8 to 12 weeks before estimated move date

• Decide what you are moving; arrange disposal of unwanted items, a garage sale or donation to your preferred charity could be useful.

• Arrange an appointment(s) with your chosen Mover(s) for a surveyor/consultant to call and assess your move requirements and provide a Quote. If you are not sure who to call, ask friends who have moved successfully for their recommendation

• At the appointment make sure you provide comprehensive details of your move, discuss options available and give clear instructions what you want included / excluded from the Quote.

• Start to gather your personal records, medical, dental, school reports, motor vehicle, and banking records. Initiate obtaining and completing forms for Tax Returns, Child Benefit, Pension Arrangements, etc…

• If schooling arrangements need to be made you may consider seeking an Educational Consultant to assist identifying suitable options.

4 to 7 weeks before move date

• Confirm your moving dates and schedule with your chosen mover, complete the Acceptance form and confirm your insurance requirements.

• Prepare and mail Change of Address Cards, you may want to include Credit Cards, Insurance Companies, Mail Order Accounts, Magazine Subscriptions, Rental or Hire Purchase Companies, Taxation Office, Electoral Roles, Friends and Relatives

• Consider the transportation of Pets, if professional assistance is required speak to your mover or vet in order to source a specialist.

• Obtain details of new school dress codes and book material, if a uniform is required place an order with the school so that the items are available upon your arrival together with any reading or writing material

• If your children are members of National or International organizations such as Scouts, Girl Guides etc, find out the nearest group and make the appropriate arrangements for your child to join, this can assist the settling in process.

1 to 3 weeks before move date

• Collect items from repairers, cleaners, lent to friends/relatives.

• Return library books, borrowed or rented items.

• Ensure you have sufficient prescription medication to cover the period of disruption.

• Safely dispose of all flammables e.g. Paints, Gas Bottles, Cleaning Fluids and Oils.

• Clear attic / basement.

• If your mover is not making arrangements for you, book specialists to carry out services e.g. Dismantling waterbeds, Removing light fittings, House Cleaning Services and dismantling of Satellite Equipment

• Cancel deliveries and services Newspapers Garden / House Maintenance Milk Pool Service Diaper/Nappy Fuel or Oil

• Organize final readings at present house and connection at new property for

Electricity (Check for Refund)
Gas Service (Check for Refund)
Water Service
Telephone services

The Week before Your Move

• Clean outdoor equipment and toys, drain any fuel from your lawn mower and other machinery and ensure that water is drained from hoses.

• Arrange for your valuable documents, jewelry and money to be moved separately, usually these are best kept with you.

• Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Ensure that they are completely dry prior to moving to avoid mildew

• Wash and dry all linen and clothing, you could use a Local Service Laundromat.

• Prepare your washing machine for moving, disconnect power and water.

• Check through your medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs.

• If your clothing is to be transported on hangers in a clothing carton, ensure all clothing is securely fastened on the hanger and that they are all facing the same way.

• In order that children do not get upset or in danger on move day make arrangements for them to play at a friends or attend a day care center.

Your Moving Day

• It is your responsibility to be present at the time the move takes place, ensure that when the moving crew arrives you escort them around the house confirming what is to be moved and any special instructions.

• Ensure that everything has been packed and loaded for transportation, a final check round with one of the crew, opening all cupboard doors and checking behind doors should avoid items being left behind.
                 
• You maybe asked to sign a packing inventory/list, check carefully to ensure that you are happy with the content, you will be asked to check and sign it again at delivery.

• Before leaving the property ensure that all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off. Keys for the residence together with any documents relating to the property or equipment remaining at the house are left at the nominated point.

• At the time of delivery ensure that you are present in order to advise the movers where to place items and check against the packing inventory/list.