You are moving. It is a busy time, but it can be successful - not stressful. Get started early, and plan your move with Connectnow Move Planner. It covers everything you need to make the transition to your new home a smooth one
Useful Packing Tips
Tape remote controls and cables for electrical appliances to the back of the relevant appliance. Wrap white china etc in butcher's paper before protecting with newspaper - it keeps them white! Make sure that the following are always on hand - extra boxes, tape, marking pens, newspaper, a small toolkit, garbage bags. When dismantling beds make sure that all screws, nuts & bolts etc are taped to the relevant piece of furniture - makes reassembly for that first night's rest a breeze Save room by packing breakables amongst towels, blankets and clothing (make sure these boxes are marked FRAGILE! Use your luggage instead of boxes for packing clothing. Important documents, money, jewellery and other valuables are best carried with you on the day.
4 weeks to go
Set a moving date Investigate your new areas local services, in particular doctors, schools, shopping centres, supermarkets, pharmacies and vets Start a budget for moving costs. Using our Connectnow Move "Move Estimator" Organise a garage sale for any unwanted items or contact your local charity to donate items Inform your doctor, optometrist, dentist and other medical specialists of your upcoming change of address Enquire about insurance changes Plan and measure where you want to put your furnishings
3 weeks to go
If moving far away, remember to get a copy of your pets records from the vet Back-up your computer and store the back-up safely Notify your work, including payroll of your new address If you have children, advise their school and have records transferred Ensure you have all your childrens immunisation records safely stored Get packaging supplies Start packing things unlikely to be used before moving including clothes Enlist friends and family who want to help - give them plenty of notice
2 weeks to go
Arrange the redirection of mail, newspaper and magazine subscriptions and home deliveries Return any borrowed library books, dvds or items borrowed from neighbours Collect dry cleaning Finalise home and contents insurance to cover your new home from day one Redirect mail / newspapers / home delivery / magazines Confirm removalist booking Start using perishable food from freezer Book cleaners for final clean. connectnow can assist with arranging cleaners. Book gardeners to do lawns before you leave
1 week to go
Arrange your utility connections with connectnow Check weather forecast for day of move Make general repairs around the house Clean oven
1 day to go
Defrost fridge and freezer Pack a "first day bag" including all your usual bathroom needs Collect all keys for the household including garage, gates, and any padlocks
Moving day
Your Old Residence
Allocate tasks to different people in the family and helpers If you are leaving a rental property make arrangements to drop the keys to the agent/landlordPack valuables like jewellery and important documents in a bag to take with you. Lock them in the car boot for safe keeping Take a pet travel kit including food and bowls, lead, treats, can opener, a favourite toy and their sleeping rug / blanket / bed Conduct a final walk around of your old house to make sure you havent left anything behind Lock all doors and windows on your way out
Say Goodbye to your old home!
Your New Residence
At your new home, test all keys and change locks if required. If you are concerned about security, arrange for the locks to be changed If renting, conduct a walk-through documenting the state of the residence Ensure the heavy furniture is placed according to your floor plan. It may be difficult to rearrange heavy furniture once the removalists have left Switch on hot water system and electricity main switch at your new address Check that your utilities have been connected by connectnow
It is time to celebrate - Consider a house warming party
1 week after
Contact service providers, including financial institutions and tax agent, to advise of change of address Change drivers license details Change your electoral roll details Contact local Council for a "New Residents Kit" Collect items that dont fit in your new home to sell on eBay / in the Trading Post Introduce yourself to your new neighbours
