Moving house can be a daunting task, but our Moving House Checklist will help make the whole process easier. Our checklist includes all the things you need to do before you move, all the people and organisations you need to notify of your change of address, plus a few final items that need to be done post-move to help you settle in.
Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, make sure you keep this moving house checklist handy. To make life easier, we’ve included lots of links to additional blogs to help you declutter, pack and move easily.
The Moving House Checklist Part 1 – What To Do Before You Move
Wherever possible, start preparing for your move a few months beforehand. While most of the packing might need to be left to later, there are plenty of other things you can organise early to save yourself the stress of a last-minute rush.
- Start decluttering early – start selling your stuff, donating or throwing things out early, so you have less to pack. Return any outstanding items on loan.
- Research and book the best removalist – book early to secure your ideal moving date.
- Arrange for a skip or hard rubbish collection to help you declutter.
- Organise final meter reads and transfers / new suppliers for electricity, gas, internet and phone. Don’t forget to check whether Netflix or other subscriptions can be transferred to the new property.
- Check with home, contents and car insurance providers that they will still cover you at your new address, and if there are any changes in fees. This is a good opportunity to shop around.
- Change your mailing address – read on below to see exactly who to notify.
- Purchase packing boxes, tape and packing materials. Proper moving boxes will save you a heap of trouble!
- Start packing non-essentials early – it always takes longer than you think!
- When packing goods, label each box with the room it should go into.
- If you have access to the new house, measure up rooms and plan where your furniture will go so it only has to be placed once.
- Also, measure fridge and washing machine apertures. Check your current white goods fit.
- If you have a pet, plan how you will make your move easier for them. Read these tips on how to move with your dog or cat.
- Arrange for a final clean of your current house (and your new one if desired) if you’re hiring cleaners.
- Inspect your new house just before you move. If you are renting, document any existing damage.
- Check access for the removalists truck at both houses.
- Confirm your moving date and re-confirm quote with your removalist.
- Pack and label an ‘open first’ box with kettle, tea/coffee, UHT milk, snacks, toilet paper, special toys, school items, any pet requirements, medications, toiletries, scissors, dishwashing supplies, bin liner and cleaning cloths.
- Defrost your fridge and pack remaining food into an esky/cool bag.
- Arrange key pick up for the new house.
The Moving House Checklist Part 2 – Who To Notify When You Move House
Be sure to update your address with all of the organisations below.
- Utility companies (electricity, gas, water)
- Telecommunications providers (phone, internet, pay-TV)
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance providers (home, contents, car)
- The Electoral Commission (ensure you are enrolled at your new address)
- Centrelink (if receiving government benefits)
- The department responsible for your driver’s license or vehicle registration (eg; VicRoads in Victoria)
- Any subscriptions or memberships where they post things to you or require a current address (eg: magazine subscription, local clubs)
- Schools or childcare centers
- Friends and family
- Any other ID documentation that includes your address
- Australia Post – if you need to arrange for mail forwarding
- Medical professionals (doctors, dentists) – this can be done at your next appointment
- If you are running a business at home and have an ABN or business name registered to your home address, you should update your listing on the Australian Business Register (ABN) and with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (business name). You may also want to update your Google Business Profile location on GoogleMap.
The Moving House Checklist Part 3 – What To Do After You’ve Moved House
Just a few more steps to go! It’s hard to do anything other than flop on your bed (which has hopefully been made up!) after you move house, but a few more checks will help you settle in more quickly.
- Inspect your furniture and boxes to ensure there’s no damage. If there has been any damage, contact your removalist to see if it may be covered by their insurance.
- Do a final clean on your old house.
- In the case of renting, document the final condition of the old house, and ensure the condition report of the new house is correct. Document and report any damage or wear not already listed.
- Drop off or get rid of old keys.
- Ring the council to find out when your bins are picked up.
- Change the locks at your new house and get extra keys cut.
Moving house can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be made much easier. By using this Moving House Checklist, you can ensure that you have covered all of the essential tasks, minimise the stress of moving and look forward to a smooth transition to your new home.
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Pinder Tower Movers will help you speed through your checklist with ease! From packing to moving and getting you settled across Melbourne or interstate, they offer a complete removals service, with a focus on good old-fashioned customer service. Get in contact for a no-obligation quote.