START EARLY – as soon as you know you’re going to move, start thinking about the things you don’t want to take to you new home.  Don’t forget to include the garage & shed.  You may be able to sell some using e-bay, gumtree, etc.  Plan your garage sale for other bits & pieces.  Friends may want some of the leftover bits, and the remainder can be given to charities or taken to the tip.

When looking for boxes for moving try to get packing boxes that are the same sizes – large for bulky, light items and ‘book’ size for books, china, delicate items, etc.  Always use bubble wrap or butcher’s paper for delicate items – don’t use newspaper, as the ink will mark your goodies.  Avoid overfilling the moving boxes so the lid closes and they can be easily stacked in the truck.  Having consistent sizes helps the movers to pack the truck.  Don’t mix items for different rooms in one box and label the box with its destination room.  If you’re keen, you can number the box and use a spread sheet to record the contents.

You can start packing things that you won’t be using before the move (but make sure you know what box they’re in so they’re easy to find).  Starting your packing early can also give you an indication if you have enough cardboard boxes.

It’s far more frustrating to run out of packaging supplies and have to get more in a hurry than the cost of buying a little bit more than you think you need.

Lightly water pot plants and wrap the base in plastic, then put them in a box.

Start using the food in the freezer, fridge & pantry and only buy what you need before the move.

4-6 WEEKS OUT FROM THE MOVE:

  • Book your removal company
  • Organise transfers to new schools, preschools, etc.
  • Start disposing of out-of-date materials in the kitchen, under the sink, laundry, garage, etc.  Make sure the bin is full every week on collection day.

2-3 WEEKS OUT FROM THE MOVE:

  • If you are renting, advise the agent in writing of your moving day.
  • Contact Water, Electricity & Gas, Phone, Pay TV suppliers to ensure meters are read on moving day and services are available for your new home.
  • Arrange for family/friends to look after the kids & pets on moving day.
  • Make sure your new home will is thoroughly cleaned before moving day & arrange to have your current home cleaned after the move.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE:

  • Pack a box with the bed linen, towels and essentials for the first night in your new home.  Include school uniforms & clothes that will be needed the following day.
  • Redirect mail at your local Post Office.
  • Transfer bank accounts to your new destination.
  • Drain the fuel from the lawn mower and other equipment.  Ensure your gas bottle is purged.
  • Collect spare keys from family & friends.
  • Dismantle furniture that comes apart.  Put the hardware in a separate box with remote controls, phone chargers and other essential bits.  Label the box clearly and make sure it is easy to locate on moving day.
  • Have the car checked if you are travelling a long distance.
  • Cancel newspaper, milk and other deliveries.
  • Clean the oven.

1 DAY BEFORE THE MOVE:

  • If you have bought your new home, arrange a final inspection to ensure that everything is as it should be.
  • Arrange to pickup keys for your new home.
  • Prepare electrical equipment for moving according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
  • Defrost, clean and air the fridge.

MOVING DAY:

  • Keep your ‘essentials’ box where the removalists won’t load it until the last minute.  Add medicines, toiletries, food & drinks for the first day.
  • Carry perishables in a cooler box.
  • Take valuables and important documents with you.
  • Have some extra cash available in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • Collect manuals for stove/oven, dishwasher, security system, etc. Leave the manuals so they’re easy to find for the new owner.
  • Leave a welcoming note for the new owner and include your new address and phone number.
  • Do a final walk through after the truck is loaded.  Don’t forget to look on the tops of cupboards as well as in drawers & cupboards.
  • Make sure meters have are read, and telephone is disconnected.
  • Leave keys in an agreed location.
  • Lock all doors and windows as you leave.

AFTER THE MOVE:

  • Be on hand to tell removalists where each piece of furniture and packing box goes.  Don’t forget to put your ‘essentials’ boxes in a convenient location.
  • Unpack promptly so insurance claims can be made if necessary.
  • Give your pets time to settle in.  Keep cats inside for about a week and provide them with kitty litter.
  • Check all your new keys and consider having locks rekeyed.
  • Say hello to your new neighbours.
  • Contact your new Council or ask neighbours about garbage pickup days.