Below is a checklist (Pre Move Planner) we have put together to help you organise and plan moving to Australia. You can download a printable version here - Moving to Australia CheckList.pdf.
4 weeks before you move:
- Ensure passports, visas and any travel bookings are finalised.
- Contact the Post Office and request change of address forms for redirection of mail.
- Contact your doctor, dentist and schools and request all records be sent out to you. (Tip: Ask doctors and dentists for referrals to reputable Health professionals in your new location).
- If you haven't already started, now would be a good time to start discarding unwanted items. You may want to consider having a garage sale.
- Advise your bank and credit card companies to arrange transfer of funds and/or termination of your account.
- Notify the following departments/groups letting them know of your move: - Department of Inland Revenue (I.R.D) - Electoral Registrar - your local council - the Police Department if you hold a firearms licence - your solicitors - your church or clubs you belong to - publications to which you subscribe (cancel or transfer subscription) - friends or family
- Confirm your removal date with Ausmove, along with any other aspects of your move, e.g. packing, storage, insurance, documentation, your pets etc.
2 weeks before you move:
- Ensure to discontinue the following: - milk/bread delivery - newspaper delivery - telephone – take final readings also - gas and electricity - water services
- If your plants won't survive relocation give them away to friends or neighbours.
- Organise someone to look after your children and pets on the day of the move.
- Return all borrowed items and collect items on loan.
- Arrange for the cancellation of services such as electricity, gas, phone and internet.
- Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
- Dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as inflammable liquids.
- Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
- Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
- Take animals to vet for immunisation if necessary.
- Arrange travellers cheques.
- Arrange personal accident and medical insurance.
- Make sure inoculations for yourself and family are done.
- Arrange Power of Attorney.
- Arrange International Driver's Licence.
- Collect any laundry from dry cleaners.
- Remove all food from the refrigerator, and defrost the freezer.
- Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Empty the fuel and oil from mowers.
- Empty gas bottles.
- Clean out medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted medicines in a safe way, i.e. via the chemist.
- Have your TV aerial taken down and dismantled.
- Anchor the drum of the automatic washing machine – please consult your local appliance dealer.
- Arrange an easy meal for moving day with disposable utensils, or eat out.
- Disposal of, or arrange with Ausmove to store unwanted furniture.
- Set aside jewellery, money, valuable documents, travel documents, stamp collection, to take in your possession. Don't forget books and games for the children.
- Lock up pets if required.
On move day
- Be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
- Anything left behind? Prior to Ausmove leaving, check the garage, under the house and in unused cupboards?
- No clothes at the dry cleaners or goods at the repairers?
- Surrendered keys.
- Has your new house been cleaned prior to moving in? It's easier to do when it's empty and Ausmove can arrange this if required.
Handy Hints
- Ensure fridge/freezer cleaned – wipe out using a damp cloth with vanilla essence, blow dry (especially corners), put silica gel into a compartment or four to five tea bags which will soak up any moisture and will ensure it won’t go mouldy.
- Don’t place breakables, liquids or heavy items in drawers.
- Avoid overloading drawers with linen, etc. and don’t forget to check that all items have been moved.
