Moving House Checklist: Things to Do When Moving

Before you begin packing, it’s a good idea to take stock of your belongings, to see where you can cut back. Often, you may find the same box is moved from house to house without being totally unpacked. If you haven’t used an object in the last few years, do you really need to save it?

Also, you could try to start packing your non day-to-day items earlier, to reduce the workload closer to your move date. To help get you started when planning your move, Canstar has devised a simple checklist of some of the essentials:

1. Do you need a removalist service?

When moving, you generally have two choices: moving your belongings yourself (perhaps with the help of friends or family), or finding a professional removalist. If you would rather hire a removalist service, word-of-mouth can be an effective way to find one that has a good track record in your area.

Also check reviews online. Most professional removalists offer different levels of support, from packing and unpacking everything, through to simply loading up your pre-packed boxes and furniture.

2. Collect packing boxes

Are you packing your household items yourself? If so, you’ll need a supply of good-quality moving boxes and strong packing tape. Many removalists and storage facilities sell boxes, or you could ask for old cardboard boxes at your local supermarket.

3. Consolidate and pack

When you begin to pack, you may rediscover belongings you have long forgotten about. Think about whether you need to organise a skip bin to dispose of rubbish, arrange a garage sale for any sellable (but unwanted) items, or donate any unwanted items to charity.

When packing, make sure you use adequate padding for your fragile items. And double-check the weight limits of the boxes you are using. For example, don’t pack a large box full of books, as it will become too heavy to lift.

Also, clearly marking which room a box is intended for can speed up the unpacking process at the other end.

4. Take care of outstanding bills

Double-check if you have any outstanding rates or utility bills. If you can, it’s a good idea to pay them off before you move, and let your provider know you are moving. This will reduce the risk of losing paperwork or accidentally accruing late fees.

5. Disconnect and connect utilities

When you know your move-out date, you can arrange for your utilities to be disconnected at the house you are moving out of, and connected ready for your arrival at your new house. These include:

• Landline/broadband
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water

Sometimes, utility providers will require access to your new house, which may mean a delay in getting connected, so it could be worth ensuring you have a contingency plan in place. There’s plenty of advice on Canstar Blue on choosing the best electricity and broadband providers.

Compare electricity providers

6. Arrange cleaning

When it comes to cleaning a rental property, you have two choices:

• Doing it yourself
• Hiring professional cleaners.

Many cleaners specialise in helping people who are moving house. And for renters, they often guarantee their work to a standard that warrants full bond repayment. Of course, hiring a pro-cleaner is more expensive than the DIY option.

7. Consider insurance

Whether you are home owner or renting, it’s always a good idea to organise insurance to protect your belongings in your new home.

You can also ask your provider about cover during your move, just in case anything doesn’t arrive at the new property in its original condition. Transit insurance can help provide a level of financial cover for your possessions if they are damaged and/or lost while they are in transit to your new home. 

→ Related article: Transit Insurance When Moving House: Do You Need It?