Legwork’s top-ten-tips for a smooth move....

Get a professional removal company in to help. Moving home is one of the most stressful things you’re ever likely to do, and having a professional to help you through it can take away not just the hard work but much of the hassle and the worry too.

Get connected - at least two weeks before you move, arrange with your telephone and utility providers to have everything switched on as soon as you move in to your new place.

Moving home is also a good time to check whether you’re getting the best deal on your gas and electricity. Compare alternative suppliers to see if you could save money.

Remember to change your address with your Bank, Building Society, Credit Card Company, DVLA, Insurance Companies, Doctor, Dentist and TV Licensing.

Even if you’ve remembered to change your address with all your contacts it can still be a good idea to have your mail forwarded for a while. Call in at your local Post Office or print the form off at the Royal Mail website.

Moving home is also a good time to get rid of all that junk you’ve been collecting, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw it out. A couple of hours sorting through it and posting it on Ebay could help with your moving expenses.

If you’re pre-packing boxes then make sure they’re all properly labelled so they end up in the right room first time. It sounds like a small detail but it can be a real help come the big day.

Pack an “essentials bag” (include a change of clothes, toiletries, mobile phone charger light bulbs, and anything you can’t do without for 24 hours) and put it in the car before it gets mixed up with everything else.

Try to arrange to have some help on hand on moving day - not just for fetching and carrying, but to help with cleaning or even just looking after the kids for a few hours.

Make sure you know where essentials like the kettle and the telephone are packed. That way you can get up and running in your new place as soon as possible.