News

The daunting process of shifting homes – whether to the next suburb or another city – can be streamlined by using a detailed checklist and timeline.

---

Six weeks until moving day

• Start a file for moving documents.
• Book removalist.
• Research insurance.
• Create a floor plan of new property and plan placement of furniture.
• Assess current furniture and arrange to sell items not required at new place.
• Plan packing. Discuss needs with removalist.
• Organise delivery of boxes.
• Organise moving supplies, such as tape, labels, markers etc.

Two weeks until moving day

• Check the garden, garage, shed and under house for items to be packed, thrown away etc.
• Hold a garage sale or speak to removalist about getting rid of unwanted items.
• Use up all frozen food, unless moving locally.
• Dispose of garden chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items, as suggested by supplier.
• Get BBQ cylinders professionally purged.
• Make arrangements to have pets looked after for at least two days before move. If moving interstate, book a pet transporter.
• Ensure pets are vaccinated.
• Arrange school and childcare transfers.
• If a DIY move, start packing.
• Label every carton and identify by room and keep a separate list of contents.
• Notify family, friends and businesses of change of address.
• If any furniture needs to be dismantled before move, begin to do it this week. Put all bolts and screws and othr small attachments into a small self-sealing bag and tape to the base of the item or label clearly and put all in one box.
• If travelling any distance by car on moving day, ensure it’s checked.
• Arrange telephone, electricity, gas and water supplies for new property.
• Return library items and things borrowed from friends.
• If moving a boat or trailer, ensure all items inside are secured.
• Buy a street directory of the new city or town, if required.

One week until moving day

• Arrange mail redirection.
• Cancel and re-arrange newspapers and any other deliveries.
• Re-confirm travel arrangements for vehicles and care for pets.
• Make a list of things to do on moving day.
• If moving a waterbed, prepare as per manufacturers’ directions.
• Remove batteries from battery-powered items going into storage.
• If taking any light fittings, arrange with electrician for disconnection.
• Drain fuel from lawn mower and empty other containers.
• Check cut-off or final reading dates for electricity, water, phone and gas.
• Collect anything being repaired or on loan to friends and family.

Two days until moving day

• Arrange necessary finances for payments on moving day.
• If travelling by car, check oil, water and tyres.
• Pack luggage or items needed immediately after moving.
• Collect dry cleaning.
• Do the laundry; fold, and pack.
• Dispose of remaining chemicals, flammables and garbage. Do not tip poisons down the drain.
• Ensure all jars, bottles and cans containing non-flammable liquids are tightly sealed and packed in waterproof containers or plastic bags.
• If keeping blinds or curtains, take these down now and pack.
• Finish packing. Ensure all items are on inventory and each box is numbered and matches inventory.

Day before move

• Be ready for professional packers to arrive. This is normally done the day before the move.
• Defrost and clean out fridge and freezer. Check with manufacturer if the fridge motor needs to be specially secured.
• Dispose of food that is open or will go off soon.
• Wash and dry all dishes ready for packing.
• Clean out medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs.
• Check all drawers and remove items that are heavy, breakable or hold liquid.
• Prepare washing machine according to manufacturers’ directions.
• Prepare waterbed for packing.
• Leave forwarding address and contact number for new owners.
• Notify the police and neighbours if the property being vacated will be empty for long period.

Moving day

• Ensure removalist knows where parking is available at new property.
• Walk around the house with the removalist, explaining what needs to be done and what will be needed first, so they can pack these items last.
• Pack a survival kit with toiletries, tea, coffee, milk, water, personal items, first aid kit, spare clothing, tea towels and other dish cleaning equipment.
• Ensure pets are confined and keep children out of removalists’ way.
• Collect all house keys.
• Make a final check of all cupboards, cabinets and storage areas to make sure nothing has been left behind.
• Make a final check in all sheds and the garden area.
• Before the removalist leaves, walk around and check all areas.
• Turn off the power to the house, tighten all taps and make sure gas and all electrical switches are off.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Don’t forget the pets!