Buying a home

Countdown to moving day

10 March 2018

They say that those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

Moving homes is one of the most stressful events one can experience. The combination of the packing, the lifting, the shifting, the breaking, the crying and the excitement all rolled together can result in many things being forgotten or left behind.

The best strategy one can employ is to be prepared and not leave everything to the last minute.

This guide is here to help you plan your moving day by not only giving you great tips to move, but when to do them.

Download and print your own checklist here

Obtain a floor plan of your new home and plan what furniture will go where
Have a garage sale – get rid of the things you don’t want or won’t fit in your new home anymore. If they don’t sell on the day, drop them off at a charity
Start collecting boxes of various sizes, this will save you lots of money when you have to buy moving boxes
Decide whether you are going to rent a van and move everything yourself, or hire removalists. Consider your physical and mental health before making a decision
Make repairs to your current home. If you were renting, this could help you get your bond back
If you were renting your old home, inform your landlord or check your lease as to what notice period you must give before moving
PRO TIP: If possible, get time off work on the Friday before or Monday after moving day to give you time to get settled

Arrange to have your utilities connected at your new address. Services such as Direct Connect provide a central place to organise your electricity, gas, water, internet, TV, and more, making your move a little less stressful.
Book a removalist or removal van.
Speak to your energy provider to get your utilities transferred over to your new address. Most companies will arrange a meter reading for you
Book a removalist or moving van
Speak to your insurance company to get your new home covered. This may mean getting a new policy.
Start packing inconsequential things – books you don’t read, golf clubs, exercise equipment
PRO TIP: Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in larger boxes
If your kids are in school, start planning how they will get to and from school each day from your new address
If you are moving to an area with on-street parking, apply for a parking permit if needed

Confirm a date and time with the real estate agents when to pick up the keys to your new home
Back up your computer – if the worst happens in the move, you still have everything saved
Start packing larger items – DVD collection, books, linen, clear out the shed
Do a general clean to areas of your home as you empty them, but don’t go overboard, you will be kicking up a lot of dust
PRO TIP: Create a list of boxes and contents – it may seem like a pain now, but it will be your best friend once you move
Speak to your insurer to update your car insurance. This may affect your premium as your location and conditions change
Ask\beg friends\family to help you move – even if you have hired removalists. Many hands make light work
Organise a babysitter and\or pet-sitter for the little ones for moving day. There will be a lot of dangers on moving day – best to be safe
If possible, stop buying food. Consume everything you have – take as little as possible with you
PRO TIP: Pack a little bit each day, even if it’s one box. Rome wasn’t built in a day

Update your address for your mail (or get it redirected), on your driver’s license, payslips from work and electoral enrolment
Spring clean: clean the oven, on top of the cupboards, skirting boards, everything
If you don’t have time for the spring clean, hire a cleaner to thoroughly go over your old place once you have moved.
Pack valuable items in a separate box – you don’t want to be guessing which box holds your passport, jewellery and other valuables. Keep this box with you
Create a ‘open first’ box containing a set of bed sheets and pillow cases, towel, TV remote control, change of clothes and pyjamas
Drain harmful liquids from equipment such as the lawnmower and barbeque
If you are taking light fittings with you, organise disconnection and installation with a qualified electrician
Purchase small things that you will need to move in: picture hangers, welcome mat (items such as string, rope and rubber bands always come in handy)
Return borrowed or rented items such as library books
PRO TIP: Moving is your best opportunity to get organised. File all your documents, bills and important information in folders or files

Empty the pantry and fridge of food that will spoil in transit – eggs, milk, cheese
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to empty the ice tray
Put together a ‘tool kit’ for moving day: Sticky tape, Stanley knife, screwdriver, Allen key, mini torch, band-aids
Take a photo of the back of your TV before unplugging everything to save the guess-work when you have to re-install it
Seal any containers with liquid (cleaning products, condiments, toiletries) or put in a plastic bag
Pack everything. You can go a few nights without your luxuries like TV, Xbox and guitar
If you have keys to your new house already, get a copy cut

Buy simple things like cereal, bread, milk for breakfast for the day after moving day
Ready funds to pay for removalists\moving van
If you have the keys, pre-clean your new home. It is going to be a long time before you move the fridge from its place
Triple-check everything is packed – nothing hidden in cupboards, garage, attic
Charge your mobile phone, electric drill, portable stereo and any other electronics you may need
Take photos of sentimental things you will miss about your old home – height measurements of kids, favourite tree, mailbox
Pack last minute things: toiletries, medications, food. Do not spend any of your time on moving day packing
Sleep – you’re going to need it

Do a final clear-out check including areas less-visited such as the shed, attic, laundry, spare room
Lock up your old home – windows, doors, garage – and drop keys off at real estate agent
Begin the MASSIVE task of unpacking
If you hired a removalist, inspect your belongings as you move them inside. If damaged, some removalists have insurance that will repair or replace your property
Check appliances, hot water, heating, air conditioning, electricity and water flow to make sure everything in the sale or rental agreement is adhered to
Find a new local pizza place to order dinner – no cooking tonight

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