The big day is here! The house is sold, and you are moving into your new home - are you ready? Use these checklists to help ensure you get everything done with as little fuss as possible...

The Week Before:

> Arrange for young children and pets to stay somewhere else on moving day, as it can be a traumatic and confusing experience for them
> Notify the post office of your change of address and organise to have mail forwarded for at least three months in order to catch any "strays"
> Sort out unwanted items and hold a garage sale - not only will you have to move less, but the extra cash always comes in handy
> Clean out cupboards and pack items that won't be needed before the move, such as books and out-of-season clothes
> If doing your own packing, make sure you have enough boxes, packing, and tape for the day
Defrost the freezer and empty the fridge and freezer of all contents
> Pick up dry cleaning and drop off any videos, books or other borrowed items
> Make sure your solicitor/conveyancer has the right telephone contact details to let you know when you have completed on the property

On Moving Day:

> When the removalists arrive, talk through the day over a cup of tea or coffee. Give them a plan of the new house so that they know what boxes / furniture goes where, and discuss any features of either property that may cause difficulty in access
> Most removals companies are paid at the end of the day, so make sure you agree this upfront
> Contact the utility companies (gas, electricity, water etc) and telephone provider to turn off supplies
> Either organise someone else to do the cleaning or work out how and when you are going to clean both the property you are leaving and the one you are moving into
> Secure all doors and windows
> Write a note for the new owners letting them know about rubbish removal days, or where to find the switch for the alternate source of water heating, etc
> Leave a forwarding address or even sticky labels, just in case you've forgotten to forward something
> When you get to the new house, check for damaged items before the removalists go, if possible