Have carpets and curtains professionally cleaned and leave them wrapped.

Obtain a written appraisal for your antiques and avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques for 2-3 weeks before moving as some products may soften the wood and make it vulnerable from imprinting from furniture pads. Three days before moving pack suitcases for the trip to your new home and put in some extra clothing for emergencies.

Pack an ‘OPEN FIRST’ cardboard box with items you’ll need immediately – toolbox, scissors, telephone, alarm clock, lightbulbs, black bin bags, plastic cups, plates and utensils, cleaning supplies, snacks, bath items and toys to amuse young children. Take this box with you in your car if you have room or make sure it’s loaded last on the moving van.

Pack linens, pillows, and slipcovers in bin bags. Pack toiletries and medicines in self- seal bags so if they break they won’t spill everywhere.

If you’re putting clothes into storage replace metal hangers with plastic ones to avoid possible rust damage to your clothes.

Empty your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before moving so they can dry and you avoid mildew, mould and odours.

Launder all dirty clothes prior to the day you’re having appliances disconnected and make sure all water is emptied from your steam iron.