Get organised before moving day

Schedule utilities to be disconnected and connected. Some utilities you may need to speak with directly about your move date are gas, electricity, water, telephone, internet and any cable TV providers. 

Start to assess any large or outdoor items to be moved. Dismantle any outdoor furniture and check storage areas such as the garage, attic or basement for miscellaneous items. 

Designate a ‘moving room’ for all boxes to live while you’re starting the packing process. An ideal place to designate could be the spare room or garage. 

Arrange any travel plans. If you’re moving interstate, finalise your flights or road trip plans. If you have pets, look into airlines or carriers to make their journey easy too. 

Call your insurance company and organise the transfer of policies to the new address. This applies for vehicle and home and contents insurance. 

Start packing any books, clothes or unnecessary items you won’t need during the coming two weeks. If you love to be organised, create a number system and enter your boxes into a spreadsheet. Allocate the numbered boxes according to the room the items belong to in your new house.

Pay any outstanding bills and close your accounts at the current address. This will ensure you aren’t paying for a service after you’ve left your previous home. 

Give your kitchen a thorough clean out. Plan on consuming or discarding any frozen or perishable items.

Disassemble any large furniture items. If you have bookshelves, bed frames or other items that need dismantling, don’t leave this until the last minute. 

Prepare a ‘first night’ box or suitcase. Label this box clearly or plan to take it separately in your own car so you’re prepared for your first night at your new house.

Finish the majority of the packing. You don’t want to be rushing to pack the day before you move.

Do a last minute inspection of your new property to make sure your new home is ready to move into. This step could be moved according to your settlement day.

Dismantle any remaining large furniture pieces. This includes your bed and any items you’ve been using up until the last day, like television cabinets. 

Pack electrical items away such as your television, computer and printers. 

Disconnect your fridge and freezer. Ideally, you would allow 24 hours for your appliances to defrost and dry. 

Wake up early to make sure all items are ready to go with your removalists or into your hired truck.

Pack any last-minute items including toiletries and personal items.

Do a final check of your home including all rooms, cupboards and storage spaces.

Greet your movers and take them through your move plan for the day. If you have fragile items, such as glassware, direct them to pack them last so they’re the first things off the truck. 

Go to your new place and supervise the unpacking.