Moving House Checklist

By Garry Michaels

Whether you're renting or buying, moving house can be a time consuming and stressful activity. No matter how much you try, there is often just too much to remember, and you're bound to forget something. Don't panic! Most things can be looked after or at least rectified after the move -- except of course booking your removalist.

But there are a few things you should really do before locking up the old place and opening up the new one -- things that can save you money, time and effort later on. Moving your home insurance is a vital one before you leave, but you should also consider further protection for your things if moving a long distance.

Here's a brief checklist of 'must-dos' before moving house.

1. Disconnecting your utilities -- phone, electricity and gas -- and reconnecting at your new place can save a lot of work. Not only will it mean you can have a good hot shower after working all day to move, it will mean you don't face a situation where the new resident in your old house forgets to change the name on the bill over to their own. While most people are honest, it's much easier to disconnect and reconnect before or as you go, so you don't have to worry about proving when you left and getting bills adjusted.

2. Moving the fridge and freezer -- these can be tricky things to move, not just because they are quite cumbersome, but also because if it's not done properly, you risk damaging white goods that can cost a lot to replace. It's obvious that you need to empty them, and let the freezer thaw out before loading it onto a truck, but most people aren't aware that you need to let it sit for a while once you get to the new place, without plugging it in, to let the gases settle.

3. Forward your mail -- a simple thing to do, that will save you a lot of hassle right before your move. Australia Post will forward your mail to your new address for you, for a designated period, meaning you don't need to immediately worry about changing addresses with all your different supplier companies. Once you have moved, get onto the changes as quick as possible, so you don't forget anything - remember it is very important to change things like your license straight away.

4. Know what you have -- before even starting to pack (or even as you do), write a complete list of everything you own, separated by room, so once you arrive, you can tick off that all of your things have arrived too.

5. Get yourself covered -- having your belongings, and your home covered by a good insurance policy is vital these days. Contact a number of insurers when first seeking home and contents insurance, and when you move make sure you contact them to change the details and reinsure. If you're moving a long distance, talk to them about moving insurance to cover your belongings while on the road or being transported.

6. Do a thorough check -- the final thing to do before locking up, is have a very thorough look under every nook and cranny in the old house -- once you move, it's too late to go back to find lost jewellery or items of value.