Moving Tips

 

• Does your new house allow access for large appliances and pieces of furniture? What level is your new house on? Is there a lift? Do you need to book the lift?
• Professionals or amateurs? Decide whether you're to be moved by professional removalists or with the help of family and friends

• Don't miss any of your mail, have Australia Post redirect it to your new address – they offer mail redirection services. Simply visit their website for assistance
• Advise organisations of your change of address and details

• Plan ahead. Get rid of as much junk as possible through charity bins or garage sales.
• Start to use all the food in your freezer to prevent wasting it when you move
• Start your packing early
• Complete an inventory of all items packed
• Check your insurance policy - will it cover the move?
• Make a list of items you'll need available for the moving day, so that you don't pack something essential

• Arrange for disconnection and reconnection of electricity, gas, telephone and water
• Don't forget to cancel newspapers, cleaning, gardening, pet grooming and other local services
• Return things like library books and be sure you've picked up any dry-cleaning, shoe repairs etc  

• Book professional cleaners if necessary
• If renting, arrange for carpet cleaners to come in after you have moved your furniture
• Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer the day before you move
• Safety - consider all safety implications when packing and moving  

• Make or confirm key collection arrangements
• Pack a small box of items you'll need for immediate use in your new home, including some toiletries, a change of clothes, medicines, toilet paper, soap and towels
• Pack another box with kitchen essentials for the move day such as a kettle, cutlery, mugs, tea, coffee and snacks
• Do a final check of all storage areas
• On moving day, get an early start
• Check off all furniture and cartons against your inventory as they go into the van or truck
• Turn off electricity at the meter
• Check that all doors and windows are securely locked as you leave your old house
• Be sure to keep your valuables, personal effects and important papers with you, so they don't go astray
• Unpack bedding and make up beds as soon as possible - you'll thank yourself at the end of a tiring day

• Use the right boxes, and pack them carefully. 
• Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton.
• Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable.
• The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy.
• Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.
• For your family's safety and comfort teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons.
• Fill two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without.
• Ask your van foreman to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move.