You’ve found your dream home, your offer has been accepted, and you’ve told everyone you know the good news, but now it’s time to start the relocation procedure.

Not many people look forward to clearing out their unwanted possessions, packing their accumulated belongings, and the legal proceedings that go hand in hand with moving house, so we have compiled this checklist to help make things that bit easier on the run up to your exciting move!

Eight weeks- Research and planning

• Find a conveyancing solicitor.

• Arrange your mortgage.

• Research removal companies and get recommendations from friends and family.

• Consider extra insurance coverage you may need for your move. Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners' policy to see what it covers.

• If currently renting, confirm your leaving date with your landlord.

• If you are moving to a new area, research banks, doctors, and schools. Gather all the correct paperwork you need to set up new accounts.

• Sort a folder to keep all of your moving notes and paperwork in.

• Make a list of businesses that you will need to contact to change your address.

Six weeks- Preparation and De-cluttering

• Get quotes from removal companies.

• Assess your wardrobe and start getting rid of clothing that doesn’t fit or you no longer want.

• Once your wardrobe is sorted, start clearing out unwanted possessions room by room.

• Sort the possessions that you are taking with you into piles or larger rooms.

• Collect packaging materials. Your removal company might be able to provide you with these.

• If you are relocating due to a job move, find out what costs your new employer can cover.

• Check the parking restrictions for larger vehicles at your current and new home for the removal van.

• If you have children, work with both schools to transfer their school records.

Four weeks- Organisation and Packing

• Speak to your solicitor about exchanging contracts.

• Confirm your removal date with the company you have chosen.

• Get a box labelling system sorted.

• Use up food from the freezer and think carefully before buying groceries in bulk.

• Find storage facilities if needed.

• Organise to have your new house cleaned before you move in.

• Order furnishings for your new home and organise carpet fitters if any carpets need replacing.

• Start packing non-essential items.

• Clear out the attic and any outdoor spaces.

• Notify the relevant utilities companies and switch home insurance to your new home.

Two weeks- Final Arrangements

• If you have children and pets, arrange for them to be looked after on the moving day.

• Safely dispose of all flammable materials and liquids that require specialist treatment as the removal company cannot move these.

• Cancel local services you receive and settle outstanding bills.

• Finalise details with the removals company, including times, contact numbers, parking and directions.

• Make sure everyone has enough of their medications for the moving period.

One week- Final moving day planning and provision

• Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit- you can never be too prepared!

• Put important items and documents such as passports, driving licenses etc. in a sturdy box to keep safe while moving.

• Finish as much of your packing as possible so that there is little left to do before you go.

• Gather all keys for your current home together.

• Give the post office your new address and arrange post redirection.

• Defrost the fridge and freezer and make sure they are dry before moving.

• Wash and dry all linen and clothing.

• Book a time to collect keys from the estate agents.

• One last charity shop run to drop off any unwanted possessions.

• Hire a cleaner to come in and clean after your move, or arrange a time to go back and clean.