Moving day is getting closer. Congratulations! Exciting, isn’t it? (And yes, we know it can be overwhelming, too.)
This is the second 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 post on what you should start doing 4-6 weeks out from moving day here).
Because moving and packing up your life is such a big job, we’ve broken down our handy hints into several posts so you’re not overwhelmed. This week, we’ll focus on those few weeks right before moving day—it’s not quite here, but it’s getting close!
So just what should you focus on during the 2-3 weeks before moving day?
Things to do 2-3 weeks before moving:
Start the packing process:
- Got boxes or crates? Make sure you have enough to pack all your belongings. Borrow, beg or buy some now so you’re not caught short. Also ensure you have other essential packing materials such as bubble-wrap, tissue paper, clean white butcher’s paper, sticky tape, labels and felt markers.
- Label each carton with both its contents and the room it’s to go in. Surprise boxes are only fun at Christmas or on birthdays!
- If a carton has breakables inside, make sure you label it FRAGILE. We’re always careful but still appreciate the heads up.
- Remember that inventory you started earlier for your packing folder? Start using it to record a list of each carton.
- Aim to pack your lighter things in larger cartons and heavier items in smaller boxes. It makes moving them much easier for everyone.
Take it apart:
- Now is the time to start to dismantle furniture that comes apart for easier and safer truck loading. It’s extra important that you dismantle as much as possible when your things are taking a longer road trip such as between Adelaide and Melbourne. And make sure you don’t lose those bits you need to reassemble your furniture — either tape screws to the furniture or put them in a seal-able sandwich bag and label it.
- Same goes for outdoor furniture or items, and any children’s play equipment. Again, keep the parts required for reassembly somewhere safe and labelled.
Create purposeful cartons
- Create a carton for essential odds and ends such as TV and stereo remote controls, shelf supports, Allen keys, extra screws, keys to furniture cabinets and any manuals for reassembly of items. These small things are easily lost and annoying to replace.
- Create another “handyman” kit with tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, scissors, light bulbs, nails, wall hooks, and a pen knife. If you need any of these things in a hurry, you’ll be super glad you went to this extra effort.
- Finally, to be loaded last for easy access, prepare a “survival kit”. Put in it those essentials you’ll want immediately upon arrival at your new home such as a kettle, tea and coffee supplies, breakfast cereals, special children’s toys and books, pet food and leads, first aid kit and any regular medications, bathroom necessities, snacks, and toilet paper. Whatever you do, don’t forget the loo paper!
People and organisations to notify of your move
- If you have children, you should have already made arrangements for their transfer to a new school or childcare centre. It’s now time to advise your child’s current school or childcare centre of the specific date they’ll cease attending, and let their new school know when you intend your children to start.
- Talk to your bank. Let them know your new address and the date they should begin directing mail there.
- Contact utility providers and arrange final readings of gas, electricity and water meters. Concurrently ensure they’ll be switched on at your new place when you arrive.
- If you haven’t already done so, arrange for the transfer of internet and telephone.
- Discontinue any delivery services of newspapers or magazines, automated payment plans and local memberships such as gyms or clubs.
- Book a locksmith to change the keys on moving day at your new home if needs be.
Miscellaneous stuff you can do now to make your move easier
- Fill your regular medication prescriptions and keep them in your “essentials kit”.
- Service your car and drain the lawnmower.
- Collect any dry cleaning or it may get left behind.
- Return anything borrowed from friends or things such as library books and DVDs.
- If possible, arrange for family or friends to mind children and pets on moving day. (Less stressful for them and you!)
- Book time off work for moving day (and remember to check company policy — some workplaces will grant extra leave to move in addition to annual leave entitlements).
- Book a local cleaner in your new neighbourhood who can ensure your new home is spotless and pleasant to move into.
Phew! Another hectic couple of weeks. But the good news is your “to do” list is coming along nicely. Alas, as moving day looms, there’s always more.
We’ll look at that in our next post on things to do before moving when we focus on the week before moving day. For now, happy packing from Australis Removals.
