Moving home can be a difficult experience, but Durrants has some top tips for easing the stress.

1. Make a checklist

So many things need to be done so it’s best to make a list in advance of all the things you will need to do before, during and after the move. Include important dates, get quotes from removal companies if you need them, notify utilities etc.

2. Organise a pre-move clearout

Why move more stuff than you need to? Moving house is a great opportunity to decide what you need to take with you, what can be sold and what can be consigned to the bin. The more you are able to get rid of, the less you will need to pack and then unpack.

3. Gather together everything for the new owners

Before you move out, get all keys and any instruction manuals you have for appliances together in a pack for those moving into your home.

4. Check your insurance

If you are moving house yourself, it is worth checking that you are insured to move your possessions. It is always useful to plan for a worst-case scenario and think ahead rather than just hoping for the best.

5. Decide where everything will go

Efficiency is key to moving so why not use the floorplan of your new home to mark what should go where. It will save you having to move everything around again.

6. Clearly mark boxes

Store your possessions in boxes clearly marked for the room they need to go in. Also don’t make boxes too heavy to lift. Lots of smaller boxes are easier to handle than massive old tea chests.

7. Tell everyone you’ve moved

You will be surprised who needs to know. Redirect post, maybe register with a new GP if you’re moving out of the area; not to mention schools, banks, friends and family. Make a list in advance.