Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ - Selling Property - Gold Coast Real Estate

Moving Home Checklist

Moving Home Countdown

Planning and preparing down to the last few details will make your move so much easier. Following a schedule that organises tasks within a time frame will keep you on track. Feel free to print this page out to assist you in your moving process.

8 weeks before you move home

• If you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that is best suited to your needs. If you are moving yourself get estimates from truck rental companies. Be sure to reserve in advance.

• Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture stays and what furniture will go.

• Use up things that can't be moved - such as the food in your freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning supplies.

• Contact the information office or local council in your future location and start gathering information about your new home town.

6 weeks before you move home

• Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery, and the claims procedure with your move

• Inventory all of your possessions now. Determine what can be sold and what can be donated to charity.

• Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records.

• Go to the post office and obtain a change of address kit and start filling out the cards. Don't forget about changing the address on magazine subscriptions, catalogues, etc.

4 weeks before you move home

• If you have contracted to have the mover do all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading the truck.

• If you need it, arrange for storage.

• Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, or carpets that need it.

• Hold a garage sale. Use the extra cash to splurge a little on your new place.

• If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you'll need. (Many truck rental companies will provide this service.)

• Do-it-yourselfers should take stock of nonboxable items. Add ~5 percent to their combined cubic feet (along with total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded) to figure the size of truck you'll need.

3 weeks before you move home

• Assemble package materials:
  • Furniture pads
  • Hand truck
  • Dolly
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Styrofoam "peanuts"
  • Nylon packing string and rope
  • Crumpled newspapers
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife
  • Large self-stick labels
  • Felt-tip markers
  • Boxes, boxes, boxes

• Begin packing items that you won't need. Don't pack too much weight in an unreinforced box.

• Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home.

• Make travel and hotel reservations.

• Get car license, registration, and insurance in order; as necessary.

2 weeks before you move home

• Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to new branch locations.

• Make any special arrangements to move pets, such as purchasing airline reservations and travelling containers. Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet.

• Inform current long distance phone company of your move and make arrangements for new telephone service.

• Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Make sure tyres are in good shape and all fluids are at adequate levels.

• Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts you are closing.

• Cancel delivery services.

1 week before you move home

• Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new' location.

• If you will need a babysitter; arrange for moving day service.

• Return library books and videotapes.

2 or 3 days before you move home

• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer

• Have the movers pack your shipment.

• Arrange to have cash, a certified cheque, or money order ready to pay the driver on delivery day.

• Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van.

• Pack clothing and toiletries to go with you; take a day or two's extra clothes in case of a delay.

• Pack your first-day handy items box (see "Delivery Day") to go with you.

Moving Day

• Do-it-yourself movers should pick up the truck early

• Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.

• Let the mover know where you can be reached.

• Before you sign your agreement with the mover; read the conditions. Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims are settled.

• Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and that no leave-behind appliances are running.

• Inspect basement, attic, garage.

• Lock up all doors and windows.

• Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to the mover.

• Electricity Department

  • "off' at old address

  • "on" at new address

• Gas Company

  • "off' at old address

  • "on" at new address

• Telephone (contact Regional Sales Office)

  • "off' at old address

  • "on" at new address

• Post Office (pay a monthly fee for redirected mail)

• Magazine subscriptions (anything received by mail) - save wrappers with reference numbers.

Here's a good idea! Make up a "Moving Notice" and photocopy enough for your requirements. It will save time writing letters. Here's a sample:

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