6 September, 2011

Moving checklist

Moving anywhere, let alone halfway around the world can seem like one big scary, stress-inducing heap of things to do. Use this checklist to help you get organised and ease the pressure.

2 months to six weeks before the move

Decide on a date for the move
Book a moving company
Sort through your belongings and furniture. Throw out, sell or donate anything you don’t need or want to take with you.
Take a note of anything that you want to take with you that will need special packing or extra insurance
Create a moving file to keep all notes and documents related to the move in
Order supplies of moving boxes etc
Talk to your children about the move
Compile contact details of friends and colleagues that you don’t want to lose touch with
Make arrangements for your pets
Ensure your passports are up to date
Get marriage license, birth certificates, and education certificates attested

One month before the move

Start packing infrequently used items
Start using up food in the freezer
Sort out your change of address forms or mail forwarding arrangements
Notify banks, building societies, utility companies etc
Notify the tax office
Cancel subscriptions & deliveries you no longer require
If you have young children organise a babysitter for the day of the move
If you’re still work, arrange for the day off
Label boxes to be used for the move and start preparing an inventory of items
Obtain any medical reports & records you need to take with you

One week before the move

Back up your computer files
Replenish any prescriptions
Pack your suitcases
Contact the moving company to reconfirm all arrangements
Set aside valuables, cash and important documents you will carry with you and don’t want packed

Moving day

Dispose of any food left in the house
Read utilities meters
Take a final inventory of boxes and items
Check that your valuables etc mentioned above are with you
Make sure the property is secure and electricity, gas & water are turned off
Leave the keys with pre-arranged person or agency

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