Whatever your reason for moving home, it stands to reason that you want to do it as cheaply as possible. You have probably already spent quite a lot of money on the actual sale, on getting your house ready for sale, and on things for the new home. There is no point wasting money when you don't have to.

1. Start early! As soon as you know you are going to move, start making lists and planning things. Things that have to be done at the last minute usually cost you more, because you have to buy in short-cut measures or pay someone else to do it for you.

2. Use the Internet. The Internet is a fabulous tool for find lists/tips from other people and for getting quotes from removal companies etc. Now is the time to research utility companies and see what the best deals are in the area you are moving to.

3. If you have very precious or delicate items, think about giving them to friends or relatives to look after during the move. Precious ornaments will be better packed up and stored in a box in a friend's garage than thrown into the back of a truck! This can save you a lot of money in replacing broken valuables.

4. Keep a box handy for your hoover and cleaning spray/cloths. Once the removal men have left you will want to clean wipe/hoover where the furniture has been. You will want this box when you get to your new home to wipe over surfaces before you put everything away, especially if the person moving out wasn't as considerate as you and has left a mess. If the house is unfurnished, take bedding, bed linen and a set of curtains with you - at least you will be able to have a good night's sleep without having to pay out for a hotel.

5. Decide what will happen to your pets while you move. Try to find a family member who will look after them for a few days instead of paying for a pet hotel.

6. Make a list of all your utility companies and let them know the date of your move. Most of them will simply change over you account to the new address. If you forget to do this, the people who move into your house could be running up bills in your name.

7. While packing, take the opportunity to throw things out. If you haven't used things for four or five years, you probably never will. If they aren't heirlooms, throw them out!

8. Take as much stuff as you can in your own car. This way you will be able to rent a smaller removal truck. If you have friends with vans, make use of these.

9. Don't buy loads of stuff for the new house before you get there. You will have to pay for it to be transported, and it might not even fit in as you thought it would when you arrive.

10. Take basic foot with you. You won't necessarily know where the grocery stores are when you get there, and you might end up ordering expensive pizza or Chinese dinner if there is no other food in the house.

Good luck, and above all, remember that it isn't as bad as it seems - very soon it will all be over and you will be settled.

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
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