Moving Hints and Checklist

At Cleave Removals we understand that moving isn’t a straight forward process and part of our goal is to make your move as pleasant as possible with a minimum of fuss. We offer a moving checklist so simply click the link to keep a copy of this handy moving checklist. Be it Melbourne, Bendigo, Horsham Brisbane. When you are getting a removalist it is handy to keep this checklist nearby.

We have also provided the following moving hints when moving house.

Up to two months ahead

• Ascertain a firm moving date for moving
• Order your moving boxes and packing materials from your removalist
• List what you are planning to take and what you will discard
• Draw a plan of your new home and plan where your furniture will go
• Check that furniture and appliances will fit through doorways, upstairs, etc.
• Select two to three moving companies; selection criteria should consist of:
  • Membership of recognized Removalist Associations
  • References
  • Branches Australia-wide
  • International network of quality agents
• Advise your removalist of choice, what is going and what is not, whether you require pre packing or a supply of cartons, whether or not you require storage, and if there are any ancillary services you may require, such as vehicle or pet transportation, or even house cleaning.

Up to one month ahead

• Sort out the contents of your garage, garden shed and under the home, you may need to dispose of garden chemicals, paints or fuels
• Have a thorough clean out, referring to you original inventory and disposing of anything unwanted
• Apply for any travel documents, and arrange for any accommodation that may be required
• Organise for notification of change of address for any subscriptions or mail
• Notify schools of impending move

Up to two weeks ahead

• Arrange to have gas, electricity, telephone and water meters read on the morning of your move and organise for connections at the new home
• Collect all records from the relevant authorities, Electoral office, Taxation office, insurance, Road Traffic Authority, medical, dental and school
• If you are packing, organise delivery of cartons, paper and tape and begin packing and labeling cartons
• Arrange for professional disconnection of your kitchen appliances, including specialist attention for washing machines to ensure the securing of the drum if necessary

Up to one week ahead

• Dismantle furniture that was not designed to be moved when assembled, unless your removalist has already agreed to do this for you
• Dismantle sheds, greenhouses and children’s play equipment, unless the removalist has agreed to do this for you
• Drain fuel from motorized lawn mowers and motor cycles
• Take down fixtures and fittings that you are taking with you
• Cancel newspapers and milk deliveries
• Collect anything outstanding, ie lay-bys, dry cleaning; and return anything, ie library books, loans from neighbours, etc.
• If appropriate, make arrangements for young children to be looked after on the day of the move by family or friends
• Confirm transportation of cars and pets, housecleaning, valet unpacking, etc.
• Confirm with the removalist company, including dates, insurance and times
• Ensure all electrical equipment (eg computers and stereo components) are prepared for transit as per manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure all white goods (eg washing machine, dryer and refrigerator) are prepared for transit as per manufacturer’s instructions, ie stabilizer bars for washing machines.

One day ahead

• Make a list of things you will need on the day of the removal and set these aside from everything that is to be packed or taken by the removalists.
• Defrost and clean freezers and refrigerators, eat or dispose of any food, and seal any jars or packets to be packed – do not store or transport perishable items
• Complete any packing and labeling; chest of drawers may be left full depending on the type of furniture and the goods within them.
• Finish dismantling any remaining furniture and collect any light fitting that you wish to keep
• Walk around the house and check nothing has been left behind including garages, sheds, attics and under the house

On moving day

• Pack your survival kit: include things like toiletries, tea and coffee, clothing, personal items, travel documents, tickets, etc.
• Leave the vacuum cleaner out, in case you want to clean after the furniture has been removed
• Collect all keys to the house
• Ensure all utilities have been read and turned off where applicable
• Take a final walk around the house to ensure nothing has been left behind, and sign the inventory before locking and leaving.