Tips for managing moving day with ease

Tackling moving day requires its own set of tactics. Here are our top tips for a hassle-free relocation.

Survival kit

Our number one piece of advice – pack a moving survival kit! This includes all those necessities you can’t live without and will save you from a panicked box-opening bonanza. Your go-to survival bag should include:

• Baby wipes
• Toilet paper
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Bed sheets, blankets and pillows
• A kettle, coffee, tea bags, long-life milk, water and snacks
• A set of plates, glasses, cups and cutlery
• Cleaning product, hand towels, light bulbs and sink plugs
• Garbage bags
• A torch
• A first aid kit
• Basic tools including an Allen Key, cutting blade, screwdriver and hammer.

Have a packing checklist

Ensure your possessions are packed, labelled and ready to go when your removalists or help arrives. Everything should be clearly labelled by room or contents, or both. If you have prior access to your new property, consider taping signs up so the removalists know which bedroom or bathroom is which.

Dismantle whatever furniture you can as this will be a great time saver on the day. When stacking your packed possessions, try to leave convenient access throughout the space to allow the movers easy access.

Always check the manufacturers’ advice when it comes to moving whitegoods. This is especially important with fridges and washing machines, which may be easily damaged in the move. Turn your fridge off the day before, and defrost and clean it with water and a cloth. Tape down the fridge shelves and tape its doors shut. Make sure your washing machine is drained, try not to use it too close to moving and use the moving bolts to stop the drum spinning in transit.

Tape shut the doors and drawers on all other furniture items.

Consider creating an inventory of your possessions, including the number of boxes and freestanding items.

Help the help!

If you are using removalists, have payment organised the day before moving day in the correct form, be it cash, bank cheque or credit card.

Think ahead and do what you can to organise convenient vehicular access and parking at both your pick-up address and destination. If parking is limited, consider parking your car in close proximity to your home the night before and using that spot for the removalist or hire van. Ask neighbours if they will let you use their driveway, or help secure on-street parking.

Provide your removalists or helpers with a basic rundown of what boxes and furniture items will go where in your new home. Point out fragile and heavy items, and separate items that you would like to unpack first or that will need to be delivered to another location. This way they can be placed in the van last.

Be a good planner

Moving is challenging enough but when you add children and pets into the mix it becomes even more complicated. Organise care or a sitter for move day and be patient with your little ones and furry friends – it will take time for them to settle into your new home.

When booking removalists or organising friends to help, aim for pick-up and delivery times outside of peak traffic periods as this will speed up the process.

It is a good idea to book cleaners ahead of time to clean your old residence. Then you can close the door to your old home without looking back.

Security

It may seem unlikely but goods have been known to be stolen during transit. Don’t leave valuable items unattended on the street (particularly electronics). Allocate a helper to keep watch over your goods as they are moved. If you fill your car the night before, leave it locked in your garage or cover everything carefully with a dark blanket.

Give your old home a once-over to make sure all taps, power points and utilities are turned off and nothing has been left behind. Check that all windows and doors are locked. If there’s a garden, check for remaining gardening equipment and your favourite pots.

Try not to give too much information away as to the contents of your packed boxes and keep especially valuable items with you. Organise a change of locks at your new home if you have bought the property.

Manage your valuables

Highly valuable items such as fine jewellery, antiques or paintings may be best stored at a friend’s place or in secure storage during a move. Alternatively, you may want to transport these items yourself if practical. Keep your important financial documents, passports, birth certificates and any other legal documents aside and transport these yourself securely.

Back up all computer files and phone data before you move.

At your destination

Make sure someone is at the other end to meet the removalists or helpers, to provide access and guide the unloading process. If you are really organised, you may even have an itemised inventory that can be checked off. It is important to take the time to audit for any damage to your property during the move and photograph items of concern. Make the most of your removalists (or friendly help) and ask them to place large or heavy items in their correct place. If furniture has been dismantled, you may also need assistance re-assembling it.

When renting, review the new property against the condition report as soon as possible. Take photos of anything you are concerned about or that is not listed on the report. Check the taps, hot water system, gas or electric stove, lights, fans, air-conditioning system, power points, windows and doors.