If packing yourself

  • Purchase cartons and packing material
  • Use clean white paper, not newspaper as it may leave residue
  • Label every carton clearly as to contents and its room destination
  • Dismantle furniture that comes apart – remember to tape screws etc in an obvious location or label and place in an “ESSENTIALS” carton
  • Prepare an inventory list of each carton
  • Pack lighter items in large cartons, heavier items in small cartons

2-3 weeks to moving day

  • Book your removal company
  • Dispose of any items no longer needed. Remember charities, friends and family may appreciate your pre-loved goods. You don't want to pay to move those items
  • Sort through garage / garden shed etc
  • Make a note of any precious items that may need special care to move
  • Measure the spaces in your new home to ensure your furniture fits
  • In the kitchen, use up all opened packets and throw out goods past their use-by date
  • Check any moving instructions for your washing machine with manufacturer
  • Start using up food in freezer
  • Create a folder for all your moving documents
  • Organise schooling, preschool transfers
  • Contact all relevant authorities to notify of your new address
  • Return library books, videos, DVD’s etc
  • Arrange for family, friends to mind children and pets on moving day
  • Arrange transfer of bank accounts
  • Organise telephone, internet, gas, electricity, Foxtel connections
  • Arrange cleaning of your home after your move

1 week to moving day

  • Set aside bed linens, towels to be used on the first night in your new home
  • Draw a plan of each room in the new home with furniture placement for the removalists
  • Cancel newspaper and other deliveries
  • Drain lawn mower, remove batteries from battery powered items
  • If you have purchased a new home, ensure a final inspection is booked to ensure the home is as you bought it and the fittings and fixtures in the Contract remain
  • Redirect mail through local Post Office

2 days to moving day

  • Arrange parking and access for removalist van
  • Ascertain access details and key collection for your new home

The day before

  • If scheduled, professional packers will arrive to pack up your household. Make sure you leave out essential items for that evening and the following morning
  • Defrost, empty, dry out and air your refrigerator
  • Leave a welcoming note with all relevant information and any keys for the new resident
  • Prepare bags/cartons with all items that you wish to transport yourselves

Moving day

  • Transport perishable food items in a cooler box
  • Collect all car and house keys, ensure gas and electricity meters have been read and telephone disconnected
  • Check tops of cupboards
  • Turn off power
  • Lock house, remember to leave keys as specified

Your new residence

  • Stand at the removalist entry point and give clear directions as to furniture placement
  • Check all utilities are connected
  • Check that you have all keys and relevant instructions to your new residence
  • Have security checked and locks changed if concerned
  • Contact your new local council for garbage collection information 

Enjoy your new home!