Moving Home Checklist: Things to Do or Consider When Moving House

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Moving house can be as daunting as it is exciting. To navigate this significant life event smoothly, it’s essential to approach it with a well-organised plan. Our comprehensive moving home checklist is designed to guide you through each step of your move, from packing your belongings securely to setting up your new home. Whether upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, this moving checklist ensures nothing is overlooked. Get ready to embark on your moving adventure confidently, armed with expert tips and a clear roadmap to quickly settle into your new abode.

Here Are Some Common Steps to Take When Moving House

Relocating can be a whirlwind of emotions and tasks, but having a handy checklist can make the process smoother. Whether you’re gearing up for a significant move or simply shifting to a nearby locale, this guide will help you tick all the right boxes.

Assess the Scope and Complexity of Your Move

Before diving into the packing, take a moment to assess what your move entails. This step is vital in tailoring your moving house checklist to fit your specific needs, whether that’s coordinating with a removal company, scheduling disconnections, or organising a garage sale to lighten the load.

Understanding the full extent of your move is crucial. Start by evaluating your current home: How much furniture do you have? Are there outdoor items like garden chemicals or indoor plants? Make a list that includes everything from large appliances to small items like Allen keys. This detailed inventory will help you communicate effectively with moving companies and assist in determining what might need special handling or insurance. Consider your new home’s layout as well; understanding the floor plan can help you decide what to take with you and what might need to be stored or sold.

Hire the Professional Moving Company

Finding the right moving company is crucial. After all, they are handling your items. Ensure you choose reputable moving companies with proven track records. Ask about their insurance products, particularly moving transit insurance, to protect your belongings during the move.

When selecting a moving company, don’t just look for the best price; consider the quality of service. A good removal company will offer transparent pricing, reliable insurance options, and a proven track record of handling moves responsibly.

Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved, and check online reviews. Ensure the company offers products like moving transit insurance to cover potential damages from a reputed insurance company. Once you have a few options, request detailed quotes and compare what each company offers for the price.

Gather Packing Boxes and Supplies

You’ll need sturdy packing boxes, clean white butcher’s paper, packing tape, and bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Start collecting these materials early, and label each box by room destination and contents, simplifying unpacking at your new house.

Securing suitable packing materials is essential for a successful move. You’ll need more than moving boxes; obtain strong packing tape, bubble wrap for your fragile items, and clean white butcher’s paper to protect your belongings from scratches and dust. Specialty items, such as wardrobe boxes for clothing and sturdy crates for electronic appliances, can also be very useful. Many storage facilities offer a range of packing materials if you need to buy in bulk. Label each box clearly with the room destination and a brief description of its contents for easier unpacking.

Pack Your Belongings

Start packing non-essential items first. Use bubble wrap for delicate items and secure boxes with strong packing tape. Essential documents, personal items, and bathroom necessities should be packed last and kept accessible for the first few days in the new home.

Packing effectively can significantly ease the stress of moving day. Begin with items you use infrequently. Books, out-of-season clothing, and rarely used gadgets should be packed first. Use sturdy boxes and ample padding for fragile items.

Keep important documents and essential personal items—like your insurance company’s contact details, pet medical records, and key household tools—accessible. Wrap dishes and glasses in bubble wrap or butcher’s paper, and secure the boxes with strong tape. Remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box should be to make transportation easier.

Disconnect & Set up Utilities

Contact your utility providers for water, electricity, and your hot water system to arrange final readings at your old house and ensure everything is connected to your new address before your moving date.

One of the most overlooked aspects of moving house is managing utilities. Contact your utility providers well in advance to schedule the disconnection of services like electricity, gas, and water at your old home and ensure they are activated by the moving date to your new house.

Don’t forget to also handle subscriptions and services tied to your old address, such as internet and pay TV. If you’re moving appliances like washing machines, arrange for a professional to disconnect and reconnect them, ensuring your new home is functional from day one. This step is crucial to ensure you’re not left without basic amenities upon arrival.

Schedule Move Out Cleaning

Booking a cleaning service to handle your old house can help you focus on the move. Make sure they clean areas difficult to tackle on your own, such as high shelves and behind appliances, to ensure you leave the property in good condition, especially if it’s a rental property.

Secure Appropriate Insurance

Talk to your insurance provider about extending your home and contents insurance to cover your move. Check if your policy covers high-value or exceptionally fragile items separately; if not, you may need additional insurance from your moving company.

Update Your Address Information

Update your contact details with the Australian Tax Office, banks, other financial institutions, and your real estate agent. Ensure that your car registration and driver’s license also reflect your new address.

Set up Mail Forwarding

Set up a mail redirection service through your local council to manage any straggling posts. This service will forward your mail from your old address to your new one for a specified period.

Cancel or Redirect Regular Deliveries

Remember to cancel or redirect subscription services, library books that are due back, and regular deliveries like garden chemicals, which moving companies cannot move due to their hazardous nature.

By methodically following this moving house checklist, you can alleviate much of the stress associated with the process. Each step, from carefully packing your belongings to updating your household insurance and arranging your furniture placement according to the new floor plan, contributes to a smoother transition. Remember, moving house is not just about transporting goods; it’s about setting the stage for new beginnings. So, embrace the process with optimism, and let’s get moving!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving House

Ideally, you should contact moving companies at least four to six weeks before your planned moving date. This timeframe allows you to obtain and compare quotes from various moving companies, ensuring you find the best service for your needs and budget. Additionally, advanced booking helps guarantee that your preferred date is available, especially during busy periods like weekends, holidays, or the end of the month. If you are moving during peak season, consider contacting companies earlier to avoid last-minute stress.

Starting to pack at least three weeks before your moving date is advisable. Begin with items you use less frequently, such as seasonal decorations, books, and non-essential clothing. As the moving date approaches, gradually pack more frequently used items. Packing early helps reduce the rush as moving day approaches, allowing you to sort and declutter effectively. This strategy simplifies packing and makes unpacking and settling into your new home quicker and more organised.

To organise utilities when moving, start by contacting your current utility providers to notify them of your move. Arrange for services like gas and electricity to be disconnected at your old home the day after you move out. Simultaneously, contact utility providers in your new area to have these services activated the day before your arrival. It ensures that essential services like hot water and electricity are operational when you move in. Always have a list of contact details for both old and new providers handy in case of last-minute updates or issues.

The first thing to do when moving into a new house is to ensure all utilities are functioning. Check that the electricity, water, and gas are operational and that essentials like the hot water system are working properly. Once utilities are set, quickly inspect the property to identify any urgent issues that need addressing. Then, unpack essentials such as bedding, kitchen items, and bathroom necessities to make the first few days as comfortable as possible. Establishing a functional living space can significantly alleviate the stress of moving and help you settle in more quickly.