How to survive the moving house blues

Moving house is a complex business even without the complications of actually buying and selling the property and arranging mortgages.

You do however, usually have the help of professionals in those areas of the transaction. When it comes to the move, whether it be in or out, you are definitely on your own.

Once you know the date of the move, you can inform the removal company.

However you should have tested the market well in advance, and chosen the firm you felt would best serve your purposes, which is not always the one with the cheapest quote.

As soon as you have found a buyer, inform your chosen firm and they will pencil you into their diary.

No matter that you don't have a firm date as yet, they are used to this and will make appropriate allowances when planning their workload.

Armed with a firm date for the move however, your work has just begun.

Inform the utility services - gas, electricity and telephone company.

It is possible you will also have to inform the water company that your account will cease on the day you move.

That done you should contact the suppliers in the new district that you are moving in on such a day so you won't be without services at a very awkward time.

These days you can often take your telephone number with you when you move so that at least may not need to be changed when you inform all the other interested parties.

If you are moving in to a new district you will need a new GP. You may wish to retain your dentist these days unless the logistics are too difficult. Make sure you are aware of the nearest local hospital casualty department, just in case.

If children are involved, the move may involve a change of schools or nursery.

Best to get all this sorted out before you actually arrive especially if the move takes place outside school holidays.

The sooner the little dears are safely in their new institution the sooner you will be able to get down to unpacking and turning your new house into a new home.

If you have pets, organise their re-location for the duration of the move. Dogs, cats and other pets can be a real nuisance during a move and they are best away with friends, family or in kennels.

Make a point of stopping all regular deliveries such as milk and papers. The sooner you do this the less likely it is you will forget and you will only have to put up with the inconvenience for a short space of time.

Your post will need to be re-directed. There will be a form at your local post office to set this in motion.

It's a good idea to do this before you inform anyone of your projected move because if you forget to tell someone, you will still receive their communications at the new address.

Next check your list of other interested parties - they will probably include the bank, building society, insurers, inland revenue, your employer if you intend to continue in their employ, national insurance, Swansea to change your driving licence and the address on your car's registration document, plus anyone else you deal with officially, semi-officially and socially.

Don't forget to tell your friends and family.

Your estate agent and solicitor will already be informed of the move but it is as well to tell them yourself as well so they are absolutely aware of the date you are flitting. Don't forget to return all library books and surrender the tickets.

As well as packing, you should try and take time familiarising yourself with your new location. Find out about public transport, local services, the nearest pub.

And if all this seems complicated, it is. It is however the only way to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible to ensure you have the very best start as you move into your new home.