Moving house checklist

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Moving house checklist

Moving homes can be an exciting time. Setting out what the future looks like from decorating your new space, to staking out where you're going to grab your almond milk skinny flat whatnots, is no small task. That's why it pays to plan ahead, and with the help of our moving checklist, you'll be right in no time.

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Start planning early to make your move stress free, from booking removalists to organising utilities and updating your address details
Help stay organised with a clear checklist, so you can ticket tasks off like packing and cleaning as you finish each room

1. Start consolidating and clearing out. Consider whether you need to organise a skip, sell any excess things or arrange a council collection to get rid of unwanted items.

2. Carry out a rough inventory of the furniture in each room and estimate how many boxes or crates you’ll need.

3. Get quotes from several removal companies. Personal recommendations from friends and family may help you find a reputable company. Select your company, book your moving date and get your boxes or packing crates delivered, along with packing materials.

4. If you’ve bought your property, you may need to organise building insurance. Your mortgage provider may require you to have your new home insured. When purchasing home insurance you may need detailed information on the property, such as the age of your new home, what materials it is made of, and what it would cost at current market value to replace or rebuild.

5. Whether you’ve bought or rented, consider arranging contents insurance. Some providers may cover your belongings in transit to your new home. And if you already have home insurance, be sure to let your insurer know your change of address.

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6. If your home is going to be empty for a time before you move in, make sure you tell your insurance provider. Actions you can take with the new place before your move can include:

Ensuring the mail is picked up regularly
Mowing the lawn when needed
Making sure the windows and doors are securely closed and locked
Fitting motion-activated exterior lights for dark areas around your home at night
Having a timer to activate lights or a radio inside the home – you don’t want it to be obvious that your home is vacant
Drop in and visit the home as much as possible

7. If you have car insurance, contact your insurance provider with your change of address. This is to make sure your vehicle is covered at your new address from the day you move in. Insurance companies often factor the location of where you park at night into the premiums they charge, so yours may change depending on your new location and where you keep your car.

8. Arrange to have your mail and any postal subscriptions redirected to your new address. It’s easy to do online with Australia Post.

9. Update your address with your:

Friends and family
Bank and other financial institutions
Insurance companies
Gas and/or electricity company
Telephone company (including mobile phone and internet provider)
Accountant and solicitor
Superannuation provider
Doctor and dentist
State and federal electoral commissions
Australian Tax Office (ATO)
Provider for any investment holdings including shares or property
Children’s schools or daycare centres
Employer
Driving licence and vehicle registration authority in your state or territory
Subscription TV provider
Magazine or newspaper subscription providers
Reward or loyalty programs
Any online stores you use regularly

10. Arrange final readings of meters and transfer electricity, gas, internet and landline accounts.

11. Consider changing the locks at your new home, and make sure the fire alarms are working properly before you move in or purchase new ones. Refer to the Fire and Rescue website for your state.

12. To assist with unpacking in your new home, label all boxes clearly with the room they belong in and their contents. Prepare an essentials carton with remote controls, allen keys, screws, furniture assembly instructions and so on. Lastly, load up a ‘survival kit’ with kettle, tea and coffee, some kitchen items like mugs, plates and cutlery, mobile phone chargers, breakfast food, bathroom necessities, medication, snacks, scissors, tools and toilet paper.

13. Moving day! Check off your belongings as they go into the removal truck and be on hand at the other end to check items off on arrival. And most importantly, enjoy settling into your new home!

You can either start your home loan application online or book time with a Home Lending Specialist, instantly.

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More in home buying

Using equity to buy property

Redraw vs offset explained

Understanding valuations

How much can you borrow?

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Things you should know

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this, consider the appropriateness to your circumstances.