A moving house checklist

All of us are likely to move to a new house at least once during our lifetime. When we do, we’ll quickly realise how stressful this can be. We’ve compiled this simple moving house checklist to help make the entire process a little bit easier for you.

Download the Printable PDF Moving House Checklist

Removalist vs DIY

First of all, you’re going to need to think about whether to use a removal company or simply move yourself. If you are doing things on your own, you’re still going to need some assistance, so enlisting the help of family and friends is a good idea.

If you are moving long distance, it requires more planning and checking in with interstate removalists about the move. When you know where your new home will be, consider the entryways. Will it be easy or hard to move your furniture in? Is the home a ground floor property or higher up in an apartment?

Also, think about the costs involved, as well as how much time you have. If you don’t have much time, a removal company will be your best bet and decrease the stress of moving. If you’ve got a stricter budget, however, make sure you shop for a cheaper company or do it yourself. If you do go it alone, remember that you’ll still need a trailer or truck, unless you ask friends to help you.

Address changes

People often forget to change their address, which can cause issues down the line. A month or more before moving, start this process. Use the Australia Post redirection service if it does get too late to change it on your own.

Who will need your address? See below for a quick view:

Check the complete moving house checklist for change of address.

• road traffic authority
• tax office
• Internet, mobile, landline, TV, electricity providers
• real estate agent or landlord
• solicitors
• doctors
• dentists
• councils
• insurers
• employers
• superannuation fund
• Centrelink
• Medicare
• schools
• banks and building societies
• subscriptions magazines/newspapers
• memberships to clubs
• charities
• libraries
• catalogues
• electoral office

Packing

When packing you’ll need:

• boxes (where to find cheap/free moving boxes)
• packing tape
• permanent markers
• scissors
• materials like paper, bubble wrap and polystyrene
• trolley or handcart

Always aim to start early and move systematically through the house. Start in rooms you don’t use as much and list what is inside each carton or box you fill. Number them as well.

Place cushioning in each box for protection, and wrap delicate items individually. Heavy items should go inside smaller boxes or in the bottom of larger ones. Load essential items into the van last, so they can be accessed immediately upon arrival.

Packing tips

Start early! Packing isn’t the nicest activity, so give yourself plenty of time in advance

Where to start:  pack away the items you don’t need first so you can then focus on the things you do need

Be organised: it will save you space, time and your money

Put loose items together in boxes

Dismantle beds/cots/anything that can be undone

Label boxes clearly so you know what’s what

Fragile items: always put extra care – bubble wrap, bubble wrap, bubble wrap!

Sharp items: wrap them well, you don’t want any injuries or damaged items

Heavy items: pack in small boxes – a huge box of heavy items is a pain to move

Light items: pack in big boxes and get them out of the way ASAP

Unwanted items: why not donate them to charity? You may not need them but someone out there might!

4 weeks before the move

This is what to do with four weeks to go:

• select your removal company
• collect medical, dental and school records
• organise gas, Internet, phone and electricity bills
• pay outstanding bills
• create an inventory for moving goods
• research your new city if necessary
• back up the hard drive on your computer
• notify the landlord that you’re moving (if renting)
• schedule a property inspection
• start using frozen food

3 weeks before the move

With three weeks to go:

• start the process to change your address
• update insurance coverage
• start packing
• arrange the removal of rubbish
• disassemble items outside
• disassemble prefabricated items e.g. desks
• get your pet’s records
• store valuables in a safety deposit box
• organise necessary storage

2 weeks before the move

With two weeks to go:

• look at transit insurance, if necessary
• arrange for moving your pets
• plan for accommodation and travel
• return DVDs, library books, etc.

1 week before the move

With one week left:

• reconfirm moving details
• change contact details at work
• arrange for redirection of mail
• arrange final accounts for your utilities
• ensure that new utilities are ready in the new home
• give back spare keys
• use any leftover food in the house
• finish packing personal luggage should be last

Moving day

Finally, it’s here!

• check all cupboards
• check each room
• remove garage door openers from your car
• turn off all taps
• turn off all switches, heaters, lights, etc.
• lock windows and doors