As the moving date approaches, you'll doubtless call on friends and family to help you start packing the essential items for your house move. Don't forget that before the completion date; you will need to notify companies and people about your new address. To help you with this task, we have put together a handy moving house guide that details the main people you should contact, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned home mover.

There are many people you need to tell about your brand-new home - to help you out we've compiled a handy checklist of people you will need to notify when you move, located at the bottom of this article.

This is a must to prevent identity theft and other misuse of personal data. Through the Royal Mail website, you can set up the redirection online
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- You won't miss important documents
- You'll help prevent your personal details from falling into the wrong hands and becoming a victim of fraud
- You will receive home mover offers
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You can redirect your mail to any UK or overseas address for up to 3, 6 or 12 months for each different last name.

Gas, water, and electricity readings should all be taken at your current property, and the relevant suppliers should be notified. This will ensure you are not billed for subsequent usage by the new occupiers.

Most utility companies have a change of address form on their sites, however, if you are not on a fixed-term contract this might be a good time to use one of the many price comparison sites out there to find a better deal!

When buying a new home it is usual to have buildings insurance as a requirement of the mortgage contract. However, even if you are moving to a flat, it's always worth protecting your possessions by making sure your man and van driver have enough insurance to cover the full value. Any removal firm should be able to give you the details of their cover, including any excess and limit to the amount covered.

Home insurance can be put in place up to 30 days in advance of your house move, so can be scheduled to start the day you pick up the keys to your new home from the estate agent.

You will need to change the address on your TV license if you wish to watch TV at your new address. This can be done online through the TV Licensing web site.

Most broadband providers will be able to change your address online, failing that you will need to call and inform them of your new address. Whether it is possible to move your broadband service it may be time to check out the new deals available in your area through one of the broadband comparison sites out there.

There are two things you will need to do to ensure that your car is legally registered at your new address :

All banks, building societies, credit cards and other financial companies will need to know about your move. This will mean that not only will they be able to contact you about changes or payments but, equally imnportantly, any details they send out will not fall into the wrong hands.

Anything you have delivered to your home on a regular basis will need to be re-directed to the new address. This might include magazines or other subscriptions, DVD rentals, milk/groceries, etc.

If your new address has residents only parking restrictions you will want to apply for a permit in advance so that you have somewhere to park once the big day arrives. You can apply for a parking permit through the Gov.uk web site. Make sure that your moving company can access the property easily.

To save throwing out a freezer full of food on the day of the move (it's unlikely to survive the moving experience) make sure that you use up as much as possible beforehand. Your removal company will not be liable for any such spoilage. Be prepared!