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Buying property is supposed to be one of the most stressful events of our lives - and certainly many of you will have uttered the words "never again" following your move. Although arranging the mortgage and finding the property can be taxing, many people find the actual build-up to moving-out day and the day itself to be the worst.
But it needn't be like this and, if this is your first move, don't let it put you off buying or moving up the property ladder. Follow our step-by-step guides and hopefully you will have an easy move - one you won't remember with dread when you come to do it again.  Arranging the move • If you decide to move yourself, look into the costs involved. It is likely that several trips will have to be made between the two properties. Where long distances and several journeys are concerned it may be worth hiring the professionals.
• If you hire a firm of removers you will probably have a choice of options available to you. For instance some companies will pack all of your belongings for you as part of the service, or an additional service, whereas others may just load and unload the van.
• If you do use a removal firm, check the contract to be clear on exactly what the firm will do and what happens if any of your goods get damaged during the move. Also check with your home contents insurer to make sure you are covered - you may need to take out a one-off policy to insure your possessions during the move.
• If you are moving from a large city to a smaller area, it may be worthwhile hiring the removers from the place you are moving to as they could well be cheaper.
• If no one can recommend a particular removal firm to you, it is best to use one that is a member of the British Association of Removers. Things to do • Book the removal firm if you're using one (give at least two weeks notice)
• Hire removal boxes or tea chests for packing if they are not supplied by the removal firm
• Start packing things you won't immediately need
• Arrange for the professional disconnection of gas cookers and any other appliances that you are taking with you (give seven days notice)
• Arrange for the final reading of gas/electricity/water (give 48 hours notice). Arrange for readings to be taken at your new property to make sure you are charged for power/water from the date you move in not from, say, the previous month
• Arrange for your final telephone bill, and arrange for a telephone connection at your new home - see if you can transfer your existing number over to your new home
• Cancel standing orders or direct debits from your bank account in favour of your existing house (mortgage, gas, electricity payments) and complete fresh ones for your new house
• Cancel deliveries of paper, milk, and so on and pay off your accounts
• Defrost the fridge/freezer. If moving with a freezer filled with food, turn it up to maximum for a few days before the move Moving Tips • Don't notify anyone of the change of address before the contracts are exchanged - if the move falls through you'll have to notify everyone all over again.
• Draw up a plan of your new property, showing where you want your furniture placed. This saves you the trouble of moving it yourself later.
• Take down all the fitted items such as wall lights, shelves, and brackets, mirrors and pictures which you have agreed to take. It will be more time-consuming than you think.
• Pack the things you rarely use first
• Make the move that bit easier by throwing out clothes and things you don't need. Some removal firms support Oxfam and have an OXBOXX scheme whereby you put all your unwanted goods in boxes, labelling them. The removal company will then deliver the boxes to the nearest Oxfam on your moving day
• On the day pack one box with a kettle, tea bags, coffee, milk, and snacks. Matches, kitchen roll, can-opener, sharp knife, cutlery, plates, screwdriver, candles, loo rolls, and light bulbs are also a good idea. Keep this box with you, along with important documents, telephone numbers you may need, cash and valuables and the keys to your new home.
• Label all your boxes and tea chests showing which rooms they should be put in
• On the day of the move, turn off water, gas meter, boiler and all electric and gas appliances; make a note of the readings on the meters.
• Arrange with the Post Office to have your mail redirected automatically to your new home. Who to notify • Before you move you need to contact the local offices of the water, gas and electricity companies and the phone company
• You also need to contact banks, building societies, and credit card companies
• The Council Tax departments in the area where you live now, and the area you are moving to.
• The companies that handle your home contents and buildings insurance, and car insurance. Make sure than you are covered in your new home
• The companies handling any pension and life assurance policies you may have
• The TV license authority
• The Inland Revenue and the Department of Social Security
• The DVLA to change your driving license to incorporate your new address
• Your doctor, dentist and optician
• Your employer
• Friends and relatives
• National savings and premium bonds
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