At about two months before you are due to leave confirm and clarify all your moving details and packing needs with the shipping company.

Arrange a car boot sale, advertise stuff on eBay, take unwanted goods in good condition to the charity shop and generally take a grip on yourself and get rid of items that just won’t fit in your new place. Make sure the family are not hiding too many treasures. (No you cannot take 10 years back copies of Golf International….)

If you have a parking restriction around your house make sure you have made arrangements for the removal company to park outside your property at or around your moving day (they may take more than a day to pal). Ask the shipping company for the size of the van and ask the local council for relaxation of parking restrictions for not just the size of the van but extra space for getting in and out.
Write or print out labels for change of address to all your friends and business contacts if applicable.

Put all your important documents in a folder so they don’t get packed. Passports, visas, birth certificates etc. Also flight details, hotel details and other essential l travel information.

Make arrangements for appropriate vaccinations at your doctor and for your pets at the vets. If you or a family member is one special medication ensure you have plenty to last you until you have a new doctor. Take copies of all prescriptions and tell your doctor’s practice about your move.