Moving Checklist
Moving Checklist
You're almost there! Next comes packing up and moving in to your new property. Regardless of whether you've bought a mansion or a cosy studio, moving to a new house can be very hectic so it pays to plan well in advance.

Start organising the move as soon as you've exchanged contracts. Sort and sell things you don't need at a garage sale and put the money towards moving costs. Ask us here at First National Zenith to recommend removal companies or search online. Ask for quotes as prices can vary considerably.


Eight weeks before the move

If you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that is best suited to your needs. If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture stays and what furniture should go.
Use up things that can't be moved - such as the food in your freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning supplies.
Contact the information office or local council in your future location and start gathering information about your new home town.


Six weeks before the move

Discuss costs, packing, loading, delivery, insurance and the claims procedure with your mover.
Make an inventory of all your possessions and determine what can be sold and what can be donated to charity.
Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. Plan to transfer your children's school records.
Start to notify companies and people who regularly send you mail. For a list of possible contacts, see Things to Do below. Don’t forget about changing the address on magazine subscriptions and catalogues too.


Four weeks before the move

If you have contracted to have the mover do all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading the truck
If you need it, arrange for storage.
Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, or carpets that require cleaning,
Hold a garage sale. Use the extra cash to splurge a little on your new place. Ask First National for a copy of the l 'HoIding a garage sale" flyer. This will help you plan.
If you are moving yourself, work out how many boxes you'll need. Truck rental companies might be able to assist you with this.
Do-it-yourself movers should take stock of non-boxable items. Add 15 percent to their combined cubic feet (along with total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded) to determine the size of truck you'll need.


Three weeks before the move

Assemble packing materials
Furniture pads
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Nylon packing string and rope
Crumpled newspapers
Scissors
Utility knife
Large self-stick labels
Felt-tip markers
Boxes, boxes, boxes
Begin packing items that you won't need. Don't pack too much weight in an unreinforced box.
Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home.


Two weeks before the move

Arrange to transfer all your bank accounts to new branch locations.
Make any special arrangements to move pets.
Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet.
Plan for new telephone service.
Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts you are closing.
Cancel delivery services.


One week before the move

Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
If you will need a babysitter make a booking before moving day.
Return library books and videotapes.


Two or Three days before the move

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
Have the movers pack your shipment.
Arrange to have cash, a certified cheque, or money order ready to pay the driver on delivery day.
Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not in the van.
Pack one or two day’s clothing and toiletries to go with you so you are prepared for the first few days as you begin to unpack.
Pack your first-day handy items box (see 'Delivery Day") to go with you.


Moving Day

Do-it-yourself movers should pick up the truck early.
Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
Let the mover know where you can be reached.
Before you sign your agreement with the mover, read the conditions.
Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water appliances etc.
Inspect basement, attic, garage.
Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to the mover.


Delivery Day

Assemble first-day handy items:

Scissors.
Utility knife.
Coffee cups.
Tea kettle.
Paper plates.
Toilet paper.
Instant coffee, tea, soft drinks.
Soap.
Pencils and paper.
Local phone book.
Masking tape.
Bath towels.
Garbage bags.
Toiletries kit.
Shelf liner.
Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck.
Make sure the utilities are hooked up.
Unpack kids' toys.
Be on hand to answer questions, pay the driver, give direction and examine your belongings.


Things to Do -Tick When Completed.
Final checklist of contacts to be made:

Financial / Legal (notify in writing)

Bank (Credit cards and children's accounts)
Building society (Loan and savings accounts)
Credit union
Age / Invalid / Repatriation
Pensions (Social Security / Repatriation Departments.)
Public library
Life insurance companies (quote policy no.)
Property insurance company (quote policy no.)
Car insurances company (quote policy no.)
Any other insurance
Credit cards
Car registration
Driver’s registration
Electoral office
Local police
Shares & Investments
Government bonds
Personal / Social

Employers
Schools
Kindergarten
Tertiary
Part time, evening and correspondence courses
Other (when children change school, you may need an official transfer)
Doctor
Dentist
Hospital (ie: if you are an outpatient)
Baby health centre
Health fund
Social clubs
Children's activities (ie: Scouts, Ballet, Basketball)
Sporting clubs (whether- a player or a member)
Neighbours

Housekeeping

First National Zenith will help you connect and disconnect using Compare & Connect for

Electricity
Gas
Telephone
Also remember to notify

Post office
Magazine subscriptions
Newspaper subscriptions
News-agency
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