In preparation for your move, the following tips will come in useful and can also act as a final checklist on the day before you flit.

Getting in and out
Make sure that you tell your neighbours in advance that you are moving, and hopefully they will help to make sure that your removal firm will have a very nearby parking space.

The disruption could possibly cause some degree of inconvenience to them but their help will make your move speedier and they can get back to parking in their usual places.

Don't overfill
If the removal firm has quoted to perform this work for you then everything should be done efficiently with no damage to your possessions. If you have decided to do your own packing then ensure that the containers you use are strong enough to allow stacking in a van without harming the contents. Make sure that each container is not over-filled. Think about the weight of the boxes - try and ensure that none of them are too heavy for a strong man to lift and carry for a reasonable distance. Try packing heavier items along with bedding or towels to balance out the load.

Breakables
Items like china and glass need special care when you are packing. If you can get hold of some bubble-wrap and cover each item you should ensure the safe arrival of your possessions. You can use newspaper to wrap plates and glasses, but remember you'll need to wash everything again.

HiFi's, TVs, David Bowie LPs
This equipment is best moved in its original packaging, but it will need to be secured with packing tape before removal. Fridges should be cleaned with a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda and hot water to avoid unpleasant odours. Gas and hard-wired electric cookers should only be removed by a professional.

Don't forget
It may seem strange, but some people forget the contents of lofts, attics and garages until they are firmly ensconced in their new home. Any old paint tins, methylated spirits or other flammable material should be safely disposed of before you leave. If not, make sure it is well-secured and remember to check the terms and conditions of your contract and insurance with the remover. Flammable materials are often not included in the terms of their insurance.

Fido and Tiddles
The stress of a move is often uncomfortable for humans. Animals can find it very disconcerting. If you have a nervous pet then it might be worth speaking to your vet before you move.

Financial matters
Go to your bank and pick up a change-of-address form. You may want to take this opportunity to change banks. Inform the organisations that receive your money. Notify your credit card company and insurance firm, and make sure you tell your motor insurance broker at least seven working days in advance of your move. All your standing orders will have to be checked and many changed.

If you have a linked burglar alarm, tell the police the names of the new owners.

Post and phone
To get your post redirected, Royal Mail needs seven days notice. Use form P944 (social), available at your Post Office. The cost of this service is £6 for one month, £13 for three months and £30 for a whole year. On the telephone front, BT needs two weeks' warning to make sure your new line is ready for use. But get this done as early as possible so you can include your new number on your address cards. Make sure that if you have a mobile phone that your supplier knows of your address change for the bill.

Motor matters
To make sure your car registration address is correct, complete the relevant section on the reverse side or at the bottom of your registration document and send it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea, SA99 1AR. If you have any queries, ring 0870 240 0010 or email vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk.

If you have an old-style paper driving licence, you can no longer change address by using the form attached to it. The Driver and Vehicle Driving Agency now only issues photo licences. You need to obtain form D750 from a Post Office, complete it, and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BY, along with a passport photograph and one of the following forms of identification: a full valid current passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of registry of birth (provided your name is on the certificate), an adoption certificate, an ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA, travel documents issued by the Home Office, or a certificate of naturalisation or registration. The photograph must show your whole face and you must not be wearing a hat, helmet or sunglasses. If you don't want to send off your documents and have a valid passport, you can present the form, the photograph and your passport at large Post Offices. They will check your passport and hand it back to you on the spot, but will charge a small fee (currently £3.50) for doing so. If you have any queries, ring 0870 240 0009 or email drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

Don't forget to tell your insurance company you have moved - a change of address will probably affect your policy.

Medical services
De-register with your old GP and re-register with the new doctor as soon as possible. To find a new doctor, contact the Community Health Council in your area. You will also have to find a dentist and in some cases an optician.