Before moving homes:

Move all possessions out of the house, remove all rubbish and clean before the settlement date.

Make sure the agent has provided you with all the keys to your new home.

Do not leave disconnection of electricity, water, gas and telephone until the last minute as sometimes, meters must be read.

Check the locks, burglar and smoke alarms in your new home as soon as possible.

Ensure your house and garden are child-safe. If there is a pool, check that it is properly fenced. Is the yard safe? What about the medicine cabinet?Are there household chemicals that children would have access to? You may wish to have new locks fitted.

When hiring a removalist:

Choose carefully. Removalists don't need a license, so check that yours seems professional and responsible.

Get more than one written quote, if possible. For this you will need a clear idea of what items are to be moved.

Check if boxes and packing are included in the price.

Check if the removalist has the right insurance in case they damage or lose your goods.

Plan, plan, then plan some more It is essential to plan all the important aspects of the move ahead
of time.

There's no point moving junk. Consider a garage sale, or simply drop unwanted items off at a charity shop.

Draw a floor plan of your new home, and decide where items will go.

Remember that your fridge and freezer should be empty when moved (it may be time to finally defrost those chops!)

Breakables should be wrapped individually in newspaper, the heaviest items at the bottom of the box.

Consider packing very fragile and personal items separately and taking them in your car.

For padding, consider using old blankets, doonas etc. Moving the (entire) family It is not only you that can get stressed out by moving house.

Young children find the moving unsettling. On the day of moving remember to keep some kids' toys out for them to play with.

Pets can find it hard to get used to their new surroundings:

Keep them inside for a few days, and make sure they have plenty of food and affection.

If you are moving house there are some things you need to do and some people who need to know

Things you should attend to before you move:

Insure house you are moving into if you are purchasing.
Telephone OFF at old address - ON at new address
Gas supplier: OFF at old address - ON at new address
Notify the following in writing:
Doctor/Dentist/Accountant
Schools (when children change school you will need an official transfer signed by the head of their former school)
Health Fund and Hospital (if you are an outpatient etc.)
Arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address (You can have the Post Office redirect your mail for a fee)