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Moving home checklist

What can you do to ensure a stress-free move?

We’ve created a handy checklist to help you get organised well in advance of your moving date...

What can you do to ensure a stress-free move?

We’ve created a handy checklist to help you get organised well in advance of your moving date...

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

Find a removalist - Barry Plant recommends obtaining three written quotes.

Organise moving transit insurance.

Transfer your Home and Contents Insurance to your new home.

Arrange kindergarten, school and daycare transfers.

Look at the floor plan of your new home and measure spaces for furniture placement i.e. fridge. Will large items fit through doors?

Prepare an inventory of items, noting existing scratches and dents, as well as any items requiring special care to move.

Check moving instructions for your washing machine, fridge and other large electrical items with the manufacturer. This information can be found in your instruction manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Use up food, especially open packets and items in the freezer, and dispose of out-of-date items.

Create a folder or box for important documents and valuables to carry with you on moving day.

Throw away, recycle or donate unwanted items from the garage, shed and under the house.

Dispose properly of all flammable liquids.

Arrange a rubbish pick-up with the local council or book a skip.

Schedule any necessary repairs to the interior or exterior of the property.

Research storage facilities (if needed).

Organise tickets, visas, currency, credit cards and accommodation if travelling overseas.

PACKING YOURSELF

Arrange boxes and packing materials.

Pack and label boxes.

Prepare an inventory of items for each box.

Mark FRAGILE boxes.

Pack lighter items in large boxes and heavier items in small boxes; the heaviest items at the bottom.

Prepare a survival box containing kettle, tea, coffee, breakfast items, towels, bed linen, pet requirements (leads and food), mobile chargers, toilet paper etc.

Number your boxes and download or draw up a floorplan of your new house and mark where the boxes should go on the floorplan.

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

Take note of the mail you receive and notify relevant authorities of your new address.

Consider re-directing your mail with Australia Post.

Cancel or transfer subscriptions and memberships.

Return borrowed or rented items.

Arrange to move boat, trailer and caravan.

Arrange for family or friends to mind children and/or pets on moving day.

Fill medical prescriptions.

Arrange final readings of gas and electricity meters.

If required, arrange time off work to move.

Book cleaners.

Create a handyman kit with tools like Allen keys, screwdrivers, light bulbs etc.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE

Confirm moving details with your real estate agent, removalist and legal representative as required.

Water indoor plants lightly and pack into plastic-lined boxes.

Back-up computer and associated equipment ready for moving.

Drain fuel from the lawnmower, whipper snippers etc.

If required, arrange access and parking for the removalist's truck.

Create an essentials box with things like remote controls for TV and instructions for reassembly of items.

Disassemble furniture - tape any screws in an obvious location or label and place in your essentials box.

Check you will have the keys and relevant instructions for your new home on the day of your move.

THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE

Defrost and empty refrigerators into a portable esky with ice.

Pack personal luggage i.e. pyjamas, toiletries and a fresh change of clothes.

Unplug and tie up cords.

Prepare an action plan for moving day.

ON THE MOVING DAY

Have your personal luggage, essentials boxes, survival and handy-man kit on hand.

Provide a copy of the floor plan with furniture placement to the removalist.

Ask the removalist to load kitchen boxes last so they are first off the truck.

Ensure gas and electricity metres have been read and house key collection and cleaner has been organised.

Check off the inventory of items as boxes are loaded into the removalist's truck.

Check the tops of cupboards, garden areas, sheds and garage.

Lock all the doors and windows and check the gas, electricity and hot water systems are turned off.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOURPORTER'S FREE UTILITY CONNECTION SERVICE

YourPorter was created to save you the time and hassle of arranging your utility connections.

AFTER MOVING

Before the removalists leave, check there's no obvious damage to any furniture and check the inventory of items to ensure everything is accounted for, and sign documentation if the move is from storage, interstate or overseas.

Notify removalists immediately if anything is missing.

Check all utilities are connected, including the hot water system.

Assemble beds and make them up as soon as possible.

Check cleaners have been to the old house and inspect the job. If applicable, return keys to the real estate agent.

Contact the local council to find out garbage collection information and register pets if required.

Return boxes to the removalists, sell, recycle or save for your next move.

Keep cats inside for a few days to get them used to their new home.

We're here to help.

Your local Barry Plant agent can provide you with detailed information and helpful contacts in your neighbourhood to help you settle into the new area faster.