Moving checklist

* 5 to 8 Weeks to go

Start Packing Early !

The process of moving starts weeks before the actual moving date. To give you a good head start, pack all the items that you do not use every day. This will give you a clearer view of what you still have to pack. Are you coming across items you never use and do not want to use?
De-clutter! Do not forget to clean out the garden shed, you will be surprised what will find in there! Get rid of anything that is broken, worn out or simply just junk! Why pack boxes full of junk when you can throw them out before your move?

If you have any reusable items that you will not be taking with you to your new home, try and sell the items or donate them to a charity shop.

Run down on food

When going through your kitchen, have a look what you still have stored in terms of frozen and perishable foods. This gives you a good chance to clean out your fridge before you move and use up all the foods instead of packing and moving it or even throwing away!
 

* 4 Weeks to go

Notify your Landlord

If you are renting, make sure to notify your property manager and/or landlord that you will not continue to rent the property. Most likely in your rental agreement that you would have a clause to notify one month ahead if you're not renewing your lease. Please note that this may vary per rental agreement.

It is a good idea to book your move in NOW.

* 3 Weeks to go

Update friends, family and relevant businesses with your new contact information

Make sure that you have informed all relevant businesses such as your Attorney, Accountant e.g. Tax office and even your local council with your new address. Update your Banks and Insurance companies with your new address as well.

Inform the important people in your life such as your friends and family with an update about your move. A message as easy and quick as a text message, social media update or an email notification fill inform your loved ones about your new address.

Internet

Arrange your internet connection at least three weeks prior to your move. Internet service providers often have to make the arrangements to disconnect and connect you prior to your actual move. Nothing feels more like home than your trustworthy Wi-Fi connection.
 

* 2 weeks to go

Change your address

Avoid troubling the new tenants with forwarding your mail, change your address as soon as you can. Notify the post office of your new address and contact government bodies such as the Transport Dept to change your address on your license and registration for your vehicle(s).

Please consider the following for an address change  

* Magazine subscriptions

* Car insurance and registration providers

* Electoral roll details

* Inform your bank

* Superannuation funds

* Transport governing body

* 7 days to go

Children and Pets

If you have Children and/or pets, make sure you have developed a plan of approach for them during the day. It would be easy if a family member can watch them during the move or they can be temporary located somewhere else such as day-care/pet hotel.

* 5 days to go

Energy providers

Finalise utility accounts including disconnection and connection at new address such as energy, gas and water. You will need to disconnect these utilities in the previous tenants’ name when you move and reconnect it in your own name. Contact the utilities providers, provide them with the new address, the preferred connection dates, contact numbers and identification details.

Collect and Cancel

Collect any items that have been in repair such as dry-cleaning and shoes. Make sure to cancel any deliveries of paper, groceries, subscriptions, home delivery service and cleaning and garden services. (or reschedule for your new address)

* 3 days to go

Disposal

Make sure you empty your rubbish bins and clean out your shed, garage and attic. According to the law, removalist companies are not allowed to transport flammables and fuel. Please dispose these liquids and empty your machinery such as lawnmowers from their fuel.

Medicine Disposal

To avoid chemical pollution, please dispose unwanted medicines to your local chemist.

* 1 day to go

Ready to move

Make sure that all of your belongings are packed in boxes and ideally labeled before your removalist arrive. Please take all contents out of your fridge and freezer on your moving day. It is a good idea to store these items in plastic tubs while your fridge is in transit. Being all packed-up and ready for your move just means that your move will proceed smoothly and the removal crew will not have to wait around for you to finish packing.

Make sure that you have packed two special boxes, a ‘un-packing’ and a ‘first night’ box.

Let’s start with the first box: Unpacking box.
This box should contain your new house keys, assembly tools (each of our trucks are equipped with our own toolkits), labelled bags with screws from dismantled furniture, scissors and screwdrivers. Having these items all in the same box will save yourself and the removalist time when setting up your home.

The second box is the ‘First Night Box’.
This box contains basic items you need for your first night in your new home such as a change of clothing, toiletries, medicines, toilet paper, pyjamas, towels, fresh bed linen and breakfast basics such as coffee, tea bags or a kettle. These items will make you feel comfy in your new house and prevent having to search through boxes after a long moving day.

Then lastly, make sure that you have read all your utilities meters such as gas, electricity and water to prevent the new residents to pay for your usage or vice versa. Do not forget to defrost the fridge and freezer the day before your move. Give them a good wash out so that you have a fresh start in your new home.

* Moving day

Moving house is a big deal and can be mentally exhausting so make sure you are prepared and energized. A simple step is to provide plenty of water and snacks for your moving day for both yourself and your removalist. Nothing better than hydrated removalists.

Final tips:

Driveway access

When moving, you have to take in consideration the access to your old and new property. Upon arrival the crew may have to discuss the best option to park the removal truck. To avoid this time consuming situation, please inform your removalists beforehand about declines and inclines, overhanging awnings and trees that may hinder access for the removal truck to your property. When paid parking is required, such as in city areas, please let your removalists know prior to their arrival or when booking.

Have your new house professionally cleaned

Most of the time, properties have had a professional clean when the last resident moves out. If this was a while ago it might be a good idea to give your new home another clean. When you hire professional cleaners make sure they specialise in final house cleans. Double check if they provide carpet steaming and ask them to go thoroughly through the kitchen and bathrooms.

Organise house & contents insurance

When you move house it is important to contact your insurance provider to make sure you are covered for the duration of your move. Your current home insurance policy should cease the day after you have moved out and your next insurance policy should start the day before you move. This should be organised accordingly because on your moving day you technically do not live anywhere.