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The Ultimate Moving Checklist From A Professional Removalist

Although it’s an exciting moment, moving into a new house is not exactly a walk in the park when it comes to the amount of stress it causes. The number of chores you need to accomplish to ensure that your relocation goes off without a hitch will likely amount to a significant load if you do not plan and study your move in advance.

However, it is precisely the purpose of this ultimate moving guide to make a record of the essential components of your transfer that you must think about as soon as feasible. This ultimate moving home checklist is one of the resources that are among the most easily available on the market today. It is thorough and does not make any concessions when focusing on certain areas of the moving process.

The Build-Up to Moving Day

All professional Adelaide removalist state that every relocation is unique. Like your fingerprints, they are completely different from one another.

There are a lot of guidelines out there and many attempts to break things out nicely, like “do these six weeks before moving day” and “do these five weeks before moving day.”

That checklist has a flaw because not everyone can provide six weeks. A 28-day settlement may be a last-minute request from the buyers, and before you realise it, the day you have to move in will have arrived.

The building phase in this ultimate moving guide is when you decide to move and when you make that decision.

Prepare Checklists Right Away

Don’t be shy about making massive to-do lists and sticking them on the fridge or other places you’ll see them often. There are several tasks to do while relocating; let’s not overlook any of them. Putting them into the calendar software on your phone is a terrific method to be reminded of them at certain times.

Study About the Services

When moving, most individuals need a wide variety of services they wouldn’t normally utilise. You will probably want the assistance of several professionals, such as conveyancers, gardeners, handypersons, furniture movers, cleaners, packers, technicians, and unpackers.

Reduce Your Clutter

It’s a fact that the longer we remain in one area, the more clutter we manage to amass there. First, we put stuff away in closets, and then as it accumulates, we start keeping it in the basement, attic, or garage. Now is the best time to purge your old belongings in preparation for your move. There are options like tiny skips, dump runs, and more if you don’t have much time before you move and can’t schedule a hard waste collection. Get rid of it now before you pack up and go!

Sell All Unwanted Stuff

Do you own a treadmill you purchased with the greatest intentions but never used? Most households have unused furniture and other possessions. Time spent packing might inspire a garage sale, an internet auction, or a donation to a good cause.

Coordinated Transfers of Utilities

The more advanced notice you can provide your gas, electric, phone, tv, and internet providers, the better! Most service providers say the switch will take a few business days, but you may need to wait longer if, for example, a technician has to verify your current setup before installing the new one.

Begin Scheduling Your Services

Contact a reputable moving company. Move in a minimum of three to four weeks before the day you plan to leave your current home. Don’t just go with the price they provide you over the phone; instead, begin exploring your choices. The day and time you want your favourite moving company to come are booked. Allow the moving company additional time to prepare an accurate estimate of their needs.

Eat What’s in Your Pantry

In a figurative sense only. Plenty of food is likely stored in your cupboard, and the freezer is very roomy. You may save time and energy on a moving day by eating from your food storage and doing less grocery shopping throughout the build-up phase. It would be best if you also got rid of any perishables that have gone bad before the actual transfer.

Update Your Address

Bank correspondence, invoices, and other essential mail should not be sent to your previous address once you have moved. You should always notify your local post office of your impending move well in advance so that you can begin getting mail at your new location. Visit your local post office to file a change in your address.

Compete on the Measure

Whenever you get an opportunity, visit the new home with a measuring tape to ensure everything will fit. Appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators, in particular, are notorious for not fitting where they’re intended to be. In addition, knowing the exact measurements of each room’s layout is helpful before beginning any construction.

Recruit Babysitters and Animal Minders

Loved as they may be, children and pets might be more challenging to supervise on a moving day. Try to have someone else look after the kids and/or pets throughout the day. That way, you won’t be distracted from your work.

Begin Packing

Good for you if you’ve made up your mind to bring your luggage. Don’t just jump in without giving some of this thought beforehand. Overwhelmingly, movers find packing and unpacking the most difficult parts of the process. This is because many don’t put enough thought into the packing process and end up rushing through it. This means that you should become ready in advance. 

1 Week Before Moving Day

A last polish on all your preparations is in order when just a week remains till the big relocation. This is the last day to schedule a move with professional movers if you plan to do so. Make the call right now.

The odds of success are higher, and the benefits are greater if you relocate during the week. On the prior week’s to-do list, there is a greater emphasis on ‘closing out’ items than on adding new ones.

Humans, being human, are prone to putting off work till later. Most items on the ultimate moving guide checklist undoubtedly need your attention.

Ask for a Leave from Work

Planning a move and need time off? Schedule a day off work if you need to move during the week. You should have a friend or family member join the removalists on a moving day if you weren’t there because you have to keep your job.

Check and Confirm Addresses

Some people are unaware that you are moving, but you are aware of it. The postal service may send your mail for you if you notify them, but you should also inform any institutions (such as banks and insurance firms) that may require your new address.

Verify Each Confirmation Again

Nearly all your services and utility suppliers, including movers, storage facilities, cleaners, power providers, etc., have already confirmed your relocation with you by email or letter. Moving is a big deal, so use this last week to review all the necessary steps and ensure you’re ready.

Stop All Deliveries

Now is the moment to notify the vendors who deliver your groceries, milk, newspapers, etc., that they should start sending packages to your new address instead (if you want to continue the deliveries).

Complete the Packing

Make sure the containers are well sealed before transporting them. You can better protect your plates from shattering in transit if you pack them upright. Indoor plants should be given a little misting of water before being placed in plastic-lined boxes for transport. Empty all gasoline and oil from machinery and tools. Because doing so would render their insurance null and worthless, movers cannot carry fuel-containing items.

Prepare a Bug-Out Bag Right Away

No matter what you name it — an emergency kit, necessities box, or simply “my rescue box” — it is an absolute must. Everything you’ll need the night before you move and on a moving day is included in one package. Household items travel papers, and legal proof of residency are just a few examples.

Keep Your Computer Backup

Be careful to create backups of all your data and keep copies of it in several safe locations.

Make Arrangements for Trash Pickup and Recycling

Arrangements for rubbish and recycling collection must be finalised. If you’re moving out of your current residence before your trash is collected, politely request that your former neighbours put your trash can back where it belongs after collection. Using the facilities of your local landfill and recycling facility is something to consider if you have some extra time before your relocation.

Don’t Water Potted Plants

Although it may seem heartless, your houseplants can live without water for a week. Watering them before a move might cause drainage to spill into the truck and even ruin your belongings. They’ll be lighter if you don’t water them, which will assist with the transfer. Castle Removals has a specialised package that provides the best safety against fluid accidents caused by potted plants.

Verify Accessibility to the New House

Suppose you are moving out of an apartment. In that case, you must notify the building management in advance so they may prepare for your arrival by locking down the elevators and reserving parking spots in front of the building. They may consider erecting canvases inside the lifts to protect their interiors. 

It’s a good idea to double-check with local governments to ensure you might park the moving truck in front of your new home, especially if it’s located on a very busy or heavily populated street. This is an important detail, and failure to implement it might have severe consequences.

The Day Before Moving Day

Consequently, things will seem more concrete tomorrow when the actual moving day arrives. Finalising your plans is what this checklist is all about.

Without putting too much emphasis on a preceding day, that one day might determine the outcome.

Complete Your Packing

Last-minute packing is inevitable, whether it’s a kitchen tool or anything else you can’t bear to be without for even a day. It’s time to start putting these things away.

Prepare to Defrost the Freezer

If you take your refrigerator with you, you need to ensure that it is empty, clean, and defrosted at least one day before moving day.

Put Away Your Emergency Kit

Get the most out of your survival kit by including all the things on this list. Additionally, you must identify the package as unique and put it away. If your movers take up the Survival Box along with the rest of the boxes, it will be useless.

Verify the Documentation

If you’re using professional movers, it’s important to verify their identity and that your relocation is progressing according to plan by requesting formal documentation from them. It’s important to avoid relocating scams.

Furniture Disassembly

Separate the beds and sleep on only a single mattress for your last night. Remove the shelves from the cabinets, disassemble the trampoline and any other outdoor items, disassemble any delicate kit furniture, remove the leaf from your extendable table, and so on.

Remove the Gas Cylinder from Your Grill

Because of their status as hazardous materials, removal companies are usually prohibited from transporting gas cylinders. It would be helpful if it is separated before moving day.

Gather Every Detail Together

On a moving day, you may save time and energy by gathering your little belongings and boxes into one central location, such as a front room or garage. The movers can see their load better, which will speed up the process. This isn’t required for a smooth relocation, but it may help reduce stress.

Verify All of The Particulars

Ensure that you have provided the moving company with detailed written instructions for your new house and that you have confirmed their arrival time and other parameters. Include a means of getting in touch with you, such as a mobile phone number.

Arrange Payment

If you haven’t previously made arrangements to pay the mover using a credit card, you should procure a money order, a cashier’s check, or pay with cash and the tip instead. Tipping the workers between 10% and 15% of the total charge is appropriate if they have done a good job. Give each mover a $10 gratuity if the job is particularly challenging. Beverages are always welcome, so don’t forget to bring some.

Prepare for Bedtime Early

Having a good night’s sleep the night before moving day is a must for a stress-free relocation. If you’re anxious about going to sleep, maybe a glass of red or a shot of scotch might help. Even though it’s normal to feel anxious before a big day like moving, know that if you’ve done everything on this list, you’ll be in good shape.

On Moving Day

The time has arrived, and this section of the ultimate moving guide will ensure you are prepared.

During the Pickup at The Old Home

Welcome Your Helpers

When the removalists come, give them a tour and detailed instructions on what should be moved, what should be left behind, and what extra care each item requires. It would be best if you showed the cleaning staff around the house when they came and told them where they should begin cleaning. Having your various service providers coordinate their efforts and share information is best for the best results.

Load Your Belongings

You should load up your vehicle with any personal belongings, such as the previous night’s bed sheets, important papers, etc., that you planned to move before the movers come. Even the most experienced movers might blunder if they have to remember many little details.

Lock Down Completed Sections

When a room has finished being cleaned and emptied, shut the door. This visual indicates that the room in question is complete and that attention may be shifted to the other rooms.

Move the Items from the Fridge and Freezer

If you have perishables, pack them in an ice box, and have the movers load the refrigerator and freezer last to reduce the time you’ll need to depend on the ice box.

After Complete Emptiness

Open every drawer and cabinet, search every shed, double-check that no outside decorations or potted plants have been left behind, and double-check that anything you want to take with you is already loaded into the truck. Please re-read this and keep this in mind. You can’t overlook its significance.

Perform a Final House Cleaning

Before you go, give your house one more thorough cleaning to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. Look in places that are easy to overlook, such as the bathroom, the laundry room, the kitchen, and the dishwasher.

Give Over the Keys

Give the keys to your landlord or the new owners as soon as possible unless you intend to return to the old home after you’ve moved to finish up any loose ends.

Acquire Relevant Contact Information

Keep your movers’ cell phone numbers handy; it’s best to be able to get in touch with them in case of any problems. Ensure that the documented drop-off location is accurate.

Check Out Every Corner At New Home

The previous tenants of your new home didn’t give each room the same careful examination and cleaning you did before moving in. Explore each space, drawer, and cabinet quickly. Gather any leftover items and contact the prior tenants as soon as you can.

Inspect Each Utility

Check the gas, electricity, and phone to hear a dial tone. Don’t hesitate to phone ahead to see if anything is still not on.

Inspect the Appliances

If something seems off, such as the hot water, the air conditioning, the ceiling fans, etc., please let the management know right away.

Leave the Refrigerator and Freezer Plugged in But Turned Off

There must be a period of inactivity between turning on these appliances and allowing the gases to settle. Most modern refrigerators aren’t as dangerous as their vintage counterparts, so an hour should be fine. If you’d rather be safe than sorry (and have the luxury of time on your side), then don’t rush things.

Put in New Locks

Replacing the locks of your new home is a simple but effective technique to ensure its security after you’ve moved in. After all, you can never be sure who the past tenants handed their keys to. Instead of replacing all the locks, you may add a second deadbolt.

Guide the Movers Around

Spend time showing the employees the building layout and assigning numbers or names to the various rooms. If you want to save time during the move, have one person provide specific instructions to the movers on where each item should be placed.

Keep Watch at The Entrance

Staying at the entrance and directing employees to certain rooms as they carry out every item will conserve time and effort. You don’t wish the movers to waste time and money searching for you while toting an object back and forth between storage locations.

Once Everything Has Been Unloaded

After the loading and unloading process and before you send the removalists to go, ask if there is anything that has to be moved or rearranged. If you have utilised an inventory (common in the storage industry and when shipping goods over state lines or internationally), you will need to sign off on it.

Double-check your smoke detectors

Have you heard a blaring horn from your smoke detectors? If that’s the case, you need to swap out the batteries immediately. The placement of a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your house is also strongly recommended.

Make a trip to the supermarket

You’ve likely eaten quite a few meals away from home during the last few days. Grab some old favourites and stock the fridge with them in your new residence.

Relax or Unpack

Unpacking on the first day may be an option for the more daring, while others may choose a modest supper from the Rescue Box or takeout. There is currently no correct method to proceed. Meet the neighbours, settle in, and prepare for the next chapter of your life!

Conclusion

We know that moving may be difficult for many people, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be if you plan and keep everyone in the loop. One’s outlook on life might change dramatically after moving into a brand-new home.

It’s an amazing chance to see how life changes when you move to a new area; you may check out the new coffee shop across the street or the trendy eatery on the other side of town. With any luck, this ultimate moving guide has been useful or will be useful to you when you move into your new place.