It’s a pretty big task to move to a new house. With plenty of planning, packing and unpacking to do, it can be hard to keep on top of things. To cut down some of the hassle we’ve put together a handy checklist to help you stay on track.

Before the move

• Consider how many moving boxes and what packing materials are needed and start stocking up. Remember labels, bubble wrap, tape, markers and paper.
• Stock up on cleaning equipment or book in cleaners – for both the old and new property.
• Check that you have the tools you need to dismantle and re-assemble furniture; screwdrivers, hex keys and a utility knife will come in handy.  Remember to make a note of which screws and fittings go with what furniture.
• Disassemble furniture – indoors and outdoors, plus any children’s play equipment prior to moving day.
• Book any time off work and make any necessary childcare or pet minding arrangements for moving day.
• Arrange to have your post redirected.
• Notify the Electoral Office of your new address along with your bank, doctors, vet, school, insurance company and any other places you have accounts with. Change the address on any newspaper or magazine subscriptions and if you have pets, their microchips.
• Set up utilities: power, gas, water, internet and notify current providers of your move. Take a final read of metres to cross check final bills.
• Whittle down your pantry: clear out items past their use by date, use up all opened packets and food in the freezer.
• Defrost the freezer the day before the move.
• Have a good clear out, work room by room and don’t forget the garage, garden shed or under the house. Getting rid of clutter means less stuff to move.
• If possible, measure up at the new place to ensure your furniture will fit, in particular the fridge space and the width of doors to check any large items will fit through.
• For safety, dispose of all flammable liquids: garden chemicals, paint, paint thinners, cleaning fluids, bleach, fuel in the lawnmower etc. Moving companies won’t transport any of this due to the risk of catching fire.
• Book a locksmith to change the locks at your new home.
• Back up your computer.

Pack smartly 

• Label boxes with the room they need to go in when you arrive.
• Pack the essentials last so you’re not caught short: toilet paper, tea and coffee, a kettle, special children’s toys, school needs, pet requirements, medications, the clothes and shoes you’ll need. Also keep bed linen and towels handy.
• Pack lighter items in large cartons and heavier items in small cartons.
• Keep a list of every item so you can check it off as it arrives at the new house.

On the day

• Unplug and tie up appliance cords.
• Check off all items as they go into the moving vehicle.
• Check the tops of cupboards, walk through outdoor areas garden area, sheds and garage to make sure you’ve not left anything.
• Keep basic cleaning gear to hand to do a final sweep of the house once it is empty.
• Return all keys, including any garage remotes.
• When you leave lock all doors and windows and turn off the hot water system if required.
• If renting, as soon as you arrive at the new property note down and take photos of the condition of property and any furnishings and report back to the property manager or landlord.