1. De-clutter

Moving house is the perfect time for a cull of those odd bits of junk that we all tend to accumulate. The less stuff you have, the less you'll need to move, so be ruthless. Remember, you need to move all of your items. Check the loft and outbuildings like sheds and greenhouses. If you're lucky enough to have a garage, ensure you've considered that. You usually always have more than you first thought.

2. Sort your utilities

When you're moving house there are so many people and places you'll need to tell, it can actually feel quite overwhelming! Our top tips is to make a list of all of the utilities that you pay for: water, electricity, gas, telephone - and notify them that you're moving. Give at least 48 hours notice so that your meters can be read. If you're changing supplier, make sure they know when you're arriving at your new home.

3. Notify the relevant authorities

Your bank, building society, car insurance provider, the DVLA, credit card company, doctor, dentist, car breakdown service and TV licensing authority will all need to know your new address. Get this done in advance so that you won't need to worry when you arrive at your new home.

Notify well in advance: Council tax, telephone, internet supplier and TV license.

Notify nearer the move date: Post office, insurance companies, DVLA, HMRC, work.

Notify after the move: Bank, finance, doctor, dentist, optician.

4. Change of address cards

Send these out a couple of weeks before you move so that friends and family have plenty of warning. If the price of stamps is putting you off, use email or Facebook to let people know.

5. Remember your pets

Moving house will be as stressful for your pets as it will for you. Book them into a kennel or cattery, or arrange for them to be looked after by friends, so that you can move without having them under your feet.

6. Start packing early

Write a list of what you have to move. Do this room by room, marking full boxes on the sides (so these can be seen when boxes are stacked) with what room they will be going to and if any fragile items are inside. If you are renting the property, ensure you have the inventory identified in your contract so you can check what needs to be left, reduce disputes and speed up the return of your deposit.

All non-essential items (books, DVDs, out of season clothes etc.) can be packed a couple of weeks before you actually move, making sure you don't end up cramming stuff into boxes at the last minute.

If you’re looking for more information on how to pack properly, you can consult our guide on how to pack for moving house. We've got plenty of great tips to make your move run smoothly.

7. Defrost your fridge and freezer

If you've got a big freezer you'll need to eat your way through it before moving day as those fish fingers won't last long on the drive to your new home. You'll also need to defrost your fridge and freezer a couple of days in advance of your moving date.

8. Hold on to your valuables

Things like passports, driving licenses, money or jewellery should be kept with you during the move. It's unlikely that anything will get lost, but you'll have greater peace of mind if you know what these bits and pieces are 100% safe.

We recommened keeping things handy such as a folder with key contacts, telephone, email and address details. Pack an essentials box to take with you - phone charger, drinks and snacks to keep you going.

9. Prepare your property

If you are a seller, you should have your 'Property Fixtures and Fittings Form' to hand to know what you have agreed to leave behind in the property. It's easy to leave behind things like curtain rails, light fittings and carpets - but refer to the contract to ensure you take what you are entitled to move. You will be shocked to hear that we've heard stories of people moving into houses with no door handles or light fittings!

Plus, apart from being a nice welcome for whoever is moving into your house, it's very useful to leave them a note explaining things like central heating instructions, locations of stopcocks and the fuse box and details of rubbish and recycling collection.

And, don't forget about the cleaning! Consider having a professional cleaning company come in after you have left; it will save you time and effort. For some tenancies, this may be a contractual requirement.

10. Choose the right removal company

The first choice to make is between a man and van company and an experienced removals company. If it's your first home and you haven't got much to bring with you, then a man and van company would be a cheaper and better option. However, if you've got lots of furniture to take with you then a removals company will be able to pack your house up quickly and efficiently and deliver everything in one piece to the other end, saving you a lot of back-breaking work.