Moving checklist

8 weeks before

• Set your moving date
• Go through your belongings: sell, donate or throw away what you do not need
• Collect quotes from at least three moving companies, or plan a DIY move
• Check your lease or contract for notice periods and give notice
• Plan how you will move pets, plants and valuables

4 to 6 weeks before

• Book the movers or rent a van
• Order boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers
• Start packing items you rarely use
• Arrange time off work for moving day
• Plan school or childcare changes
• Book parking or a street permit for the moving vehicle

2 to 3 weeks before

• Tell your bank, employer, insurers and subscriptions your new address
• Set up mail forwarding
• Schedule electricity, gas, water and internet at the new home
• Schedule disconnection at the old home for the day after you leave
• Arrange cleaning of the old place if required
• Use up food in the freezer and cupboards

The week before

• Pack room by room and label each box with room and contents
• Keep important documents and valuables with you, not in the van
• Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge
• Disassemble furniture and keep screws in labelled bags
• Confirm the arrival time with the movers
• Charge phones and pack chargers last

Moving day

• Take meter readings at the old home
• Walk through every room, closet and cupboard before leaving
• Do a final check of windows, doors and lights
• Hand over keys as agreed
• Take meter readings at the new home
• Check the delivery against your inventory and note any damage

First days in the new home

• Unpack bedrooms and the kitchen first
• Find the fuse box and water shutoff
• Change the locks or ask for new keys
• Test smoke alarms
• Update your address with the remaining services
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours