Two to four weeks before

• Removals - when the consultant calls clearly point out anything that is not to go.
  
  
• Packing -  If you are planning on doing this yourself, begin at least two weeks before your move. Label boxes with the details of their contents and the room in which they are to be placed at the new address. Pack heavy objects with the lighter ones: do not overstrain boxes or backs. Sort out rubbish. Sell unused items, or give them away.
  
  
• Car - get it serviced, particularly if you are going on a long journey.
  
  
• Bank - Notify your bank of your change of address and consider transferring your account to a branch nearer to your home. Don't forget any items that are retained by the bank for safe keeping.
  
  
• Credit/Store cards - Fill in the change of address section of your statement when returning it with your payment and also notify any card protection insurers that you may have.
  
  
• Standing Orders - Give your new address to companies with which you have a hire purchase agreement or a loan.
  
  
• Schools - Notify your child's school of their leaving date and advise new school as soon as possible.
  
  
• Inland Revenue - Notify your local tax office quoting your reference number (this can be found on your payslip/P60/coding notification).
  
  
• Premium Bonds - Write to the Bonds and Stock Office quoting your bond number (form available from the Post Office)
  
  
• National Insurance /DSS Benefits - Write to your local DSS office, giving your full name, date of birth, and full National Insurance number.
  
  
• Pension - Advise your local Post Office or private scheme of your change of address.
  
  
• Insurances - Notify your broker or individual insurance companies: motor, household contents, life and other insurances.
  
  
• Driving Licence - Complete section 1 on your licence and return it to DVLC, Swansea, SA99 1BN. 
  
  
• Stocks and Shares - Notify your stock broker or each individual Company Registrar. 
  
  
• Landlord/Tenant - Give appropriate notice to quit or advise tenants of any change of landlord.
  
  
• Doctor /Dentist /Optician - De-register if you are moving away and research alternatives nearer to your new address. Liaise with hospital if undergoing regular treatment.
  
  
• Post Office - The Post Office prefers at least seven days notice for the redirection of your mail. This can only be done over the counter at the Post Office.
  
  
• TV Licence- Fill in the change of address part of your existing licence.
  
  
• TV Rental - Sets can normally be taken to your new address when renting from a large company and your records will be transferred to their nearest branch.
  
  
• BUPA/Private medical - Advise change of address and /or research new schemes.
  
  
• Subscriptions - Notify all organisations/clubs/charities to which you subscribe of your new address.
  
  
• Printers - If required, arrange for the printing of change of address cards, with your new postcode.

• Hotels - If you need hotel accommodation during the removal, book your hotel well in advance, especially if the move occurs during the summer months.
  
  
• Carpets/Curtains - If you are ordering these new, confirm the correct delivery dates.
  
  
• Telecommunciation/Mobile Phone Providers - Contact providers including Internet account and advise your change of address and the date from which you wish your new number to operate. Give at least two weeks notice.
  
  
• Council tax - Notify relevant authorities in both your current area and the area to which you are moving.
  
  
• Football pools - Notify on the coupon or inform your collector.
  
  
• Motor Vehicle Licence -Send the appropriate section of your Vehicle Registration Document to the Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
  
  
• Pets - Make arrangements to book pets into kennels/cattery etc. or for friends/relatives to look after them during the move. Arrange for the transfer of your pet's records to the new vet. Contact Pickfords for a free 'Moving with Pets'leaflet produced in conjuction with the RSPCA. or see our Problem Corner.

One week before the move

• Gas & Electricity - Contact your existing company and advise your new one of when you are to move into your new home.
   
  
• Water - At least 48 hours notice is required by both your existing and your new authority to arrange for disconnection and re-connection of supply.
  
  
• Library - Make sure that you take all the books back that you have on loan.
  
  
• Items on Loan - Return borrowed items to your friends and neighbours.
  
  
• Milk/Papers - Settle outstanding accounts and cancel supplies.
  
  
• Dry Cleaning - Collect all remaining items.
  
  
• Children - If possible arrange childcare on removal day. See our Advice section.Click Here for further information.

Three days before you move

• Pack a bag with a change of clothes and essential toiletries. Include a survival kit for the other end: light bulbs, toilet rolls, candles, screwdriver and pilers, matches, paper towels, cash and a note of important telephone numbers. Put this box in the boot of your car. 
  
  
• Do last minute laundry. If you plan to store for an extended period, keep back clothes for the opposite season.
  
  
• Ensure that the keys for your new home are going to be available.
  
  

Two days before

• Empty, defrost and dry out your fridge /freezer if you are planning to store for any period of time. Food stuffs cannot be moved into storage.
  
  
• If Pickfords have quoted to move your freezer with contents (over a short distance), place the contents in polythene bags so that they can be lifted out quickly to facilitate the movement of the freezer.
  
  
• Make sure any packets, bottles or jars are sealed with tape to prevent spillage.
  
  
• Pack valuables and documents and put in a safe place.
  
  
• Resolve parking problems. Sort out lift access if you live in flats.
  
  
  

One day to go

• Arrange for refreshments for the next day, bearing in mind that your cooker may be disconnected. Moving is hungry work, so pack a carton of tea and coffee, UHT milk, juice cartons, biscuits, fruit, cheese, and something easy and filling like cornish pasties. Also include plates, cups, serviettes, cutlery and sharp knife. Don't forget the kettle, a saucepan and a frying pan.
  
  
• Plan the evening meal for move day. It may be easier to eat out.
  
  
• Prepare plants for travel.
  
  
• Get a good nights sleep.
  
  
  

• Settle the children with their carer. If they are staying with you , organise a room with their toys and a few treats. Older children may want specific tasks, like packing their own personal box.
  
  
• The team leader will introduce himself and his crew to you. Show the team leader around the house.
  
  
• Keep the kettle boiling and the biscuits flowing so that everyone is refreshed.
  
  
• Strip the beds. Keep the linen in a box that travels with you so you can pull it out for the first night.
  
  
• Once the van is loaded, walk around the house with the team leader to ensure all items to be moved have been placed in the vehicle.
  
  
• At your new home everything is unloaded and placed in the appropriate rooms and if quoted for, unpacked and unwrapped by the moving team.
  
  
• Once you are satisfied that everything has been delivered and positioned in appropriate places, you will be asked to acknowledge this by signing the team leader's delivery sheet, writing any comments you may wish to make.