Moving Checklist
Ten Weeks before the move
- Decide whether you will use a removalist, hire a van and or move everything yourself.
- Set the date for your move. Consider 'off-peak' moving periods when timing your move. Generally Mondays, Fridays and first and last days of each month are the busiest times for removalist and truck rental companies.
- If using a removalist, obtain estimates from at least three companies and ask for recommendations before making your selection.
- If moving yourself, obtain estimates for the hire of removal trucks and required materials etc. Make a booking to hire your selected vehicle/s for the moving day/s.
- Sketch a floor plan of your new home and draft onto it the layout for your furniture. Will everything fit? Perhaps some furniture may need to be sold or given away.
- Start using up frozen, tinned and packaged food as they are notorious for spoiling, spilling and taking up valuable space and packing time.
- Clean out clutter. If you don't need or want it, don't move it! Perhaps hold a garage sale or donate items to charity.
- Start to develop a list of the people who you will need to advice of your new address. As you receive mail etc, check that the sender is on your list.
HANDY TIP 1 - If it fits in your car then take it yourself. You can save money by moving small items yourself. (Note: See Handy tip 2).
Eight weeks before the move
- Discuss the moving details with your removalist, including all costs and insurance cover. When you are completely satisfied with the details, book the mover for the day of the move.
- If you are moving yourself, start collecting boxes. You could gather used boxes from supermarkets or friends or buy or hire moving boxes from professional moving companies.
- Send out furniture/drapes etc. to be cleaned.
- Start notifying others of your forthcoming change in address, this is especially important for businesses as it can often take time to update your address on their systems. Note: Refer to change of address checklist.
- Organise for your mail to be redirected. It is recommended that you should have your mail forwarded to this new address for at least two months following your move.
Six-Four weeks before the move
- If you need to organise storage, do this now.
- Start thinking about how you will pack your possessions. How many boxes will you need? Which items should be packed last and unpacked first?
- If you have pets, consider how these will be moved, you could ask your vet to recommend a company.
- Arrange for final readings of your services, e.g. gas, water and electricity, to be performed the day after your move. Also organise for these services to be connected in your new home prior to your arrival.
- If you are going to need temporary accommodation, make the necessary hotel/motel bookings.
Three weeks before the move
Gather together all the packing materials you will need. This includes:-
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Styrofoam ‘beads'
- Old newspapers
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Packing string
- Rope
- Labels
- Marker pens
- Plenty of boxes
Start packing the items that you will not need over the next few weeks, e.g. extra linen and anything stored/not in use.
HANDY TIP 2 - Be aware that items you pack yourself are unlikely to be insured for breakage. Therefore, it is a good idea to leave the packing of fragile items, such as glass and china, to the professionals.
Two weeks before the move
- Cancel all deliveries, e.g. newspaper, milk.
- Check on the arrangements for the new telephone service and other connections.
- Consider storing jewellery, valuables and certain legal documents at your bank during the move or set these aside to carry with you on the day of the move.
- Speak to your insurance company and ensure your possessions will be fully insured during the move. If not, arrange for extra insurance cover for the day/s of the move.
- Contact the council where you are going to reside to find out about garbage & recycle pick-up, local regulations and other information.
One week before the move
- Tidy the garden and outside area.
- Arrange an appointment for the day after your move for new locks to be installed on your new house.
- It is a good idea to colour code each room of the house. Packed boxes can be marked with their room's colour as well as a brief description of their contents.
- Ensure you clearly mark fragile boxes as such.
- Pack bags of clothing and toiletries to take with you rather than send with the mover.
- Put together a box of items which could be useful for the day of the move.
HANDY TIP 3 - When packing items from the garden, garage, shed or workshop don't forget to drain the fuel from heaters, lamps, lawn mowers or outboard motors etc.
Your moving day
- Remove all remaining food from your refrigerator and freezer.
- Double check rooms, cupboards, drawers, shelves, outdoor areas and the garage to make sure you've taken everything.
- Turn off all services, including the mains switch and taps.
- Lock all windows and doors securely.
- Leave the old house keys with the real estate agent for collection by the new owner.
- Check to see if all the services are on and appliances are working in your new home.
- Register for voting in the new electorate.