Moving homes can be both an exciting and stressful time in your life and where do you start with your moving plan? How do you ensure you don’t forget something important?
Check out our handy moving to-do list to help make it easier for you to switch addresses.
Step 1: Start Early
Thoroughly clean your home. Use this opportunity to throw away/sell/donate anything you no longer need and pack away items that you rarely use. Packing daily is key.
Make a list of large appliances and furniture you’ll be moving to decide on a moving truck size or get a proper estimate from movers.
Identify any items that need special care such as paintings and fine art, bulky items and solid wood pieces, glass or fragile cabinets, pool tables and pianos. You’ll need to gather adequate wrapping for these and inform your mover.
If possible, take measurements of the dimensions at your new address. This will help you plan your furniture placement.
Don't forget to plan around your pets. Keep them locked up safely in a room with something of yours for the smell like your duvet of a jumper. Then use a pet cage to travel them to the new home and lock them up again in a room so you don't loose them.
Step 2: Secure Movers, Truck or your Mates
Book them in advance. and when choosing a mover, keep the following top of mind:
Ask Friends and Family for recommendations.
When getting quotes, make sure the estimate is comprehensive and realistic considering what you need to move. Some movers may quote a cheap price and charge extra on the moving date.
Validate that moving insurance is included and the moving company guarantees any items that may be damaged during the move.
Have a backup plan. What happens if the mover doesn’t show up or can’t complete the job the same day? Make sure you have someone to call.
Step 3: Packing Supplies
Order boxes online or get them used from stores i.e banana boxes are strong.
Buy packing tape, paper, bubble wrap and markers for your boxes, as well as special packaging for extra fragile items.
Get a dolly or rolling platform to move heavy items.
Cleaning products, broom, mop and garbage bags are essential.
Step 4: Packing & Preparing Your Home
Set aside time to make sure you don’t have to pack in a hurry:
Clean and take pictures of your belongings that you want to sell. You can do this in minutes with Facebook Marketplace or Trade Me.
Mark your boxes. Being concise here can save you a lot of hassle.
Take photos or videos of every complex electronic connection, such as your stereo, TV and computer. This will prevent headaches and uncertainties during reconnection.
It’s easy to misplace documents such as passports, insurance coverage, etc when moving. Place everything at risk in the same box or scan to an email so you have a copy
Pack a bag containing some clothes and toiletries so that they’re easily accessible.
Step 5: Sort your services and utilities & change your address
Moving is a great time to re-evaluate your needs. You may be surprised at how much you can save.
Compare internet, WiFi and phone offers, and book installation in advance.
Inform your utility providers of your move and arrange final readings.
Get quotes for home insurance. You may want to bundle it with your car insurance if you aren’t already doing so.
Update your address for, subscriptions, rewards programs, schools, banks, accountant, lawyer, medical clinics, insurances, dentist, vet, drivers license, Inland Revenue etc.
Moving Day
Hopefully, you are moving for joyous reasons to up-size, or down-size your home. It will all take time to sort, especially if you have been at your current home for many years.
Enjoy the process
