Moving Into a New House Checklist

The ultimate list of things to do and when to do them

Here’s a thorough checklist of the things you need to do and when to do them, if you are moving into a new house. Moving house can be an exciting but often stressful process. One of the best tips for reducing the stress of house moving, is to be well organized. Planning the whole process using a good moving house checklist helps ensure you don’t forget things, or leave them to the last minute.

List of things to do 6-8 weeks before moving into a new house

• Digital "MOVING" folder. Create a folder to store details about the move: Quotes, receipts, pictures of your valuable items, pictures of how electrical items are set up, etc.
• Floor plan. Make a floor plan of your new house and draw in where to put furniture. Will the fridge fit in kitchen space? Can large items fit through the door?
• Arrange to take time off work.
• Schools. Arrange school, day-care, and pre-school transfers.
• Dispose of unwanted items.

  • Clean up under the house, attic, garage.
  • Prepare to hold a garage sale about 2 weeks before moving.
  • Sell unwanted furniture on internet, or donate it to charity.
  • Arrange with the local council for a rubbish pick-up about 1 week before moving out.
  • Make special arrangements for items not eligible for council pickup e.g. flammable liquids, paint, etc.
• Find a removalist. We recommend Muval.
• Repairs. organise any repairs that may be needed.
• Packing.

  • Acquire packing materials: boxes, bubble wrap, marker pens, tape etc.
  • Research packing hacks/techniques.
  • Begin packing items that you won’t need. Label what’s in each box, and which room in the new house it to put it in. Mark boxes with fragile items!
• Storage. If necessary, arrange temporary storage space .

List of things to do 4-6 weeks before moving into a new house

• Return borrowed or rented items.
• Insurance. Arrange home and contents insurance for your new house. Ask if your contents insurance covers items during the moving process.
• Collect important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.) into one place. Carry them with you on moving day.
• Prepare inventory of what you own, noting dents and scratches.
• Utilities. Organise connection of gas and electricity, water, internet accounts at your new house. This is a good time to check if you can find cheaper utilities providers at your new home.

List of things to do 2-4 weeks before moving into your new house

• Child-minding. Arrange for someone to mind your children and pets on the day of moving.
• Food. Use up infrequently used food items in cupboards and refrigerator. Plan meals so that you end up with as little food as possible on the day of moving house.
• Dismantle furniture and outdoor play equipment that comes apart – for each furniture item put screws, bolts, etc. into a zip lock bag and tape it to the item.
• Have a garage sale.
• Create a “handy tools kit” containing hammer, screwdrivers, light bulbs, wall hooks, nails, etc. that you may need in the first few weeks in your new house.
• Recruit family and friends to help you with packing, moving and then unpacking.
• Cleaners. If needed, arrange for cleaners at your old house and new house.

List of things to do in the last 2 weeks before moving into your new house

• Pack clothes into suitcases. Keep out a few essentials.
• Arrange access and parking for the removalist truck.
• Confirm details with your Removalist, and give them the floor plan of the new house and the parking details.
• Cancel your mowing service, gardener, newspaper delivery, and any other local memberships e.g. gym.
• Back up your computers Store the backups online, or at family or friend’s house.
• Use our change of address checklist to notify everyone of your new address.
• Keys. Ensure that you have all the various keys to your current house.
• Say goodbye to your old neighbours.
• Meters. Arrange for final utility meter reading.
• Cleaning. Inspect each room to see if it is clean enough.
• Pack and label ‘first night items’ boxes containing towels, bed linen, curtains etc. that you'll need on the first day in your new house.
• Check utilities are connected at your new house.
• Pack your indoor plants into plastic boxes.

Things to do 1 day before moving house

• Defrost the fridge and clean it. Place the remaining food in a portable Esky with ice.
• Basics bag. Pack a bag/box for each family member with their basics/essentials.
• Drain liquid from garden hoses, washing machine, ice maker.
• Remote control. Remove the garage door remote from your car.
• Inventory list. Make sure you have completed it.

Things to do on the house moving day

• Give your removalist a detailed tour with clear instructions. Ask them to load the kitchen boxes last, so that they'll be the first to be unloaded at the new house.
• High priority boxes - make sure they are easily accessible.
• Turn off hot water system.
• Take photos of your utility meters
• House key collection.
• Important items - keep them with you.
• Final check - that nothing is left behind in the garage, garden, sheds, on top of cupboards etc.
• In your new house:

  • Make sure you know where to shut off the gas, water, electricity, and where fuses are.
  • Check items off the inventory list as they’re brought in.