Don't start packing Boxes until you've had a look through your belongings and made sure there isn't stuff in there that you don't want or need. Doing a clear out before you pack for Moving House could save you money, as it may mean you need fewer packing boxes and accessories. Fewer boxes may also mean you can hire a smaller van, so could make your movers cost cheaper too. Evaluate the condition of your unwanted items before throwing them away. Could anything be sold online to give you a little extra cash towards your move? Could your items be donated to a charity shop? Every little helps.

Whatever you do, don't leave packing until last minute. Think about the items that you want to take to your new home but don't necessarily need every day and seasonal items you're not currently using. These are things that could be packed up ASAP so it's one less thing to do nearer the time. Try and do a little packing every day in the run up to your move. It'll make you feel so much better!

As a side note, don't make the boxes too heavy - remember someone has got to be able to lift them safely. If your box is starting to feel heavy but is only half full, you can always fill it up with something a little lighter, like pillows / cushions or your children's soft toys.

If you know you will be Moving house in the near future, start saving any boxes and bubblewrap from deliveries you get that can be re-used. Although some moving companies supply boxes at an additional charge, it's worth saving money by using your own wherever possible. Think about what you already own too - clothes can be packed into suitcases and holdalls, your kids' toys can remain in their toy boxes etc etc.

Labelling your boxes is important as it'll make unpacking them in your new home so much easier. I recommend not only writing what's in the box but what room you'd like it to go in to. If you are using movers, it may be worth labelling the rooms at your new property, so they know where to put your boxes. Make labels big, obvious and easy to read. I'd also label both the top and side of each box, so you can see them no matter how they are stacked.

You could go to the extreme and actually create an inventory, so you know what's in each of your boxes. I started doing this for our big move to Devon but gave up half way through. I definitely think it could be useful, if you have chance to be super organised! 

You will need to decide fairly early on how you are going to transport your belongings from your old property to your new home. You may be able to save money by getting friends and family to help you but if this isn't an option, you will need to consider hiring a van or using a moving company. We've done all three in the past but found that a moving company was essential when doing our biggest move from the Midlands to the South West. Although it was still a lot of hard work, they were there to load and unload the van, which meant that we didn't have to do all of the heavy lifting ourselves.

When choosing between moving companies, you will need to check their availability, the types of services they offer and compare their prices. It's worth shopping around for quotes to see who can offer you the best deal. I'd also advise asking any friends and family that have moved recently if they can recommend a company and reading some reviews online, just to make sure they offer a good service and can be trusted.

This may sound daft but trust me, a survival box will be your saving grace, your little glimmer of hope amongst the chaos, when you arrive at your new home. This is basically a bag or box containing essentials that you'll need AS SOON AS you move in. For example, a kettle, cups, tea bags, milk and biscuits. Because let's face it, everyone needs a cup of tea and a biscuit after a stressful move don't they? Oh and toilet roll. You don't want to be without toilet roll. Your toiletries should go in this bag, so you don't have to root around for your toothbrush at god knows what time and if you're a parent, pack a separate bag full of things to keep your children entertained (and snacks...always snacks) because there's nothing more boring than moving house for kids (well once the initial, yay, exciting new home bit has run it's course)!

Have you got any tips to share from your own experience of moving house? I'd love to hear them and you never know, I may need to put them into practice within the next year or so...exciting stuff!

Megan x