Removals can be particularly taxing and a slow and arduous process. With the removals lasting for at least a week, it is no wonder that we often forget certain important things to do in the last minute. However, to ensure a pleasant and successful move, there are several things to check and double check as the countdown draws near to moving day.

1.    First of all, remember to always check and double check with the removers. A reputable remover will go to great lengths to make sure that the customer is not disappointed, however unforeseen circumstances are  always a threat. This is why you should not skip the confirmation phone call. Ring the remover a week in advance to confirm that everything is still on for your chosen date, as well as on the day of your move to ensure that everything is going as planned.

2.    Avoid removals scams. Always check that the moving company you're working with is registered with BAR (the British Association of Removers) and find some reviews for them, before committing to a contract. However, after you've checked all of this and signed a safe and secure option, do not rest in the knowledge that you are safely out of the scam water. Moving scams are possible up until the very last minute and in fact, quite a few scammers operate on the basis of arriving before the actual movers on the day of the move, impersonating the legitimate employees and making away with all of your stuff. It is precisely for this reason that you should check the removers' credentials  and ideally, call the company to make sure that these are, indeed, the people they have sent.

3.    Remember to plan your own route to your new place carefully. Everything will be much easier if you do not have to follow the moving vans and if you arrive first. So plan your route ahead of time. Use Google maps or a similar service to map out a relatively short trip to your new home. You should also take into consideration traffic, congestion and any road works that may be going on at the time. If there's one day when you absolutely cannot be stuck in traffic for three hours, it is this one. This can be a particularly big issue in large cities, so do take this into consideration.

4.    Begin using up all of your food early on and only buy essentials after that point. Remember that you can't take food on the move with you, or at least no more than you'll need to snack on during the trip. This means that you will have to throw away any food that you cannot take with you. Make sure that that's as little food as possible. Nobody likes waste, after all. Additionally, if you're traveling with children, you may want to get specific provisions. Do get snacks, but avoid processed sugar which can lead to hyperactivity and opt for a healthy whole-grain bar and a piece of fruit. If you're traveling by night, or will be driving for an extended period of time, you may want to have a supply of caffeinated beverages, however avoid buying energy drinks as those can make you too restless  and cause an unpleasant energy  crash later on.

Using this advice, you should be well on your way to a successful and problem-free relocation.

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