Moving tips

Handy tips for moving

Here’s a handy checklist to ensure the move to your new home goes smoothly and efficiently.

Book a removals truck and obtain a quote for professional packing.
If you have pets, make an arrangement for their care on moving day.
Ensure that your insurance is adequate to cover any unforeseen accidents
during moving.
Prepare an inventory of all key items and store it with your valuables.
If you will be doing the packing and moving yourselves, ask your family
and friends for their help well in advance.
Arrange for telecommunications support for broadband, modems, and data requirements at your new address.
Ensure continuity of phone, gas, water and electricity services to your new address.
Settle any final accounts for phone, gas, water and electricity.
List any essential items that you’ll need on moving day.
Return library books, collect drycleaning and pay off any laybys at local shops.
Use up your supplies of frozen/perishable foods.
Cancel newspaper and magazine deliveries at your old address.
Notify regular service providers, e.g. lawn mowing, gardening and cleaning.

Discuss your move with them in advance to ensure they understand what’s happening.
Advise your children’s school/kindergarten of your upcoming move.
Check out potential schools and childcare facilities in your new neighbourhood and begin the enrolment process.

Plan how and when to pack your belongings.
Declutter! Go through all of your possessions and decide what you want to keep, sell, recycle, throw out or give away and make plans for their disposal. Don’t forget the garden shed, garage and basement.
Clean out your medicine cabinet. Dispose of any outdated medicines by delivering to a pharmacy.
Will you need temporary storage? If so, ensure it is near to your new home.
Check that larger appliances and pieces of furniture will fit in your new home and make a list of anything you won’t be taking with you. If selling, advertise items for sale in plenty of time.
Responsibly dispose of inflammables and hazardous items. Refer to your local council for information about where to drop off such items.

Start assembling boxes and cartons. If you’ll be doing the carrying, choose smaller boxes.
Start by packing the items that are used least often.
On each carton colour code each room’s items with a strip of different-coloured tape, so that each room can be distinguished at a glance.

Re-confirm arrangements with your removal company.
Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery.
Take down any curtains, venetians and other blinds that belong to you and which were not included in the chattels with the house.
Prepare any items requiring dismantling which are being moved, e.g. trampolines, garden furniture, large planter pots, etc.
Back up all laptops and computers the day before.

Make sure items that aren’t to be packed (e.g. car keys, wallet, documents and any essential medication) are placed in a clearly labeled area.
Carry all valuables, fragile items and important papers with you personally.
Move your valuables to a safe place.
Empty rubbish bins.
Defrost the fridge and freezer and remove the food.
Carry all the essentials with you in the car that you’ll need on arrival.
Tighten all taps.
Check gas, electric switches and lights.
Clean the house for the future owner or tenant.
Lock all doors and windows.
Check nothing has been left behind.

People and organisations to contact when you move: