Moving Checklist
Moving house is a very serious and stressful event in many people’s lives. The first step to take when planning a move is to compile a thorough checklist of things to do and think about as you get closer to the final date. This is an important means through which to keep a sense of perspective on the tasks that lie ahead and prioritize so that it’s a well-organized and efficient process. Some of the major tasks include: Finding a removalist Disconnect and reconnect phone, Foxtel, gas and electricity Change of address notifications to; o Family o Friends o Schools o Bank o RTA o Insurance Companies o Australia Post o Employers o Health fund o Magazine/Newspaper Subscriptions o Charities Cleaning Storage facilities (if required) Rubbish removal Truck hire The next few pages will detail all tasks that you need to complete up to one month prior to the big day. Print this off and treat it like a checklist by ticking all the boxes as you progress.
Four Weeks Before the Move Are you going to need a removalist? If so, obtain quotes through some local removalists. Look into removalist insurance too. Contact gas, electricity, phone, broadband and Foxtel service providers to organise disconnection and reconnection at your new place. See the last page for contact details and information from major service providers. Will you need to hire furniture? Look online for quotes. Settle any outstanding bills. Create an inventory list of items you want to move and separate into categories, such as ‘moving’, ‘storage’, ‘disposal’, ‘giveaway’ and ‘garage sale’. Moving to a different area? Research it. Look up supermarkets, hospital and petrol stations. Research local schools and child care facilities, and organise to transfer your child(s) school records. Back up your computers’ hard drive. Ensure that all computer equipment can be packed securely. Pick up your family’s dental, medical and vet records. Currently renting? Formally notify your landlord of the date you will be vacating the premises, and arrange for a property inspection so that you can recoup your bond. Organise for your current residence to be thoroughly cleaned before vacating the premises, including the oven. Review your home, contents and car insurance. Notify Australia Post to redirect or hold your mail for you.
Three Weeks Before the Move Begin packing items that are rarely used, such as those stored in the basement, garage or attic. For some helpful tips on packing, see ‘Packing Tips’ towards the end of this document. For any unwanted items, consider a garage sale or charity. In other cases, seek local rubbish removal services and council clean ups. Disassemble any built-in fixtures and fittings ready for transport. Disassemble outdoor items, such as swing sets and cubby houses. Place all bolts, screws and brackets in a labelled container. If necessary, open new bank accounts and other services such as safety deposit boxes and PO boxes. If you own a pet, get records, medical history and immunisation certificates from your vet. Have your pet ready for collection as close to moving time as possible. Make sure your pet has a familiar toy for reassurance during the move. Moving long distance? Plan your route, stops, and accommodation if necessary. Plan to have sufficient cash to cover the move. Confirm your moving schedule with your real estate agent and arrange interim accommodation if needed. Organise temporary or permanent storage, if necessary. If you are not using a removalist company, seek truck/ute/trailer hire companies and obtain quotes. Service your car, lawnmower and other mechanical assets. Drain oil to avoid leakage.
NOTE: The following are classed as dangerous goods and cannot be transported or stored: Ammunition, new or partially used cans of paint, linseed oil, bleach products, gas cylinders (unless emptied), turpentine, kerosene, petrol, cleaning fluids, aerosols, vegetable oils and chemical sets.
Two Weeks Before the Move Return any hired DVD’s, library books and other goods. Plan for any special need of children and pets prior to, during, and after the move, such as medication, food, care or entertainment. If necessary, conduct garage sale/giveaways. Facebook is a great way to let friends and family know what you are selling or giving away. To be extra secure, create an inventory list for each box whilst you are packing, detailing exactly what is in the box and then attach it to the box. Be sure to mark fragile boxes too.
Final Week Before the Move Make plans for spending your final nights at your old address – how will you say your last goodbyes? Collect your spare keys and give them to your real estate agent or new owners/tenants. Start to notify family, friends, business contacts and the Roads and Maritime Services (RTA) of your change of address. Plan to consume all remaining food in your refrigerator – invite friends and family over for your last meal! Defrost and clean fridge and freezer Pack your personal luggage last. Carry jewellery and valuable documents yourself or send them using registered mail.
Moving House Day! Check all cupboards before you leave. Take five minutes to stroll around for one final check – don’t forget to check the walls for clocks, ornaments and wall hangings. Remove the electric remote for the garage from your car before you drive off.
Packing Tips!
Pack all boxes to capacity. Boxes that are not full are more likely to be crushed and boxes that are overfilled tend to tear apart.
Label all boxes as soon as
you are done packing them to ensure they are unpacked in the right area of your new home.
Use old blankets and sheets to cover furniture. If you have to dismantle any furniture, wrap it in butcher’s paper or newspaper.
Move packed boxes close to the exit of your home so it’s easier for your removalists (or your husband).
Tape and seal all cleaning fluids. Pack heavy things into smaller boxes and lighter things into the larger boxes. Wrap all glasswear and breakables individually in towels or packing material. Carry all valuable items such as passports, jewellery and cash with you rather than leaving them with the removalists.
Sell or give to charity everything you will no longer require, as it will only take up unnecessary room in your new home.
Service Providers Australia Post
Call 13 POST (13 7678) Visit http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/redirecting-holdingmail.html?ecid=da--tan----cms-p4rec--mrso---130930 for more information on redirecting and holding mail
Foxtel
Call 131 999 Ensure you notify Foxtel one month prior to moving, and take all your Foxtel equipment with you when you move Visit http://www.foxtel.com.au/support/accounts-billing/moving-house216841.htm for more info
Energy Australia
Visit http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/home and ‘request a call back’ Visit http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/residential/productsservices/moving-house/moving-house-tips for some great tips for moving home
Origin Energy
Call 13 24 63 to disconnect and reconnect your service Visit http://www.originenergy.com.au/3921/Move for any other help on moving home
AGL Energy
Call 1300 550 557 Visit http://www.agl.com.au/residential/help-and-support/moving-home for more info
Telstra
Call 1800 283 407 Visit http://www.telstra.com.au/moving-home/move/ for more info
Optus
Visit http://www.optus.com.au/shop/support/answer?question=I%27m%20movi ng,%20what%20do%20I%20need%20to%20do?&answerId=1330&typeId=3 for help when moving
TPG
Call 13 14 23 (option 3, then option 1) Visit http://www.tpg.com.au/moving-home-support for more info
iinet Call 13 22 58 Visit http://www.iinet.net.au/moving-broadband/existingcustomer.html for more info
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