What to do and when

Moving to a new home or buying your very first home can be a stressful time. Minimise your stress using our essential checklist:

Six weeks before moving

• Confirm the date of your move
• If you're renting, notify your landlord of your moving date
• Check your home insurance - make sure you have cover from the day you exchange contracts on your new home
• Obtain written quotes from several removal firms ahead of exchanging contracts . Ask forreferences and check the limit of their insurance.
• If you're not using professional removers, check for availability of van hire
• Book extra storage space if required
• Notify the relevant utility companies of your departure and on moving day take meter readings
• Start getting rid of possessions you no longer need. Decide which items can be taken to a charity shop, sold at car boot sale, or offered to your friends.
• If you need new furniture or carpets - order them now and arrange delivery for when you move in.

Two weeks before moving

• Start packing non-essential items such as books and non-seasonal clothes into boxes
• De-register from your doctor, dentist and optician if you're moving out of the area.
• Visit the post office and arrange for your post to be forwarded (you will be charged a fee for this service).
• Notify your milkman and newspaper shop where relevant that you'll be moving and give them a date you want the service to stop or your new address
• If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them during the move.
• Make a list of everyone who should know about the move. Send out change of address cards.
• Finalise arrangements with your removal company. Confirm arrival times and make sure your removers have directions to your new address
• Notify the bank of any changes to direct debits and standing orders