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Ultimate Moving Task List: How to Prepare for and What to Do After Relocation

There are many tasks to strike off before and after a big move. If you don’t stay organised, it can get a bit confusing and overwhelming. It’s best to keep a list of things you need to accomplish to minimise any issues or problematic situations from arising.

Below are task lists for before and after the move to keep you focused.

Tasks to Complete Before the Move

Packing isn’t the only task you should be doing before a move. There are a couple of things you should accomplish before relocating to a new place. Keep the list below in mind during your moving preparations.

1. Make a Plan

Planning is vital for any project as big as a move to run smoothly. Before taking any action, think about what you need to do and how you want to handle everything. Make sure to consider your daily schedule and how much time you can allocate for moving preparations.

Below are some tasks to think about while planning:

* Inform your employer about the move (if it will affect your job performance or status at work)

* Turn in a 30-day notice to your landlord (if you are renting a place)

* Disconnect or transfer utilities to your new address

* Hire a removalist for your big move

During this phase of the move, you may also want to consider the possibility of dispensing tasks to professionals or other people. After all, relocating can be a big production. So, ask for help if you need it. If there are tasks that can be done by professionals (and you can afford it), by all means delegate them.

It would be a good idea to write your moving plans down in a dedicated notebook to remember everything. You can then keep track of expenses and jot down all of your moving task lists and any other related to-do items.

2. Conduct Research on Professional Removal Companies

After planning, search for a professional moving company you can partner with. You will want one that understands your needs and has years of experience under their belt. As you work your way through each moving business, take note of important factors such as their licence, price quote and services.

It would be a good idea to look for one that provides other removal services as well. For instance, some companies help their clients pack their belongings and clean their new home so it is ready for occupancy come moving day. As mentioned before, if you can delegate tasks to others, do so.

3. Calculate Potential Costs

Once you have a plan in mind and have done your research on professional removalists, calculate any expenses you might incur before and after the move.

Below are some costs that you need to consider:

  • Supplies (i.e., cartons, tape, foam peanuts, etc.)
  • Moving company fee
  • Fees for other removal services (i.e., help with the packing and renting a storage unit)
  • Disconnection or transfer fees for utilities (including your internet service provider)
  • Food (for the first couple of days if your kitchen isn’t set up at the new house)
  • New items for the house (i.e., new or more furniture and appliances)
  • Buffer fund (for any incidentals that might occur before, during or after the move)

After you calculate potential moving costs, you should have a general idea of how much you are willing to spend and what you can actually afford. As such, it is time to set your budget in stone.

4. Sift Through Belongings

Go through everything you own before packing. Separate your belongings into groups, namely items you will keep and things you would like to donate, sell, put in storage, or give away to family or friends.

Make inventory lists (in your special moving notebook) of the items in each group. These listicles will come in handy during the packing phase.

5. Clean Your New House

Make sure your new house has been cleaned before you move into it so that after a tiring move, you are assured of a completely liveable new home.

A pristine home will help you get settled faster. You’ll be able to unpack your things and place them in designated cupboards, closets, etc., immediately. If you don’t have the time to scrub down the new plac, hire someone who can.

As a form of courtesy (or if it is in the tenancy contract), be sure to clean your old place before giving the keys to the landlord.

6. Pack Your Possessions

About two weeks before the move or earlier, start packing your things. Use the inventory lists you’ve made to label the boxes correctly. Additionally, if you have older kids or other family members moving with you, instruct them to do the same.

Don’t forget to separately pack your overnight essentials bag to include a change of clothes, toiletry or hygiene kit, drinking water and snacks.

Tasks for After the Move

Below are tasks you need to attend to as soon as you arrive at your new place.

  • Make sure the utilities are turned on.
  • Double-check boxes, furniture, and other paraphernalia.
  • Unpack items that you need immediately.
  • Find the circuit breaker box and water valve in your new home.
  • Change the locks.

Once you’ve accomplished all the tasks above, it’s time to relax and enjoy your new home. Unpacking may take time but, by now, the most crucial tasks should have already been finished. So have fun finding a place for all your possessions and setting up your new house.

Don’t rush the experience; just enjoy it.

AUTHOR BIO
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA).