Moving Day: Checklist for Moving Into a New House

You can download a handy printable version of this Moving House Checklist at the bottom of the page.

Of all the things to do when moving into a new house, lists are key. If you’ve been following our series of checklists to complete leading up to moving day, you’ll know that being organised is so important when it comes to moving. Having everything written down frees up your head for more pleasant tasks, like daydreaming about living in your brand new place!

This checklist for moving to a new house brings your whole plan together; it’s the culmination of the last two months’ worth of work and preparation that you’ve achieved through following our entire list of moving checklists.

It’s today that you’ll discover just how well our colour coded packing system works, making it so much simpler to get your belongings to the right rooms from the very beginning. Your treasures will arrive safely as you’ve followed our expert packing tips, and you’ll experience, first hand, why Kent Removals & Storage are so good at what we do.

If you’ve followed our chronological series of moving house checklists, then moving day should go off without a hitch. Today is all about organisation and following through on those moving house tips, so if you’re wondering ‘How can I make my moving day less stressful?’, read on for the final chapter!

Moving Day Checklist: At Your Old Home

So what does moving day look like? The first step is getting your old home prepped and ready for the big move!

Before the Removalists Arrive

• To start your day, double-check that access to your property is adequate and clear for the moving truck, as you want to ensure that your removalists have easy access so that costly delays don’t occur. If you find that access is blocked in any way, do your best to remove the obstruction before your team of removalists arrive. You may need to contact your building manager, the local council, or even have a chat to your neighbours
• Ensure that you, or your authorised representative (who has been fully briefed), are home throughout the day. Your removalists will need to ask questions and receive guidance throughout the entire move.

When the Removalists Get There

• When your removalists arrive, take them around your home. Give them clear instructions and explain your colour code (or other) packing system
• Make sure that any ‘high priority’ boxes are easy to access and clearly labelled, and be sure to point these boxes out to your removalists so they’re loaded last and can be first off the truck
• Similarly, if you have any fragile, special or valuable items or boxes, point these out to your removalists at the beginning of the day
• Once your removalists have finished loading the truck, do one last walk around your own home. Check every room, and open every door and cupboard. Make sure that nothing has been left behind. Once you’re satisfied, confirm that all scheduled belongings have been loaded into the moving van
• Verify your destination address and contact phone number before the removalists leave
• If any of your belongings are going into long or short-term storage or being shipped interstate or overseas, be sure to check the inventory carefully before signing off.

After the Removalists Leave

• Carry valuables like jewellery, passports and important documents yourself
• Do one last house clean (or have Kent cleaners come in afterward)
• Leave a note at your old home with a forwarding address
• Do one final check to make sure:
  • No belongings have been forgotten
  • All utilities have been disconnected or switched off
  • All doors and windows are locked
  • The garage door opener has been left behind.
• House keys should be dropped in to your solicitor or returned to the rental estate agent.

House keys should be dropped in to your solicitor or returned to the rental estate agent.

Moving Day: Checklist for New House

Once you’re finished up at the old house, you’ll now need to check off the tasks on your new house list. This is the exciting part!

Check Your Utilities

• Make sure all your utilities have been connected. If they haven’t, now is the time to contact your water, gas and electricity companies as it can take time for utility companies to process connection requests
• Check the hot water service works (it may require time to heat after the gas pilot is relit or the electricity fuse switched ‘ON’)

For the Removalists

• Try to arrive at your new address prior to your removalists. If you do, check that access to your property is adequate and clear for the moving truck. Once again, if access is not clear, then contact your building manager, the local council, or have a quick chat to your neighbours
• You will need to take the removalists around your house, identifying ‘which room is which’ and which areas correspond to your colour coded packing system
• Give the removalists a copy of your furniture placement floor plan
• Make sure that your high priority boxes are off-loaded first, including your ‘Bits & Pieces’ box, ‘Essentials Kit’, ‘Mini Toolkit’ and any linen or towels that you’ll need on your first night in your new home

If your belongings were shipped from interstate, overseas or in secure storage, check their condition carefully before signing the inventory

Before Setup

• If you are renting your new home, carefully complete the condition report noting any existing damage such as stains on the carpet and chips and cracks in any paintwork. It’s always a good idea to complete two copies, one for you and one for the agent. Take photos for your records
• Make sure that the previous occupants haven’t left anything behind and consolidate any items in one place

Safety Precautions to Take

• Check that no poisons or toxic substances have been left behind that could harm either your pets or your children. Toxic substances might include weed killers and insecticides in the garage or shed, and rat poison in the kitchen or laundry cupboards
• Confirm that both the house and garden are pet and child friendly before letting animals or children explore
• Check that fences are ‘escape proof’ for animals

Setting Your House Up for Success

• Stand your fridge in its new position for at least three hours before switching on to allow the coolant gas to settle
• Remove washing machine ‘shipping bolts’
• Assemble and make up your beds as soon as possible so that when you do finally need to rest, you are ready to relax
• Start unpacking the kitchen, bathroom and other key areas. (If you need help or the job gets too big, ask about Kent Valet Services. From cleaning and unpacking, to organising and styling rooms, our experienced Valet Team helps you quickly and effortlessly set up and settle in to your new home)
• Say “hello” to your new neighbours
• Tick off the last item on your checklist for a new house
• Relax and enjoy your new home.

Our Hottest Tips for Moving Into a New House?

So we’ve given you a list of things to do when moving into a new house, but there’s a few top tips to keep in mind to keep it all running smoothly:

• Follow your plan. You’ve put lots of hard work into preparing for today, now it’s action stations 
• Don’t forget your removalists need an adult to be present at your home and destination.

 What Will I Need On Moving Day?

Apart from your trusty checklist, there’s a few things you should keep with you to make the process easier. You can find a more comprehensive list in our Day Before Moving Day Checklist, but here are a few essentials:

• A phone charger. Don’t want a dead battery upending all your good work!
• A first aid kit. This is good to have around for those unexpected grazes, headaches, and splinters
• Sunscreen as you’ll probably be out in the sun a fair bit
• Snacks
• Dog leads and pet food
• Water as moving can be thirsty work!

We hope our Moving House Checklist series helped you get to your new destination safely and smoothly. And remember, if you need help with moving, storage, or a range of valet services designed to take the pressure off, give Kent a call!

Kent – Your Moving Partner for a Seamless Transition

Our comprehensive Moving House Checklist series has provided you with valuable guidance every step of the way. But that’s not all—we offer a range of services, including moving, storage, pet, vehicle and valet services designed to make your transition even smoother.

So, whether you need a hand with packing, unpacking, cleaning, or any other aspect of your move, Kent is here to help. Give us a call today on 13 55 31 or request an instant quote to experience the Kent difference; and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a trusted partner by your side. Your journey to your new home has never been easier.