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With all the stress of moving you're bound to find yourself forgetting something. Take the stress out of moving with our no-nonsense moving checklist from MiniMovers.
First things to do
- Book a removal company as soon as you know the date you want to move, the address of where you're moving to and what you want moved.
- If you are renting, formally notify the landlord in writing of your intention to vacate the premises and tell your new landlord of your moving schedule.
- Organise for a storage facility if you need one.
Preparing your belongings
- Downsize. Give items to a charity, friends and family or hold a garage sale. Find out how to downsize.
- Order quality removal boxes and packing materials.
- Start packing. This is a long job allow at least 2 weeks.
- Label all boxes with the room they belong in at the new place.
- List the contents of each box as you pack and stick that list on top of the box.
- Create a special 'move day' bag. It should include: your keys, any prescription medicines, cheque book, tools, basic first aid kit, ID, personal phone book, toiletries, extra clothing, paper plates and cups - basically anything you need easy access to.
- Dismantle larger furniture, or leave it for the moving professionals.
- Put all bolts, brackets, screws etc. in a labelled and sealed bag, then stick the bag firmly to the underside (or in a drawer) of the item they belong to.
- Drain the oil and petrol in the lawn mower and other mechanical items.
- Backup your computer's hard drive.
- Organise for a rubbish removal service. A skip bin comes in handy while packing, to eliminate the bags of rubbish.
- Drain and disassemble any waterbeds.
- Take the garage door opener remote OUT of your car.
- Return any DVD's, games and or library books you may have out.
- Use everything in the fridge before the move day or throw it out if it won't be used. Try planning meals for the last week of the move to help empty the fridge.
- Defrost the freezer.
Before the move
- Get any critical repairs done to the house or unit.
- Book a professional cleaner.
- If renting - organise a property inspection with the landlord after the cleaner (this may be required to regain any bond amount owed to you.)
- If your children are moving school, arrange to transfer school records and transcripts. Notify both schools of your move date and check school schedules and any enrolment requirements.
- Get your home and contents and/ car insurance reviewed.
- Get your pet's records from the vet including medical history and immunisation certificates.
- Give your pet a familiar toy during the move to reduce stress.
- If in a multi-story building, remember to book the elevator to use on the move day.
- Organise house settlement times and changeover of keys.
- Settle outstanding bills with any of the utility companies you use - pay TV, Electricity, Gas, Internet, Water, Security.
- Arrange to have sufficient money in the bank to cover the move cost.
- Arrange to have your telephone, Internet, pay TV, gas, electricity disconnected and reconnected at the new place.
The day of the move
- Remember, if all loose items are packed and the floors are clear your removalists can work much more efficiently.
- Keep a kettle, tea bags, coffee, milk and sugar unpacked.
- Check all the cupboards before you leave.
- Lock all the doors and windows, and turn off all the lights as you leave.
- Turn off the power and water and note the final readings.
- Check the back of the truck before the moving professionals leave.
After the move
- Notify utility companies of your change in address.
- Notify friends and family of your new address, telephone number etc.
- Start unpacking.
- Return used packing boxes to the removalist.
- Hold a house warming party and relax, welcome to your new home!
More professional help
If you're time poor or need some additional help with your move, MiniMovers also suggests looking into some of these helpful options.
- Direct Connect provide a free relocation service for anyone moving. Simply submit your details via website and one of their consultants will be in touch to organise all the services you require for your move.
- eMove offers a range of 'moving services' to make moving easier with a convenient one-stop-shop format and it's FREE. They help you cover the most frustrating parts of your move: Connecting Gas, Electricity and phone; address change notification; cleaners; storage; packing and much more.
- South-East Queensland Storage facilities can provide you with a complete list of storage facilities in Queensland or you can visit the MiniMovers website for a complete list of contact details for services including cleaning, home loans, real estate, legal help, rubbish removal and much more.
