Moving house can be an exhausting and disruptive experience – everyone is affected, even the family pet.
We hope these tips will ease the pain…
- If you’re renting, contact your real estate agent or landlord and confirm the date you will be leaving the property and arrange the refund of your bond upon final inspection.
- Be ruthless and clear out your junk; you don’t want to go to the trouble of packing things you don’t actually want anymore. Either sell or give what you can away to friends, relatives or charity, and ditch the rest!
- Confirm arrangements with your removalist / hire truck company / storage facility. Make sure you have received written confirmation of all bookings so that you are clear on the prices quoted and can review the small print details.
- Make a list of all valuables including furniture, appliances, tools, jewellery, electronics, etc. This is useful for assessing the value of your home contents and removal insurance and will be handy later for checking whether anything has gone missing in the move.
- Collect packing boxes and materials from supermarkets and discount stores if you are moving yourself or organise to buy or hire packing cartons from a removalist. Make sure boxes will be strong enough for the contents you intend to pack in them.
- Label packing boxes with the details of their content and the room in which they are to be placed in the new home. Pack heavy objects with lighter ones – don’t strain your back.
- Contact your electricity/gas/water providers and advise when you are to move into your new home and when to disconnect your existing supply. Give at least one week’s notice.
- If possible arrange child care on moving day
- Make sure you return borrowed books to the library.
- Return borrowed items to your friends and neighbours.
- Settle outstanding accounts for milk or newspaper delivery and cancel supplies.
- Collect any outstanding dry-cleaning.
- Hotels - If you need hotel accommodation during the removal, book your hotel well in advance, especially if the move occurs during the summer months.
- Carpets/Curtains - If you are ordering these new, confirm the correct delivery dates.
- Telecommunication/Mobile Phone Providers - Contact providers including Internet account and advise your change of address and the date from which you wish your new number to operate. Give at least two weeks notice.
- Pets - Make arrangements to book pets into kennels/cattery etc. or for friends/relatives to look after them during the move. Arrange for the transfer of your pet's records to the new vet.
- A couple of days before the move, empty, defrost and dry out your fridge /freezer if you are planning to store it for any period of time. Foodstuffs cannot be moved into storage. This is a good time to pull out the eskies for cold storage. Make sure packets, bottles or jars are sealed with tape to prevent spillage.
- Just before the move, pack a bag with a change of clothes and essential toiletries. Include a survival kit for the other end: light bulbs, toilet rolls, candles, screwdriver and pilers, matches, paper towels, cash and a note of important telephone numbers. Put this box in the boot of your car.
- Arrange for refreshments on the day of the move, bearing in mind that your gas/power may be disconnected. Moving is hungry work, so pack a carton of tea and coffee, long-life milk, juice cartons, biscuits, fruit, cheese, and something easy and filling. Also include plates, cups, serviettes, cutlery and a sharp knife. Don't forget the kettle, a saucepan and a frying pan.
Some suggestions for who you may need to notify of your new details:
- Family & friends
- Phone/mobile/internet service providers
- Satellite/cable TV company
- Gas / electricity / water
- Shire council
- DPI Car Registration & Licensing – downloadable forms available online
- Landlord / Old real estate agent
- Doctors / Dentist / Solicitor
- Insurance companies – car, house & health
- Medicare
- Library
- Superannuation fund
- Employer
- Dept of Social Security – if applicable
- Schools/child carers
- Financial institutions
- Magazine / charity subscriptions/Newspaper/Milk Delivery
- Club & customer loyalty memberships
- Electoral Office – forms are available from your post office
Draw up a form email or letter with your new contact details – remember to include your account reference numbers where applicable.