Moving house is never simple but it can be stress-free. You can fully relax and be in control if you’d plan ahead and have a working checklist. Your brain is already doing so much. It’s not fair to just haphazardly dump additional work into it. This is where creating a checklist will help you. Having a checklist will allow you to decompress, destress, and take all the pressure off your brain. Things, when written, are clear and easily executed.
To help you, we placed everything that you’d even need to consider when making your own moving house checklist. From utilities, new billing addresses, and even the reminder to don’t forget to protect your furniture. We got you covered!
Important Steps You Shouldn’t Skip When Moving House:
You need to consider the following steps in moving house when creating your own checklist:
Step 1: Looking for a removalist.
Step 2: Collecting packing boxes and packing materials.
Step 3: Consolidation and packing.
Step 4: Payment of outstanding bills.
Step 5: Disconnection of utilities in the old house; connection of utilities in the new house.
Step 6: Booking for cleaners.
Step 7: Processing of insurance.
Step 8: Updating your new address.
Step 9: Redirect all mails.
Step 10: Cancelling or redirection of regular deliveries.
PRO TIP: Packing before moving is the best time to do an inventory of all your current belongings. As you would have clear data as to things that you have too much of and things you have almost none of, it would be easy for you to decide on which items you need to cut back on.
Moving House Checklist: 7 Things to Consider When Moving
1. Removalist Service
Do you need a removalist?
You need to keep in mind that you always have the option to do things by yourself. It will be more taxing but you will at least get to spend less. Hiring a professional removalist will cost you but it will be all worth it because they will make moving extremely easier and almost hassle-free for you. Choose to work with ones that your friend, family, or someone you trust can vouch for.
2. Packing Boxes
You will need packing boxes and packing tape when you’re moving. You could buy them online or from local removalists or storage facilities. There is a method of packing that will make things easier for you. If you don’t have one yet, you could give the following method a try:
- color-coding the boxes
- labeling the boxes and enlisting what’s inside
- packing items depending on the room
- packing items depending on the owner
- packing the items depending on the importance
- packing the items depending on weight
- packing items depending on the fragility
3. Consolidation and Packing
Much of your energy will be spent during the packing process. To save yourself from exhaustion, it will be best if you can do packing on a daily basis. Opting for a one-time packing day will consume you and even lead to you not finishing the packing process. Packing everything one day at a time or one room at a time is less stressful. Experts recommend that you do the following during consolidation and packing:
- have a donate bin where all items that are still useful but you no longer use can be placed
- have a rubbish bin where all items that are no longer useful and of no sentimental value can be placed
- consider having a garage sale of items that you cannot donate but can still be useful for others
- provide adequate padding for your fragile items
- clearly mark all the boxes on the following matter: what is inside and which room it belongs to
- handle and pack furniture depending on fragility, weight, and moving van/truck placement
4. Outstanding Bills
To ensure your peace of mind, you need to double-check all your utilities. Do you have outstanding bills that have yet to be paid? Settle them as soon as you can. It’s best if you pay them off before your actual move as you will no longer have to deal with it come the time that you’re settled in your new place. If you can, you should also let your outstanding providers know that you are moving. Informing them will remove the risk of losing paperwork or accumulating late fees.
5. Utilities: disconnection of the old and connection of the new
You should schedule for disconnection once you’ve finalized your move-out date. This will ensure that you need not settle any fees once you move to your new place. It’s also best if you could apply for connections to utilities in your new place at least a month before your move-in date. This will ensure that you have everything you need – internet access, water, gas, and electricity – once you move in.
6. Cleaners
Just as how it is when it comes to removalists, you should keep in mind that not working with cleaners is definitely part of your options. You can choose to clean your current place and new place all by yourself. It will require time and energy on your end but it will allow you to spend on costs. Working with cleaners will cost you but it will remove the need for you to stress about when and how to clean your old place and new place. It’s best if you could hire cleaners that specialize in cleaning properties of people that are moving houses. They will be more attentive and sensitive to your needs.
7. Insurance
You should also make an effort to have your belongings insured. This will secure that you’re fully covered and protected in case you encounter any form of mishap or accident during the move.