When buying and selling a house, a good conveyance solicitor is vital. Mortgage companies often offer discounts to encourage buyers and sellers to use their associated legal firms, but this will not necessarily ensure the customer receives the best quality service and could possibly be influenced by financial incentives rather than quality of service. Source a reputable company by asking around and using the experience of others to minimise the stress caused by legal processes.

Once ready to exchange, it is time to think about the best day to move house. When possible, employ the services of a local removals company or man with a van service.

If the property you are moving to is vacant, this is a good time to visit to check that everything is ready to move your furniture into and decide ahead of the moving day where your possessions will live.

  House move tip

To stop receiving direct mail from companies or charities that you have not dealt with before, register your details free-of-charge with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS).
This will remove your name from up to 95% of UK direct mail lists.
Register online at www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 703 4599 to request a form.

4-6 weeks before moving home

• Order new items for the new home and dispose of those no longer needed
• Notify your landlord, home insurance and car insurance companies
• Inform TV licensing authority www.tvlicensing.co.uk
• Notify cable/satellite providers, council tax and DVLA
• Notify the gas, water, and electricity utility providers
• Inform the children's school, library, home telephone and mobile phone provider
• Notify employer, Inland Revenue, solicitor and pensions companies
   

2-4 weeks before moving home

• Inform doctor, optician, hospital and dentist - NHS website
• Set up mail forwarding at the Post Office or on-line at The Royal Mail
• Notify banks, store and credit card company and building societies
• Register to vote at your new address www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
• Send change of address cards or email to all who need to know
• Arrange child and pet care for the moving day
• If your pets are microchipped, phone Petlog on 0870 6066751
• Decide which toys children need with them on day of the house move
• Begin to pack and label boxes
• Cancel milk, newspapers and subscriptions

The day before moving home

• Fill the car with petrol
• Keep tea, coffee, milk, sugar, cups and kettle to one side
• Ensure all valuables and important documents are together
• Check packed boxes are clearly labelled
• Move vehicles to allow access to the house
• Make sure mobile phones are fully charged

Moving day

• Strip the beds and windows, keep bedding in a separate bag for use on arrival
• Ensure children have their special toys
• Keep valuables and important documents with you
• Make sure tea, coffee, milk, sugar, cups and kettle travel with you
• Take meter readings and turn off gas, water and electricity
• Check all rooms, fitted wardrobes, loft, airing cupboard, garage and sheds
• Secure and lock up the property and hand in keys