The number one thing you must do if you want to move home successfully is to plan for it.
If you make a list of all the things you need to do, your move is likely to be much more efficient and less stressful than if you wing it.
Here are some things to consider including in your moving plan.
- Pack up your life
- Update your details
- Prepare your current home
- Prepare your new home
- Make the move
- Settle in
Pack up your life
- Buy packing supplies – boxes, tape, bubble wrap and labels. You can also check local Facebook groups or forums to potentially find some being given away.
- Sell, donate or throw out items you no longer need.
- Create an essentials moving box – this should contain all the things you need the moment you arrive in your new home.
- Pack the other boxes by category (e.g. kitchen boxes, bathroom boxes, etc) and label each box.
- Book a removalist (and possibly storage too).
- Use up as much food as you can from your freezer and fridge.
- Dismantle furniture that can come apart. Keep all parts close together, including all screws taped to the side.
- Gas cylinders should be empty with valves open.
Update your details
- Redirect your mail with Australia Post.
- Change your address with any subscriptions, utilities, banks, insurers, Medicare and the Australian Taxation Office.
- Take out insurance for your next home – consider home and contents insurance if you own it and it is a standalone property and contents insurance if it is part of a strata or you are renting.
Prepare your current home
- Check all cupboards
- Take photos of every room, so you have proof of the home’s hand-over condition.
- If it’s a rental, hire a cleaner, be thorough with your exit report and compare it with your entry report.
Prepare your new home
- Arrange for utilities to be connected before you move in. You can compare providers using our Home Now tool.
- Check the hand-over condition of the home – and take photos if there’s anything you want to dispute.
- If it’s a rental, be thorough with your entry report.
Make the move
- Contact your removalist the day before to confirm the booking.
- Empty and defrost fridges and freezers.
- Do a final thorough check of your home on moving day. Turn off all lights and power points. Lock the windows and doors
- Give the keys and remote controls from your old home to your property manager, real estate agent or the new owner.
- Collect the keys and remote controls for your new home.
- Ensure you have disconnected any utility services in your name from the address.
- Unpack your essentials box first, and move onto the other boxes if you have time.
- Assemble furniture, starting with beds.
Settle in
- Confirm that all the utilities are working.
- Consider changing the locks for security.
- Find out what day you need to take out the bins.
- Familiarise yourself with your new neighbourhood.
- Say hello to your neighbours.
While everyone’s move is unique, this moving house checklist can cover the basics and help you prepare for a smooth transition.
