Moving can be a very strenuous time, in fact it is considered the second most stressful moment in life.

To help you ease thorough this time you can download the Moving Survival Guide checklist, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

View and print the Moving Survival Guide checklist

Four weeks before your move

• set a firm date for your move
• you may want to hire a relocation consultant (particularly if you are moving to Cairns from interstate or overseas)
• organise a removalist – ask friends or relatives for recommendations
• if you need storage, arrange it now
• organise transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings
• organise your travel plans for moving day – if you’re moving some distance, you may need to book a hotel or other accommodation
• if necessary, book time off work
• collect moving materials such as boxes, packing tape, rope, newspapers (for wrapping) and marking pens
• keep a list of incoming mail and start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address.

Two weeks before your move

• start packing non essential items and clothing – list the items packed on the outside of the box
• contact your utility companies and communication providers (eg Telstra, and Vodafone.)
• arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, internet and pay TV services at your new address.
• ask someone to look after the kids on moving day
• update insurance policies
• make a list of the items you want the removalist to move and any items you’ll be moving yourself
• if you have pets, organise care for them during moving day and make necessary pet transport arrangements.
• start cleaning your home
• arrange redirection of mail with Australia Post. You can do this online.
• dispose of any hazardous waste in the correct manner. Empty your freezer and pantry by eating all the food!

One week before the move

• arrange for bills to be paid
• cancel services such as mowing service, newspapers and other home delivery services
• confirm arrangements with utility companies
• put important documents such as passports, drivers licences in a safe place.
• finish packing – make sure all boxes are correctly labelled with contents and rooms
• return library books and DVDs and pick up any dry cleaning
• if packing all your stuff has left you with piles of rubbish, take it to the nearest tip.
• pack up your computer (if you can do without it for that long!). Keep all cords and accessories together.

On moving day

• make sure the house is clean. At this busy time it might be worth hiring a cleaner to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you
• strip the beds and keep the linen in a separate box that travels with you so you can use them on the first night
• disconnect remaining appliances
• do one final check of your house as the removalists are loading your boxes
• have final payment ready for your removalist
• read the removalist document thoroughly before signing and save it for future reference
• stay home until the last item is packed and make an inspection of the van to check all your goods are loaded
• close and lock all the doors and windows
• make sure you have the keys to your new home with you
• carry valuables, personal items and important papers with you so they don’t get lost
• pack a survival kit for the first hours in your new home – include tea/coffee, kettle, mugs and teaspoons, water, snacks, etc.

At your new home

• check all items during unloading and unpacking – look for any damaged or missing items
• check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on – if not, contact the suppliers or alternatively use our utility connection service Your Home Loan Connect.
• start with essentials such as making the beds and cleaning the kitchen for use.
• keep pets away until you are moved in
• find out which day is your garbage and recycling collection day is by contacting the city council
• find you local parks, shops, sports centres and swimming pools.
• join the library
• get your pets familiarised to the new area as quickly as possible so they don’t try to find their old place.
• take a few different routes to go places from your new home – you’re sure to find some handy shortcuts
• if renting, tell the agency about any appliances that aren’t working or defects and check what you are allowed to do.
• don’t forget to get an updated driver’s licence or change your car registration.