Moving house checklist

eMove has prepared a thorough moving house checklist to ensure that you plan ahead efficiently for your big move.

MOVING HOUSE CHECKLIST — HOW BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE “BIG MOVE”

The Moving House Checklist

The first step to take when planning a move is to compile a thorough checklist of things to do and think about as you get closer to the final date. This is an important means through which to keep a sense of perspective on the tasks that lie ahead and prioritize so that it’s a well-organized and efficient process.

Most of the big jobs involved with a move — such as finding a removalist, connecting phone, gas and electricity, and notifying important contacts of your change of address — can be taken care of by using eMove's range of helpful services.

There are also some useful moving tips that will help you save time and effort. You can download a printable version of the Moving House Checklist and always keep it handy. Then tick off the boxes as you complete each task.

MAJOR TASKS

eMove can help make your move much less stressful. And for free.

square_1.gif  Find A Removalist
Through eMove you can choose from as many as five removalists in your local area. We’ll send your detailed request to each of the removalists that you select, and they will contact you to arrange the quote. You can then compare the quotes and make your choice. eMove can also arrange a quote to insure your move. More details?

square_1.gif Disconnect And Reconnect Phone, Gas And Electricity
With eMove you can have your phone, gas and electricity, internet, PayTV connected at your new place. We also offer discounts and deals to save you money and make the transition into your new place much easier. 

square_1.gif  Change Of Address Notification Service
Using eMove, you can quickly notify your major service providers — health funds, newspapers, magazines, charities, mobile phone companies, and banks — about your change of address information.

square_1.gif  Other Helpful Services
With eMove, you can conveniently find cleaners, storage, Ute or truck hire, trailer hire, furniture hire, and rubbish removal, all in the one place. More details?

square_1.gif  eMove eCard
Use the eMove eCard service to notify your friends, family and small business contacts of your move and new address details.

CHECKLIST, TIMELINE AND REMINDERS

So, you’ve found a new place and have a moving date locked in. Now it's time to get organised. Print out a copy of this list and tick each box off as you complete the task.

4 Weeks Before the Move

square_1.gif  Obtain removalist quotes through eMove. Organise removalist insurance through eMove. More details?

square_1.gif  Get eMove to organize utility connection of phone, gas end electricity, internet and PayTV. More details?

square_1.gif  Need to hire furniture? Do it with eMove.

square_1.gif  Settle any outstanding bills.

square_1.gif  Create an inventory list of items you want to move. Separate moving items into categories, such as "moving", "storage" "disposal", "giveaway", and "garage sale".

square_1.gif  Moving to a new city? Research it: where is the local supermarket, hospital, and petrol station, for instance? Check local schools and child care facilities in the new area. Arrange the transfer of your children's school records to the new school.

square_1.gif  Back up your computer hard drive. Ensure that both the printer and scanner are able to be packed securely for travel.

square_1.gif  Pick up your family's dental, school, vet and medical records.

square_1.gif  Formally notify your landlord of the date you’re vacating the premises.

square_1.gif  Arrange for a property inspection to recoup the bond.

square_1.gif  Through eMove, organise for the apartment to be cleaned before the inspection. 

square_1.gif  Use eMove to review your home and contents and car insurance. 

3 Weeks Before the Move

square_1.gif  Begin packing items that are rarely used, such as those stored in your basement, garage or attic. Use eMove to get help with packing, storage, and boxes. 

square_1.gif  For unwanted items, consider a charity or a garage sale.

square_1.gif  Use eMove to arrange rubbish removal. 

square_1.gif  Drain and disassemble waterbeds for easy transport.

square_1.gif  Disassemble any built-in fixtures and fittings ready for transport.

square_1.gif  Disassemble outdoor items, such as a swing set and cubby house. Place all bolts, brackets and screws in a labeled, sealed container for safekeeping.

square_1.gif  Disassemble all prefabricated furniture — such as a computer desk or sewing machine desk — for transport.

square_1.gif  If necessary, open new bank accounts and other required services such as safety deposit boxes and Post Office boxes.

square_1.gif  If you own a pet, get records, medical history, and immunisation certificates from your vet. Have your pet ready for collection as close to moving time as possible. Make sure your pet has a familiar toy for reassurance during the trip.

square_1.gif  Move valuables to a safety deposit box. Remember to take these out of the safety deposit box just before moving day.

square_1.gif  Make your travel arrangements — plan your route, stops, and accommodation.

square_1.gif  Plan to have sufficient cash to cover the move.

square_1.gif  Confirm your moving schedule with your new real estate agent or landlord. Arrange interim accommodation if needed.

square_1.gif  Separate the boxes and luggage required for yourself and your family.

square_1.gif  Use eMove to organize temporary or permanent storage if necessary. 

square_1.gif  Use eMove to hire a Ute, truck or trailer. 

square_1.gif  Service your car, lawnmower, and other mechanical assets. Drain oil to avoid leakage.

NOTE: The following are classed as dangerous goods and cannot be stored or transported:
Ammunition; new or partially used cans of paint; Linseed oil; bleach products; gas cylinders (unless emptied); turpentine; kerosene; petrol; cleaning fluids; aerosols of any kind; vegetable oils; and chemical sets.

2 Weeks Before the Move

square_1.gif  Review the Other Helpful Services on eMove to ensure you get all necessary assistance. 

square_1.gif  Return videos, DVDs, and library books.

square_1.gif  Plan for any special needs of children and pets prior to, during, and after the move, such as medication, food, care, or entertainment.

square_1.gif  Hold your garage sale.

square_1.gif  Create an inventory list for each box while you’re packing. Attach it as you pack. Make a copy for every box.

Final Week Before the Move

square_1.gif  Take advantage of eMove’s cost savings, discounts, and deals to arrange disconnection and reconnection of phone, gas and electricity. 

square_1.gif  Make plans for spending your last night at your old address: how you will say your last goodbyes?

square_1.gif  Collect your spare keys and give them to the real estate agent or new tenant.

square_1.gif  Use the eMove Notification Service to update major service providers of your change of address. 

square_1.gif  Use the eMove e-Card to tell your friends, family and small business contacts (accountant, lawyer, financial planner) your new address.

square_1.gif  Plan to use any remaining food in your refrigerator.

square_1.gif  Make sure meals are prepared for moving day and the day after.

square_1.gif  Defrost and clean refrigerator.

square_1.gif  Take valuables out of the safety deposit box.

square_1.gif  Pack your personal luggage last. Carry jewellery and valuable documents yourself or send them using registered mail.

Moving House Day

square_1.gif  Check all the cupboards before you leave.

square_1.gif  Take five minutes to stroll around for one final check.

square_1.gif  Remove the electric garage door opener from the car before you drive off.

After Moving Day

square_1.gif  Use the eMove Change of Address Notification Service to finish alerting major service providers of your change of address. 

square_1.gif  Use the eMove eCard to finish notifying friends, family and small business contacts of your change of address.

square_1.gif  Tell everyone you know — and your new neighbours — about eMove!