If you’re moving house and want the whole transition to run smoothly, you’ve come to the right place.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for moving, let you know who you need to notify and show you free tools and resources that’ll make your life easier.
By following our moving house checklist, you can settle into your new home and begin your next chapter. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Ready? Let’s get started!
Unless you own a truck, you’ll probably need to hire a removalist. When searching for the right company, you should consider the following:
Once you’ve contacted a removalist company and you’re ready to proceed, confirm moving dates and read through the bill of lading. This is a contract between you and your mover that includes a list of your belongings they’ll transport to your new address.
The removalist company should also give you a move booklet, which explains your rights if any items are lost or damaged. Read the ‘Your Rights and Responsibilities’ section and cross-check the list of services they’ve agreed to perform. This ensures there’s no confusion.
Next on the moving house checklist: Are you a renter or homeowner? If you’re a renter, you may have the option to discuss utilities with your landlord or property manager. If you’re a homeowner, the responsibility falls on you.
Utilities to disconnect and connect before your move can include:
Before you move out, notify utility providers of your exit date with at least five days’ notice. Ask them to disconnect the day after you move out, and send your final bill via email or to your new address.
When connecting, you can either set-up with your existing provider or compare the energy market you live in a deregulated state or territory. (ideally, do this before you move in/settlement date).
Try our free comparison tool to compare electricity and gas from a number of companies. In seconds, we’ll take you through our simple process that could potentially lead to you finding a better deal.
What about water? Well, when you buy a property the solicitor or conveyancer should notify the local water service of the change of ownership – you can always call to double-check. Regarding internet connection and landline services (for both renters and homeowners), it pays to shop around and compare online.
To learn more about this topic, read connecting and disconnecting utilities when moving house.
When moving house it’s essential to update your insurance. Alternatively, you could use this time to shop around, get some quotes and transfer to a cheaper policy. Here are two type of insurance we recommend you either update or consider comparing:
Your home and contents policy is no longer up-to-date when you relocate. Therefore, it’s important to update your insurer following a move. Moving house could also be a great time to compare home and contents insurance and see whether you could find a better policy.
Don’t worry renters – we haven’t forgotten you! if you want to protect your possessions against loss or damage, you can compare renters insurance.
It’s important that your policy details are up-to-date; otherwise, you risk your insurer rejecting your claim. You should update details like your address, plus where you park your car at night and how often you drive, as some insurers consider these factors when calculating premiums.
Another option is to compare car insurance using our free comparison tool. It’s a simple process and it could ensure you’re not paying too much.
The removalists will pack the big stuff, leaving the smaller items to you. So, head over to any storage-related outlet and buy packing essentials such as boxes, packaging, labels, pens and tape.
You can start packing items you rarely use like photo albums weeks in advance of your moving date. Conversely, pack your most commonly used items last.
While you’re packing, you’ll come across items you never use or no longer need. You could consider putting these items in a pile (out of the way) and either off-load them to friends, sell them on websites like Gumtree or donate them to your local charity.
After the heavy lifting is completed and the house is vacant, it’s time to call in the cleaners. Like you did with the removalist company, hire a cleaning service based on price without compromising on quality – get a few quotes!
A professional cleaning service will save you time, effort and should do a superior job. Plus, if you’re leaving a rental, they’ll often guarantee their work – so you have a better chance of getting your bond back.
There are a lot of organisations and people to update when moving, they include:
Concerned you missed someone? Whether you’re moving overseas or moving around the corner, you can get your mail redirected to your new address. Arrange a mail forward for a defined period via the Australia Post website.
While the removalists are unpacking your beds, tables and couches, show them where you want them positioned. This will save you some reshuffling later.
After the removalists unpack the larger items, double-check all your belongings are accounted for and in good condition. It’s important to do this right away to avoid any time limitations on claims with removals insurance.
Once you unpack the smaller items, you can start to explore your new house and all its nuances.
With a new house, it’s the little things you need to discover, including:
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to relax. Moving house is a stressful process; it requires time off work, months of planning and a lot of hard yakka.
We’re happy to help complete the moving house checklist with you.
Enjoy your new home!
Need help saving for a deposit so you can move in the future?
