OMG. Wishing you well. Here are my top tips (cut from the story because, let's face it, i did go on a bit . . .) Feel free to ignore! 🙏💚

1. Well before your move date, have a massive clear-out so that you only move with things you know to be useful, or that spark joy.

2. Print out a checklist of all the people you need to notify of your move with phone numbers and reference numbers included.

3. Before removal men come in, get a box, and put into it:

• The above checklist: it will be your guide in the days to come

• All keys

• All important cables/connectors. NB: take photos of the back of all electrics and label the cables.

• Tools: tape measure, screwdriver, Allen keys.

• All small valuable and precious items that removal men may wrap into great swathes of paper that you throw away by mistake thinking there is nothing in there.

• All money and important documents including passports/wills etc.

• A box of matches (in case the cooker at the other end has a broken ignition)

• A Stanley knife for opening boxes at the other end

• Anything you will need for your first night at the new place because you may well be too tired to start unpacking until the next day

• Any medication

• A loo roll or two in case you bought your house from someone thoughtless

TAKE THIS BOX WITH YOU AND DO NOT LET IT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT

4. Get a separate box and put a kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, milk etc in it, so that you can make yourself and the removal men a drink at the other end. Take this with YOU.

5. Get a big plastic box and fill it with anything that is open and could spill including but not limited to:

• kitchen things like oil/vinegar

• shampoos and bathroom stuff

• cleaning products

Keep this third box with you as well.

6. If you have pets, keep a box with their food, bowl and anything else essential with you.

7. On arrival at your new home get the removal men to build your bed. Your first job should be to make it up so that you can climb into it when you are tired.