Moving in or out of your home? These tips could de-stress the process and have you all packed and ready to go in no time.

Checklist

1 WEEK TO GO

• Mow your lawn for the last time.

• Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery.

• Organise a cleaner for the final clean.

• Organise final accounts for gas, water and electricity.

• Contact telephone provider regarding disconnection of your phone and final billing.

• Confirm new phone number and date of connection.

• Ensure continuity of services to your new address. See information on power and phone services.

• If moving a long distance, organise your pet to be picked up.

• Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks.

• Dismantle large items being moved, e.g. trampolines, garden furniture.

• Set aside separately all documents, valuables and important papers that will be travelling with you.

• Have your farewell party.

• List essential items you will need on moving day.

• Organise extra cartons of different sizes for last minute packing on moving day.

• Confirm Removal Company booking date, time and have the correct address.

3 – 4 DAYS TO GO

• Collect any items outstanding, for example, lay-bys, dry cleaning, shoe repairs, return library books, garden tools etc to neighbours or friends.

• Ask manufacturers if the washing machine/refrigerator needs bolting down.

• Clean out medicine cupboard.

• Do final clean out of garage.

• Wash and dry laundry.

• Take down curtains, venetians and other blinds if taking them.

THE DAY BEFORE

• Make sure your phone is fully charged.

• Fill up your car with fuel.

• Empty rubbish bins.

• Cut spare keys for the new house so no one is waiting to get in.

• Ring parents or a friend to come and take the kids (or the pets) for the day.

• Ring mates who promised to help and remind them tomorrow is the day.

• Pack a bag with a change of clothes and toiletries you will need.

• Place things you want packed together in separate groups.

• Separate and leave all manuals for appliances, alarm etc in house.

• Dismantle TV aerial if taking with you.

• Disconnect your washing machine and drain water.

• Defrost fridge and freezer and remove food. Wash out interior.

• If your car is being transported and it’s not needed, organise it to be picked up.

• Organise sufficient cash to cover the move, and any last minute emergencies.

• Make labels clearly marked DO NOT MOVE for the items that the movers will not be moving. For your peace of mind, place them all together in one room.

• Finish labelling boxes to save you hunting through it all at the other end.

THE BIG DAY

• Have a good breakfast to boost your energy. Store disposable cutlery and plates.

• Keep basic tools handy – screwdriver, hammer, pliers, pocket knife to help break down furniture.

• Keep valuable and other essential kits aside in a closed off room like the bathroom – you can grab them when you’re leaving.

• Allocate jobs to your mates or family who have turned up to help.

• If the kids are old enough, give them jobs to keep them occupied. Pack a box of their own ‘essentials’ that they’ll want to have nearby at the new house.

• Remove any hazards from around the work area, door mats, floor mats, rugs, hanging plants, pot plants or planter boxes, banister or other fixtures.

• Have your phone number for the removal company handy.

• Block off a space to make sure the truck can park outside your house.

• Plan to spend the entire day at the old house. Don’t leave until the movers have gone. Stay with the driver to oversee the inventory.

• Be around the movers as they may have questions that only you can answer.

• When loading is complete walk around each room to make sure that nothing has been left behind.

• Give clear instructions to the removal team. What’s going and what isn’t, and remind them of any fragile items.

• Have a map handy for the removal team so they know exactly where they’re going.

• Turn off hot water heater and unplug appliances that are staying.

• Check gas, electric switches and lights, tighten all taps.

• Check walls, doors, etc for damage before and after the move.

• Remove all fixtures and fittings from walls.

• Liaise with your solicitor as to when the bank has transferred your money.

• Leave a card with your contact details so the new occupants can forward mail.

• Do a final tour of the house and garden to pick up any remaining items.

• Lock all the windows and doors before you leave.

• Say bye to the neighbours!

MOVING WITH KIDS

• Talk about the move a lot beforehand so that they know what’s happening. Even very young children can understand a lot more than they can speak. Make your move an adventure.

• Mark your children’s boxes clearly so that they can unpack their own things. Alternatively, put a few toys into each box so that they are kept busy “discovering” their toys.

• Make sure one box of kids’ essentials travels with you. Pack lots of snacks and drinks in case of delays.

MOVING WITH PETS

• Schedule a physical exam with your vet to determine if anything is needed before you begin your trip. Collect records and immunisation certificates.

• Use a pet carrier. Exercise your pet at rest stops, always on a leash. If you must leave your pet in the car, avoid parking in the hot sun and be absolutely sure to leave the windows open a fraction.

• Find out if hotels or motels will allow your pet to stay with you.

• There are pet transportation companies, but special requirements must be considered. Your pet can be transported by air but reservations should be made early. Attach any instructions for feeding, emergencies, or protection to your carrier. Make certain that name and address tags cannot tear off or be lost.

• If travelling with a cat, have its claws cut. A nervous cat may inflict damage or tear out a claw or two.

• A lightly fed pet travels better so you may wish to regulate food and water before travelling.

• Many vets will recommend a mild tranquilizer for the trip. Follow dosage exactly.

• Upon arrival be as reassuring as possible and offer plenty of understanding and affection.

SHIFTING HOUSE PLANTS

• Moving companies will transport house plants but will not guarantee their survival. A driver may refuse to load plants if there is evidence of insect infestation.

• Transported plants should be placed on the car seat. Never put them in the boot of your car since any extreme temperature changes can be disastrous.

• Water plants at least 24-48 hours before leaving day, to ensure they are not saturated and dripping water when you move them. Do not over water the plants before leaving since you can always water at a rest stop.

• Securely place them in a cardboard box. Line the box with a plastic rubbish bag, and then use newspaper around the pot to prevent shifting.