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Home and office moving tips

Moving can sometimes be quite a challenging and stressful experience. On the top of everything else, if you do not keep a track of all the things to do, you can easily end up with less time and more things at the last hour.

To make things a bit easier, below are some tips that may help you organise your move.

    Four weeks before your move

1. Set a firm date for your move

2. Organize a Removalist – Call 1300 907 911 / 0433 922 307 to book a time before its too late.

3. If you need storage, arrange it now

4. Organize transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings

5. Organize your travel plans for moving day - if you’re moving some distance, you may need to book a hotel or other accommodation

6. If necessary, book time off work

7. Collect moving materials such as boxes, packing tape, rope, newspapers (for wrapping) and marking pens

8. Keep a list of incoming mail and start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address

Two weeks before your move

1. Start packing non-essential items and clothing - list the items packed on the outside of the box

2. Contact your electricity and gas companies (Origin Energy and TRU energy others) and communication providers (eg Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.)

3. Arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, Internet and pay-TV services at your new address.

4. Ask someone to look after the kids on moving day

5. Update insurance policies

6. Make a list of the items you want the removalist to move and any items you’ll be moving yourself

7. If you have pets, organise care for them during moving day and make necessary pet transport arrangements - ensure your pets have tags with your mobile or new phone number on them. You may need to use the services of cat boarding facilities or kennels

8. Start cleaning your home

9. Arrange redirection of mail with Australia Post. You can do this online

10. Dispose of any hazardous waste in the correct manner. Empty your freezer and pantry by eating all the food! Defrost the freezer before moving it.  

One week before the move

1.  Arrange for bills to be paid

2. Cancel services such as mowing service, newspapers and other home delivery services

3. Confirm arrangements with utility companies

4. Put important documents such as passports and drivers licences in a safe place.

5. Be sure to keep all moving related documents together

6. Finish packing - make sure all boxes are correctly labelled with contents and rooms

7. Return library books and DVDs and pick up any dry cleaning

8. If packing all your stuff has left you with piles of rubbish, take it to the nearest tip or transfer station ( Or ask Move my Stuff to do it for you)

9. Pack up your computer (if you can do without it for that long!). Keep all cords and accessories together. Pack it in the original box, if you have it, otherwise wrap in blankets and transport it carefully

On moving day

1. Pack a survival kit for the first hours in your new home - include tea or coffee, kettle, mugs and teaspoons, water bottle, snacks, milk, small first aid kit, toilet paper, a torch, spare light bulbs, paper towels and cleaning materials

2. Make sure the house is clean. At this busy time it might be worth hiring a cleaner to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you

3. Strip the beds and keep the linen in a separate box that travels with you so you can use them on the first night

4. Disconnect remaining appliances

5. Do one final check of your house as the removalists are loading your boxes

6. Have final payment ready for your removalist

7. Read the removalist document thoroughly before signing and save it for future reference

8. Stay home until the last item is packed and make an inspection of the van to check all your goods are loaded

9. Close and lock all the doors and windows

10. Make sure you have the keys to your new home with you

11. Carry valuables, personal items and important papers with you so they don’t get lost

At your new home

1. Check all items during unloading and unpacking - look for any damaged or missing items

2. Check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on - if not, contact the suppliers

3. Start with essentials such as making the beds and cleaning the kitchen for use.    You may want to use professionals for carpet cleaning or window washing

4. Keep pets away until you are moved in

5. Find out which day is your garbage and recycling collection day.  

6. Find you local parks, shops, sports centre and swimming pools

7. Join the library

8. Get your pets familiarized to the new area as quickly as possible so they don’t try to find their old place. Where is the closest off-leash area?

9. Take a few different routes to go places from your new home - you’re sure to find some handy shortcuts

10. If renting, tell the landlord about any appliances that aren’t working or any defects in your new property and check what you are allowed to do.

11. Don’t forget to get an updated driver’s licence or change your car registration.  

12. If Happy with your Removalist, Refer to you family and friends!!