Moving house? Keep this checklist handy!
When you’re moving house it’s all too easy for life to descend into chaos. Here’s a handy checklist to help you get organised before the movers come.
3-4 weeks before moving day.
- Book your removalist company
- Measure up your new home and start planning where the big things will go
- Clean out kitchen pantry and throw out any old food from the fridge or freezer
- Get started early on school transfers for the kids
- Buy some boxes and start packing the easy stuff that you won’t use. Things like books, Christmas decorations, things in storage (you’ll want to go through your storage areas too!)
- Keep an “important papers” folder for any documents such as the new lease, house settlement papers etc.
- Don’t forget to label boxes!
- Do a big spring clean and get rid of anything you don’t want to take with you. Either recycle it, give it to an op-shop or even gather everything together and get your friends and family to sort through it over a few drinks! Turn it into a social occasion!
2-3 weeks before moving day.
- Contact gas, electricity, Internet, phone, Foxtel … all utility companies and let them know about change of address
- Return anything borrowed: DVDs, books, toys etc.
- Book in family or friends to mind the kids and pets on moving day
- Cleaning: ensure new home is clean and ready for you to move in. Book someone to clean your old home after you move out.
1 week before moving day.
- Set up mail redirection to your new address
- Cancel newspaper deliveries
- Pack up a “first night” box with sheets, basic cooking items, food, etc.
- Keep packing non-essential items, i.e. anything you can live without for a few weeks.
- Touch base with removalist to confirm arrival time and address
The day before moving day.
- Help each family member pack an overnight bag with first night essentials: toothbrush and toothpaste; basic toiletries; pyjamas; underwear; clothes for the next day; school items; medications; etc.
- Keep your keys in a safe place! You don’t want to lose the keys to the new house in the chaos!
- Defrost and empty fridge
- Leave a welcome note for your new resident with contact details and welcome them into a new home.
Moving day!
- Get up early and have a high-protein breakfast – you’ll need it!
- Dress in comfortable clothes such as jeans and sneakers, clothes you can get dirty and move easily in work best on moving day.
- Before the movers come carry boxes towards the front of the house.
- Pack perishables in an Esky for easy transportation
- Check all nooks and crannies for any items you may have forgotten!
- When the movers arrive discuss tactics and how you can make their job easier.
- Remember moving is hard work, even when someone else is carrying your stuff! Keep water and snacks handy, you’ll need them!
Want more moving tips? Read our Moving House Tips.
