Moving to a new home is more than just transporting boxes. You have a pretty intimidating to-do list for packing, organizing and cleaning.
We have created a customized moving house checklist based on our experience of moving thousands of home and commercial moves.
Our ultimate checklist of moving house will help you keep track of your every task.
You will also find packing and moving house tips to make the entire process stress-free.
So whether you are planning to go with a professional removalists company or want to tackle the moving process on your own, follow our removalist checklist:
General checklist:
1
Start planning 4–6 weeks before moving day
2
Decide if you’ll move yourself or hire a removalist
3
If hiring, compare prices and pick a reliable removalist. Use a
removalist cost calculator to estimate your moving
expenses.
removalist cost calculator to estimate your moving
expenses.
4
Make sure your new home is clean and ready to move into
5
Update your address for bills, newspapers, and mail. (Refer this blog for Change of Address Checklist)
6
Use up food and small items you won’t need to move
7
Gather all important documents (insurance, medical records, etc.) in
one safe place
one safe place
Things You Need to Do Before 4-6 Weeks of Moving Day
Even though you have hired a removalist, you might want to pack certain things yourself. Following is the moving house checklist to make it easier for you.
Removalist & Insurance
Get quotes from moving companies
Ask about moving transit insurance
Book a removalist company in advance
Get household insurance for your new place
Review your car and home insurance
Transport & Services
Book car transport
Arrange pet transport
Hire a handyman
Schedule required repairs
Look for storage facilities
Address & Notifications
Inform the Electoral office of your new address
Update car registration and driver’s license
Update address with all contacts
Banks
Cell phone companies
Credit cards
Subscription services
Friends and family
Redirect mail to your new address
Cancel or redirect subscriptions
School & Family
Arrange school or daycare transfers
Collect family and pet medical records
Plan how to carry jewelry and important documents
New Home Preparation
Create a floor plan for furniture placement
Set up utilities at your new home
Confirm moving date and key collection with real estate agent
Arrange tickets and accommodation if traveling
Sorting & Decluttering
Prepare inventory and note dents and scratches
List precious and fragile items needing special care
Dispose of items no longer needed
Check manufacturer moving instructions
Sort through garden and garage
Return rented and borrowed items
Kitchen & Food
Use up all open packets in the kitchen
Throw out expired goods
Cook and use up food in the fridge
Hazardous Items
Dispose of flammable liquids safely
Paint
Garden chemicals
Bleach
Cleaning fluids
Aerosols
Fuel
Empty air bottles and gas cylinders with valves open
Landlord & Legal
Give notice to your landlord
Packing
Start packing your possessions
Book a professional packing team if needed
Arrange packing materials
Moving boxes
Fragile warning tape
Packing paper and tape
Sharpies
Bubble wrap
Dolly
Documents
Make a folder for all moving documents
Packing Tips
Use clean white butcher’s paper instead of newspaper
Label each carton with contents and room destination
Make a list of fragile items and note any scratches
Pack heavy items in small cartons and place them at the bottom
Pack light items in large cartons and load them last
Dismantle furniture and keep all screws and parts together for reassembly
Survival Kit
Tea and coffee
Snacks and breakfast
Children’s toys
Children’s and pet requirements
Telephone headset
Bathroom necessities
Medication
Scissors
Toilet paper
Don’t Forget
Take all personal and valuable items with you
Things You Need to Do 1 Week Before Moving Day
Bedroom & Household
Set aside bed linens, curtains and towels for easy access
Create a plan for each room
Let household help know about the move (gardener, babysitter,
cleaner)
cleaner)
Arrange new domestic help at the new place (cleaner, gardener,
babysitter)
babysitter)
Plants & Pets
Water indoor plants and pack them in plastic boxes
Visit a vet for advice on moving your pet safely and comfortably
Medical & Records
Contact doctors, dentists and specialists to forward your records to
new providers
new providers
Technology & Electronics
Prepare scanner and printer for travel
Backup your important hard drive
Remove memory cards from video cameras and store them safely
Work & Clients
Inform clients about the move and update them with your new address
Apply for leaves
Home & Address
Organize mail redirection
Confirm new address orders are on schedule (e.g. new carpet)
Conduct a formal inspection of your new house
Vehicle
Service your car
Drain house to avoid leaking during transit
Removalist Coordination
Confirm with removalist
New address and contact number
Packing and unpacking requirements
Tools needed
Payment options
Arrange parking for the removalist’s vehicle
Final Packing
Check jars and lids to avoid spills
Pack plates vertically
Drain oil and petrol from all equipment
The Day Before Moving into a New House Checklist
Removalist Instructions
Keep essential and survival cartons handy
Give removalist the new parking address and floor plan
Instruct removalist to unload items room by room
Double check items as they are loaded into the truck
Family Preparation
Pack a bag of basics for every family member
Charge your mobile and keep it in a safe place
Jot down all important contact numbers
Appliances & Utilities
Defrost and clean the fridge
Drain liquid from ice makers, washing machines, etc.
Turn off the hot water system
Take note of meter readings
Final Check
Cross-check garden area, cupboards, garage and sheds
Lock all doors and windows
Remove garage opener from your car
Handover
Return old house keys to new tenant or real estate agent
Moving Day Checklist
At Your Old Home
Give removalists a detailed tour with clear instructions
Ensure high priority boxes are easily accessible
Carry all important things with you
Set out rubbish for council cleanup
Leave a note for deliverers and mail
Make sure the house is secure before leaving
At Your New Home — Before Unloading
Ensure removalists can access all entry points
Have a photocopy of the furniture floor plan ready
Check if all utilities are connected
Take pictures of the house if you are renting
Double check for any items left by previous tenants
Inventory & Removalist
Double check inventory before signing, especially packed boxes
If possessions moved from storage, check before signing inventory
Notify removalist company if anything is missing
Appliances & Utilities
Leave fridge upright before switching it on
Contact all utility providers
Take photos of utility meters
Security
Change security locks
Check all keys and consider booking a locksmith for new locks
Settling In
Start by assembling your bed
Unpack kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and other rooms
Unpack your moving day kit as needed
Place important documents in a safe place
Settle pets and children with familiar things
Settle younger children with their toys
Inspect the garden before kids and pets start playing
Do a cleanup and make your beds
Plug in your phone
Make an emergency contact number list
Don’t try to unpack everything in one day
Say hello to your new neighbors
After You Have Moved In
Moving in can feel overwhelming with boxes everywhere, but take a moment to
relax and celebrate. You did it!
relax and celebrate. You did it!
First Day Priorities
Make your beds first thing
Have a good meal to celebrate
Turn on the boiler if the house feels cold
Clean the washrooms and set out toiletries for the next day
Do a basic cleanup of your surroundings
Kids & Pets
Set up your toddler’s bed and make their room cozy with family
photos and favorite toys
photos and favorite toys
Settle pets with treats, toys and their usual bedding
Consider leaving pets with a caregiver until you are fully settled
Essentials
Activate phones and plug in essential appliances
Rearrange deliveries like milk, newspaper, groceries and
subscriptions
subscriptions
Note down emergency contact numbers for doctors, taxis, vets, etc.
Unpacking
Start with the kitchen first
Unpack 1–2 boxes at a time to avoid clutter
Assign older children to organize their own rooms
The main thing to bear in mind – don’t expect everything to be done immediately. This might end up stressing you, even before you start on the job.
Take your time to settle down comfortably! Are you ready for a move? This moving into first house checklist will hopefully make your move seamless and hassle-free.
Contact us if you are looking for a removalist company to conduct your move within Melbourne.
Moving to a new home is more than just transporting boxes. You have a pretty intimidating to-do list for packing, organizing and cleaning.
We have created a customized moving house checklist based on our experience of moving thousands of home and commercial moves.
Our ultimate checklist of moving house will help you keep track of your every task.
You will also find packing and moving house tips to make the entire process stress-free.
So whether you are planning to go with a professional removalists company or want to tackle the moving process on your own, follow our removalist checklist:
General checklist:
1
Start planning 4–6 weeks before moving day
2
Decide if you’ll move yourself or hire a removalist
3
If hiring, compare prices and pick a reliable removalist. Use a
removalist cost calculator to estimate your moving
expenses.
removalist cost calculator to estimate your moving
expenses.
4
Make sure your new home is clean and ready to move into
5
Update your address for bills, newspapers, and mail. (Refer this blog for Change of Address Checklist)
6
Use up food and small items you won’t need to move
7
Gather all important documents (insurance, medical records, etc.) in
one safe place
one safe place
Things You Need to Do Before 4-6 Weeks of Moving Day
Even though you have hired a removalist, you might want to pack certain things yourself. Following is the moving house checklist to make it easier for you.
Removalist & Insurance
Get quotes from moving companies
Ask about moving transit insurance
Book a removalist company in advance
Get household insurance for your new place
Review your car and home insurance
Transport & Services
Book car transport
Arrange pet transport
Hire a handyman
Schedule required repairs
Look for storage facilities
Address & Notifications
Inform the Electoral office of your new address
Update car registration and driver’s license
Update address with all contacts
Banks
Cell phone companies
Credit cards
Subscription services
Friends and family
Redirect mail to your new address
Cancel or redirect subscriptions
School & Family
Arrange school or daycare transfers
Collect family and pet medical records
Plan how to carry jewelry and important documents
New Home Preparation
Create a floor plan for furniture placement
Set up utilities at your new home
Confirm moving date and key collection with real estate agent
Arrange tickets and accommodation if traveling
Sorting & Decluttering
Prepare inventory and note dents and scratches
List precious and fragile items needing special care
Dispose of items no longer needed
Check manufacturer moving instructions
Sort through garden and garage
Return rented and borrowed items
Kitchen & Food
Use up all open packets in the kitchen
Throw out expired goods
Cook and use up food in the fridge
Hazardous Items
Dispose of flammable liquids safely
Paint
Garden chemicals
Bleach
Cleaning fluids
Aerosols
Fuel
Empty air bottles and gas cylinders with valves open
Landlord & Legal
Give notice to your landlord
Packing
Start packing your possessions
Book a professional packing team if needed
Arrange packing materials
Moving boxes
Fragile warning tape
Packing paper and tape
Sharpies
Bubble wrap
Dolly
Documents
Make a folder for all moving documents
Packing Tips
Use clean white butcher’s paper instead of newspaper
Label each carton with contents and room destination
Make a list of fragile items and note any scratches
Pack heavy items in small cartons and place them at the bottom
Pack light items in large cartons and load them last
Dismantle furniture and keep all screws and parts together for reassembly
Survival Kit
Tea and coffee
Snacks and breakfast
Children’s toys
Children’s and pet requirements
Telephone headset
Bathroom necessities
Medication
Scissors
Toilet paper
Don’t Forget
Take all personal and valuable items with you
Things You Need to Do 1 Week Before Moving Day
Bedroom & Household
Set aside bed linens, curtains and towels for easy access
Create a plan for each room
Let household help know about the move (gardener, babysitter,
cleaner)
cleaner)
Arrange new domestic help at the new place (cleaner, gardener,
babysitter)
babysitter)
Plants & Pets
Water indoor plants and pack them in plastic boxes
Visit a vet for advice on moving your pet safely and comfortably
Medical & Records
Contact doctors, dentists and specialists to forward your records to
new providers
new providers
Technology & Electronics
Prepare scanner and printer for travel
Backup your important hard drive
Remove memory cards from video cameras and store them safely
Work & Clients
Inform clients about the move and update them with your new address
Apply for leaves
Home & Address
Organize mail redirection
Confirm new address orders are on schedule (e.g. new carpet)
Conduct a formal inspection of your new house
Vehicle
Service your car
Drain house to avoid leaking during transit
Removalist Coordination
Confirm with removalist
New address and contact number
Packing and unpacking requirements
Tools needed
Payment options
Arrange parking for the removalist’s vehicle
Final Packing
Check jars and lids to avoid spills
Pack plates vertically
Drain oil and petrol from all equipment
The Day Before Moving into a New House Checklist
Removalist Instructions
Keep essential and survival cartons handy
Give removalist the new parking address and floor plan
Instruct removalist to unload items room by room
Double check items as they are loaded into the truck
Family Preparation
Pack a bag of basics for every family member
Charge your mobile and keep it in a safe place
Jot down all important contact numbers
Appliances & Utilities
Defrost and clean the fridge
Drain liquid from ice makers, washing machines, etc.
Turn off the hot water system
Take note of meter readings
Final Check
Cross-check garden area, cupboards, garage and sheds
Lock all doors and windows
Remove garage opener from your car
Handover
Return old house keys to new tenant or real estate agent
Moving Day Checklist
At Your Old Home
Give removalists a detailed tour with clear instructions
Ensure high priority boxes are easily accessible
Carry all important things with you
Set out rubbish for council cleanup
Leave a note for deliverers and mail
Make sure the house is secure before leaving
At Your New Home — Before Unloading
Ensure removalists can access all entry points
Have a photocopy of the furniture floor plan ready
Check if all utilities are connected
Take pictures of the house if you are renting
Double check for any items left by previous tenants
Inventory & Removalist
Double check inventory before signing, especially packed boxes
If possessions moved from storage, check before signing inventory
Notify removalist company if anything is missing
Appliances & Utilities
Leave fridge upright before switching it on
Contact all utility providers
Take photos of utility meters
Security
Change security locks
Check all keys and consider booking a locksmith for new locks
Settling In
Start by assembling your bed
Unpack kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and other rooms
Unpack your moving day kit as needed
Place important documents in a safe place
Settle pets and children with familiar things
Settle younger children with their toys
Inspect the garden before kids and pets start playing
Do a cleanup and make your beds
Plug in your phone
Make an emergency contact number list
Don’t try to unpack everything in one day
Say hello to your new neighbors
After You Have Moved In
Moving in can feel overwhelming with boxes everywhere, but take a moment to
relax and celebrate. You did it!
relax and celebrate. You did it!
First Day Priorities
Make your beds first thing
Have a good meal to celebrate
Turn on the boiler if the house feels cold
Clean the washrooms and set out toiletries for the next day
Do a basic cleanup of your surroundings
Kids & Pets
Set up your toddler’s bed and make their room cozy with family
photos and favorite toys
photos and favorite toys
Settle pets with treats, toys and their usual bedding
Consider leaving pets with a caregiver until you are fully settled
Essentials
Activate phones and plug in essential appliances
Rearrange deliveries like milk, newspaper, groceries and
subscriptions
subscriptions
Note down emergency contact numbers for doctors, taxis, vets, etc.
Unpacking
Start with the kitchen first
Unpack 1–2 boxes at a time to avoid clutter
Assign older children to organize their own rooms
The main thing to bear in mind – don’t expect everything to be done immediately. This might end up stressing you, even before you start on the job.
Take your time to settle down comfortably! Are you ready for a move? This moving into first house checklist will hopefully make your move seamless and hassle-free.
Contact us if you are looking for a removalist company to conduct your move within Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some unique, original FAQs for a Moving House Checklist:
You should start 8–12 weeks before your move date. This avoids last minute panic.
Set your moving date and budget, that will impact all your other decisions.
Yes, Room by room tends to work better for most people. It keeps you organised and makes unpacking easier.
Redirecting mail, updating their address with banks and subscriptions, transferring medical and school records, and defrosting the freezer the night before the move.
Absolutely yes. Pack an essential bow with everything you'll need in the first 24 hours, charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, kettle, mugs, snacks, and important documents.
You should notify your utility provider at least 2–4 weeks before moving.
Yes, decluttering before packing will save you time and also reduce mover's costs.
As soon as possible. You never know how many copies of the old keys are floating around.
