There are things a moving company won’t carry, and a few more you should keep with you anyway. Sorting them out a week before saves an awkward conversation on the day.

If losing it for three days would ruin your week, it rides in your car.

Some items are not allowed for safety reasons. Others are allowed but are better off with you.

• Paint, propane, gasoline and anything flammable
• Open food, plants and anything that can leak
• Passports, birth certificates and house documents
• Medication, chargers and a change of clothes
• Jewellery, cash and small valuables

Make one box for documents and one bag for the first night and put both in your car before the crew arrives. Tell the crew lead about them so they don’t get loaded by mistake.