This case study from Anglo Pacific World Movers shows how, for one family, the show did most definitely go on, despite an unscheduled delivery  …

It is said that moving house is up there with divorce and family loss for stress levels. Imagine how Simon and Carmel O’Neill felt as they packed up their London home in preparation for Anglo Pacific World Movers to ship back to New Zealand and baby Violet Rose Veronica appeared some five weeks early …

Carmel picks up the story. “Simon and I had a very tight schedule to stick to, and Violet certainly didn’t feature on the immediate to-do list! We flew in from New Zealand at 5.30pm on the Thursday planning to spend the evening packing the last bits and bobs, but at 6pm my waters broke, so we jumped in a taxi to University College London Hospital. By 3am, a very healthy Violet was with us.

“For my operatic tenor husband, the show had to go on, so he rushed off at 6am to collect our two-and-a-half-year-old twins, Grace and Tom, from a friend, drop them at nursery, and let in the Anglo Pacific packers.

Don’t forget your pets as the temperature rises, say the experts at Air Animal Pet Movers.

When you think of long summer days, do visions of boating, barbeques and beach outings come to mind? It's second nature for most people to take precautions to remain safe, whether that means slathering on sun-blocking lotions, wearing protective headgear, eyewear or a flotation device, or maintaining proper hydration.

But what about your family pet? During these record-setting hot days, it's important to keep in mind that pets' needs are different from your own.

Ruth Scruton, of PHS Teacrate, has some useful advice for those pondering the best way of moving their belongings when they relocate.

Whether to use a removal company or hire a van and recruit friends and family to help is a question that stumps many people on the move. As with most decisions, the answer will not be the same for everyone. There are numerous factors to consider, such as time, money, and the complexity of the move.

If you plan to take treasured indoor, or outdoor, plants with you when you relocate, these top tips from Ruth Scruton, of PHS Teacrate, will ensure they arrive safe and sound.

After investing years of TLC in their welfare, you’ll probably wish to take your beloved indoor and favourite outdoor plants with you when you move.

Steve Blackmore, of removals and storage specialist Fox International, shares some tips for ensuring a trouble-free move to Africa. 

As Africa's many emerging markets continue to develop, relocations there are increasing. An estimated eight million expats currently live in Africa, and removals have mirrored this growth over recent years.

Once you have obtained your visa or work permit, you may be considering shipping personal effects to one of the 50+ countries that make up Africa.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 300,000 people relocated from the UK in 2008. Moving abroad can be a stressful experience for all concerned as it is; however, if you are planning to take your pet with you, it becomes even more so. Here, veterinary surgeon Bob Ghandour, of specialist pet travel service PetAir UK, answers ten of the most frequently asked questions about transporting pets overseas.

Question 1: Whereabouts in the plane does my pet travel?

Pets travel in a specially prepared area of the cargo hold. It is pressurised and heated to between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and kept dark, to help the animals to sleep, and to decrease stress.

Don’t get hot and bothered about your move. Stay cool, calm and collected this summer by following our top 10 tips for moving house.

Before the move

 Be organised: start your moving preparations in good time – there’s nothing worse than dashing about at the last minute, particularly when the weather is warm. Make sure you have a detailed moving schedule of what needs doing, and when.

De-clutter  – This will not only make your move much easier, but will also save time, space and frayed tempers in your new home. Go through your cupboards, loft, garage and shed – then be ruthless. Recycle as much as possible. Some items might be saleable – online or via your local newspaper – while others can be given to friends. Charity shops will be glad of clothes, shoes, books, CDs and bric-a-brac in good condition. Or try investigating recycling websites like www.uk.freecycle.org

If you don't know where to begin the process of packing for your move, don't worry! Ruth Scruton, of crate rental company PHS Teacrate, guides you through it.

Packing up your belongings for a move can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Here are a few tips that can help you through it. Some may sound frustratingly obvious, but when you're in the thick of it, you'll probably be more interested in speed than technique!

To get you started, here is a basic checklist of packing materials:

• Cardboard boxes (or packing crates)
• Bubble warp
• Marker pen
• Newspaper/paper/tissue
• Packing tape
• Tape measure
• Scissors

Moving house is right up there with divorce and bereavement as one of the most stressful experiences we can encounter. Ruth Scruton, of crate rental company PHS Teacrate, gives some pointers to help ease the pressure.

You may not think that acquiring the right packing supplies for your move is too important, but experience shows that not having fit-for-purpose packing materials in the right quantities, at the right time, can really hinder your move process – and, worse, can be the sole cause of damage and a fair amount of personal stress during the move itself.

Once you know you are definitely moving and you have a moving date, you can then start the process of planning and organising for your move. There are lots of resources out there to assist and advise in this area, many providing move activity checklists for the weeks leading up to the big day. There will be lots of things to take care of, with many to be done at specific times to keep the entire process on track.

Residential moving expert Cadogan Tate reveals how to guarantee your house move is as relaxing as possible.

The end of school terms are traditionally the times of year when most house moves take place.

While this can be an emotional and stressful time, there is no reason why it has to be that way, according to Paul Haynes, Cadogan Tate Residential’s Managing Director.

He says: “Preparation, meticulous planning and making sure that the people you work with are well-respected experts – these are the keys to a relaxing move.