Moving
Moving home can be a very time consuming and stressful event so planning ahead and getting some help can make all the difference.
If possible, plan your move early. If you are able to move at any time of the year, don’t wait until summer, the peak-moving season and consider also that the first and last few days of the month are extra busy. If you are buying a new home and have to sell your home, get it on the market as soon as possible to try to avoid delays. If renting, give your landlord timely notice of your moving date.
Working with the Mover
Every good removal company should conduct a household goods survey in order to furnish you with a written estimate and you should get at least 2 to 3 estimates to compare. Personal recommendations are of course always the best guides to choosing removal companies.
Before the moving company arrive, inspect the property. Include the garage, patio and any storage shed. Decide whether you want to do any of the packing or have it done by the moving company. Provide the removalists a list everything that is to be moved. Any items that are added later to the shipment will add to the cost estimate.
Filling out the personal household inventory for each room is important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for the shipment and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach copies of any invoices or records of purchase to the completed inventory.
Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value. The following list includes items that might fall into this category:
- Antiques / Art Collections / China or Figurine Collections
- Electrical Equipment including: Cameras / Computers / TV's / Stereos
- Jewellery / Crystal / Silver / Stones or Gems
Transfer of personal records and notification of impending change of address
Arranging to close or transfer of accounts, personal matters and records is very important, you need to think about what you would like shut down, change or setting up during and after the move.
Ask your doctor and dentist to recommend colleagues in the new suburb. Be sure to check current telephone numbers and addresses of physicians, dentist and hospital, which will help when transferring your records. Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and so on.
Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations. Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business especially if a lender’s permission may be required to move personal property in which the lender has an interest.
Arrange to disconnect and reconnect your gas, water, electricity and telephone if the same services are available at your new address. If possible, arrange to have utilities connected before your arrival. If this is not possible, ensure you cancel all services and give a forwarding address for any outstanding bills. Plan to keep your telephone in service through moving day in case last minute calls are necessary.
Other services and suppliers you should ensure you notify your change of address with are:
- Doctor / Accountant / Stock broker / Finance companies / Dentist / Lawyer / Schools
- Magazines / Newspapers
- Bank / Credit cards / Store cards
- Insurance Agents
- Landlord, if you are a tenant. Tenants, if you are a landlord.
Preparing to Pack
Whether doing all or part of the packing yourself you should start collecting suitable containers and or specialised containers such as:
- Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools)
- Wardrobe containers
- Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys)
- Medium-sized cartons for bulkier but not so heavy items (towels, linens, and small appliances)
- Tissue paper or paper towels
- Newspapers
- Tape or Strong twine for sealing containers
- Scissors or Sharp knife (keep out of children’s reach)
- Felt marker to mark containers
- Notebook & Pencil for listing contents
- Labels or Stickers (Available from moving company)
Dispose of flammables such as, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner. Drain oil and fuel from your lawn mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, syrup or any other substance that may leak. Your local council will be able to help with the disposal these and other non waste carefully. Carefully tape-seal and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquids or semi-liquids you do not wish to discard.
1 to 2 days before moving
It’s a good idea to pack a box/boxes for instant items you want to keep out of the packing and at hand for the move:
- Instant Aid Box
- Cleaning items
- Disposable plates/ cups / cutlery / paper towels
- Snacks / bread / butter / fruit / milk / sugar / tea & coffee
- Kettle / toaster / small saucepan
- Toiletries / Toothbrushes & paste / towels
- Light bulbs
- Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
- Flashlight
- Trash bags and ties
Get some pre stamped and addressed envelopes to leave for the new occupants to be able to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered to them.
Moving Day
Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory. Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and the van operator has a clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, double check and sign the inventory, remember this is your record of everything taken and their condition your documentation for insurance. Get your copy and keep it in a safe place.
Check to see the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific as to where and how you can be reached pending the arrival of your household goods.
Take a last look around:
Is everything shut or switched off?
Water
Gas
Air-conditioning
Lights
Switches
Are all utilities disconnected?
Windows shut and locked?
Have you left anything?
Lock the house and leave the keys with a responsible person or in a prearranged location.
At your destination or taking delivery
Make sure the house is ready for occupancy and that there is a clear path to accept the delivery, before the van arrives. Ensure all utility services have been connected if requested.
If you have relocated and awaiting your shipment ensure you keep continual contact with your removal company to check how your shipment is progressing or if it has cleared customs if required. You should be contacted ahead of time to ensure expected delivery days are acceptable.
On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you before making an appearance at the residence, if they are unable to reach you or no one appears to accept the shipment within the free waiting time, the goods will be placed in storage at the owner’s expense.
Check your household goods, as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or missing items on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the moving company agent at destination immediately. (You must file the claim yourself; the van operator cannot do it for you.)
To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of your new home at the entrance the movers will use, indicating where each piece of furniture should go.
When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the lying of rugs and setting up of bed frames, box springs and mattresses. However, appliances and fixtures may not be installed.
To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and certain major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.
Getting Settled
Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place.
Check with the post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.
Have your medical and dental records transferred after selecting a family physician and dentist.
You may want to select a Lawyer to discuss laws pertaining to your destination. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes and the like. Register to vote.
Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register them. Contact the visitor information centre or local council for local amenities, groups, events, libraries, galleries, sport, pets, car parking, waste and recycling, rates, child care and much much more.
Finally, congratulations – you have moved! The team at Robinson Property wish you all the best and hope we can, one day, be of service to you again with your next move or investment!