It’s here! The weeks have sped by and now the day you’ve been preparing for is here — it’s moving day!
Like most people, you’re probably feeling a tad anxious about it, despite your excellent prep job. That’s totally normal but with Australis Removals‘ list of tips for tackling moving day, we aim to make it easier for you.
This is the fourth in a series of posts Australis Removals has designed to assist you to pack up your old home and move seamlessly into your new home. (See our first three posts on what you can do to prepare during weeks weeks 4-6, weeks 2-3 and 1 week out from moving day).
If you’ve followed our advice, then most of the hard work is done and moving day should be a breeze. To ensure it’s the best possible experience for you, see our list of things to do on moving day below. Get over this last hurdle, and all that’s left is for you to settle into your new home.
Things to do the night before moving day
Okay, so it’s not technically moving day, but close enough. This is a list of jobs you can tick off before you hit the hay so you’ll be ultra prepared come morning:
- If you’ve not done it already, now’s the time to defrost and empty your refrigerator. Leave some milk and marg for morning breakfast, but most other goods should be gone. Keep a portable esky on hand to transport any groceries you’ve got left over, or throw them out if that’s easier.
- Finish any last-minute chores such as cleaning the oven, bathrooms and giving your carpets a vacuum. Keep your vacuum on hand for last minute cleaning once your furniture is loaded into the removalist truck.
- Pack your personal luggage and items that you want to keep with you during the move. Set these aside ready to go in your car. Keep that survival/emergency kit you prepared earlier with your personal luggage. If you are using professional packers, it’s still best to handle your personal essential items yourself to avoid mix-ups.
- Check the tops of cupboards, garden area, sheds and your garage for anything you may have forgotten. Better to do it now than in the morning!
- Unplug and tie up all your appliance cords.
- Keep some extra cash on hand (even if you usually rely on cards) for any unforseen emergency expenses.
- If you’ll be leaving your house empty for a while, tell your neighbours (and take the opportunity to say your goodbye’s) and notify the police. Squatters? No thanks.
- Have your list of “things to do on moving day” prepared and in a handy reference spot (such as a list to keep in your wallet, or a list on your phone)
Things to do on moving day
- A good moving day starts with a decent breakfast. Fuel your body, then dispose of or pack remaining food items. Put all your personal luggage and essentials in your car, or have them ready for loading if you’re using another form of transport.
- Make sure your pets are ready to go in their travel cages and keep all their essentials (food, water, leads etc) at hand.
- Check in with your children — have they got their own personal items to keep them entertained during the move? Are they dressed appropriately, fed, watered and toileted?
- Ensure all meters have been read, and car and house key collection proceeds as planned. Return all your keys to the Real Estate Agent or leave them in an agreed spot for the new tenant.
- When your removalists arrive, provide them with floor plans, confirm they’ve got your new address and that they know where they can park.
- Which items will you want first at your new home? It might be your kitchen boxes so you can plug in the kettle and get the fridge going. Or you may prefer to immediately set up the bedrooms. Whichever it is, ask your removalist to load those items last so they are first off the truck.
- Check off all your items on your list as they go into the moving van.
- Lastly, right before you leave, turn off the hot water system and power, tighten all taps, check gas and electrical, remove any remote garage openers from your car, and finally lock all doors and windows. Time to hit the road…
Things to do at your new home
Technical stuff
- When you arrive, try to give clear directions to your removalist about furniture placement. Yes, they have your floor plan, but still exercise some oversight to ensure you’re both reading it the same way.
- If you’re renting your new home, now is the time to document the condition of the property and any included furnishings with the appropriate agent. You don’t want to get penalised later for damage that was already there when you moved in.
- Check that all your utilities are connected, including electricity, gas, hot water etc.
- Once your removalist has finished unloading, check you’re happy with everything and if anything has been damaged during transition (a rare occurrence for Australis), document it now.
- Likewise, if your things have been removed from storage, or transported interstate such as from Adelaide to Melbourne, you should now check and sign the inventory.
Keys and security
- If you’re at all concerned about security, have your locks changed now.
- Check that you have all keys and relevant instructions to your new residence. Will you need extra copies made?
Settling in
- Once you’re unloaded, assemble and make-up beds as soon possible. This is especially important if you have children who may be exhausted from the move.
- It can be difficult for children and pets to settle into their new home (we’ll have more advice on this soon), but for now reassure them and make sure they have familiar comforting items from their old home. Favourite movies on hand and loved toys can make a difference at this transitional stage. And Australis also recommends keeping cats inside for up to a week. The little rascals can be quite persistent in looking for their old territory, but also be prepared for some rebellious behaviour while they are cooped up!
- Try to keep visitors to your new home to a minimum. You’ll be tired and stressed and they can check out your new digs at another time.
- Contact your new local council for garbage collection information and new residents’ folders that contain useful info about your new community.
- Lastly, smile and say g’day to your new neighbours! You’re home.
You’re here, you’ve made it. NOW it’s time for that happy dance! Congratulations on completing a tough few weeks. We at Australis hope that our tips on handling the moving process have made things easier for you. If you’d like to give us some feedback, or suggest other topics for advice, we’d love to hear from you. And check out our posts on moving with pets, and with children.
Enjoy your new home, and you’ll hear from us again soon.
