There’s a lot to plan for when it comes to moving. Use our checklist to ensure you’ve got all bases covered and enjoy a seamless transition from moving out to moving in.
Two months before moving day
Start a ‘Moving’ file to store all the necessary paperwork related to the move.
Book the removalist – shop around to compare prices, and ask friends, family or work mates for a referral. Ask for quotes to be supplied in writing and be sure to ask for written confirmation of the removal date and time.
Organise leave with your employer.
If you are moving away from your current area, inform your children’s school or day care centre of your intended departure. Contact the new school to ask if a report is required from your child’s current teacher or principal. Check for available places in your new day local care centre.
Now’s the time to review your current home loan. Even if you can transfer your loan from your old property to the new one (known as ‘loan portability’), any major life change represents an important opportunity to check that your loan is right for your needs. A quick chat with an ME Mobile Bank Manager can tell you if you could secure a better home loan deal or enjoy improved loan features.
Six weeks before moving day
Go through your home to decide what you’ll take with you and what can go – think about which pieces of furniture may not fit into/suit your new home. Consider selling unwanted items online, hold a garage sale or donate belongings to the local op shop. Anything not in saleable condition can be taken to the tip.
Contact your removalist to collect packing boxes or pick some up from sites like Gumtree. Doing part of the packing yourself will lower the removal bill.
One month to go
Start packing items you don’t use on a regular basis. Number each box clearly and start an inventory list itemising boxes and their contents.
Book professional pet transport if necessary. Ensure pet vaccinations and microchip details are up to date.
Contact your key financial institutions – your insurance company, bank, home loan lender and superannuation fund, letting them know your new address and date of moving.
A fortnight to go
Confirm your removalist, and your day(s) of leave with your employer.
Begin winding down purchases of frozen food and aim to use up as much of your pantry supplies as possible.
Inform neighbours, friends and family of your new address and moving date.
Contact utility providers and the local council to let them know you are moving and the date of the move. Many service providers will allow you to transfer your existing account to your new home.
Arrange mail re-direction to your new home for up to three months with your local Post Office.
Return rented videos, library books or borrowed school equipment.
Start packing items used on a regular basis.
Check with your real estate agent, solicitor and ME Mobile Bank Manager that you are on track for settlement on the proposed date.
A week before
Pack clothing, toiletries and other essentials like kids toys that will be needed from the day of moving in.
Clean fridges, microwave ovens, washing machines and other electrical appliances that will make the move with you.
Liaise with the real estate agent to know where/when you can pick up keys to your new home.
Drain fuel from any petrol-based tools like lawn mowers or chain saws.
Cancel newspaper deliveries and subscriptions to local services like clubs or gyms that you will no longer use.
Aim to use up perishable food supplies.
Check with power, gas, water and phone providers that the service will be available at your new home from moving day.
Draft a list of essential information, like garbage collection days, for the new resident.
Dismantle any furniture that is easily unscrewed like folding tables to save space in the removalist’s tuck.
Store jewellery, valuables like cameras or laptops and personal files like insurance documents in separate boxes to travel with you in the car.
Ask a neighbor or friend if they can mind your children or pets on moving day.
The day before
Pack a “must-haves” box with everything you will need for the big day – a kettle, cups, snacks, drinks for the kids, water and bowls for pets. Have a toiletries bag and suitcase of clothing ready to go in the car.
Check that the garage, shed and barbecue area are all emptied.
Arrange boxes that will travel with the removalist so they are close to the nearest access point (usually the front door).
Check wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to ensure they are all empty.
Aim to get a good night’s rest – tomorrow is a big day!
Moving day
Be sure there is room for the removalist truck to park outside your home.
Explain to the removalist which items you will need immediately in your new home so these can be packed last.
Provide the removalist with clear directions to the address of your new home, then let them do their job.
Make a final check of the property ensuring everything is empty and windows are locked. Turn off the electricity at the switchboard if the home will be vacant for a while.
Meet with the real estate agent to pick up keys to the new home and hand over keys to your old place.
Pick up kids or pets if being cared for by a friend, and travel to your new property.
All that’s left now is to celebrate your new home. It will take time to settle in but in the meantime relish the excitement of exploring your new home and all it offers!
This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.