The Ultimate Checklist for Moving House

3 Months Before

• Get quotes from moving companies.
•  Make a list of items so that you know what you’re moving. You may also want to show this to movers to get a quote.
•  If you rent, inform your landlord you’re moving.
•  Inquire with your employer to see if they pay moving expenses.
•  Look at schools and other child services in your new area.

2 Months Before

•  Start packing up items you don’t really use but want to take with you to make a head start.
•  Decide what you’re not going to take and what you’ll do with them.
•  Finalise schools and childcare for your kids. Buy them their new uniform.
•  Come up with a budget and what you expect your moving costs to be.
•  If you need temporary storage, find a company close to your new place of residence.
•  Buy a journal to record important information and conversations regarding the move.
•  Make sure you have time off work if you need it.
•  Order cardboard boxes and other packing supplies.

1 Month Before

•  Take your pets to the vets and get any certificates you need. Decide how you’ll get them to your new place.
•  Make travel bookings to get to your new place if you need to.
•  Transfer your kid’s school records to their new school.
•  Call utility companies and let them know you’re moving.
•  Confirm your move date with the moving company you’ve chosen.
•  Give your landlord at least 21 days written notice that you’re moving if you’re renting.
•  Confirm your moving schedule with whom it concerns, such as your landlord or real estate agent.

3 Weeks Before

•  Ensure your valuables are somewhere safe.
•  Make sure you’ve gotten rid of the things you don’t want.
•  Make a list of places you need to inform of your move.
•  Find out when you need to have your documents signed and finished by.

2 Weeks Before

•  If renting, arrange with your landlord when they would like to do the inspection before you get your bond back.
•  Use change of address cards to notify friends and family of your new address.
•  Apply to redirect your mail.

1 Week Before

•  Ensure you have the important moving day things, such as numbers, documents, and cleaning supplies.
•  Pay outstanding bills.
•  Find somebody to take care of your kids/pets.
•  Separate things the movers will be taking, and things you’ll be taking yourself. Take valuables and things such as jewelry yourself.
•  Start getting rid of food and defrosting your fridge/freezer.
•  Hire a cleaner to come after you’ve moved and take care of everything. It’ll save time and hassle.

The Day Before

•  Make sure you have the keys to your new place, or that you’ve arranged to pick them up.

On The Day

•  Make sure there’s space for the movers.
•  Lock all of the doors and windows.
•  Make a final note of meter readings and keep them safe.
•  Triple check everything.
•  Make sure you’ve given all of the important keys to the real estate agent or new owners. Include window keys and bolt keys.
•  Don’t try to unpack everything at once. Focus on the beds and get everything else sorted later on. You’ve done well to get this far!

Afterwards

•  Create a list if anything was lost or damaged during the move and inform the movers or your insurance company.
•  Take your time introducing kids and pets to their new home.
•  Consider new locks.
•  Introduce yourself to your neighbours!