Planning Your Move

Whenever you are going to be making a long distance move either within the country or overseas, especially the latter, it’s very important to start planning your move early. Split the things you have to do into groups, and write everything down so that you can check them off when complete. In planning your move you should have started getting quotes at least three months before the move so as to prepare your budgets and make a short list.

A month before moving: Confirm your booking and moving date and get a final quotation. Check insurance. Fill in and send out change-of-address forms. Record serial numbers and take photographs of electronic equipment. Get rugs and curtains cleaned and wrapped, get rid of all junk furniture and clothing. Start using up food items and emptying fridges and freezers. Arrange for transport of pets. Get in packaging supplies.

A week before moving: Arrange for help on moving day. Start dismantling any large furniture. Pack electronic items in original boxes where possible. Take down pictures and patch holes if necessary. Start packing wardrobe cartons. Colour code boxes according to the room they will go to. Empty all cupboards, cabinets and fridges.

On moving day: Safeguard all valuables, money and firearms. Defrost fridges & freezers. Disconnect all electrical appliances. Safeguard drums of washing machines etc. Show Active Transport removal team everything that has to be moved – let them do their job with little interference. Double-check all fitted cupboards & closets, garage and workshops to make sure they are empty.

This is just a rough guide to planning your move. You should sit down and make a much more detailed “Planning your move” list a couple of months before the actual move.