The Moving House Checklist

Moving house can be a very stressful time for all involved. This simple “Moving Day” checklist will help you plan and prepare for the big day.

Six – eight weeks before the move.

• Have a good clean out and start de-cluttering. There is no point wasting money to move items you never use. Start packing early and you will get a better idea of how many boxes you will have. This will help you get an accurate moving quote from your removal company before moving day.
• Are you renting? If so, now is the time to notify them in writing. Don’t forget to allow time for cleaning the property after you have removed all your items.
• It is time to decide whether you need to book a removal company, or tackle the job yourself. Prices range greatly between companies depending on the service they provide. For instance, do you want your Removal Company to pack up your house items too? If you need items stored for a while and do they offer this service? How many movers (staff) accompany the truck? If it is only one, are you prepared to help to keep costs low, or do you want it all taken care of for you. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes and booking early. You may get lucky and find a company prepared to charge less if you fit in as a backload for another move.
• Once you have decided how you plan to move, it’s time to find the resources to actually make it happen. If you are looking for a removal company, we recommend researching your options on Google, asking friends who they may recommend, checking out local newspapers, asking for recommendations on Social Media, and finally The Yellow Pages (NZ) will also provide options. If you plan to do it yourself you need to think about whether you need to hire or borrow a covered furniture trailer, or horse float, or even a moving truck you can drive yourself. There will be plenty of local hire companies that can help, or your local garage may hire out trailers. (Of course you will need a vehicle with a tow bar). You also need to think about manpower. We suggest getting as many people as possible to help you out on the big day as many hands make light work, and it is impossible to move heavy furniture alone.
• Everything you own is about to be transported and this is a risky time. We suggest you contact your insurance company and ensure your household items are covered for the move. Accidents happen, and it is best you are prepared. They will also need your new address as your policy may change. And you want to be covered from the day you move in.
• Packing yourself? You will need boxes, and lots of them. You can usually buy boxes from your removal company, however you may find it a little cheaper to source them yourself. Try and find a selection of boxes to include both large and small as you do not want each box to get too heavy. And if your removal company is being paid by the hour, we recommend choosing boxes that are not too small and are easy to stack. This will save trips to the truck for your removal company, ultimately saving you money. Google “ Boxes for moving” and you will get a number of options. Trademe also has a good selection. www.trademe.co.nz/business-farming-industry/postage-packing-supplies/boxes . And if you really want to save money, check out your local supermarket or another local business that may throw out old boxes. Your local tip will have a cardboard recycling bin you may be allowed to check too.
• Do you need to book storage for your household items for a period of time until you move into a new property? Just Google “Self Storage In XX (Include your location) and you will get a big selection of local and national storage companies. If you are looking to save money, we recommend checking local newspapers or with local businesses that may have some space to rent for a set period of time. If you have a location but no building, you might like to consider hiring a shipping container. Once again, Google will help you find your local supplier.
• Check both moving locations to see if you need to make special parking arrangements for the moving truck (it may be very big!) with either the local council, or your neighbours.
• Arrange to have your electricity/gas, and telephone/internet disconnected at your current address, and connected at your new one. It can take up to 10 days to make changes with some utility companies. And now might be a good time to check your options and make some potential savings. www.whatsmynumber.org.nz
• Change your address details. NZ Post has some great tools available on their website to include an online option to change your address with over 100 NZ companies , or redirect or you’re your mail. https://www.nzpost.co.nz/VAS2/OnlineUser/VasHomePage.aspx

Two weeks before move

• We suggest arranging childcare for the day of the move. Unless they are old enough to help, they will most likely hinder the process.
• Book any accommodation needed now, especially if you are moving to a summer tourist location at peak season.
• Stop any local subscriptions such as the regional newspaper , or any other regular deliveries. Don’t forget to sign up for new ones at your new address.
• Start eating the contents of your freezer. Depending on the distance you are moving, frozen foods may be hard to transport.
• Give the removal company a call and confirm addresses, pick up time, and delivery times.
• Arrange your pets. Do they need to go into care while you pack up and move. How will you get them to your new location?
• Create a packing sheet so you can check whether everything arrives at your new home.
• Confirm with your estate agents or landlord when you will be getting the keys to your new property 1 day before your move.
• Arrange to have cash on you for moving day, you never know when you will need it.
• Put together a box of essential items for your first few days – such as toilet roll, light bulbs, tea making equipment, scissors, toiletries, pen and paper, torch, first aid kit, a few pieces of basic cutlery, crockery, corkscrew and any other “refreshments” you deem suitable.
• Defrost and dry out your fridge/freezer.
• Put your valuables and documents in a safe place. Do not pack these in a box but we suggest transporting these in your car.
• Charge your mobile phone, as you will need it tomorrow.
• Do a final check of cupboards and garages so that nothing is left behind.

Moving Day

• Do a final walk round of property including garage and garden.
• Do a final clean of the house and section. If renting, you will need to have an inspection done with the landlord.
• Lock all windows and doors and leave any information which may be useful to the new owner.

At your new home

• If possible, stay with the removal company while they unpack the truck and oversee everything.
• Call your utility providers with a final meter reading for your electricity/gas, and confirm that your services will be connected at your new address. Depending on what you have agreed with the new people moving in, you may need to turn off the power and water.
• When you arrive at your new home, take new meter readings for your electricity and gas.
• Check against your packing worksheet that all boxes and items have arrived.
• If moving into a rental property, take note of any issues/damage to the property that were there when you moved in – make sure you give a copy of this to your landlord so that you don’t lose your bond when you move out.

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