Eight weeks before the move

1) Make a list of all of the relevant contacts involved in the move, including solicitors, estate agents, mortgage lenders, van rental firms and storage or removal companies. One sheet with these details can be handy, especially as moving house can often be chaotic.

2) Ensure you have requested your final bill from various utility providers (water, electricity, gas) and remember to change your address details with these providers. You will also need to contact other services you utilise, including your credit card company, your broadband provider, car breakdown services, car insurer, your local council, your bank and your building society.

3) Check your home insurance – ensure you are still covered when you move in to your new home and also update your address details with your insurer.

4) Get rid of unnecessary possessions, as this will make packing process more efficient. You may choose to dispose of these, recycle these, take them to a charity shop or sell these items at a car boot sale.

Two to four weeks before the move

1) Notify your doctor, dentist and optician of your new address – and de-register if you are moving out of the area.

2) You can arrange for your post to be forwarded, which can be arranged at your local post office.

3) Start packing books, DVDs and all other non-essential items, including non-seasonal clothing.

4) Finalise arrangements and confirm times with your removal company, to further ensure your move is as efficient as possible.

One to two days before the move

1) Ask your neighbours to ensure a parking space is left outside your home for moving vehicles.

2) Ensure you defrost your fridge and freezer two days before the move.

3) Create a ‘Last Out – First In’ Box – this will be filled with the items you need the most when you first arrive at your new home, including keys, credit cards and, of course, the kettle.

Mr Mimmack, from Accord Lets, which offers Birmingham apartments to let , property to rent in Leamington and Warwick property to let , said, “We hope this guide will help movers with both last-minute preparations and the other arrangements that need to be made well in advance. Of course, this guide is quite generic but we hope it helps make your move as smooth as possible.”