Moving House Checklist

Moving homes is one of those life events that can seem rather daunting. But, moving homes does not have to be a headache. Whether you are moving out of home for the first time, upsizing, downsizing, moving interstate, across the ocean or in with family, with careful planning and a good old-fashioned moving house checklist your move can be a smooth transition.

Mumma Moff has put together a handy moving house checklist with some of the main logistics to organise weeks, days and during your move to ensure a well-organised and less stressful move.

Four weeks before the move

Declutter: Moving homes is a great time to evaluate your belongings, and in Marie Kondo KonMari style, rid yourself of items that no longer spark joy (or do not have a functional day-to-day use). If you have not used an item for over 6 months, have unpacked boxes from your last move, or you cannot remember the sentimental value of an item, that is a good indication it might be time to thank them for their service – then let them go. Organising a garage sale or donating to a local charity is a great way to rid yourself of any unwanted items. Otherwise, a self-storage service such as Mumma Moffs may be the perfect place to store items you want to keep but no longer have room for in your new home.
Organise a removalist: Unless you are planning to move yourself, this is the time to organise a professional removalist to safely load, transport and unload your belongings. Mumma Moff recommends that you choose your removal company carefully, check reviews or hire a removalist based on word-of-mouth from a trusted source. It is also recommended you make a photo inventory of your expensive belongings to ensure that there are not any extra dents and scratches made to your belongings on completion of the removal. It may also be best to take sentimental and personal belonging along with you in the car.
Buy packing material: To begin packing you obviously need materials to store and secure your belongings in. Mumma Moff offers a range of packing supplies at our Central Coast Self-Storage facility, or you can purchase them via our online store. Some of the packing supplies we offer include good-quality moving boxes, dispenser guns, high-quality tape, bubble wrap and moving blankets.
Insurance: Call your home and contents insurance to let them know about your upcoming move and work out your options for protection while you move.
Budget: Create a budget for your move and begin tracking your expenses with a folder that houses quotes and receipts.

3 weeks before the move

Start packing: Begin by packing belongings that are unlikely to be used before the move. Move from room to room packing lighter items in bigger boxes and heavier items (such as books) in smaller boxes. Label each box clearly with the contents, which room it belongs to and whether it is fragile. Packing always takes longer than expected, so it is best to get a start on it as soon as you can.
Shop smart: Take inventory of what is in your fridge, freezer and cupboards and create meal plans to use what you already have. It will be easiest to start fresh in your new home without worrying about anything perishing on the journey.

Two weeks before the move

Transfer & update personal records: If moving to a new location, arrange to get a copy of your family’s medical records to give to your new doctor. The same goes for your pet’s vet records, microchip and council registration records. Notify your place of employment, children’s school, electoral office, department of transport, ATO, super funds, banks, health funds and any other important institutions of your new address.
Redirect mail: contact Australia Post to organise a mail redirection and update the address for magazine and other subscription delivery services.
Arrange cleaning: Organise a professional domestic cleaner to clean the home you are exiting, especially if you are renting. Property managers are very particular about the standard the house is to be left in when exiting a rental. A professional domestic cleaner will help to ensure you are returned your full bond payment.
Confirm bookings: Now you are only 2 weeks out from your move it is best to call your removalist and any other service you are using to assist with your move to ensure everything is booked and ready to go.

One week before the move

Notify utilities: Contact your utility providers, such as electricity, water, phone, internet and Foxtel, and arrange disconnections and reconnections. Make sure you keep your electricity on at your old place until after the house has been cleaned.
Prepare a load last box: Keep aside essentials needed for the transition such as a kettle, toaster, a pan, a few cups and plates, cutlery, special children’s toys, school needs, pet needs, medications, chargers, toiletries, towels and linen (+ a clean set for when you move in) snacks and toilet paper.
Finish packing: Water all plants ready for the move, use up the last of what is in the fridge and freezer and pack everything besides your ‘load last’ box and personal suitcase/bag. Pack valuables and important documents to keep with you when you travel.

The day before the move

Defrost your freezer and fridge: It is best to turn it off 24 hours before moving your fridge or freezer into your new home. Turning it off 24 hours in advance gives the appliance’s evaporator time to defrost, which reduces the risk of any damage during the move.
Check tyres: If you are hitting the road to reach your new home make sure that your car tyres and trailer tyres are adequately pumped.
Pack a suitcase/bag: This is your final night in your home! Pack a bag with the belongings you will need while you are travelling and for the first few nights in your new home. Order some takeout and enjoy your last night before the move.

Moving Day

Double-check: Check cupboards, wardrobes, sheds and garages to ensure nothing is left behind. Lock all doors and windows, turn off the power, tighten all taps, check gas and turn off the hot water system.
Leave and collect keys: Make sure you leave behind any keys, padlocks and gate codes for the new owner/tenants of your old place. Collect the keys to your new home!
Manage move: Try to arrive at your new home before the removalist. Stand at the entry point and give directions as to where to place the furniture. Or if this is not possible, provide your removalist with a floor plan of the house and where you wish for the items to be placed.
Start unpacking & enjoy your new home!

Mumma Moff is here to help make your move into our Central Coast Self-Storage facility as seamless and efficient as possible. We hope this moving house checklist serves you well and Mumma Moff wishes you all the best with your new move. For more hints and tips head to our blog page or contact us to discuss your self-storage options.