Decide what type of mortgage you want .
0.   Appoint a conveyancing solicitor.
0.   Find a surveyor.
0.   Organise removals. Use our free service to arrange a selection of removal quotes.
0.   Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.

Two months before you move (or six weeks before exchange) Londons Moving

0.   Draw up a list of all your main possessions.
0.   Decide which possessions you are taking to your new home, and where you will put the larger items. A floor plan of your new home may help with this. If you have possessions you don't intend taking with you to your new home, consider auctioning them on www.ebay.co.uk
0.   Check whether your insurance policy will cover your move. If not, your removal company should be able to provide cover. .
0.   Research local schools.
0.   Arrange to transfer your children's school records.

Six weeks before you move (or one month before exchange) Londons Moving

0.   Get hold of a local paper or check the local area's websites to familiarise yourself with local government, community, social news and activities.
0.   Clean out cupboards.
0.   If relocating due to a job move, check what costs your employer will cover.

One month before (or once you've exchanged)

0.   Finalise your move date so that you can start making firm bookings for removal firms, inform utilities etc.
0.   Appoint a removal company.( Get A Quote Page)
   
0.   Find out if they offer other services, like insurance, storage, and cleaning.
0.   Remember that it may be possible to negotiate a discount with your removal company if you avoid peak moving times, like Bank Holidays, term breaks, and Fridays.
0.   Start moving possessions into storage (if applicable).
0.   Arrange for new house to be cleaned (inside cupboards, walls & carpets etc.) in between the previous occupiers moving out and you moving in.
0.   Book carpet fitters to replace any carpets beyond repair.
0.   Service your car and make travel plans.
0.   Book hotel accommodation if necessary.
0.   Arrange for childcare and pet care on moving day.
0.   Send out change of address cards or letters to:-

The Royal Mail offers a free address change notification service with all your favourite companies.

Banks.

Charge cards.

Religious organisations.

Doctors/dentist.

Insurance providers (home, contents & life) / solicitor / stockbroker.

Magazine subscriptions.

Schools.

Post office.

Inland Revenue / DSS / your union.

Many utilities require at least two working days' notice. Be sure to arrange reconnection at your new home.

BT: call 0800 800 123 at least 2 weeks before your move.

Notify your mobile phone provider.

Gas. Arrange a final reading at your old house and reconnection at your new one. Check for refunds due to you. When arranging supply at your new home consider competitive gas suppliers. Check the Ofgas website for details of suppliers in your area.

Electricity. Arrange a final reading at your old house and reconnection at your new one. Check for refunds due to you. When arranging supply at your new home consider competitive electricity suppliers. Check the Offer website for details of suppliers in your area.

Water. Check for refunds due to you.

Find out whether you can get Cable TV or Digital TV.

TV licence

Arrange for the Post office to have post forwarded from previous address.

Medical services: register with a new doctor/dentist as soon as possible, and request any records/test results to be sent to your new doctor.

Vet.

Insurance companies or agents.

Check your policies to make sure they still suit your needs.

House contents insurance. Check whether you can get a refund on any unused existing policy.

Life insurance/pensions.

If you have changed address, you must tell DVLA to update both your:

- Driving Licence

- Vehicle Registration Certificate

Car insurance.

Premium Bonds. To change the address on the Premium Bonds, the holder(s) must complete and return their holders card or write to Premium Bonds, National Savings and Investments, Blackpool, FY3 9YP. Fill in the form with your holder card, or notify the Bonds and Stock Office. Your post office will supply an addressed envelope.

Local bank. Ask them to tell you which branch is nearest your new address.

Credit card companies.

Save As You Earn/National Savings Certificates Address: Savings Certificate and SAYE Office Milburn Gate House, Durham, DH99 1NS.

Passport office.

Pack non-essential items and clothing.

Start running down freezer contents.

Clear the loft.

Find out new school dress codes and order uniform(s) if required.

Find out about Cubs / Scouts / Brownies / Girl Guides etc. groups in your new area.

Two weeks before

0.   Check you have adequate prescription medicines to cover the moving period.
0.   Safely dispose of all flammables e.g. Paints, Gas Bottles, Cleaning Fluids and Oils.
0.   If your removal company is not making arrangements for you, book people to carry out services e.g. Removing light fittings, House Cleaning and dismantling of Hi Fi / Computer / Printers etc. and TV / satellite equipment. If doing it yourself, don't forget to insert transit screws where necessary.
0.   Cancel local deliveries and services, for example newspapers, gardener, cleaner, milk delivery, fuel or oil.
0.   Prepare a "Moving Day Survival Kit": all the vital things that you will need on the day of your move, for example: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes, a torch, scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, kettle, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or PVC tape, bin liners, shelf liner, aspirin or ibuprofen, some basic tools, a bottle of bubbly & glasses.

One week before

0.   Put your documents in a safe place
0.   Don't box important papers like passports and driving licences, jewellery and money: keep them with you during the move. Keep all moving-related documents together.
0.   Finish packing.
0.   Make sure all boxes are properly labelled (I.e. the room they're going in to in your new home).
0.   Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company.
0.   Settle outstanding bills with local retailers. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes.
0.   Take pets to the vet and get copies of their records.
0.   Give away plants not being moved.
0.   Make arrangements to pay for your move.
0.   Clean outdoor equipment and toys, drain any fuel from your lawn-mower and other machinery and ensure that water is drained from hoses.
0.   Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Make sure they are completely dry before moving to avoid mildew.
0.   Wash and dry all linen and clothing.
0.   Prepare your washing machine for moving: disconnect power and water, check if Transit Bolts need to be fitted.
0.   Check through your medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs, via your chemist if necessary.
0.   If your clothing is to be transported on hangers in a clothing carton, ensure all clothing is securely fastened on the hanger and that they are all facing the same way.

The day before

0.   Walk through your house one last time to make sure everything is accounted for.
0.   Strip the beds.
0.   Keep linens in a box that travels with you, so you can use them the first night.
0.   Make sure you have the keys to your new home, or have arranged to collect them.

The day of the move

0.   Record all utility meter readings (gas, electricity, and water).
0.   Stay until your movers have finished.
0.   Check the traffic for your journey with keepmoving.com/
0.   Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
0.   Before leaving ckeck that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off. Keys, together with any documents relating to the property or equipment remaining at the house, should be left at a nominated point.
0.   You may be asked to sign a packing inventory/list: check carefully to ensure that you are happy with the content. You will be asked to check and sign it again at delivery.
0.   Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

In your new home

0.   Make sure you are present when the removal crew arrives so you can guide them around the house confirming what is to be moved and any special instructions.
0.   Check the unloading of your items and account for each one on your packing inventory. Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
0.   Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
0.   Go to the post office and collect held mail.

After you're in

Start with the essentials:

0.   Start cleaning and make the beds.
0.   Plug in your telephones, answering machine and large appliances.
0.   Unpack your 'survival kit'.
0.   Let older children organise their own rooms.
0.   Settle younger children in one room with some toys and treats.
0.   If possible, keep pets away until you are settled in.
0.