Checklist for moving house

Moving into a new home is an exciting step but can be stressful if you're not properly prepared. We've put together a moving checklist to make the process smooth and straightforward.

Prepare a calendar and budget for the move

As the old saying goes failing to plan is planning to fail. Moving is more than shifting furniture from one location to another – there's a lot to think about and organise ahead of time to make the move run smoothly.

First up, moving can be expensive so it's worth preparing a budget which includes all of the anticipated expenses and a calendar to keep you on track. When plotting out everything that needs to be done, give yourself at least four to six weeks out from the moving date and factor in:

• booking and paying for a removalist, or hiring a truck yourself
• sourcing packing materials such as boxes, pallets, masking tape and bubble wrap
• allowing time to sort out clothes, crockery and old linens etc to be donated
• organising a council pickup for bigger items such as a bookcase or old fridge you don't want to take to the new place
• letting utility companies know about the move, and investigating any reconnection fees
• if you're renting, the rental bond for your new place
• allocate time for cleaning the property thoroughly, or arranging a cleaning service
• friends and family that can help with moving or cleaning
• arranging time off you may need for the move.

Book a reputable removalist service

A good removalist can make all the difference to your move. While you can pack and move all of your belongings yourself, using a removalist takes a lot of hassle out of moving day. Most removalists offer different levels of service from simply loading and transporting your belongings, to helping you pack up the house and install everything in the new home.

Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations and if they can give you a hand on the day. It's best to get quotes from multiple businesses so you know you're getting value for money.

Pack necessities and valuables

Ahead of moving day pack a box or two of important items you need daily such as food, medications, personal products such as shampoo, conditioner and soap, small electronic items as well as chargers – anything you use on a daily basis.

You should also pack valuables such as jewellery and money in a separate box to minimise the chances of losing or damaging them.

Arrange cleaners

While getting your place professionally cleaned isn't essential when you move out, arranging this can take pressure off your move. It could take you a day or more to do the cleaning while professional cleaners have all the equipment and experience to get the job done quickly.

If you're a renter a professional clean will also increase the likelihood of getting your bond back. Plenty of cleaning providers offer dedicated end-of-lease services with many including a 100 per cent bond back guarantee.

Update your address

Update all of your accounts, providers and government services with your new address so you don't miss any important mail. Remember to inform your:

• bank
• employer
• GP or medical centre
• superannuation fund
• mobile phone provider
• myGov account
• children's school
• newspaper or magazine subscriptions

For a small fee Australia Post will redirect your mail to your new address just in case anything goes to your old home.

Organise your utilities

Around a month before moving out organise to have your utilities reconnected at your new home. It pays to do this earlier as there can be a delay for certain utilities such as the internet connection, as the provider may need access to your home. Remember to include water, pay TV, phone, electricity, gas and internet.

Tell your insurer about the move

If you have home and contents insurance, renters insurance or car insurance, you‘ll need to notify your insurance company of your upcoming move so they can update your policy. This is crucial as in some cases your premiums may change based on the new location you're moving to.

Have the right insurance ready

Having the right insurance in place on moving day offers peace of mind knowing your valuables, furniture and other personal belongings are adequately protected.

• Portable contents insurance allows you to cover important valuables such as your mobile phone, laptop, and your engagement ring when outside your home – including on moving day.
• If you're an owner, combined home and contents insurance covers both the building you live in and possessions within your property boundaries should theft, damage or loss occur. 
• If you're moving out of your old home to rent it out, landlord insurance is another insurance option that may suit as it offers financial protection if damage occurs to your property or if the tenant defaults on their rental payments.
• If you live in an apartment you can take out contents insurance to protect your belongings and certain parts of your home's interior, such as blinds or curtains, and carpets. Learn more about protecting yourself as a renter.

Moving house checklist

Remember to:

• create a calendar and budget
• arrange for removalist and cleaners
• call in some favours from family and friends you've helped move
• forward on your mail
• update your utilities and service providers
• update your insurers to make sure you're still covered, or
• take out home and contents cover if you haven't already