Time-friendly moving-house tips to get you ready for your move!

Moving to a new house can be both exciting and stressful. Don’t despair though; there are lots of things you can do to prepare yourself and reduce your stress levels before the big day.

The key to a successful move is organisation, preparation, being ready for any situation that might come your way. From locking in the removalists through to arranging insurance, packing your stuff, and disconnecting utilities, let’s create a detailed moving house checklist that leaves nothing to the imagination.

Moving to a new house doesn’t have to be stressful. Download our comprehensive moving house checklist for a smoother and easier relocation.

1-2 Months Before Moving Day

One or two months before moving day might seem too early to think about anything, let alone start a moving house checklist. It’s important to remember, though, that all successful moves are based on preparation. If you can get some of these things locked down during the early stages, you’ll free up more time closer to moving day.

1. Find a trustworthy removalist and lock them in. It’s important to realise that not all removal companies are created equal, with some providing a cheap and impersonal service and others taking a more professional and caring approach.
2. Organise insurance, both for your new home and for the move itself. Regular contents and household insurance won’t cover your items during transit. Moving insurance is often available from removal companies.
3. Give notice and apply for leave. If you’re renting, it’s important to give notice as early as possible so that you can reclaim your deposit. If you’re working, you may need to take
   some time off during your move.
4. Organise specialised transportation services. While moving companies can deal with most
   situations, it may be necessary to find alternative services for vehicles, caravans, boats,
   and pets.
5. Start Packing. It might go without saying, but packing is the most time-consuming and
   stressful part of any move. Don’t wait one or two weeks to start packing, in fact, don’t even wait another day. The earlier you start, the less stressed out you’ll be when moving day
   comes around.

1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day

This is the time when reality starts to kick in. You no longer have the option to put your move into the too-hard basket, it’s time to take out your checklist and get busy. Packing should be well and truly underway during this stage, and if not, it’s probably a good idea to organise a professional packing service.

1. Notify utilities and services. Electricity, gas, water, telephone, Internet, and mail redirection. All of these things need to be dealt with to ensure that the disconnection and reconnection process runs as seamlessly as possible.
2. Investigate moving regulations. Depending on where you move, you may run into access restrictions on moving day. From lift protocols through to parking and traffic management, it’s important to speak to your local council and building manager to iron out potential problems before they arise.
3. Clean and service. While a final clean will be needed just before you move, things like oven cleaning and carpet cleaning need to happen now. Having your existing and new homes clean and tidy will save you headaches on moving day. Servicing cars and disassembling outdoor items should also take place during this time.
4. Confirm removalist details. This is crucial to avoid mistakes on the big day. Contact your removalist and confirm old and new addresses, moving times, insurance, payment options,
   and paperwork.
5. Finish packing. Don’t make the common mistake of packing the night before your move. While there will probably be a few last minute items to throw into a bag, the vast majority of your packing should be done with a week to spare.

1-2 Days Before Moving Day

Your moving house checklist should be small a day or two before moving, but that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. This is when you tie up loose ends and take care of the little things that might have been forgotten.

1. Deal with your household appliances. From defrosting your fridge and removing excessive water from your washing machine through to unplugging cords, make sure that everything is ready when the movers come.
2. Pack and charge. Do everything you can to make moving day as relaxing as possible by organising snacks, packing day-bags for each family member, and making sure your devices are charged and ready to go.
3. Keys and security. Is your house secure? Have you told the neighbours that your old house will be empty? Have you received the keys to your new home? Have you left the keys for your old house in a safe and accessible place?
4. Talk to the removalists. No-one can read your mind. Even the most professional and experienced companies respect honest and ongoing communication. Make sure that all access points are clear and explain where you want your belongings placed.