Regardless if your moving around the world or just across the street, moving can be very stressful! Being organized and planning ahead is the best way to make your move easier.
One-two months prior….
• Put together a ‘moving notebook’ to keep notes of what you need do, what you’ve done etc.
• Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.
• Select a moving company, book early for best rate!
• If you need to move vehicles, pets or specialist items and you need outside help start sorting it out now (your moving company may be able to help).
• If you need to use storage facilities look at your options
• Make a list of people to notify of your change of address.
• Contacting financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.
• Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you’ll need to register your kids for a new school.
• Start packing non-essential stuff (it’s never too soon to begin!) whenever you have some free time.
• Boxes, boxes, boxes! Get as many boxes as you can. We like liquor store boxes; they are small, strong, and FREE!
• Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you. If moving abroad ask about vaccinations etc. If you or your family (or pets) have regular medical prescriptions, get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. If you’re moving out of the area ask for referrals to new practices.
• Contact all of your insurers (home, vehicle, medical etc) to notify them of your move. Ask your home insurer for details of your existing coverage for the actual and arrange new coverage or a transfer to your new home.
• Get a lockable box and start putting in important documents as you come across them.
• Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.
• Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date now. You’ll have less time as the days pass so it’s good to get this out of the way.
• Get a form from your local Post Office for their mail forwarding service, fill it in and send it off.
• Start making an inventory of your goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.
• Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.
Two-three weeks before……
• Contact utility to have services turned off and setup in the new location.
• Speed up the packing, take a room a day and start packing up everything you do not need to use before you move.
• Return library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.
• Have your car(s) serviced.
• Eat what you already have as you can’t really take it with you. Use the food now so you don’t end up throwing it away later.
• Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don’t load it by mistake.
• Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.
• Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel etc.
• Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.
• Think about what you’re going to do with the kids!
One week before…..
• Call your mover and any other companies involved with the move (vehicle movers, storage facilities etc) and confirm all of your arrangements, times etc.
• Carry on packing!
• Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
• Check that your new home is still set to be insured.
• Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.
One-two days before…..
• Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.
• Finish taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
• Sort out any plants you’re taking with you.
• Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete and plan to take copies of it with you.
• Close bank accounts if necessary.
• Finish your major packing.
• Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book.
• Put together a box of essentials for the move such as tea, coffee, mugs, sugar, tools, paper and pen and cleaning materials-label the box “LOAD LAST” so it’s also the first box to come off the truck.
• Make sure all boxes are clearly marked / labeled.
• Start cleaning the house as you go along.
• Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.
Moving day at your old home…..
• Get up early and don’t panic!
• Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
• Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
• Make sure your movers know where they are going, exchange cell phone numbers in case there are problems while in transit.
• Take a copy of all your paperwork related to the sale/purchase/move along with phone numbers and telephone books with you! You never know when you may need some of this information.
• Do final cleaning.
• Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
• Have a final walk through to check you’ve remembered everything – do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
• Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you’ve arranged.
• Make sure you load everything you’re taking yourself in the car and lock it!
• Switch everything off, lock up and leave!
Moving day at your new home…..
• Check everything is working such as power, gas etc – if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
• Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
• Offer the movers a drink and snack!
• Clean before you start unpacking.
• Unpack essentials.
After Your Move
• Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
• Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
• Don’t worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
• Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
• Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage – you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
• Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
• Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
• Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
• If necessary change your driver’s license and car details etc.
