Tip 1: Choose a moving company

Depending on when you plan to move, it may be difficult to book a date.

Check the comments of previous customers, verify what the moving quote includes, and ask if the company is willing to assess your belongings.

Tip 2: Make a list

To avoid stress, make a list of everything you need to do and consider the steps to follow. Your offer may have been accepted recently and you may have months before you leave, but that doesn't mean you should wait until the week before moving to start preparing.

Tip 3: Sort in advance

Cleaning your house before the move saves time and stress.

By donating, recycling, or throwing away things you don't need, you are reducing the amount of things you need to move. The fewer things you have, the fewer hours the moving team will need.

Tip 4: Develop a packing plan

Packing always takes longer than you think. So start by packing the rooms you use the least to store all the boxes and keep them out of the way. Label your boxes specifically for quicker unpacking.

Try not to over-pack boxes! It's tempting to fill them up, but try to use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter ones.

Tip 5: How to handle paperwork

Keep all important documents, such as passports, home deeds, wills, and insurance documents, in one box or file for easy access. This should be placed somewhere it won't get lost.

You can also create electronic copies of important documents by scanning and saving them to a USB drive.

Tip 6: Organize utilities

Take photos of the electricity and gas meter readings. You can sign up with new providers in advance, and don't forget gas, electricity, and water.

Organizing this in advance means you'll be aware of any final bills you'll need to pay.

Tip 7: Take your time to clean

If you can arrange to get the keys to your new home, you can reduce your stress level. Entering your new home a little earlier means you can clean it thoroughly before moving your furniture.

Cleaning the house thoroughly before all your boxes and furniture arrive means there won't be any unpleasant surprises on moving day.

Tip 8: Pack a survival kit for moving day

Before moving day, make sure you've packed a survival kit for the day. This will contain items you need to get through the day unscathed with your family, such as toiletries, phone chargers, water bottles, snacks, and provisions for hot drinks.

Tip 9: Take it slow

Have realistic expectations about how much you want to do - you're unlikely to unpack your entire house on the first night!

Make sure you have your survival kit for moving day, cold drinks, and everything you need for tea and coffee, and snacks to keep your energy up. Also consider stopping for lunch and dinner so you don't tire yourself out too much.