The first thing you should do when moving day comes around is take final meter readings for gas, water and electricity – and then let your utility companies know what they are.
If you have kids you should arrange for them to go to family or friends on the day and have an overnight stay if possible. They quickly become bored if their gadgets are not in situ when they arrive at their new home.
Pack up your final appliances and belongings and if you are using a removal company then clearly mark anything you want to transport yourself, such as important documents or treasured gadgets.
And you should count the number of boxes before they are moved, and once they have been delivered to your new address count them again to make sure that you have them all.
You should also pack a box of essential items to take with you in your own vehicle. This should include plugs, a torch, basic tools, candles, matches, light bulbs and a pen and paper. Pop in a kettle, beverages, mugs and cutlery and plates too.
Cleaning materials, rubbish bags, wash bags, painkillers, plasters, towels and loo rolls are musts as well along with cold drinks, snacks, a can opener and a radio with batteries.
Before you set off check your old house over for a final time – check the windows and doors are shut and locked - and then say farewell.
Once you reach your new home one of the first things you should do is put together your bed and hang the bedroom curtains. You’ll be glad you’ve done that because it will help you to relax quickly at the end of a hectic day.
It also makes sense to find the fuse box and stopcock in your new home when the property is empty.
After counting in the boxes you should not do an impression of Superman, or Superwoman, in trying to unpack everything on the first day. It’s best just to unpack the essentials and ensure there is somewhere comfortable to sit, eat and sleep. You’ll have plenty of time to unpack those boxes!
Finally, don’t forget at some stage to pop open a bottle of your favourite tipple so you can toast the future in your new pad.
Top tips for what to do when you have actually moved to a new home will follow shortly.