1 month before you move
- Order packing materials like boxes, tapes, labels and markers. Make sure to get boxes in all the appropriate sizes. The last thing you want is boxes that are too big or too small to fit your things!
- If applicable, hire and schedule a moving or removal company. Depending on how big your move is, this may be a worthwhile option to consider.
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The key to making your move go smoothly is to start packing early. Start with non-essential items that you don’t need or use day-to-day like extra clothes, books or dishes.
- Shop for any new furniture you may need, especially if your new place has more space.
- If applicable, book the days you need off to move. While this isn't too common, it sure is nice to have free time while moving.
- Start getting rid of possessions and furniture you no longer need.
- If you’re downsizing, or there are items you won’t need in your new place, then consider storage - whether that be renting a storage unit or keeping your stuff at a friend's place.
- Set a move-in date and time with your landlord to exchange keys.
- If applicable, enquire to your landlord about any information you need to know on move-in day. For example: if there's a certain place you should have your moving company park. This is especially true with COVID-19. What safety measures will be taken?
- Pay move-in monies like your security deposit and first month's rent - less the holding deposit already paid.
Tip: As you pack boxes, label two sides of each box so you can easily identify what’s in each box. This will also ensure you can read the labels even if boxes are stacked on top of each other.
2 weeks before you move
- Arrange for your mail to be redirected or forwarded to your new address.
- Pack valuables and documents and put them in a safe place.
- Start to use up any perishables, like food in your fridge, that you aren't taking along.
- If applicable, arrange the utilities in your new home – gas, electricity, broadband, telephone, cable. Remember, you can always change providers if you find another deal elsewhere. You aren't stuck with what company the previous tenants used! Shop around and find the best deal.
- If possible, ask friend and family if they can help you move.
- If applicable, sort out arrangements for your kids and pets on move-in day. For example: if you can place them in daycare temporarily and pick them up when you're done moving.
- If applicable, arrange contents insurance for your new home.
- Research your neighbourhood! You may want to get familiar with the nearby markets, stores, cafes, bars, restaurants, gyms and more.
- If applicable, enquire with your landlord about parking arrangements like any restrictions, things you need to do or know, like information about your allocated parking spot.
- If applicable, start cancelling memberships or plans. If you're moving to a new city, you'll probably want to discontinue your current gym membership.
1 week before you move
- Thoroughly clean your old home and tidy the garden
- Do any last-minute laundry and start decluttering by getting rid of food and other unnecessary items that you won't be taking with you. Tip: Donate these items to friends, family or local charities to help others while you're cleaning out your home!
- If applicable, sort out the security deposit from your current place.
- If applicable, let your current council know you’re moving and arrange payment of Council Tax with your new council.
- Let friends and family know about your change of address.
- Start packing all other, essential items - remember to label boxes to make unpacking easier.
- Defrost and dry out your fridge/freezer
- Organize the last-minute belongings so you can swiftly pack them closer to the move date.
- Disassemble any furniture ahead of time to make the moving day easier.
- Update your address with banks, doctors, insurers, employers, friends, family, etc.
- Place or confirm any deliveries needed for your new home. For example: if you were to order a bed online to your new place you'd want to make sure it's there on time.
The day before you move
- Pack an overnight bag with essentials for the first day in your new home since it may be hard to access things you've already packed. This can include toiletries, some food, chargers and a change of clothes
- Make sure you're well-rested and your phone is charged. You'll need it tomorrow.
- Box up your remaining items.
- If applicable, confirm with any friends and family helping you move about where and when to meet tomorrow.
- If applicable, confirm with the moving company about where and when to meet tomorrow.
- Confirm with your landlord details for tomorrow's big move. We want move-in to go seamlessly, so double-checking everything would be a good idea.
- Take a note of your final meter readings in your old home
- Do a final walkthrough of the property to ensure everything is in place and you haven't forgotten anything
- Make sure all windows and doors are locked and that you’ve not left anything behind.
Move-in day!
- Collect the keys for your new home
- Ask the landlord any questions you have about the area and home. You may even get a tour of the building.
- Make sure the inventory checklist is completed.
- Take the meter readings of the new property, again use your phone to take pictures for you to refer to if necessary.
- Make sure you know how to access emergency exits in the building
- Make sure you have all the important numbers in case of emergencies e.g., police, hospital, landlord, utility providers, etc.
- When moving, try to get boxes in the appropriate area. E.g., boxes labelled kitchen or cooking should be placed in the kitchen while boxes labelled clothes or sheets should be placed in the bedroom. This makes it much easier to start unpacking.