MOVING TIPS

4 Weeks before the Move

• Check out Improve my Home for quick access to tradespeople or services, as well as tips and tricks on decorating
• Get removalist quotes and organise removalist insurance
• Organise gas and electricity connections
• Need to hire furniture?
• Settle any outstanding bills
• Create an inventory of items you want to move, store or giveaway
• Moving to a new city? Where's the local supermarket, hospital, and petrol station? Check local schools and child care facilities in the new area. Arrange the transfer of your children's school records to the new school. Use Sensis Whereis to help you navigate your way around.
• Back up your PC hard drive and ensure your computer gear is packed securely for travel
• Pick up your family's dental, vet and medical records
• Formally notify your landlord of the date you're vacating the premises
• Arrange for a property inspection to recoup your bond
• Organise for your premises to be cleaned before the inspection. Find a cleaner at Yellow Pages
  
• Review your home and contents and car insurance

3 Weeks before the Move

• Start packing your rarely used items
• Consider giving your unwanted goods to charity, hold a garage sale, or place them on sale at TradingPost.com.au
• Arrange rubbish removal
• Disassemble any built-in fixtures and fittings ready for transport
• Disassemble outdoor items, like swing sets and cubby houses. Place all bolts, brackets and screws in a labelled container for safekeeping
• Disassemble any prefabricated furniture, like computer desks, for transport
• If necessary, open new bank accounts, safety deposit and Post Office boxes
• Make any travel arrangements for your move — plan your route, stops and accommodation
• Plan to have sufficient cash to cover the move
• Confirm your moving schedule with your new real estate agent or landlord
• Arrange interim accommodation if needed at GoStay.com.au
• Label the boxes and luggage required for yourself and your family
• Organise temporary or permanent storage if necessary
• Hire a ute, truck or trailer
• Service your car, lawnmower and other mechanical assets - drain the oil to avoid leakage

NOTE: The following are classed as dangerous goods and cannot be stored or transported:
Ammunition, new or partially used cans of paint, Linseed oil, bleach products, gas cylinders (unless emptied), turpentine, kerosene, petrol, cleaning fluids, aerosols of any kind, vegetable oils, and chemical sets.

2 Weeks before the Move

• Return any videos, DVDs, and library books
• Plan for the special needs of children or pets before, during and after the move
• Hold your garage sale
• Create an inventory list for each box while you're packing - attach it to the box
• Arrange your Telstra home phone move and any other Telstra Services by applying online or calling on 1800 283 407 (Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm and Saturday 8am - 6pm local time).

Final Week before the Move

• Make plans for spending your last night at your old address - how will you say your last goodbyes?
• Collect your spare keys and give them to the real estate agent or new tenant
• Defrost and clean refrigerator
• Pack your personal luggage last

Moving Day

• Check all the cupboards before you leave
• Take five minutes to stroll around for one final check
• Remove the garage door remote from your car before you leave

There are companies who specialise in the big jobs involved with a move - such as finding a removalist, connecting phone, gas and electricity, and notifying important contacts of your change of address.