Moving Kit Checklist
Weeks to Go...

8 WEEKS TO GO

• Start keeping a list of all of the mail you receive (a list stuck on the fridge is a good place and easy to remember) so you know who to contact to change your address.
• Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.

4 WEEKS TO GO

• If you are renting, formally notify your landlord that you will be leaving and the date that you will be handing back your keys (which should be at least a day after your move so that you have time to clean the premises before handing in the keys).
• Start creating an inventory list of items you in your home and separate them into:
• things you want to move;
• things that might need to be stored;
• things that you no longer want;
• things that are valuable or difficult to replace and plan on moving these things yourself.
• Get some quotes from removalists. Use our removalist quote comparison sheet to keep a record of who you talk to and what they say.
• Start contacting storage facilities and friends / family to organise storage of the things that you want stored.
• Have a garage sale or use an online auction service to sell items that you no longer want. Or, donate items to charities such as the Salvation Army (who will also collect large items for you).
• Take a trip to the tip or arrange for rubbish removal of items that are not fit for re-sale or charity.
• Start a list of things that you are going to be moving yourself. A list on the fridge next to your mail list is a great place and easy to access as soon as you think of something to add. If your list gets too long you might need to plan a few car loads or get some friends to help move these things.
• Start collecting boxes and packaging supplies such as paper or bubble wrap to wrap fragile items.
• Contact your insurance company and either cancel your home and contents insurance policy or transfer it to your new property.
• If you are moving to a regional area you should check with your mobile phone carrier and internet service provider to make sure they provide services in your new area.
• If you have a post office box consider relocating it to a closer location and contact Australia Post to organise this.
• Research general information about your new location. Where is the local supermarket and petrol station?
• Arrange the transfer of your children's school records to the new school if applicable.
• Begin to use up food items and other consumables (such as cleaning items) so that you don’t have to move them. Only buy what you will use over the next month.

3 WEEKS TO GO

• Begin packing items that you are not likely to use again before your move such as those stored in your garage or garden shed.
• Disassemble outdoor items such as barbeques, outdoor settings, hammocks, swing sets and place all bolts and fixtures in your essentials box.
• Your removalist may not be able to move your dangerous goods, so arrange to move these yourself, or dispose of them. Dangerous goods can include: ammunition, opened or unopened paint, bleach products, gas cylinders, turpentine, kerosene, oil, petrol, commercial cleaning products and other chemicals.
• Arrange to empty any petrol cans or gas bottles that you want to keep.
• Assemble a folder of important information about the home for the new owner / occupier of your home, such as operating manuals, instructions and warranties for dishwashers, ovens, security systems etc. Put things in it as you find them so you don’t pack them by mistake.
• Arrange body corporate permissions. If you are moving into or out of an apartment and need to use the elevator, it may be necessary to arrange this with the body corporate in advance. Also, if you need to move any large items of furniture in via windows or balconies you may also need body corporate permission.
• If you don’t want to do it yourself, arrange for a cleaner to clean your new property before you move in (it’s a lot easier to clean when the place is empty) and someone to clean the property that you are vacating.
• Organise a carpet cleaner to steam or dry clean the carpet after your move.

2 WEEKS TO GO

• Pay any outstanding bills – your accounts may go missing for a few weeks and you don’t want to miss a due date!
• Arrange to have your utilities disconnected at your old home, and reconnected at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water and home phone.
• Start notifying businesses, colleagues and service providers of your intended change of address. Go through your files and contact each organisation that you have received bills or correspondence from.
• Arrange for Australia Post to redirect your mail.
• Discontinue milk and bread deliveries.
• Enquire in your local area about milk and bread deliveries.
• Discontinue newspapers and subscriptions.
• Enquire at your new local newsagency about newspaper deliveries.
• Discontinue garden and cleaning services.
• If you have any kitchen or other major appliances that require professional connections arrange for an electrician or plumber to be available on your moving day.
• Plan meals for the last week ahead to use up any food items you still have and avoid using kitchen items that you may want to pack.
• Fill any prescriptions or medications that you will need for the next couple of weeks incase you pack any prescriptions and then can’t find them.
• Return video’s, DVD’s, library books and items borrowed from friends and neighbours.
• Arrange childcare for your moving day if necessary.

1 WEEK TO GO

• Arrange disconnection and reconnection of phone, gas and electricity.
• If you are renting, arrange the day and time for the final property inspection.
• Gather all of your keys (including ones hidden under door mats and potplants) and all spares that you might have allocated to family and friends.
• Start packing! Create an inventory list while you are packing for each box. Attach it to each box as you pack it. This will help if you need to find something after it has been packed. Make a copy for every box you have to pack.
• Pack your valuables (e.g jewellery) and important documents in their own box and give it to a trusted friend or relative for safe keeping while you move.
• Pack your emergency bag. Read more about the emergency bag here.
• Seek out hidden items or items stashed away for safe keeping such as cash buried in the backyard, hidden under the house or in the toilet cistern.
• Collect laundry from the dry cleaners for packing.
• As you notice them, make a list of damage, dents and scratched to your belongings. Your removalist will need to know this for insurance purposes.
• Buy any additional boxes you need for packing.
• Buy any additional paper for wrapping fragile items. Newspaper works well but white paper will eliminate black marks on your belongings (and hands!)
• Buy packing tape.
• Buy a few large black markers for labelling boxes.
• Make sure meals are pre-prepared for moving day and the day after.
• Back up your computer’s hard drive.
• Send e-cards or postcards to family and friends with your new address.

Contents

Moving kit manual
Checklist - the weeks before your move
Checklist - the days before your move, moving day, and the days after your move
Removalist comparison sheet