Moving Tips

Below is a comprehensive “movers checklist” we as a team have come up with, drawing on our many years of experience in real estate sales and property management. Hopefully this list makes your transition as smooth as possible whether you’re a vendor, purchaser or tenant.

You might want to pin it to your fridge!

View in Adobe Acrobat format


IN THE MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE:

Scout around for tape, marking pens and sturdy boxes.

Confirm your date of moving

Have a thorough clean out. Organise a garage sale, or donate unwanted goods to charity.

Ensure all your furniture, appliances and whitegoods will fit into your new address.

Start using all the frozen and canned foods you’ve been storing.

Prepare an inventory of boxes, and a list of essential items you’ll need on moving day.

Organise a furniture removalist if necessary.

IN THE FINAL DAYS:

Contact utilities and organise final gas, electricity and water meter readings.

Organise utilities those you will require at your new address too.

Organise to discontinue telephone services lines (remember international lines you may have more than one), Foxtel/Optus T.V. connections and your internet service provider.

Complete an Australia Post Mail Redirection Service Application to redirect your mail to your new address.

Cancel local arrangements such as lawn-mowing services, newspaper or milk deliveries.

Return library books and videos, collect any outstanding items such as dry cleaning etc.

Have a final clean-out, defrost and clean your fridge and freezer.

Inspect your new address and organise any necessary repairs or maintenance eg steam cleaning.

ON THE DAY:

Ensure valuables remain safe or with you at all times.

Check all cupboards and storage areas.

Mark boxes of essential items (like your kettle for that well deserved cuppa!)

Turn off gas at the meter and electricity at the switchboard.

Say your final goodbyes lock all doors and move on.

Tips For Getting Organised

  •  Ask local bottle shop retailers or supermarkets for smaller spare boxes.
  •  Consider using clear plastic storage tubs, as they are cheap, the contents are easily identifiable, and they are waterproof.
  •  Hire a trolley for moving heavier items to save time, and your back!
  •  Wear some garden gloves to protect your hands
  •  Place dissembled furniture parts in a bag and tape to item(eg wheels)
  •  Remove the plate from your microwave and tape the door shut
  •  Pack frozen foods in some ice in an esky.
  •  Park sharp tools and utensils carefully with plenty of padding
  •  Tape butchers paper - not newspaper - over shiny surfaces to prevent marking.
  •  Try to pack heavy things in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes
  •  Tighten the lids on jars and bottles of food and toiletries
  •  Distribute books out evenly amongst boxes as these are the heaviest
  •  Move boxes to the room closest to the exit before the day.
  •  Mark each box with the room it is intended, and mark boxes of storage items.

Spread The Word

Remember to ensure everyone can still contact you once you’ve moved on.

Below are some of those you may need to advise of your change in address.

  •  Friends and relatives, of course,
  •  Sporting clubs and community groups,
  •  Your employer and/or education facility
  •  Doctor
  •  Dentist
  •  Banks and credit card companies
  •  Solicitor
  •  Accountant
  •  Tax office
  •  Electoral commission
  •  Insurance companies
  •  RTA (drivers licence/registration)
  •  Keep a record of your mail to ensure you haven't missed anyone.
 

Helpful links that may come in handy

http://www.narpm.org
The National Association of Residential Property Manager (US)

http://www.warwickwilliams.com.au/
Warwick Williams Real Estate - A trusted agent in Sydney