A week to go
1. Start planning the set-up of the new property. Draw a diagram of each room to help guide the removal team. Carefully label the contents of your packing boxes on the side, not the top. Consider colour coding each box according to room, for easy direction on moving day.
2. Confirm the arrival time of the removal firm.
3. Arrange the handover of keys and collection of your new ones from the estate agent. Be aware you can only pick up your keys once completion has happened.
4. If there are parking restrictions at either end, notify the local council for permission to suspend parking bays, or the local police if it's a double or single yellow line. Most need about 5 days notice to do this.
5. Cancel all deliveries and services and settle any bills, like milk, newspapers, house cleaning. Arrange for deliveries at the new address.
6. Return all library books, collect any cleaning, reclaim any items lent to neighbours.
7. Put to one side things you'll need for a 'survival kit' on moving day. Include a kettle, tea bags, cleaning items, light bulbs, change of clothes, tool kit and loo roll.
8. Buy a carton of long-life milk and a packet of biscuits - you may have to wait for the removal van to turn up and a quick tea break can help pass the time.
9. Book professional house cleaners if they're needed.

The day before
1. Do any final packing, labelling and cleaning. Complete an inventory list of the boxes and your possessions.
2. Put all valuables and important documents in the bank or a safe place. Or arrange to carry them with you on the day.
3. Prepare your appliances for moving. Disconnect the power and water and check if you need transit bolts fitted. Defrost the fridge and freezer, drying completely to avoid mildew. Switch the freezer to high if you're moving with the contents inside.
4. Leave a change of address card with your new phone number with your buyers and some pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelopes, asking them to forward any mail or calls.
5. Get a good supply of cash for tips and incidentals.
6. Assemble your survival kit.
7. Buy food and drinks for moving day (be sure to remember some glasses and a bottle of champagne!)
8. Collect the van if you're moving yourself and organise refreshments for your helpers.
9. Take the children and pets to whoever is looking after them.
10. Get a good night's rest.

Moving day
1. Have a good breakfast - and do remember to refuel during the day.
2. Disconnect any final appliances and ensure the water, gas and electricity meters have been read and the supplies switched off.
3. Show the removal team your labelling system and any special requests.
4. When everything is loaded do a final check - open all cupboards and check behind every door. Before leaving make sure all the doors and windows are locked.
5. Do the key handover to the old and new properties if you haven't already.
6. Make sure you're at the new property when the van arrives to advise the team and check off items against your inventory list.
7. Tip the removal team if you're satisfied with the job.
8. Break open the champagne and celebrate!

For more information see Save Money, Don't Forget and Get Insured. For professional advice see reallymoving, ihavemoved, Royal Mail, British Association of Removers (BAR), National Guild of Removers and Storers, Local Government Association.