Quick and easy house moving checklist Australia

Quick and easy house moving checklist Australia
Daisy Mark
Bond University
Abstract
Moving house in Gold Coast is something that most of us will do several times, if not dozens
of times in our lives and it’s important to try to make these occasions as stress free as
possible.
Here are some easy tips that will help you in your relocation process. For example: how to
plan a move, preparation before moving, basic guidelines for an easy move, Change of
address notification, etc.
I. Introduction
It's often said that moving home is one of the most stressful things you will ever do. Several
important decisions need to be made, there are many things to do, it's a lot of hard work
and then there's the cost. As always, organisation and planning is essential. The following
checklists, suggestions, reminders and links may be of assistance. You can start at the top
and work your way down or go straight to a particular section by clicking on one of the
following bookmarks:
II.
Planning for a move
Timing Issues:
If you are currently renting, make sure you give appropriate notice to the
landlord in accordance with the lease and the relevant tenancy legislation.
If you are hoping to simultaneously settle the sale of one property and the
purchase of another, make sure that your lawyer is aware of this so he or
she can advise you accordingly and appropriate steps can be taken to
make it happen.
Inventory:
Take an inventory of your possessions and work out:
• What you are taking with you
• What you are not taking with you that must be either disposed of
or put into storage
• What you are leaving behind, if anything.

Logistics:
Work out the best way to move the possessions you are taking with you to
their eventual destination. The job will inevitably require a lot of muscle,
packing materials and one or more heavy vehicles. It's a big job best left to
the professionals. Consider the various disposal and storage alternatives
for the possessions you are not taking with you (see below) and make sure
you leave yourself enough time to get it all done.
Packing
Unpacking:
and
If you can't or don't want to do all of the packing and unpacking yourself,
you can get a professional packing service to help or do it all for you.
Subject to cost constraints, it makes a lot of sense to let the professionals
do the packing because they should have both the expertise and the
packing materials required to do the job efficiently. It makes more sense
for you to do some or all of the unpacking because you can generally do it
at your own pace and after all, only you know where all the bits and pieces
go. The most important unpacking rule is that you should start with the
important stuff. Get the perishables in the fridge; get the bed set up and
made and get the kitchen and bathroom basics in place.
Prepare a floor plan of your new home and work out where heavy items
like furniture should go. Give a copy to the removalist to minimize the
amount of heavy lifting and moving you need to do later.
Moving
Guarantees and
Insurance:
Packing, moving and unpacking your possessions exposes you to the risk
of damage or loss. Some risks may be covered by guarantees from the
removalist, for example regarding breakages. Others may be covered by
insurance.
Check your existing home contents policy to determine the extent of your
insurance cover and be aware that the removalist may exclude liability for
breakages where you do the packing or unpacking.
Quotations:
Get quotes and copies of the documentation from a couple of reputable
removalists. If you know someone who has moved recently, see if they are
prepared to recommend someone to you. You can also contact
the Australian Furniture Removers Association and ask for a list of
qualified removal companies in your area. Make sure all quotes are
provided obligation free and ask:
• How they pack delicate items like glassware, hanging clothes and
paintings
• How they label boxes and other items
• Whether they provide a guarantee against breakages
• Whether they offer or can arrange any moving insurance cover

that you may require.
If you are doing some of the packing or unpacking yourself, also ask if they
can supply packing materials and boxes, and check the arrangements for
collection of the boxes after the move.
Review the quotes and documentation, taking into account any exclusions
of liability, guarantees against breakages and insurance cover (including
the level of any excess) and whether GST and the cost of insurance, boxes,
packing materials etc. is included in the quote.
Select and book the preferred removalist well in advance.
What Not To
Forget:
Anything that's out of sight may be out of mind, particularly if it's been
tucked away for a while. Consider whether anything you have lent,
hidden, put into storage or safekeeping or put in for repair needs to be
collected or relocated. In some cases it will depend on how far away you
are moving, but the following are some examples:
• cash or other valuables buried in the backyard or hidden in the
toilet cistern
• bits and pieces stored in the attic and under the house
• wills and other important legal documents held by your lawyer or
accountant
• documents and other valuables stored in a bank deposit box
• medical, dental, immunisation and hospital records
• books or other items you may have lent to friends
• electrical equipment, watches or clothes in for repairs
• Dry cleaning.
What Not To
Take:
Return rented videos and library books and leave behind anything that is
of little or no use to you but could be important to the new owner or
occupant such as:
• All the keys you scattered around your relatives, the neighbours
and the garden
• The remote control for the garage door
• The documentation for fixtures like the air conditioning unit, water
heater, pool filter, garage door etc.
• Spare tiles and paint.
Pets:
Removalists generally do not transport pets so you will have to make
alternative travel arrangements. Pets should be kept out of the way during
packing and unpacking and special care may have to be taken to settle

them in to their new surroundings.
III.
Preparation before move
Moving day will be here before you know it! The key to having a smooth and successful
move is preparation. If you take the time to plan ahead and get organized in advance,
you’ll have much less to worry about on the big day.
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of our top moving
tips and tricks to help get you started. Get ready for the best moving day you’ve ever had!
Moving prep doesn’t start with packing up your things; it starts way before! The first step
is to make sure you have enough packing supplies to get you through. There’s nothing
worse than having to scramble around on the day before or morning of your move, trying
to find extra boxes. That brings us to our first set of tips:
Before you move
If possible, clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new place before you move in.
Designate a donate pile for all clothing and items that you don't want to take with
you. That way, all you have to do is schedule a pickup with the Salvation Army or
ClothingDonations.org. Don't forget to ask for a receipt to claim a tax deduction!
For the 2-3 weeks leading up to your move, plan your meals around whatever frozen
food, perishable items, or half open containers that you have around the kitchen.
You can also donate your non-perishable items to Move for Hunger!
Update your address for all your accounts, utilities, and subscriptions several weeks
before moving day.
Shop around! The more estimates you have for moving-related services, the more
chances you have to save some money.

Instead of throwing away old batteries and electronics, find an electronics recycling
center in your area.
Measure EVERYTHING. If a piece of furniture can’t fit in your new home, get rid of it!
Schedule your move for the middle of the month or the middle of the week to cut
costs. It's cheaper to move then!
8 weeks before
Sort - Walk through every room and open every drawer; decide what to take to your new
home and what to get rid of. Make a list of “keep” items that will require special packing or
extra insurance coverage.
Purge - Donate items you no longer want, or host a yard sale.
Hire movers - Research moving companies. Always ask for the mover’s U.S. Department of
Transportation license number; whether the company is bonded; and whether the company
is licensed for interstate moves, if you’re moving out of state. Request in-home estimates to
receive the most accurate pricing.
Contact your children’s school - Notify the school that you’re moving, and obtain copies of
your children’s records. Contact new schools for enrolment and record-transfer procedures.
6 weeks before
Make travel arrangements - Book hotel stays if you’ll need lodging on the road or before
your new home’s ready; book any necessary flights.
Order packing supplies - Purchase standard boxes in various sizes; bubble wrap; packing
paper; packing tape; and specialty containers, such as wardrobe and dish-pack boxes.
Contact your doctors - Obtain copies of medical records for all family members, or have the
records sent to your new physicians. Haven’t found new ones yet? Ask your current doctors
for recommendations.
Contact insurance agents - Find out whether your move necessitates changes in your
medical, dental, vehicle or personal property insurance.

Four weeks to go
Local services - Scout out the local services in your new neighbourhood, such as doctors,
schools, shopping centres, chemists and vets. Tell your doctor, optometrist, dentist and
other medical specialists of your new address.
Sort out furnishings and belongings - Suss out where you might sell your furniture. Organise
a garage sale for any unwanted items or contact your local charity to donate items. For the
furnishings you’re keeping, plan and measure where you want to put them in your new
house.
Look at policies and how to budget - Enquire about any changes to your insurance policies,
including house and contents and vehicle. Arrange quotes and cover notes for your new
home. Allocate a moving out budget.
Three weeks to go
Transfer records - If moving further away, remember to get a copy of your family’s medical
records and those of any pets. Notify your work, including payroll, of your new address.
Back up your computer and store the backup safely.
If you have children, advise their school and have records transferred. Ensure you have all
your children’s immunisation records safely stored.
Packing tips - A high priority for your moving checklist should be buying moving boxes. Find
cheap cardboard boxes by scouting around moving companies. Buy packaging supplies such
as packing tape and big black markers to write on the boxes. Start packing things unlikely to
be used before moving, including clothes, room by room. Encourage friends and family to
help with your move.
Two weeks to go
Redirect your mail - Arrange the redirection of mail (through Australia Post), newspaper and
magazine subscriptions and home deliveries.
Create a house cleaning checklist - Book domestic cleaners for a final house cleaning (it
might help to create a cleaning schedule to make sure you cover off everything). Remember
to keep your electricity and gas connected until after your house has been cleaned.
Return any library books, DVDs or items borrowed from neighbours. Start using perishable
food from the freezer.
Organise insurance - Finalise home and contents insurance to cover your new home from
day one.
Confirm moving day bookings - Confirm the moving company booking to ensure everything
is set. Decide whether you want to take removals insurance.

One week to go
Organise your electricity and other services - Contact us at least four days before moving to
get your electricity and gas to be connected at your new address.
Arrange connection and disconnection of all other services with your utility providers (i.e.,
water, phone, internet and pay TV).
Inform people of your change of address - Create a change of address checklist, including
such essentials as updating your driving licence. Check what you can change online, and
what needs to be done in person. Contact service providers, including financial institutions
and your tax agent, to advise them of your change of address. Tell your friends, too.
Check the weather and anything requiring repairs - Check the weather forecast for the day
of the move. Ensure completing any repairs around the house is on the moving house
checklist.
Appliances - Clean the oven. Collect instruction books for the stove, dishwasher, and air
conditioner for the new owner or tenant.
The day before
Pack an overnight bag - Pack a ‘first day bag’ including all your usual bathroom needs to tie
you over until you start unpacking.
Check your car tyres - If hiring a trailer to move things yourself, pump up your car tyres.
Organise access for the new owner/tenant - Collect all keys for the household including the
garage, gates and any padlocks.
Moving day
Organise the move - Allocate tasks to different people in the family and helpers. Leave a
note at your previous residence with your forwarding address.
Look after the hot water system - Turn the hot water system off at the old address. Switch
on the hot water system at your new address.
Security - Lock all doors and windows on your way out. At your new home, test all keys and
change any locks if required.
Packing - Take a final walk around your old house to make sure you haven't left anything
behind. Pack valuables like jewellery and important documents in a bag to take with you,
and lock them in the car boot for safe keeping. If using a moving company, open packing
boxes with fragile items as soon as possible to check for breakages and to make insurance
claims.
Keep your pets happy - Take a pet travel kit including food and bowls, lead, treats, a can
opener, a favourite toy and their sleeping rug, blanket or bed.

IV.
Tips & tricks for fast and easy move:
1. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.
Chances are, you'll be too tired to unpack your things. You'll want your essentials within
easy access, including a change of clothes if you're going back to work the next day as well
as all your toiletries. It's also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of
getting stolen during a move.
2. Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin.
This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select
cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to
see inside; it also separates itself from the myriad of cardboard boxes.
3. Wrap your breakables (dishes, glasses, etc.) in clothing to save on bubble wrap.
Two birds, one stone: You are packing your clothes and kitchenware at the same time.
4. For extra padding, pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks.
5. In addition to labelling what's in your boxes, add what room they'll be going into, as well.
When you arrive at your new home, unpack BY ROOM. The unpacking process will feel more
manageable.
And remember to label the SIDES of the boxes, not the tops. This way, you'll be able to
identify them even if they're stacked.
6. If you can, show up to your new home before the move and pre-clean the bathroom and
kitchen.
Put up a new shower curtain liner and stock some new bath towels and toilet paper, as well.
You'll want to take a hot shower after a long day of moving.
7. Place an extra cotton pad or ball into your powder cosmetics to keep them from breaking.
This is a great tip for travelling in general.
8. Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap, and then put the tops back on.
This will keep your toiletries from breaking and leaking all over your stuff during the move.
9. Pack plates vertically, like records. They'll be less likely to break.
10. Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’s Seal.
Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack
and refold their contents.
It'll also make moving the actual dresser much more manageable.
11. Press’s Seal is also great for keeping jewellery displays intact.

12. Buy a roll of stretch wrap.
It works like Press’s Seal but on a bigger scale. You can group items together, and it'll
protect your furniture from getting scuffed and scratched.
13. Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart,
like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs.
Tape the sandwich bags to the back of the item they correspond to.
ALSO: Use this method with the cords for your electronics.
14. Beer boxes are the best for books because they have handles on the sides.
So be sure to hit up your local liquor store.
15. Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and
where all the wires go.
16. Cut down on boxes by making all of your baskets, laundry bins, hampers, and suitcases
work for you.
Pack them with stuff! Use the wheeled suitcases for heavy things like books.
17. The fastest way to pack a closet:
This also keeps your clothes on their hangers, for much faster unpacking.
18. Vacuum seals you’re out-of-season clothing.
Not only will they take up less space and be a breeze to pack, but they can go directly into
storage in the new home.
19. Along with food and alcohol, give your friends who help you move first dibs on anything
you originally planned to sell or donate.
It's just an extra perk, since you won't be paying them.
20. Make sure everything is completely packed before your friends show up to help you
move.
Don't be that horrible person who makes everyone wait around/help you pack.
Another note: If you have enough friends, split them up into shifts — one set to help you
move in the morning, and another to help you move when you get to your new home.
21. Enlist the color-coding system.
Pick a color code for each room and label that room's boxes accordingly. Label the door of
each room with the corresponding sticker/tape so that movers know where to place the
boxes.
22. It doesn't hurt to number your boxes.

Make a detailed corresponding list of what's in each box by number. This makes it easier to
make sure you didn't forget any boxes, or god forbid, someone stole one. AND, if there's
anything valuable in there, you won't be broadcasting it to the world by writing it down
right there on the box.
23. If you have a lot of fragile valuables, hiring movers as opposed to asking friends can end
up paying for itself.
Many movers come with insurance, which means if something breaks, they have to
compensate you. You might want to weigh the pros and cons though — they won't want to
be responsible for a television that isn't properly packed in its original box and could end up
charging you upward of $150 to pack it as they see fit.
Also remember to book them weeks in advance — you're not the only person trying to get
out of your space on the last day of the month.
24. If you do hire movers, be sure to read the fine print and find out if they have any weird
rules.
For instance, some movers will only move things in boxes, not garbage bags. Which means
you’ll be paying them extra for unnecessary boxes at a marked-up price.
25. If you're renting, take photos of your cleaned-out old home and your new home before
moving in.
This is essential if you ever hope to get your deposit back. It will save you major headaches
with difficult landlords who charge you cleaning and repair fees unnecessarily when moving
out.
26. Fill the nail holes in your previous home with a bar of soap.
27. If you're doing a cross-country move and you don't need your stuff immediately,
consider shipping via Greyhound.
It's an inexpensive shipping option for large items. Just remember to pack your stuff really
well — your boxes WILL get a little beat up along the way.
28. Change your address at least two weeks prior to moving.
This might seem like a no-brainer for important things like utilities and cable, but don't
forget the small stuff. You've also got Amazon, PayPal, credit cards, your bank, magazine
subscriptions, and your mail to worry about.
29. If you own items that you want to get rid of but are too valuable to just give away, start
selling on eBay, Etsy, or Craigslist at least six weeks before moving.
It's an easy way to make you feel like you aren't procrastinating, and you might be able to
make enough money back to pay for the entire move itself.
But it takes time for things to sell on Etsy and eBay, so you'll want to plan accordingly.

30. Arrange for a charity organization to come pick up the items you don't want at least a
week or two before moving.
It will save you the trouble of having to take it there yourself.
31. Make your last grocery trip two weeks prior to moving.
The more food you end up using before moving, the less you'll have to throw out.
32. For same-city moves, hire a sitter for the children and pets.
The last thing you need is to be worrying about losing track of your kids or pets on this
stressful day.
33. Remember to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving and wipe up any
liquid.
Else you're going to have a stinky, wet mess when you get to your new home.
V. Comprehensive list of entities to inform when you move
When you're moving into your new home in Gold Coast it's necessary that everything comes
with you, even your mail! Everything from last bills and final payments to insurance
premium updates and new credit cards need to come to you, not to whomever may be
living in your old home. You don't want to miss out on any crucial communication.
So how do you remember who to notify? You could pay attention to the companies that
regularly send you mail but you may be overlooking less frequent communications from
equally important companies that have your details. Use the Direct Connect change of
address checklist to simplify the process for you.
Why it is important to redirect your mail
Redirecting your mail will ensure that important bills and correspondence won't be sent to
your old property for months which can cause account suspensions and other
inconveniences. Redirecting your mail can also help to ensure that your personal
information does not land in the wrong hands, as it could lead to identity theft.
You may feel that you don't have the time or energy to redirect your mail but investing a
little bit of effort now can save you many headaches in the future!
How to submit change of address notifications
There are several options when it comes to notifying organisations and individuals of your
change of address, such as:

Via Australia Post
You can arrange for Australia Post to redirect your mail and to send out change of address
notifications to specific organisations or you can use this checklist to do it yourself.
Online
Many businesses, such as health insurance, banking and online retailers, provide online
customer profiles which will allow you to save time and easily change your details. Just look
for 'MyAccount' or 'Account' - simply login, change your details and it'll be done.
By phone
You can submit your change of address by phone and even though it might take a bit longer
than doing it online it can be another convenient way of finding out whether you're getting
the best deal.
Email
Some companies will require that you send them a written notification via email or letter.
Be sure to include all the relevant information of your account:
Full name of account holder (you or your spouse)
Account number
Current address
Date of move
New address - double check:
House number
Spelling of street name and city
Postal code
This method is typically used by doctors, lawyers, educational institutions, gyms and
veterinarian offices.
In person
It's usually a good idea to notify family and close friends about your move in person - they
will appreciate the personal touch! Consider printing out change of address cards and let
them know where they can find you for that lawnmower you borrowed… 4 years ago!
Change of address notification recipient's checklist
Use this list to brainstorm recipients for your change of address notifications. For your
convenience, we have included links to common government agencies.
Government agencies
Australia Post

Australian Electoral Commission
Australian Tax Office
Department of Human Services (Medicare, Centrelink, child support)
Departments for car registrations and driving licenses
Veterans' Affairs
Centrelink (Concession Cards)
Local library
DonateLife
Pet registration
Changing your address with these various government agencies may seem like a chore but it
makes it ten times quicker to access these services with up-to-date information in the
future. Also, if you're an active voter, you may want to confirm your new address to ensure
that you are on the electoral roll and that you remain eligible to vote in local, state and
national elections after you move. After all, it is compulsory!
Health and medical
Submitting a change of address notification to your health care provider will ensure that
your details are up to date. Remember to request that your records be forwarded to your
new provider.
Private health insurer
General practitioner
Psychologist
Paediatrician
Orthodontist
Dentist
Optometrist
Chiropractor
Veterinarian
Personal trainer
Gym membership
Financial services providers
Keep your confidential financial information out of the wrong hands by sending a change of
address notification to all the financial institutions you deal with. In some cases, it may
possibly improve your credit score as it allows lenders to check your details. Notify the
following providers:
Bank
Credit unions
Mortgage provider
Personal loan provider
Financial advisor
Superannuation fund
Hire purchase providers

Insurance companies (car, home, contents, pet etc.)
Important note: Car insurance premiums are based on specific details, such as location and
where your vehicle is parked overnight. Moving to a new home means that your premium
may change - hopefully for the better. Keeping your details up to date can make the
difference between a potential future claim being approved or declined.
VI.
Conclusion
Moving from flat to house can be stressful and exciting all at the same time. Congrats on
your new home! Now you can figure out how you’re going to pack and move everything
without breaking the bank, your fragile lamp, or your back. Staying organised, making lists,
and planning ahead make the whole process a lot easier, but so does having a few handy
packing tips and tricks up your sleeve!
VII.
References:
Energyaustralia. (2017) Moving House Checklist | Energy Australia. Retrieved June 12, 2018,
from
https://www.energyaustralia.com.au/blog/lifestyle/moving-house-checklist
Peggy Wang. (2013) 33 Moving Tips That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier | Buzzfeed.
Retrieved June 12, 2018, from
https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/brilliant-moving-tips
BetterRemovalistsGoldCoast. (2017) Moving Tips: Relocating from a Flat to a House | Better
Removalists Gold Coast. Retrieved June 12, 2018, from
https://www.betterremovalistsgoldcoast.com.au/moving-tips-relocating-flat-house/
Listotic. (2013) 33+ Helpful Moving Tips Everyone Should Know | Listotic. Retrieved June 12,
2018, from
http://www.listotic.com/33-helpful-moving-tips-everyone-should-know/
ConnectingU. (2018) Comprehensive list of entities to inform when you move |
Directconnect. Retrieved June 12, 2018, from
Jo Stewart. (2017) Moving house: The checklist you need | Australia Post. Retrieved June 12,
2018, from
https://auspost.com.au/home-contents-insurance/information-and-guides/moving-housechecklist
https://www.directconnect.com.au/connecting-u/checklist-and-guides/change-of-addresschecklist