Preparing to Move

Moving your household can be a very busy time. A time when small (or even big) things can be easily forgotten. To prevent this from happening to you it is often helpful to write yourself a moving checklist. Below is one we've put together to get you started.

View our e-book first - Pathway to Moving:

Preparing to move calendar image

The checklist for moving

8-5 weeks prior:

  • Liaise with your bank regarding finance on next property. 
  • Liaise with your solicitor - is your sale definite yet? 
  • Select a firm date for moving. 
  • Keep a list of incoming mail and notify change of address of any subscriptions.
  • Advise friends and relatives of your move.
  • Prepare an inventory of everything and store it with your valuables. 
  • Plan how and when to pack your belongings.
     
  • Begin collecting large sturdy cardboard boxes for any items you wish to pack yourself.
  • Advise your children's school/kindergarten of your impending move and decide, if not already arranged, on a new school/kindergarten.
  • Have a thorough clean-out. Don't forget garden shed and garage.
  • Begin to run down supplies of frozen/perishable foods.
  • Check that larger appliances and pieces of furniture will fit in your new home and make a list of anything you will not take. If selling, advertise them for sale.

4 weeks to go:

  • Collect family's dental and medical records, letters of introduction and children's school records.
  • Transfer allowance benefits.
  • If renting, advise your current landlord.

3 weeks to go:

  • Advise your solicitor, local council, insurance companies, accountant, hire purchase companies, stores where you have accounts, and clubs of your change of address.
  • Start packing and labelling boxes with contents and intended location in your new home.

2 weeks to go:

  • Ask friends and relatives to help on moving day.
  • If moving a fair distance, have your car serviced.
  • Advise your bank(s), where you have accounts, including credit cards.

7 days to go:

  • Notify NZ Post regarding re-direction of your mail.
  • Arrange Electoral Roll transfer.
  • Advise the Inland Revenue Department.

6 days to go:

  • Advise motor registry (your licence, motor vehicle registration etc.)
  • Organise final accounts for gas, water and electricity.
  • Ensure continuity of these services to your new address.

5 days to go:

  • Contact Telecom regarding disconnection of your phone and final billing. Confirm new number and date of connection.
  • List essential items you will need on moving day.
  • Confirm removal company.

4 days to go:

  • Collect any items outstanding, for example, lay-bys, dry cleaning, shoe repairs etc.
  • Return library books.
  • 3 days to go:
  • Return anything borrowed from neighbours, friends etc.
  • Cancel paper and milk deliveries.

2 days to go:

  • Cancel local arrangements, for example, lawn mowing, gardening.
  • Check with manufacturers whether your washing machine and refrigerator motors need bolting down.
  • Clean out medicine cabinet. Dispose of any medicines by delivering to a pharmacy.
  • Empty rubbish bins.
  • Do final clean-out of garage.
  • Secure turntable of stereo and arm.
  • Dispose of inflammables (throw out or give to neighbours). Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery.
  • Wash and dry any laundry.
  • Take down curtains, venetians and other blinds, unless they are to remain.
  • Prepare any items requiring dismantling which are being moved, for example, trampolines, garden furniture, etc.

1 day to go:

  • Place things you want packed together in separate groups, for example, linen, toiletries, etc.
  • Make sure gas, electricity and water meters have been read.
  • Dismantle TV aerial, if taking it.
  • Defrost fridge and freezer and remove food. Wash out interior.
  • If moving a long distance, have your pet picked up or drop them at a kennel or cattery.
  • If your car is being transported and it's not needed, have it picked up.

The Big Day:

  • You should be just about organised.
  • Consider carrying with you the essential things you will need when you first arrive.
  • Carry all valuables and important papers with you.
  • Tighten all taps.
  • Check gas, electric switches and lights.
  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Check nothing has been left behind.