24/09/2019
Moving house is a big job. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth time, it probably still feels like a challenge. The best way to get through it? Plan thoroughly, plan early and stay organised.
Okay, so it’s not a fun or sexy solution, but it works. Creating and following a detailed moving house checklist for yourself can save your a lot of stress in the long run.
To help your move get that little bit easier, we’ve put together this handy moving guide to make sure you don’t leave anything important out or until the last minute.
What To Do First
You know you’ll be moving at some time in the near future, and you’re frantically searching “moving house checklist” online, to figure out what you need to do. We’ve all been there – and the very fact that you’re here is a great sign! You’ve already taken a big step to making sure you’re fully prepared on moving day. Here’s what you should be thinking about first:
1. Am I selling my home? If you are selling (or renting out) your home, you need to talk to a real estate agent, a conveyancer and a mortgage broker. These services are vital in making sure you cover all property related questions. Start with them early to make sure all required work can be done in time and any necessary changes are completed.
2. Research local moving companies: as soon as you know your moving dates you’ll need to secure them with your moving company quickly, so do your research now, get a few removalist quotes, and create a shortlist of moving companies you would be happy to work with. Ask if all fees are included in the quote or if there are any additional moving charges. Check if they offer and storage as part of their moving services.
3. Start collecting boxes: Maybe your removalist supplies free moving boxes as part of the their moving house service but if they don’t, start looking for boxes. You need about 4 boxes per bedroom, 5 for an average kitchen and another 4 for a lounch room. Options are free boxes (perhaps via facebook marketplace or gumtree or bunnings) or moving boxes from companies like MBBoxoutlet. Remember, cheap boxes not always the best option as they are holding all your belongings. Then, consider the other things you need: Tape, markers, large bags for sheets, bedding, pillows, and perhaps clothes and portable robe boxes.
4. Start sorting: start sorting through wardrobes, cupboards, and anywhere else you store things you don’t use frequently. Think about this: “is this something I really want to take to my new home or not?” If not, put it aside to give to charity, sell, recycle, or throw it away.
5. Pay outstanding bills: avoid nasty surprises. Go through your list of regular bills (a full list with possible suppliers & subscriptions is in our guide) and have a quick look if any payments are coming in the next two months.
When You Have Booked Your Moving Date
Now you know your moving date, it’s go-time!
6. Book your removalist and/or help: As soon as you know your date, book your moving company, hire van, and/or friends to help you. If you’re using a moving company or a hire van don’t leave booking them until the last minute! About 3 weeks in advance (with a confirmation call a few days prior) to make sure they are available.
7. Book cleaners: if you rent, you may have to have your home professionally cleaned after you leave. Like an end of lease clean. Most property managers expect that these days and you will have your hands full getting the moving organised
8. Buy packing materials: packing tape, bubble wrap, coloured stickers, and a marker for labeling boxes. Mid size boxes (25L – 30L) for books, 50L for lightweight items.
9. Start packing: start with the things you don’t need everyday and make a list of everything in each box. Number or colour code each box so you’ll know exactly what’s in it and where the box needs to go in the new house. If you have any extra empty space in the top of a box, stuff it with your out of season clothes as they will stop everything in the box from shifting. You can also use clothes for wrapping valuables if you run out of packing materials.
10. Set up your new utilities: Gas, Water, Electricity and perhaps even internet needs to be working the day you move into your new house. These days that can easily be arrange with the help of a company like my connect who connect your utility services free of charge.
The Day Before
11. Finish packing and create a priority box: finish packing and create a priority box. A priority box contains all the things you’ll need as soon as you are in the new house, like the kettle, cups and mugs, a few pieces of cutlery and plates, bedding, pyjamas, TV remotes, power cables, and anything else you may need when you’re tired and not ready to unpack in earnest.
12. Get a good night’s sleep! Tomorrow’s a big day, so get to bed in good time so you’ll have the energy to carry you through the next few days of moving, unpacking, and settling into your new home.
Looking for a complete done-for-you moving checklist? Grab our guide sydneymovingguide.com.au for a 64-point checklist that will make sure you are completely ready come moving day.
