Planning your move can really help reduce the stress of moving house. We've created a handy checklist which will help you during the weeks before your moving day.

About 6 weeks before you move house

• Confirm the moving date.
• If you're renting you'll need to notify your landlord of the moving date.
• If you need to put stuff into storage make sure you get it booked.
• If you haven't done so already get some removals quotes, to find the best deal use RemovalsCompany.co.uk.
• Check your home insurance and make sure you're covered from the moving day
• Notify the gas/electric/water suppliers that you're leaving.
• If you need new furniture such as sofa or carpets get these ordered for shorty after you move in. Items such as sofas can have several weeks lead time.
• Sort out your possessions, decide which items you're keeping/moving and which items you want to dispose of.

About 2 weeks before you move house

• Start packing the items you don't use every day such as books, photos and clothes you're not likely to wear in the next couple weeks.
• If you're moving out of the area inform your GP and de-register (same applies to optician/dentist).
• Visit the post office and set a forwarding arrangement for your post to the new address (to start on the day you move).
• If you get milk/newspapers delivered let them know what date you want to stop the service.
• Make sure you have a friend ready to look after any pets during the move.
• Finalise the agreements for times/items/locations with the removals company.
• Arrange a time to collect the keys for the new property from the estate agent.
• Notify the bank of changes to your address and any changes to direct debits and standing orders.