It is understandable that many people do not want to
think about moving house until the time to move looms near. However, this
seemingly massive operation can be simplified by dedicating some time to
planning your move.
The key to successful moving is to start planning early.
Break your tasks into ‘bite-size’ fragments by assigning them to these
schedules:
Decide whether you will use a professional mover or move everything
yourself.
Set the date for your move. Consider timing your move to coincide with
'off-peak' moving periods. Generally Mondays, Fridays and first and last days of
each month are the busiest times for professional movers and truck rental.
If using a mover, obtain estimates from at least three professional moving
companies as well as recommendations from friends before making your selection.
If moving yourself, obtain estimates for the hire of removal trucks, etc.
Make a booking to hire your selected vehicle/s for the moving day/s.
Sketch a floor plan of your new home. Photocopy this plan and then draft
onto it the layout for your furniture. Will everything fit? Perhaps some
furniture may need to be sold or given away.
Start using up food from your freezer to save it spoiling during the move.
Clean out clutter. Perhaps hold a garage sale or donate items to charity.
Start developing a list of all the people who will need to learn of your new
address. As mail is received, check that the sender is on your list of people to
inform. This will include friends, relatives, banks, any subscriptions or
catalogues, etc.
Discuss the moving details with your mover, including all costs and
insurance cover. When you are completely satisfied with the details, book the
mover for the day of the move. Also collect as many packing boxes as the moving
company is willing to provide.
If you are moving yourself, start collecting boxes. You could gather used
boxes from supermarkets or friends but make sure these can withstand the rigours
of moving. Alternatively buy or hire sturdy moving boxes from professional
moving companies.
Develop an inventory of all your possessions. This will come in handy not
only for organising your move, but also as a record of your assets for insurance
purposes.
Arrange for the transfer of your children’s school records to their new
school.
Send out furniture or drapes, etc. to be cleaned.
Start notifying others of your forthcoming change in address. This is
especially important for any businesses you may deal with as it can often take
time to update your address on their systems. Why not produce a moving notice
and photocopy this for distribution?
Fill in a form at the post office to have your mail redirected. You should
elect to have your mail forwarded to this new address for at least two months
following your move.
Using your inventory list, start organising how you will pack your
possessions. How many boxes will you need? Which items should be packed last and
unpacked first?
If you have pets, consider how these will be moved. Perhaps ask your vet to
recommend companies who specialise in the safe transport of pets.
Arrange for final readings of your services, e.g. gas, water and
electricity, to be performed just prior to your move. Also organise for these
services to be connected in your new home prior to your arrival.
Make sure that your telephone is connected at both your new and old
addresses during the move. This will allow for communication between the two
places should this be necessary. Alternatively, borrow two mobile phones if you
don't have them.
If you are going to need temporary accommodation, make the necessary
hotel/motel bookings.
Transfer all your bank accounts to new branch locations.
Cancel all deliveries, e.g. newspaper, milk.
Check on the arrangements for the new telephone service and other
connections.
Consider storing jewellery and valuables, including certain legal documents,
at your bank during the move. Alternatively, set these aside to carry with you
on the day of the move.
Ensure your possessions will be fully insured during the move. If not,
arrange for extra insurance cover.
Contact the council where you are going to reside to find out about garbage
pick-up, local regulations and other information.
Return all library books and rented videos. Also don't forget to collect any
dry-cleaning, shoes from the repairer or lay-bys.
If necessary, arrange a babysitter for the day of the move.
Tidy up the garden and outside area.
Arrange for new locks to be installed on the house you are moving into.
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
Finalise all packing. Number each box and take notes on their contents.
Also, keep items from different rooms in separate boxes.
Keep in mind that heavier items deserve smaller boxes.
Mark any items that should be handled with care.
Pack bags of clothing and toiletries to take with you rather than send with
the mover.
Have the carpet steam cleaned.
Also put together a box of items which could be useful for the day of the
move. This might include such items as scissors, a utility knife, paper plates
and towels, toilet paper, drinks, cups, soap, bandaids, headache tablets, tea
towels, rubbish bags and small toys for children.
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