Gillies and Mark Real Estate, Wellington and Upper Hutt, New Zealand

Buying Your Home

Moving your household can be a very busy time. A time when small (or even big) things can be easily forgotten. To prevent this from happening to you it is often helpful to write yourself a moving checklist. Below is one we've put together to get you started.

Liaise with your bank regarding finance on next property

Liase with your solicitor - is your sale definite yet?

Select a firm date for moving

Select a removal company suitable for your needs

Keep a list of incoming mail and notify change of address of subscriptions

Advise friends and relatives of your move

Prepare an inventory of everything and store it with your valuables

Plan how and when to pack your belongings

Begin collecting large sturdy cardboard boxes for any items to pack yourself

Advise your children's school/kindergarten of your impending move and decide, if not already arranged, on a new school/kindergarten

Have a thorough clean-out. Don't forget garden shed and garage

Begin to run down supplies of frozen/perishable foods

Check that larger appliances and pieces of furniture will fit in your new home and make a list of anything you will not take. If selling advertise them for sale

Other requirements

Collect family's dental and medical records, letters of introduction and children's school records

Transfer allowance benefits

If renting, advise your current landlord

Other requirements:

Start packing and labelling boxes with contents and intended location in your new home

Other requirements:

Ask friends and relatives to help on moving day

If moving a fair distance, have your car serviced

Advise your bank(s), where you have accounts, including credit cards

Other requirements:

Notify NZ Post regarding re-direction of your mail

Arrange Electoral Roll transfer

Advise the Inland Revenue Department

Other requirements:

Advise motor registry (your licence, motor vehicle registration etc)

Organise final accounts for gas, water and electricity

Ensure continuity of these services to your new address

Other requirements:

Contact Telecom regarding disconnection of your phone and final billing. Confirm new number and date of connection.

List essential items you will need on moving day.

Confirm removal company

Other requirements:

Collect any items outstanding, for example, lay-bys, dry cleaning, shoe repairs etc

Return library books

Other requirements:

Return anything borrowed from neighbours, friends etc

Cancel paper and milk deliveries

Other requirements:

Cancel local arrangements, for example, lawn moving, gardening

Check with manufacturers whether your washing machine and refrigerator motors needs bolting down

Clean out medicine cabinet. Dispose of any medicines by delivering to a pharmacy

Empty rubbish bins

Do final clean-out of garage

Secure turntable of stereo and arm

Disposable of inflammables (throw out or give to neighbours). Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery

Wash and dry any laundry

Take down curtains, venetians and other blinds, unless they are to remain

Prepare any items requiring dismantling which are being moved for example trampolines, garden furniture etc

Other requirements:

Place things you want packed together in separate groups, for example - linen, toiletries, etc

Make sure gas, electricty and water meters have been read

Dismantle TV aerial if taking it

Defrost fridge and freezer and remove food. Wash out interior

If moving a long distance, have your pet picked up or drop them at a kennel or cattery

If you car is being transported and it's not needed, have it picked up

Other requirements:

You should be just about organised

Consider carrying with you the essential things you will need when you arrive

Carry all valuables and important papers with you

Tighten all taps

Check gas, electric switches and lights

Lock all doors and windows

Check nothing has been left behind