We recommend that you print this page out and mark off things as they are completed!

Checklist – well in advance of the move:

• Get quotes from professional removals firms (such as BasingstokeMoves.com). Make sure they are members of a trade organisation - don't just take their word for it!

• Consider the quotes you have received. Are you comparing like for like (e.g. is insurance and VAT included?].

• Once you have chosen your preferred removal firm [hopefully BasingstokeMoves.com!] ask them if they can accept your booking on the day that you wish to move. Fridays/the end of the month are the busiest days and usually get booked quickly so consider moving on other days. Book as far in advance as possible.

• Contact the local authority about parking restrictions outside the collection or delivery addresses. They should be able to suspend parking bays on the day of your move.

• Dispose of any unwanted or unneeded items before your move. Now is a great time to have a clear out. You can ask your mover to deliver the items to a local auctioneerperhaps or ask the council if they will collect large items for disposal.

• Run down your freeze/fridger contents.

• If you are packing for yourself get in packing materials and start packing as far in advance as possible. Remember, for a smooth move all packing should be completed before the day of your move.

• Book the services of any carpet fitters to lay carpets or electricians in your new home now, but don't get the carpets fitted until after the move perhaps.

• Plan where everything will go in your new home - draw a floor plan and label boxes accordingly.

• Arrange for friends to look after children or pets on the day of your move.

• Decide what you need to take with you on the day of the move and keep these separate. For example: important documents, telephone numbers, refreshments, childrens toys, valuable items and items the removal company are unable to move.

• If items of furniture need to be dismantled for the move do this the day before - remembering to keep the fixings in a safe place.

• Inform the below of the move:

• Family and Friends

• Post Office - redirect your mail

• Local Council

• Gas Supplier

• Electricity Supplier

• Water Supplier

• Telephone Company

• Cable/Satelite Company

• Milk Man and Newspapers

• Internet Service Provider

• Banks and Building Societies

• Creditors

• Doctor

• Dentist

• Vet

• Schools

• D.V.L.A.

• Insurance Company

The big day:

• Ask the people moving out of your new home to keep the space that their removal lorry used. Try to be on hand on the day of your move.

• Explain and label any items that are not to be taken by your movers.

• Make sure you have left spare keys and instructions for the heating, alarms or any other appliances you are leaving for the new owner. When loading is complete you must make a full inspection of your old home to make sure nothing has been left in error - if your movers have to make a second trip as a result of items being left in error you may face additional charges.

• Provide your mover with a map showing your new address (if you are moving outside the local area) and drop the keys for your old house at your estate agent. Take the foreman's mobile telephone number and give him yours. It's important that you can remain in touch. If you are completing on your new house on the day of your move it's a good idea to arrange to be at the estate agents between 12 noon and 2pm as this is usually the time they will be able to release the keys to your new home. If you are there when the keys are released you will save time.

• At the delivery address you will need to be on hand at all times to direct the movers to place items where you want them. Label rooms to make reference to the parts of your new home easier. If you would like to see any items of furniture in a different position now is the time to tell them. Of course, your movers will appreciate the odd cup of tea during the move so make sure the kettle is on hand!