Moving Check List

Before the move

1. Confirm with your finance company funds are ready for settlement day payment to your lawyer.
2. Look for and book a moving company. Or, if moving yourself, shop for and book a rental truck.
3. Prepare an inventory of everything you will be taking with you.
4. Have a big clean up and throw out. Organise a garage sale, give away to friends, sell your items online or donate to charity.
5. If relocating long distance, give notice at your job and/or schools.
6. Also, if moving long distance, book travel arrangements.
7. Confirm new school and childcare places if they have been pre-arranged. If not, explore the options and apply for places.
8. Talk your children about the move.
9. Compile the contact details of friends and colleagues.
10. Let the relevant people and organisations know you are moving.
11. Investigate local health facilities and sporting and social clubs in your new area.
12. Organise a farewell party (or delegate it to family or a good friend!).
13. Give notice to your landlord or agent, if you are in rented accommodation.
14. Organise boxes and packing materials.
15. Start using all food items in the freezer.
16. If possible, visit your new home and start getting familiar with the local area.
17. Check your insurance to make sure your goods will be covered during the move.
18. Get packing! Have a plan and do one room at a time, leaving just the essentials out until the last week.
19. Check on how best to move pets and plants.
20. Keep important documents, receipts, bank statements and final bills in one place.
21. Organise new homes for plants that won’t be going with you.
22. Arrange utility disconnections and re-connections.
23. Organise to have your mail redirected with New Zealand Post.
24. Arrange to have the carpets professionally cleaned just before you move out.
25. If necessary, organise a babysitter for the day of the move.
26. Clean and defrost the fridge and freezer.
27. Back up your computer files before your equipment is packed away.
28. Prepare the stereo, DVD player and white goods for packing.
29. Collect dry cleaning and return videos, library books and any borrowed items.
30. Cancel any deliveries (e.g. of newspapers, milk and groceries) – and organise them to start up at your new home.
31. Arrange an inspection with the landlord or agent so that your bond can be released if renting.
32. Meet selling agent at the property for the final inspection two days prior to final payment.
33. Let your lawyer know you are happy to make your final payment after final inspection.
34. Collect the keys for your new home from the sales agent.

On the big day itself

1. If moving yourself, collect the rental truck on time.
2. If using a moving company, make sure the driver has the correct details of your mobile number and new address.
3. Dispose of food, empty bins and leave the place neat and tidy.
4. Check that all items included in your Tenancy Agreement (if applicable) are intact.
5. Check that nothing belonging to you has been left behind.
6. Make sure you have valuables, essential items, food (e.g. sandwiches and snacks) and drinks with you.
7. Read meters so that you won’t be overcharged on any utility bills.
8. Leave a note with your contact details for the new owner / tenants.
9. Make sure that the property is secure and that the lights, hot water system, gas meter and electricity switchboard are turned off.
10. Leave the keys with the appropriate person or agency.

At your new home

1. Double-check that everything in the property is in order and meets the terms of your purchase contract.
2. Check that the electricity, gas, hot water and telephone connections have been switched on.
3. As you begin the unpacking process, check for damage or missing items.
4. Check security. If you are concerned, arrange to have the locks changed.
5. Update your electoral enrollment details to ensure you’re correctly enrolled to vote – go to www.elections.org.nz to enroll or update your address Free text your name and address to 36 76 or call 0800 36 76 56 for an enrollment form.
6. Update your will – this should happen whenever your financial circumstances change.
7. Introduce yourself to the neighbours and get acquainted with the neighbourhood.
8. And finally, but certainly not least... crack open that bottle of bubbly, set a date for a housewarming party and start celebrating your new home!