Moving Tips

The daunting process of shifting homes – whether to the next suburb or another state – can be streamlined by using a detailed checklist and timeline.

Don’t leave all the packing to the last minute and hold a garage sale to streamline what you do take with you.

Six weeks until moving day

• Start a file for moving documents.

• Book removalist.

• Research insurance.

• Create a floor plan of new property and plan placement of furniture.

• Assess current furniture and arrange to sell items not required at new place.

• Plan packing. Discuss needs with removalist.

• Organise delivery of boxes.

• Organise moving supplies, such as tape, labels, markers etc.

Two weeks until moving day

• Check the garden, garage, shed and under house for items to be packed, thrown away etc.

• Hold a garage sale or speak to removalist about getting rid of unwanted items.

• Use up all frozen food, unless moving locally.

• Dispose of garden chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items, as suggested by supplier.

• Get BBQ cylinders professionally purged.

• Make arrangements to have pets looked after for at least two days before move. If moving interstate, book a pet transporter.

• Ensure pets are vaccinated.

• Arrange school and childcare transfers.

• If a DIY move, start packing.

• Label every carton and identify by room and keep a separate list of contents.

• Notify family, friends and businesses of change of address.

• If any furniture needs to be dismantled before move, begin to do it this week. Put all bolts and screws and other small attachments into a small self-sealing bag and tape to the base of the item or label clearly and put all in one box.

• If travelling any distance by car on moving day, ensure it’s checked.

• Arrange telephone, electricity, gas and water supplies for new property.

• Return library items and things borrowed from friends.

• If moving a boat or trailer, ensure all items inside are secured.

• Buy a street directory of the new city or town, if required.

One week until moving day

• Arrange mail redirection.

• Cancel and re-arrange newspapers and any other deliveries.

• Re-confirm travel arrangements for vehicles and care for pets.

• Make a list of things to do on moving day.

• If moving a waterbed, prepare as per manufacturers’ directions.

• 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.

• Collect anything being repaired or on loan to friends and family.

Two days until moving day

• Arrange necessary finances for payments on moving day.

• If travelling by car, check oil, water and tyres.

• Pack luggage or items needed immediately after moving.

• Collect dry cleaning.

• Do the laundry; fold, and pack.

• Dispose of remaining chemicals, flammables and garbage. Do not tip poisons down the drain.

• Ensure all jars, bottles and cans containing non-flammable liquids are tightly sealed and packed in waterproof containers or plastic 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.

Day before move

• Be ready for professional packers to arrive. This is 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.

• Prepare waterbed for packing.

• Leave forwarding address and contact number for new owners.

• Notify the police and neighbours if the property being vacated will be empty for long period.

Moving 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 the cat/dog/fish!