The joy of moving into a new home is often offset by the dreaded task of actual moving home.
However, much of the pain and anguish often associated with the big move can be alleviated with a plan of attack that includes a detailed checklist and timeline.
Whether drawing up a floor plan, organising your utilities or purchasing moving cartons, preparation is critical if you wish to make the transition as smooth as possible.
By following this program, you should have all bases covered and encounter little, if any, surprises along the way.
2 MONTHS OUT
- Create a file or folder for moving documents
- Research moving companies and/or rental truck prices
- Make an inventory of everything you own
- Decide what goes in the truck, and what goes with you
- Create a floor plan of the new property and determine where furniture will go
6 WEEKS OUT
- Begin the cull (when in doubt, throw it out)
- Consider a garage sale or organise removalists for unwanted items
- Plan packing and discuss your specific needs with the removalist
- Organise boxes; consider professional options, including heavy duty cartons for fragile items and porta robes for clothing
- Organise all other moving supplies, including packing tape, butcher’s paper, bubble wrap, markers and labels
1 MONTH OUT
- Reserve a truck, ute or trailer for any DIY requirements
- Confirm the booking with your moving company
- Begin to pack out of season clothing and other items not required in the short term
- Prepare your change of address checklist (doctor, Medicare, bank, subscriptions, etc.)
- Make copies of important documents in case they go missing during the move
- Notify phone, internet, water, electricity and gas suppliers of your cancellation and set date for reconnection at your new address
- Change address for Driver’s Licence and Motor Registration
2 WEEKS OUT
- Start packing if DIY
- Clear out the garden, garage and shed for items to be packed or disposed of
- Dispose of dangerous goods such as chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items
- Begin to use up all frozen food (unless moving locally)
- Make arrangements for your pets, particularly if moving interstate
- Arrange school and childcare transfers
- Transfer medical records to your new doctor
- Notify friends, family and businesses of your new address and landline number (if applicable)
- Label every carton, including room destination and contents
- Ensure car or transportation is in proper working order
- Confirm connection date for telephone, internet, electricity, gas and water for new property
- Return and collect any borrowed items to friends and family
ONE WEEK OUT
- Prepare a new list for the day of the move
- Arrange all mail redirection
- Cancel and mail deliveries including newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Re-confirm travel arrangements for all vehicles and pet care
- Remove batteries from battery-powered items going into storage
- If taking any light fittings, arrange with electrician for disconnection
- Drain fuel from lawn mower and empty other containers
- Check cut-off or final reading dates for electricity, water, phone and gas
2 DAYS OUT
- Arrange finances for moving day payments
- Pack essential items needed immediately after relocation
- Collect any dry cleaning
- Do the laundry
- Dispose of remaining chemicals, flammables and garbage responsibly
- Ensure all jars, bottles and cans containing non-flammable liquids are tightly sealed and packed in waterproof containers or zip lock bags
- If keeping blinds or curtains, take these down now and pack
- Finish packing. Ensure all items are on inventory and each box is numbered and matches inventory
1 DAY BEFORE THE MOVE
- Be ready for professional packers to arrive (normally done the day before the move)
- Defrost and clean out fridge and freezer; check with manufacturer if the fridge motor needs to be specially secured
- Dispose of food that is open or will go off soon
- Wash and dry all dishes ready for packing
- Clean out medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs
- Check all drawers and remove items that are heavy, breakable or hold liquid
- Prepare washing machine according to manufacturers’ directions
- Leave forwarding address and contact number for new owners
- Notify the police and neighbours if the property being vacated will be empty for any extended period of time
THE BIG DAY
- Ensure removalist knows where parking is available at new property
- Walk around the house with the removalist, explaining what needs to be done and what will be needed first, so they can pack these items last
- Pack a survival kit with toiletries, tea, coffee, milk, water, personal items, first aid kit, spare clothing, tea towels and other dish cleaning equipment
- Ensure pets are confined and keep children out of removalists’ way
- Collect all house keys
- Make a final check of all cupboards, cabinets and storage areas to make sure nothing has been left behind
- Make a final check in all sheds and the garden area
- Before the removalist leaves, walk around and check all areas
- Turn off the power to the house, tighten all taps and make sure gas and all electrical switches are off
- Lock all doors and windows
- Don’t forget your pets!
