Moving home is a big project. Follow these useful tips to organise yourself and check your progress. You may want to print this out.
1 - 2 months before:
Get names of at least three moving companies. Seek recommendations from friends, estate agents and neighbours.
Get quotes from at least three moving companies, and make sure you know what is included such as insurance, packing, boxes, vans, movers, hand trucks and other equipment.
Research child care and school options in your new neighbourhood.
Ask your dentist and doctors for referrals to new dentists and doctors in your new neighbourhood.
Make sure you understand fully how much you are moving, including furniture, kitchenware, lamps, clothes, and other possessions. Think about what you want to take with you and what you can sell or give away. Moving home is always good for a little "pruning".
If you let, give notice to the current landlord or management company.
Cancel or change anything that requires at least a month notice period, such as memberships, subscriptions, or services.
2 - 4 weeks before:
Visit charity shops to dispose of things you are not moving or selling.
Apply for parking permission for you new address.
Notify your car insurer and check that your current policy is still appropriate after the move.
Send out change of address cards. You can use the Address change checklists for guidance.
If you are moving yourself, start collecting boxes and protective materials such as bubble wrap and newspapers.
Start packing early. Packing according to the rooms in the new home will make it easier to unpack. Remember to label everything clearly.
Arrange for gas, electricity, water and telephone to be connected in time for arrival.
Make necessary hotel bookings if you move far and need to spend the night, or if the new home is not ready at time of arrival.
Notify the post office of new address and organise mail forwarding.
Check your freezer and start eating from it. Frozen food is probably not worth moving.
1 week before:
If you are a parent, arrange for a baby sitter on moving day so you can devote all your attention to packing and moving.
Clear out any safe deposit boxes at the local bank and return books to the library.
Get a house cleaner organised if you do not plan to clean your old house yourself.
Back up files on your PC before you move it.
You may need basic things such as a teapot, toiletries, food, and favourite toys before the rest of your possessions are unpacked. Label and pack these items separately from the rest.
Moving day - leaving your old house:
Verify that the driver of the moving truck has the correct new address.
Visit every room before leaving to check for forgotten items.
Turn off heaters and lights, and lock windows and doors.
Return or leave keys with the appropriate people.
Moving day - arriving at your new house:
Get to the new house before the moving truck, and verify that all your belongings are there and intact when it arrives.
If you arrive during daytime, remember to turn on heaters and check the lights before it gets cold and dark.
Introduce yourself to your new neighbours. Moving in is a nice excuse to say 'hi' for the very first time.
