Top 10 Things To Do When Moving House
Moving home can be an exciting, and stressful moment in your life. It marks a new chapter and even a fresh start. But once you have built your new home, and it’s getting closer to hand over, the clock starts ticking.
Below is a handy list of the Top 10 Things To Do When Moving House, plus a few extra tips on how to make the move as smooth as possible.
1. Make a moving folder
You can include a packing schedule, checklist, and more.
Store all relevant paperwork for your new home, purchase papers, contracts, and more in this single folder.
If any questions come up during the planning process or the move itself, you’ll have the answer on hand.
2. Packing
If you’re doing the packing yourself, give yourself several weeks to complete this task. Tackle it one room at a time; Mark the contents of the boxes clearly and state which room they belong in.
PRO TIP: Add stars to each box from 1 to 5 to easily see which boxes are a priority and should be unpacked first.
3. Decluttering
While packing, do a deep declutter. Dedicate a few open boxes for possessions can be given away, taken to charity shops, thrown away or sold in either your local buy swap sell groups online or via a garage sale.
Doing this will help create a clutter free space in your new home and an early start will give you a better idea of how many boxes you will have for your removalists quote.
4. Book your removalist early
Decide if you want to pack everything yourself to keep costs down, or if you prefer the removalist to do so.
Whatever you decide, ask two to three companies to provide quotes. Many removalists are booked out a month or two in advance, so don’t delay this step. You will need to give them as much notice as possible to make sure you move on the date you need.
5. Connections
Notify utilities to end their services from the relevant date or use a free connection service such as My Connect.
Notifications should be sent to companies that provide your:
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Telephone / Internet
6. Change of Address
Arrange with Australia Post to have your mail redirected from the date you move into your new home. Opt for a longer period to give you more time to update your address with relevant services such as magazine and newspaper deliveries.
Do you use online shopping or meal services? Don’t forget to update your home address with places like Woolies and Coles, home help and meals on wheels.
Notify your change of address with your bank, credit card company and the Australian Electoral Commission, and update your driver’s licence.
7. Insurance
Organise the changeover of your insurance policy. Some policies may include moving cover for any possible item damage during your move.
Notify your car insurance company as your policy may change with your new location.
8. The Day Before
Save yourself the panic of looking through boxes at your new home by packing an overnight bag.
Include medications, toiletries, a towel, and things like your phone charger.
Have a special box set aside for your kettle, tea & coffee making supplies, some snacks (human and pet), basic cutlery, and some loo roll. A first aid kit can also come in handy.
A small toolbox is useful for putting together beds and furniture. Keep those hex keys and screw drivers handy.
PRO TIP: Set aside fresh linens for that first nights slumber.
9. Kids and Pets
If possible, organise to get somebody to look after the kids and pets on the day of the move.
Depending on age, get your kids involved by having them unpack their own rooms or put them in charge of easy areas or boxes like cushions and books.
10. Grocery home delivery
Place a grocery order to get delivered a few hours after you plan to arrive at your new home.
Its handy for general items such as fresh bread and milk for breakfast the next morning and one less thing to stress about.
You arent going to feel like cooking that first night, so spoil yourself with takeout.
At Lansell, we like to say, Move in with nothing to (but order pizza).
Bonus Tip - Relax & Pace Yourself
Take time to rest. Unpacking is no easy task. Take time out for a cuppa, the boxes aren’t going anywhere.
