Moving House Checklist

Moving house can be an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you’re moving to a new city or just a few blocks away, careful preparation can make the process much smoother. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and a helpful checkless to ensure a successful and stress-free move to your next house. Let’s dive into the details and get you well-prepared for a seamless move to your new home. 

Six weeks before the move

Book a removalist

Don't wait until the last minute to book your removalist, as they may be fully booked during peak moving season. Try and book your removalist six weeks in advance. 

Things to ask:

• What are the charges by the hour and for the entire job?

• How many hands will be on deck?

• What type of truck will be used, and will it fit in the driveway or streets?

• Will my goods be covered by insurance during transit?

• What happens in the event of damage to my property?

• Do I need a packing service too, and what’s it going to cost?

• Are boxes provided or are these an extra cost?

• Do they have any testimonials they can share for extra peace-of-mind?

Five weeks before the move

Take stock of items

Now’s the time to cull and de-clutter. Once you’ve decided what can go, sort your unwanted items into three categories: 

1. Things that can be sold.

2. Things that can be donated. 

3. Things that need to be thrown out or booked in for council clean up. 

Giving yourself this much time before you move means you have the time to clean, photograph then list unwanted items on selling sites. Not only could it mean more cash in your pocket, but it also means you’re saving yourself the hassle - and expense - of moving unwanted items from house to house.  

Plan

If you’ve got a pamphlet with a floor plan (or pics taken from an open house or viewing), start planning where your furniture and appliances are going to go. Get in contact with the real estate agent to get details about any ricky doorways, small lifts or stairwells; or other crucial measurements that may hamper the removalists on moving day.

Four weeks before the move

Confirm your insurance

It’s important to make sure you’re insured for the whole duration of your move. To make sure you’re fully covered, your current home insurance policy should end the day after you’ve moved out and your next insurance policy should start the day before you move. 

Three weeks before the move

Connect your wifi

Internet providers can be booked weeks in advance, so book your new home connection from three weeks out to make sure your ready to stream - or take care of work/school matters online - from the day you move in. 

Two weeks before the move

Get gas and electricity reconnected

When moving, you’ll need to reconnect the gas and electricity in your new home to your name. If you’re happy with your current providers, you just need to make a phone call or login to your energy accounts online then follow the prompts with your new address and move-in date. Most providers only need one or two business days to reconnect you, so if you are renting it might be better to do this closer to your move, so you don’t get charged for a previous tenant’s usage.

TIP: Always look for a better deal. All energy providers are ready to offer you something better, so it’s a good idea to check out your options via one of the online comparison sites such as Finder, Canstar, or Mozo.

You can now share your new address

You don’t want important mail going to your previous address and being ‘lost’. So here’s a few things you’ll need to do to make sure your mail gets sent to the right place:  

• Arrange with Australia Post to redirect all mail for up to 12 months.

• Contact any bill provider such as your car insurance and registration, health and life insurance, gym memberships and TV subscription services.

• Update your address on your driver’s licence and identification.

• Notify magazine or newspaper subscription services and regular deliveries.

• Let your children’s school, pre-school or daycare know of the change of address.

• Check your mobile apps and emails to check your most frequented online shopping sites and change your delivery address.

• Update your details on the electoral roll to avoid any fines.

• Let your bank know.

• Make your employer and superannuation funds aware of your new address. 

Clean

Ensure you have your current residence spick and span - and save yourself the extra work - by booking a professional cleaner the day after you move out. 

Also, check if your new home needs a professional clean before you move in. It’s a good idea to steam clean the carpets; as well as deep clean kitchen and bathroom areas.

Another handy hint is to have extra sets of spare keys cut for friends and family you trust, as well as for each member of the household. It’s easy for keys to get lost or locked inside the house.

One week before the move

Sort your belongings

Consider what you’ll be doing with any pets or small children on moving day. Avoid the barks and tears by asking your in-laws, relatives or a good friend to babysit on moving day so you can focus on organising the move. 

Pack your flexible items

It’s a clever idea to have any items that you’ll need at the ready when you arrive at your new home. For example, any tools you might need to reconstruct furniture like allen keys, nails and screws; as well as electronics cords (labelled), scissors, tape, screwdrivers, gloves, dust cloths, a dustpan, surface cleaners, extra bin bags etc. And don’t forget a toilet roll or two. Having these items all in an easily accessible box will save you time when setting up your new home.

Don't forget about your first night in

Just as important as your moving day box, is the ‘first-night box’. Include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, pyjamas, towels and any other essentials you require such as tea bags (or the coffee plunger) or medications.

Moving day checklist

Download this handy Moving Checklist straight to your device to check off as you go.

• Pack an essentials box: Prepare a box with all the essential items you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents.

• Confirm with movers or friends helping you: Check in with your professional movers or friends who are helping you move to confirm the time and any last-minute details.

• Disconnect utilities: Contact your utility companies and arrange to have services like electricity, gas, internet, and cable disconnected at your current home after you move out.

• Take pictures and do a final walkthrough: Before leaving, take photos of your old place to document its condition. Also, do a final walkthrough to make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that everything is in order.

• Clean and tidy up: Leave your old home in good condition by cleaning each room thoroughly. This is particularly important if you are renting and want to ensure the return of your security deposit.

• Double-check appliances and utilities: Make sure all appliances (e.g., stove, washer, and dryer) are turned off and disconnected properly. Also, check that all doors and windows are securely locked.

• Keep important documents and valuables with you: Don't pack important documents, such as passports, identification, and financial records. Keep them in a safe place and transport them with you during the move.

• Update your address: Notify important parties of your change of address, including banks, insurance companies, the postal service, and any subscription services.

• Lock up and hand over keys: Securely lock your old home before leaving and hand over keys, including any copies, to the landlord, realtor, or new tenants, if applicable.

• Arrive at your new home and start unpacking: Once you arrive at your new home, start unpacking your essentials box and prioritise setting up essential furniture and utilities.

^* You have to be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to apply for the Qantas Home Loan. This information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your circumstances before acting on this information.