MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST.
We have written a series of great checklists below that should help you organise your next move. Being prepared will make everything go more smoothly and cut down on your stress levels.
4-2 Weeks from Moving Date:
1. Establish a move date or at least narrow it down to a specific week.
2. Make sure you know exactly what will need to be moved, this will allow the removalists to quote with confidence and will ultimately ensure you get the best price.
3. Contact local removal companies, be as forthcoming as possible with dates and details. Try to obtain at least three quotes from professional moving companies.
4. If possible, allow the removal companies to inspect the goods on-site. This shows their commitment to providing you an accurate quote and a professional service.
5. Establish your budget, obtain a written quotation and establish moving transit insurance. Organise Contents and Household Insurance for your new home.
6. Notify electoral office, department of transport and any other government departments of your new address.
7. Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture placement and measure the spaces to ensure your furniture will fit, particularly the fridge. Will large items fit through doors?
8. Prepare an inventory of everything you own, noting any scratches or dents.
9. Make a note of any precious items that require special care to move and ensure the moving company are capable of moving them safely.
10. Get rid of anything that you don't need.
11. Research moving instructions for your washing machine with the manufacturer, and check the warranty conditions.
12. Make sure all the open packets of food have been consumed or disposed of prior to the move. Get rid of any expired products and start using up the food in the freezer.
13. Obtain a prohibited goods list from your moving company. dispose of all flammable liquids. (Garden chemicals, paint, paint thinners, cleaning fluids, bleach, fuel, aerosols of any kind etc.)
14. Create a folder for all your moving documents.
15. Arrange to have your mail held or redirected to your new address.
16. Organise school or childcare transfers.
17. Have a safe place for all of your important documents, keys, device charges, currency and passports. Have them with you for the move.
18. Arrange a rubbish pick-up with the local Council.
19. Return borrowed items to friends, rental shops and libraries.
20. Confirm with lawyers/Real Estate Agents that keys will be collected at least one day before your scheduled delivery.
21. Collect family and pet medical records including dental and school records.
22. If you are moving out of as rental, arrange property inspection with your property manager and book bond cleaners. (Ask you property manager for requirements or recommendations)
23. Transfer and set up utilities at your new address.
24. Review home and contents/car insurance
If you are packing yourself:
1. Source packing cartons. Ask your moving company or try hardware stores and storage facilities. Use white butcher's paper to wrap fragile items
2. On every carton, clearly label the contents and its room destination.
3. Prepare an inventory list of each carton. Mark FRAGILE were required and advice your removalists on the move day. Note all dents and scratches.
4.. Pack lighter items into tea chest sized cartons and heavier items into book cartons. Keep the cartons under 20 kg.
5.. Anything that fits into a carton should be packed into a carton.
6. Check with your removalist what furniture items you are expected to dismantle and what is included in the service provided (Anything dismantled by the removalists should be reassembled by them upon delivery).
7. Create a priority carton to pack all of the essential items that you may need immediately after delivery (TV remotes, Furniture screws/bolts, Kettle etc.)
A week before moving day:
1. Drain the lawnmower and power tools of fuel.
2. Dismantle Trampolines and outdoor play equipment.
3. Arrange final readings of gas and electricity meters.
4. Discontinue any delivery services, newspapers, automated payment.
5. Organise someone to look after children & pets on moving day.
6. Arrange transfer of bank accounts, internet, telephone, gas, electricity connections.
7. If you have a Boat, Caravan or trailer, arrange to have it moved prior to the removal day. Make sure it is not in the way at the delivery destination.
8. Fill medical prescriptions needed the week before and after the move.
9. If possible, keep the move day clear from work or other commitments.
10. Check you new home is cleaned to your satisfaction and is ready for you to move in.
11. Just to be sure, arrange a time for a locksmith to change the locks once you have moved in.
12. Draw up a floor plan of each room in your new home clearly identifying intended furniture placement
13. Back up personal or important data to external hard drives.
14. Ensure property access is clear and parking for the Removalist's truck Is available
15. If the removalists haven't done so already, re-confirm all of details concerning your move.
16. Confirm Settlement dates with your real-estate agent and solicitor.
17. Pack personal luggage and items that will be kept with you.
18. Set aside bed linens, towels to be used on the first night so beds can be made up as soon as possible on moving day.
The day before the move:
1. Refrigerators and freezers should be emptied and defrosted at least 24 hours prior to uplift.
2. Remove glass Microwave plates
3. Disconnect washing machine hoses and power, Secure drum with transit bolts.
4. Unplug, tie up and label electrical appliance cords.
5. Put aside essential and personal items in a designated area and instruct removalists and packers not to move.
6. If your house will be empty for a while inform police and neighbours.
7. Have a vacuum cleaner and a few cleaning items put aside if you indend to give your old home a once over.
8. If using professional packers remember to leave out essential items for that evening and the following day.
Moving day, at the delivery destination:
1. Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and let them know what time the truck is expected to arrive.
2. If you have moved into a rental property, make sure you complete your entry condition report before the delivery of your furniture.
3. Check that all your utilities have been connected, hot water service on.
4. Make sure parking for the removalists truck is free and un-obstructed.
5. Do a walk through with the removalists supervisor. Show him where you need the large items placed and how the rooms will be orientated.
6. Once the removalists have unloaded the truck, have another walk through with the supervisor and make sure you are completely satisfied with the service provided.
7. Make sure the removalists reassemble any furniture items that were dismantled by them.
8. If the beds and furniture were dismantled by you, arrange a helper to put the beds back together.
9. Have security checked and locks changed if concerned.
10. If move is from storage, interstate or overseas, check and sign the inventory.
11. Notify moving company immediately if anything is damaged or missing if you find an issue after they have completed the job.
12. Make your home as familiar to your pets as possible, keep cats inside for a few days.
13. Check that you have all keys and relevant instructions for your new residence.
14. Contact your new local council or search online for garbage collection information and new residents folders.
15. If your movers provided you with cartons, once you have un-packed give them a call to arrange a carton collection.
This checklist will be a handy guide to ensure you have all your bases covered for your next move.
