Eight weeks before the move

Set the date for your move
Sketch a floor plan of your new home. Photocopy this plan and then draft onto it the layout for your furniture. Will everything fit? Perhaps some furniture may need to be sold or given away
Start using up all the food from your freezer to save it spoiling during the move
Clean out clutter. Perhaps hold a garage sale or donate items to charity
Start developing a list of all the people who will need to learn of your new address. As mail is received, check that the sender is on your list of people to inform. This will include friends, relatives, banks, any subscriptions or catalogues, etc


Six weeks before the move

Arrange for the transfer of your children's school records to their new school
Start notifying others of your forthcoming change in address. This is especially important for any businesses you may deal with as it can often take time to update your address on their systems.Why not produce a moving notice and photocopy this for distribution
Fill in a form at the post office to have your mail redirected


Four weeks before the move

Arrange for final readings of your services, e.g. gas, water and electricity, to be performed just prior to your move. Also organise for these services to be connected in your new home prior to your arrival
Make sure that your telephone is connected at both your new and old addresses during the move.
This will allow for communication between the two places should this be necessary. Alternatively, borrow two mobile phones if you don't have them
If you are going to need temporary accommodation, make the necessary hotel/motel bookings


Three weeks before the move

Drain fuel from barbecues and mowers
Dispose of inflammable items not suitable for storage - paints, solvents, pressure packs and fuels
Reassess your house and contents insurance


Two weeks before the move

Transfer all your bank accounts to new branch locations
Cancel all deliveries, e.g. newspaper, milk
Arrange disconnection/reconnection of gas, electricity and telephone
Contact the council where you are going to reside to find out about garbage pick-up, local regulations and other information


One week before the move

Clean out cupboards, sweep the floors and ensure the house is tidy for its next inhabitant
Return all library books and rented videos. Also don't forget to collect any dry-cleaning, shoes from the repairer or lay-bys


Moving day

Double check rooms, cupboards, drawers, shelves, outdoor areas and the garage to make sure you've taken everything
Turn off all services, including the mains switch and taps
Lock all windows and doors securely
Leave the old house keys with the real estate agent for collection by the new inhabitant
Check to see if all the services are on and appliances are working in your new home
Register for voting in the new electorate
Visit your new post office to see whether they are holding any mail for you