Moving checklist
With all the hustle and bustle associated with moving, we have put together a checklist to help make your move smooth.
You will find information on all your ActewAGL and TransACT essential services as well as handy tips and reminders for everyday details that may be overlooked.
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If being relocated by your company, check what your relocation policy covers.
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Establish tentative dates for your move.
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Start planning key events and tasks for moving in your calendar.
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If you need to sell your home, organise to put your house on the market. If you are renting, notify your landlord.
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Contact TransACT to check the availability of their phone, broadband and subscription television services.
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Start a list of people and organisations you need to advise of your change of address.
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Create a moving file to store all your notes, quotes and receipts for moving.
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Research your new area for available local services and organisations. In particular identify doctors, pharmacies, schools, sporting clubs and vets.
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Begin a budget of the estimated costs for moving.
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Ring removalists for quotes and bookings and organise temporary storage for your belongings if required.
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If you want to hire a truck and do it yourself, investigate mileage charges and the average petrol use of the truck. Also check for hidden costs such as when dropping off the truck in a different state from which it was rented. Check whether your homeowner's insurance will cover any damage to belongings, and that your car insurance will cover the truck.
- Apply for connection of available TransACT phone, broadband and subscription television services at your new home or organise to transfer your existing TransACT services to your new home.
- Ask your insurer about any changes necessary to your home and vehicle insurance policies.
- Organise new schools or day care for your children. If possible organise a tour to help them, and you, feel comfortable.
- Contact gyms, clubs, sports teams and other local organisations you have joined to discover if you can transfer, sell or get money back when ending your membership.
- Begin an inventory of furnishings and goods in your home, even take some photos in case anything is broken or lost during the move.
- Get information from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or your accountant about tax-deductible moving expenses.
- If necessary, begin looking at the local job market for employment for yourself, your partner and your children.
- Organise for school and medical records to be transferred to the new providers.
- Using a floor plan and measurements of your new home, begin to plan where your furnishings will go.
- Plan a garage sale for any unwanted items you want to sell and save space for the move.
- Contact your local charities about pick-ups or dropping off the things you wish to donate.
- If you're moving a long distance, plan your travel route, food and supplies you will need during your trip.
- Start collecting boxes and packing materials you will need.
- Confirm your removalist, or rent the vehicle you need for the move.
- Start using up food, cleaning supplies and other spoilable or disposable items.
- Formally notify your landlord in writing when you're moving and organise a property inspection.
- Complete change of address forms with Australia Post Moving Services.
- Notify organisations that you deal with of your move. You can do this easily online using Australia Post or eMove.
- Confirm the date you're leaving your work if you are finishing in your current location or role.
- Begin packing items you don't regularly use. Label each box with its contents and the destination for easy unpacking.
- Organise childcare or babysitting, if necessary, for the day of the move.
- Back-up your computer. Give the back-up CD or DVD to a friend to mind during your move.
- Confirm the move-in date with the real estate agent or landlord.
- Notify your accountant and solicitor of your new address.
- Notify government departments you deal with, such as the Australian Tax Office and Centrelink of your new address.
- Organise any temporary storage needed during the move.
- Return all library books and other items you've borrowed, collect all dry cleaning and other items you've lent.
- Organise a new post office box.
- Book a professional cleaner, if necessary, for the house you are leaving.
- Notify magazines and other subscriptions of your change of address.
- Request final electricity and natural gas readings for your old home.
- Apply for connection of ActewAGL electricity and/or natural gas services at your new home.
- Organise for your details to be updated on the electoral roll.
- Check the weather report for the day of the move.
- Prepare a box or suitcase of the things you'll need in your new home for the first few days after arriving. You may also need a 'handyman' kit with a hammer, allen keys, screwdrivers, lightbulbs, nails and wall hooks.
- Finish packing everything you don't need, make sure every box is labelled with its contents and the room it needs to go into for easy unpacking.
- Defrost your fridge and freezer.
- Carry your valuables and important documents with you for safety.
- Double check all cupboards, roof spaces, floor spaces, garages and sheds for anything left behind.
- Carry your valuables and important documents with you for safety.
- Stay with the removalist driver to oversee inventory. Check off your list as items go into the truck. Flag items that are fragile.
- Double-check the removalist has the correct address for your new home.
- Lock up windows and doors securely and advise your neighbours that the house is empty.
- Do a final reading of your electrical and water meters as a safeguard.
- Update your driver's license and car registration.