Moving House Some top tips on planning for the big day

By the Beresfords Marketing Team - 10th November 2011

Have you got enough boxes? What about the breakables and family heirlooms? How will you find the kettle?

Having drawn up a 'to-do' list well in advance, it should be plain sailing.

Here are Beresfords top tips:

· Don't leave everything until the day before you go. Consider what you don't need to take with you, what will need careful packing and that you are covered for potential breakages.

· Make a priority list and take your time. As it is a fresh start only take what you really need and use a couple of those boxes to store charity or car boot items.

· Ensure you have enough boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and marker pens to label things up. Boxes of all sizes will ensure you don’t overload the larger ones.

· Pack an 'essentials box' for the first night in your new home - the kettle and tea bags amongst them - and prepare an overnight bag for the family with household necessities.

· Start early and begin at the top of the house and work your way down, labelling boxes for each room as you go.

· Pack important documents together and keep them in a safe place.

· If you have children or pets, try and get a family member, friend or neighbour to look after them whilst you are packing.

· Don't forget to contact Royal Mail to get your post redirected to your new address.

· Take readings from gas, electricity and water metres - taking digital photographs of the metres to back up your readings.

As well as the huge excitement of moving to a new home, there is also the enormous task of packing. However, with an organised approach and a strict action plan to follow, it may not be as daunting as you think. What's more, it will make unpacking at the other end go a lot smoother!