Moving House Checklist

Moving House Checklist

How do you move home without too much stress? The key is being organised! Here is a helpful checklist to make moving house easier:

Have you advised those below of your new address?

  • Post Office (to hold or redirect mail)
  • Inland Revenue
  • Electoral Registrar
  • Banks and Financial Institutions (to transfer and close accounts)
  • Insurance Company (to transfer or terminate household insurance)
  • Local Shops and Stores where you have a charge account
  • Your Place of Worship, and Community Clubs you belong to
  • Family Doctor(s) and Dentist (for copies of your records)
  • Your Lawyer and/or Accountant
  • Your local School (for copies of your children’s academic transcripts)
  • We recommend NZ Post's 'ChangeMyAddress' service – it lets you notify many of the organisations listed above through one easy, online tool.

Have you cancelled or transferred these services?

Have you remembered to...?

  • Disconnect your washing machine, refrigerator/freezer (and allowed the latter to defrost), then drain out any water.
  • Check the appliance manuals (or contact the manufacturer) to make sure your main appliances are correctly prepared for moving house.
  • Recycle or donate items that you are not planning on taking with you.
  • Return borrowed books and DVDs.
  • Check if gas cylinders can be shipped to your destination, and if they can, empty them.
  • Organise for gas and electricity companies to disconnect any fittings from the supply.
  • Remove your own fixtures and fittings from the walls.
  • Pack essential items such as passports, tickets, and address books in with your personal luggage.
  • Label your personal luggage and advise the movers where it is, so that it is not accidentally packed. You could also leave it with family or friends during pack day.
  • Make special arrangements for your children on the packing days. It can be a stressful time for them, so perhaps have someone to look after them or special activities to keep them occupied.
  • Thoroughly clean all items that may be subject to quarantine inspection. This includes lawnmowers, garden tools, sports equipment, outdoor furniture, etc.

Take one last look around...

  • Have you left anything behind? Remember to check the cupboards, garage and garden.
  • Have you left anything at the drycleaners? Do you have any items still being repaired at local shops? Have you and your children emptied out your club/work/school lockers?
  • Are the mains (water, heater, power, gas) all turned off?
  • Have you disposed of all remaining flammables, dangerous, or hazardous materials? Try to recycle or donate bottles of nail polish, and liquids in glass bottles.
  • Have you turned off the air conditioner? Because furniture that is kept in a constantly cooled environment can condensate when suddenly exposed to hot air, it is best to use air conditioners only when necessary during the packing days to allow your furniture to adapt to warmer air, which can help eliminate possible moisture problems during transit.
  • Are all your windows and doors locked? Have you returned your house keys to your landlord or lawyer?

Relocating can be stressful, but hopefully this Moving House Checklist has helped! Now is the time to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your final moments in your old house.

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