Moving

Moving can be extremely stressful, but thorough planning and preparation can make sure everything goes smoothly, and save you money. This checklist will help you organise the process.

Six weeks before you move
Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Remember, extra weight costs money.

Contact moving companies for estimates. Pay attention to cost, but also find out what extra services the more expensive quotes allow for.

Get an estimate from your mover for them to professionally pack all or some of your belongings. The time and effort you save may well be worth the cost. While the mover is liable for the breakage of items it packs, you are responsible for improperly packed items you have boxed yourself.

Start a file for all your moving details and keep all your moving-related expenses within - some of the costs may be tax-deductable.

Five weeks before you arrive
Select your mover and packing arrangements and meet them to discuss dates and costs.

If you have decided to pack yourself, start gathering boxes and special-purpose containers for items like lamps and paintings. Your mover should be able to provide suitable packaging for you to use.

Four weeks before you move
Notify the post office, magazines, credit card companies and banks, friends and family of your change of address and set up a forwarding service if necessary.

Contact utilities (gas, water, electricity, telephone) companies to schedule disconnection of services on the day following your move.

Call the utilities in your new city to arrange for service to start the day before you move so that you have service when you arrive at your new home.

If you are planning to move major appliances, schedule disconnection and servicing with your mover to happen a few days before you leave. Arrange the connection and installation of appliances in your new home. Complete any repair work on your new home.

Three weeks before you move
Take inventory of your everyday household items and decide which ones you will discard or keep in storage.

If you are self-packing, start now in earnest, making sure to label all boxes with their contents and pack carefully. As you pack, remember to keep each box light enough to be carried by all members of the family.

If possible, box essential items together, and label these boxes accordingly.

Make sure you have your driver's license, car registration and insurance records.

Contact your doctor, dentist and veterinarian for copies of your medical records.

Plan your food purchases so as to waste as little as possible when you leave, and clearing up all frozen items.

Contact your children's schools and arrange for records to be forwarded if necessary.

Two weeks before you move
Check with your insurance company that coverage has been arranged for your new home.

Make arrangements for moving your pets and any house plants; they cannot usually be taken in the movers' van.

Cancel any delivery suervices such as newspapers.

Make sure to empty any secret hiding places for valuables and spare house keys.

One week before you move
Dispose of toxic and flammable items that can't be moved. Drain petrol and oil from tools such as lawn mowers; movers will not transport them when full.

Pack any essential items that you will need while the moving van is in transit.

Pay all outstanding bills.

One or two days before the move
Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer; clean both with a disinfectant and let them air out.

Arrange for payment to the moving company, and ensure this is made by the time your belongings arrive at your new home.

Write directions to your new home for the van operator and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit.

The content of this page is for information only and should not be relied upon.

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