UP TO ONE MONTH AHEAD

• Arrange and confirm your removal date as far in advance as possible
• Prepare a list of fixtures you are leaving in the house

UP TO THREE WEEKS AHEAD

• Sort out the contents of your garage
• Organise suitable transport for your pets

UP TO TWO WEEKS AHEAD

• Dismantle self-assembly furniture
• Arrange for professional disconnection of kitchen appliances, including the washing machine to ensure securing of the drum
• Arrange to have the gas, electricity, telephone and water meters read
• Start running down freezers. Manufacturers and the Trade Association advise against moving freezers in a full or frozen state. If, however, you require that yours be moved with food instead, wrap contents in newspapers, boxes and trays to facilitate handling.
• Clear the loft
• Dismantle sheds, greenhouse, etc,
• Drain fuel from lawnmowers/motor cycles
• Take down any fixtures you are taking with you
• If appropriate, make arrangements for the children to be looked after on move day
• Fabrics that you are placing into store should be given an anti-moth treatment
• If you are moving in or out of a block of flats, arrange to have use of the manual override key or priority use of the lift.

THE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Have TV aerials or satellite dishes taken down if they are part of the move
• Disconnect any light fittings you are taking
• Seal packets and tighten jars of food
• Defrost refrigerator and deep freeze. If you do not intend to empty the freezer, please read our earlier advice
• Prepare plants for transit
• Set aside an area marked "DO NOT MOVE" for coats, handbags, kettle, snacks, tools and cleaning materials
• Arrange separate transportation for any dangerous substances

ON THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE

• Lock your valuables somewhere safe and carry them personally with you to your new home
• If your possessions are to be stored, remember to retain important items - passport, driving license, etc. Do not put perishable or flammable items into storage
• Before departing check that nothing has been forgotten.