Home Buyers' Resources

Planning the move

• Start collecting strong cartons of various shapes and sizes. Don't scrimp on flimsy boxes as they could crush, damaging your contents.
  
• Buy packing tape, felt tip markers, tissue paper, bubblewrap - and save the newspapers!
  
• Keep 2 or 3 boxes set up aside to start the process

Six Weeks Before the Move

• Start a "Moving File" to keep quotes, bills and this Moving Checklis
• Make an inventory of all of the items you want to move to assist with quotes
  
• Get quotes from several furniture removal companies, make your choice and book the date. Get confirmation in writing. Check if they will take house plants and if not, make alternative arrangements.
  
• Start going through your cupboards and throw out what you no longer want to keep - it costs money to move it!
  
• While going through the cupboards, start packing items you don't use very often that you won't need until after the move
  
• If you want to sell unwanted items, put them aside in a designated spot
  
• If moving yourself, check out rental truck prices and book your moving truck.

Four Weeks Before the Move

• Start making enquiries and arrangements for your children on the day of move - it is difficult to keep an eye on small children who may also feel insecure
  
• Make arrangements about pet care on the day of the move
  
• Place your smaller valuables somewhere safe for example, into a bank safety deposit box to prevent loss during the disruption (e.g. garage sales, the packing process)
  
• Start a separate carton marked "Documents" to keep important documents with you such as personal documents (passports, birth certificates), insurance documents, spare keys, etc. and mark clearly "do not load" and keep in a safe place.
  
• Larger valuables such as antiques, art and collectables should be appraised for insurance purposes during transport; contact your insurer to discuss to see if they will cover insurance during transport and notify them of the date and the new address of your contents. Most removal companies are able to provide removal insurance.
  
• Start using foods and perishables that can't be taken with you
  
• If renting, don't forget to give your landlord notice! Don't forget to allow for time to clean after the move.
  
• Have that garage sale! If you can't take your plants with you, put them in the garage sale. If you have unsold items, contact your 2nd hand furniture store or advertise items in the newspaper on on the internet, or organise collection by your local charity. Smaller items and clothes can be placed in local brotherhood bins or you can take them directly to your local opportunity shop.

Two Weeks Before the Move

• Utilise AusPost Moving Services - go to www.movepost.com.au which has a wealth of information and services to assit you.
  
• Get Auspost Change of Address Movers Kit
  
• Organise mail redirection or hold mail service
  
• Use Auspost addess notification to nominated organisations including some financial and superannuation institutions, health funds, insurance companies
  
• Use Auspost e-postcards to notify friends and family of your new address
  
• Organise disconnection and reconnection of your utilities - or use Auspost service to advise utility companies
  
• Notify your newsagent to stop or redirect delivery of newspapers, magazines to your new address
  
• Notify your bank, credit providers, health fund and others of your new address
  
• Cancel any other regular services, such as lawn mowing
  
• Start another separate carton for "moving essentials" which contains screwdrivers, allen keys, spanners, torchlight), spare keys, an emergency medical kit - Panadol, bandaids, note paper and pen and keep
  
• Arrange for cleaners to come in after the removal, if you are not going to do it yourself.

One Week Before the Move

• Check that your electricity and gas companies have your move date on record to disconnect at your current address and reconnect at the new address. Ask them when they will do a final meter reading.
  
• Check that your phone company has the change-over organised and that your phone will be disconnected on the date you nominate. Make a note of the new telephone number, if you are not able to keep the same number
  
• Defrost the freezer and clear out food you won't use before your move.
  
• Pack a carton or suitcase for each member of the family for essentials such as toiletries, pyjamas, change of clothes. Be sure to include your child's favourite toy and something to keep them occupied, such as puzzles or games. Mark clearly if these are to go with you, or mark the box "Load Last".
  
• Check the arrangements made for the children and pets.
  
• Remove valuables from the safe deposit box if you are moving away from your area so they are not left behind.

The day before the move

• Complete packing (removalists will send packers the day before). Alert the packers to any special needs such as fragile items.
  
• Confirm the time the removalists are expected, or confirm your rental truck if you are doing it yourself.
  
• If you are doing it yourself, start to get organised by dismantling furniture
  
• Defrost fridge and clean out. Disconnect other appliances that you will be taking with you, such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
  
• Empty the fuel out of your lawnmower
  
• Take your pet(s) to their arranged carer
  
• Set aside your moving file, documents carton and moving essentials carton and any other items that will travel with you, such as your personal items and toiletries.
  
• Pack an "Essentials" carton for items that you will need immediately: kettle, a few plates, cups, cutlery, can opener, bottle opener, minimum cooking utensils, paper towels, dishwashing liquid, bath towels. Mark the box "load last" so that these essentials will be conveniently available to you on arrival.
  
• Check that the cleaning contractors know the time they will be expected

On Moving Day

• Set aside the whole day to be with the removalists, until they have gone
  
• When everything is loaded on the truck, make a final inspection throughout the home, checking closets (especially top shelves), drawers and behind doors to make sure nothing is left behind.
  
• Check the removalists consignment note has the correct delivery address. Make sure the driver has your mobile phone number and other contact numbers. And check that all items are listed and the number of cartons are correct, before signing.
  
• Take a note of the meter readings of your gas and electricity utilities and keep in your moving file.
  
• Lock all the doors and windows.
  
• Leave keys with the agent looking after the property.
  
• Turn off the gas and electricity.

After You Arrive

• Check that gas, electricity and phone utilities are connected. Make sure the pilot light on stove and hot water heater is on, if gas appliances.
  
• Visit the RTA to notify them of your new address (you have 2 weeks)
  
• Advise your local electorate of your new address