Moving house: The complete checklist.

Start by booking some days off.

It's been proven time and time again that trying to move house and go to work leaves you sleep-deprived, over-stressed and less-productive. Book the day before the move, so you can catch up on packing and cleaning, and prepare yourself for the move the next day. We also advise to book the day after the move, or otherwise you won't unpack until 3 months after.

Re-direct your post.

If you already know where you're moving to, there is no time to waste. Use the Royal Mail's Postal Redirection service to ensure no important mail will be missed. Remember that unpaid bills can affect your credit score and even lead to legal prosecution.

Think about your bills.

The next thing you need to do is to make sure that all your bills are in order. Contact your utility suppliers, local council and Internet provider. Update them on your new address and/or close existing accounts. Finally contact your bank and doctor and let them know about the change of address as well.

Submit your final meter readings.

The easiest thing to do is submit them in the same time you're notifying your utility provider about the change of address. If you forget to record and submit your meter readings your bills may be calculated to an estimated reading, which can result in you paying more than necessary. Amending the bill once it's been produced can take up to 12 weeks.

Register on the electoral roll.

Updating your address on the electoral roll means you can still vote on upcoming elections. It is also a requirement, so you could receive a fine, if you forget to do it.

Pack everything and label the boxes.

This can be the most exiting or the saddest part of moving out. It's like a revision of your life. Use it wisely, and make sure to get rid of anything that has not been used in the last 6 months. Start your life fresh in the new place.

Pro tip: If you're moving furniture, which needs to be reassembled, put all the screws and tiny parts in a transparent bag. Then attach the bag to the box, containing the parts.

Ask where everything is in your new property.

Our experience as an emergency repairs provider proves that many people don't know where important switches are located until there's a problem. Don't be this reckless person, instead ask the estate agent where the stopcock, thermostat and fuse box are located. Go the extra mile, and ask them for appliances instructions, and where they were purchased from.

Think of the future.

More often than not, when you move into a new home you'll discover that there are hidden issues. After spending a little fortune on van hire, new furniture and deposit, the last think you want is to fork out more cash for emergency repairs. Avoid stress by signing up for a home maintenance plan, like Rightio's Care Club.

For more tips on how to enhance your new home, take a look at our blog on Improve Your Home in 9 Steps.

Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit

Once everything has been packed, we guarantee you'll spend a couple of nights sleeping on the floor. This can be a fun experience if you're dutifully prepared for it. Make sure to pack separately:

• A set of pyjamas, or your favourite t-shirt.
• Some old bedding and a light blanket. We say old bedding because he place will probably be a bit dirty.
• Phone and laptop charger.
• Toilet paper.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• A change of clothes.
• Soap.
• Kettle.
• Tea, milk, coffee and packed breakfast.
• Paper plates and cups.
• Bin bags.

And before you unpack don't forget to do this.

Start with deep-cleaning the property, as it's probably going to be dusty and dirty after moving everything. Once this is done, check that all your utilities are up and running properly. Test the boiler, shower, lights, tap water and toilet. Then walk around and make sure you have the correct keys for all doors so you don't lock yourself out as you're moving boxes and furniture around.