The Top Things to remember when moving

Four weeks before your move

set a firm date for your move
you may want to hire a Professional Removalist that offers Great Value for money like OnTheMoveRemovals 1300 66 84 36 (particularly if you are moving locally around Brisbane or from the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast )
organise a removalist – ask friends or relatives for recommendations
if you need storage, arrange it now
organise transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings
organise your travel plans for moving day – if you’re moving some distance, you may need to book a hotel or other accommodation
if necessary, book time off work
collect moving materials such as boxes, packing tape, rope, newspapers (for wrapping) and marking pens
keep a list of incoming mail and start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address

Two weeks before your move

start packing non-essential items and clothing – list the items packed on the outside of the box
contact your electricity and gas companies (Origin Energy and Ergon Energy or others) and communication providers (eg Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.)
arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, Internet and pay-TV services at your new address.
ask someone to look after the kids on moving day
update insurance policies
make a list of the items you want the removalist to move and any items you’ll be moving yourself
if you have pets, organise care for them during moving day and make necessary pet transport arrangements – ensure your pets have tags with your mobile or new phone number on them. You may need to use the services of cat boarding facilities or kennels
start cleaning your home
arrange redirection of mail with Australia Post. You can do this online
dispose of any hazardous waste in the correct manner. Empty your freezer and pantry by eating all the food! Defrost the freezer before moving it

One week before the move

arrange for bills to be paid
cancel services such as mowing service, newspapers and other home delivery services
confirm arrangements with utility companies
put important documents such as passports and drivers licences in a safe place – be sure to keep all moving related documents together
finish packing – make sure all boxes are correctly labelled with contents and rooms
return library books and DVDs and pick up any dry cleaning
if packing all your stuff has left you with piles of rubbish, take it to the nearest tip or transfer station
pack up your computer (if you can do without it for that long!). Keep all cords and accessories together. Pack it in the original box, if you have it, otherwise wrap in blankets and transport it carefully

On moving day

pack a survival kit for the first hours in your new home – include tea or coffee, kettle, mugs and teaspoons, water bottle, snacks, milk, small first aid kit, toilet paper, a torch, spare light bulbs, paper towels and cleaning materials
make sure the house is clean. At this busy time it might be worth hiring a cleaner to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you
strip the beds and keep the linen in a separate box that travels with you so you can use them on the first night
disconnect remaining appliances
do one final check of your house as the removalists are loading your boxes
have final payment ready for your removalist
read the removalist document thoroughly before signing and save it for future reference
stay home until the last item is packed and make an inspection of the van to check all your goods are loaded
close and lock all the doors and windows
make sure you have the keys to your new home with you
carry valuables, personal items and important papers with you so they don’t get lost

At your new home

check all items during unloading and unpacking – look for any damaged or missing items
check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on – if not, contact the suppliers
start with essentials such as making the beds and cleaning the kitchen for use. You may want to use professionals for carpet cleaning or window washing
keep pets away until you are moved in
find out which day is your garbage and recycling collection day or call the Brisbane City Council Call Centre on 07 3403 8888
find you local parks, shops, sports centres and swimming pools
join the library
get your pets familiarised to the new area as quickly as possible so they don’t try to find their old place. Where is the closest off-leash area?
take a few different routes to go places from your new home – you’re sure to find some handy shortcuts
if renting, tell the landlord about any appliances that aren’t working or any defects in your new property and check what you are allowed to do. Our rental guide has more information about these issues.
don’t forget to get an updated driver’s licence or change your car registration. For a competitive quote on car insurance, NRMA Insurance can’t help but help
you can change your address for Brisbane City Council library cards, rates and dog registration with e-move