Moving house checklist: Costs and preparation

Moving to a new home is a significant undertaking that demands careful planning and preparation. Whether you opt for professional movers or decide to handle the process yourself, it is essential to allocate sufficient time and effort. The key to a smooth transition is effective organisation and a comprehensive checklist to stay on schedule, minimise expenses and reduce stress. To ensure nothing is overlooked, here is a detailed packing and moving checklist for your convenience.

Table of Contents

Home moving checklist: One month before moving day

One month before you are set to move into your new place, take care of the following items:

Find a removalist: Secure your ideal moving day by booking professional removalists early.
Arrange special transport: Plan for extra vehicles that would move items to your new home.
Repairs and maintenance: Schedule a handyperson to take care of repairs or outgoing house clean-up.
Organise paperwork: Keep all important documents together to avoid misplacement during the move.
Book secure storage: If you require secure storage for household items, arrange it in advance.
Internet: Notify your internet provider of your new address and schedule installation at your new house.
Declutter items: Donate unwanted household items and old clothes to streamline your move.
Create an inventory: Take inventory of all items, noting fragile items and heavy furniture.
Budget planning: Prepare your budget in advance. Account for everything, from packing materials to moving services and insurance.
Start packing: Begin packing early, starting with items you would not need before moving day to ensure a smooth process.

House moving checklist: One week before moving day

Here are the things to take care of one week before you move:

Final inspection: If you are moving to a new property, inspect it 24-48 hours before settlement.
Notify utilities: Cancel or transfer services like gas, electricity and water to your new address.
Mail redirection: Arrange for your mail to be redirected to your new address.
Organise essentials: Prepare essential items needed during and immediately after the move, such as utensils and toiletries.
Finish packing: Complete all packing in advance.
Box labelling: Label each box clearly, indicating its contents and the room it belongs to. This streamlines the unpacking process.
Returning borrowed or rented items: Be sure to return any borrowed or rented items. Take inventory of all rented equipment, library materials or any other borrowed items to ensure they are promptly returned, preventing you from accruing additional rental fees.
Confirm removalist and storage: Double-check details, payments and dates if you are moving interstate.
Create a floor plan: Make a plan to help movers position furniture in your new home efficiently.
Organise cleaning: Plan cleaning for your old house to avoid last-minute stress.

Home moving checklist: One day before moving day

If you have done everything mentioned above, you should be prepared to move the next morning. Take care of some final preparations a day before you move:

Last-minute tasks: Clean up, review your inventory and confirm moving services if needed.
Pets: Consider arrangements for your pets. Dropping them off at a family member’s or friend’s home can keep them safe and out of the way on moving day.

House moving checklist: On moving day

On the day of the move, check the following items:

Brief removalists: Provide a tour of your home, highlighting furniture and fragile items, and share your floor plan.
Tick off inventory: Review your belongings as they are loaded onto the truck.
Carry important items: Transport valuables like laptops, jewellery and essentials with you.
Secure house: Ensure everything is packed and the house is left clean or arrange for cleaning later.
Return keys: Give keys and access passes to the landlord or property manager if required.
Direct removalists: Be present at the new house to guide removalists upon arrival.
Check the condition of items: Before departure, inspect items and review the inventory list.
Essentials first: Prioritise assembling beds and organising kitchen and living areas.
Utilities setup: Verify that water, gas, electricity and internet services are set up at the new property.

See also: How to pack lamps for moving?

House moving costs: Checklist

Moving expenses can add up quickly. Having a clear understanding of your costs is essential. Here are some key moving costs you should take into account while budgeting:

Cleaning services: Investing in professional cleaners before you move out ensures that your old home is left in pristine condition, ranging from Rs 3,000–6,000 for a comprehensive service.

Professional movers: Opting for professional movers offers convenience but comes with a high price tag, averaging between Rs 10,000–50,000 or more, depending on the distance and services required.

Moving and shipping costs: For long-distance moves, expenses like tolls, fuel and potential vehicle maintenance, should be factored in. Professional moving companies may charge Rs 20,000–1,00,000 based on weight and distance.

Removal costs and moving truck rental: Labour for heavy lifting and moving truck rental costs can vary significantly, with small trucks priced at around Rs 3,000 per day and larger ones at Rs 8,000 or more.

House removal and moving insurance: Transit insurance, included by movers, may not fully cover your belongings. Additional insurance can cost 1-2% of your belongings’ total value.

Transportation and accommodation: Consider expenses like tolls, fuel, meals, hotel stays (Rs 2,000–5,000 per night) and possible flight costs, including baggage fees.

Storage costs: If storage is needed, prices range from Rs 2,000–10,000 monthly, depending on unit size and location.

Furniture moving: Moving heavy furniture can incur costs, ranging from Rs 5,000–30,000, depending on distance and weight.

Redirect your post: To ensure important mail is not missed, redirecting your post costs Rs 300–1,000 through local post offices or online services.

Housing.com POV

Moving to a new home is a significant endeavour that requires careful planning and meticulous execution. Whether you are entrusting the process to professional movers or managing it independently, thorough preparation is key to a successful transition. By following the comprehensive moving house checklist, you can streamline the moving process, minimise costs and alleviate stress. From early preparations, such as booking removalists and organising paperwork, to last-minute tasks, like final inspections and pet arrangements, each step is vital for ensuring a smooth relocation. Additionally, being mindful of potential expenses allows for effective budgeting and financial planning. With proper organisation, foresight and attention to detail, you can navigate the moving process with confidence and ease, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.

FAQs

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

Start planning your move at least 2-3 months in advance. This allows ample time to book moving services, organise belongings and handle necessary paperwork.

Should I hire professional movers or move by myself?

The decision between hiring professional movers and moving by yourself depends on various factors, such as budget, time constraints and the complexity of your move. Professional movers offer convenience and efficiency but come at a higher cost while moving by yourself can save money but requires more time and effort.

What should I do with items I no longer need or want to bring to my new home?

Before you move, declutter and donate unwanted items to charity. This reduces the number of belongings to transport and benefits those in need. Alternatively, you can sell items online or organise a garage sale to offset moving costs.

How can I ensure the safety of my belongings during the move?

To safeguard your belongings, ensure they are properly packed and labelled. Fragile items should be wrapped securely and boxes should be labelled with their contents and the corresponding room. Additionally, consider purchasing transit insurance to protect your possessions against any damage or loss during transit.

What should I do if I encounter unexpected challenges or delays on moving day?

Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges may arise on moving day. In such cases, it is essential to stay calm and flexible. Communicate any issues with your moving company or family members involved in the move and be prepared to adapt your plans. Having contingency plans can help mitigate stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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