Moving House Checklist
Your Complete Moving House Checklist
There are a lot of things to consider when planning to move in Australia, so we've put together a helpful moving house checklist.
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Start Here - 6 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book your move with John Ryan Removals
- Talk to John Ryan Removals about insurance options
- Using a floor plan of your new home, plan where you will place your furniture
- Consider your existing furniture and arrange to sell or donate items you no longer need. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and garage sales are all great options!
- Plan your packing with John Ryan Removals. Would you like us to pack for you? Or are you happy to do your own packing? Do you need storage?
- If you have decided to self-pack, organise the delivery of boxes and packing materials (tape, bubble wrap, etc.) from John Ryan Removals
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start packing this week!
- Advise John Ryan Removals of settlement times
- Check your garden, the garage/shed, under the house
- Use up all frozen food in your freezer
- Make arrangements to have your pet cared for on moving day. If travelling interstate, John Ryan Removals can organise transport via JetPets.
- Start packing this week if you have elected to self-pack.
- Label every carton by room.
- Keep a separate list of the contents for your reference.
- Begin dismantling any furniture that requires it. Keep all bolts and screws in a zip-lock bag and secure to the furniture.
- Begin to contact key contacts regarding your upcoming change of address - refer to the list of essential contacts below
1 Week Before Moving Day
- If needed, organise any special access requirements for John Ryan Removals - e.g. parking and lift access
- Arrange with the Post Office to have your mail re-directed
- Reconfirm travel arrangements for your vehicles and pets.
- Remove batteries if you are planning to store any powered items
- Organise an electrician if you are taking any light fittings with you
- Establish cut off or reading dates for electricity, water, phone and gas.
- Collect any dry cleaning or post office deliveries if you are moving interstate
- Dispose of any food you don't need, or consider donating. Try to use up as many food supplies as possible without purchasing more.
2 Days Before Moving Day
- If John Ryan Removals are packing your items for you, today will be the day.
- If travelling an extended distance by car, check oil, water and tyres
- Finish off any laundry and begin packing your final items
- Pack luggage and your 'survival kit' - e.g. toiletries, cleaning supplies, snacks, coffee, towels etc, to have on hand during moving day.
- Ensure all food, cleaning and toiletry items are sealed tightly in plastic bags or containers. Dispose of anything open and perishable.
- Finalise your packing.
- Make sure all items are on your inventory and each box is numbered as per your inventory.
- Defrost and clean out your fridge and freezer. Wipe the inside of your fridge with vanilla essence - it will prevent build up of mildew and nasty smells.
- Check that all drawers and cupboards are empty - inside and outside the house.
- Leave your forwarding address and contact details for the new occupants.
- If the house will be vacant for a while, notify the police.
Moving Day
- Ensure there is convenient parking available for us before we arrive
- If you cant be there, ensure you have an agent there on your behalf
- Ensure your pets and Children are being safely looked after elsewhere
- Meet with our lovely moving staff - they will give you all the information you need to ensure a smooth moving day
- Ensure your keys are kept somewhere safe
- Make a final check of rooms, cupboards, storage areas and the garage
- Turn the power off to the house, tighten taps and ensure all gas and electrical switches are off
- Lock all windows and doors
Your New Home
- If renting, conduct a walk through before delivering furniture, documenting the state of the property.
- Have the removalists place heavy furniture in the room and position how you would like it. Leave the heavy lifting to us!
- If your goods are coming from storage or interstate, check the inventory carefully and sign off on it once you are satisfied all listed items are accounted for.
- Check the gas, power and telephones are connected. Turn on the hot water system.
Essential Contacts
- Doctor
- Accountant
- Lawyer
- Vet
- Dentist
- Private Health funds
- Bank - Credit Card
- Financial Institutions
- Share Companies
- Schools
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Telephone
- Council
- VicRoads - Motor Registry (within 7 days)
- Automobile Associations
- Rental and Hire Purchase Authorities
- Sports Clubs
- Golf, Football, Squash
- Church
- Library
- Australia Post
- Centrelink
- Family Allowance
- Superannuation
- Pensions
- Insurance
- life insurance
- car insurance
- home and contents
- Electoral Office (within 4 weeks)
- Tax Office (within 7 days)
- Employers - Group Certificates
- Superannuation
- Subscriptions
- Magazines
Print out your printer friendly CHECKLIST here.
If you have any questions or need more information about your moving house checklist, contact our friendly team today.