Selling

MAKING THE MOVE

Hire a removalist or do-it-yourself?

Professional removalists can be expensive, but if you have a lot to transport and little experience in moving, they are probably a good idea.

When hiring a removalist, remember:

• Choose wisely and shop around. Currently, movers do not need a license, so check carefully whether the firm seems professional and responsible.
• Get one or more written quotes, if possible. For this you will need a clear idea of what items are to be moved.
• Check whether boxes and packing are included in the price.
• Check if the removalist has the right insurance in case they damage or lose your goods.

If doing it yourself, you're going to need to rent or borrow a truck. Truck rental companies have a variety of sizes, so you'll have to estimate how much space your goods will take up: try to err on the large side. Keep in mind that some truck sizes require special licenses. You'll also need as many strong arms as possible!

Plan, plan, then plan some more

Whether or not you hire removalists, it is essential to plan all the important aspects of the move ahead of time.

Your possessions

• There's no point moving junk. Consider a garage sale before you move home, or simply drop your unwanted items off at a charity shop.
• Draw a floor plan of your new home, and decide where the major items will go.
• Remember that your fridge and freezer should be empty when moved (it may be time to finally defrost those chops!)

Packing

• If doing the packing yourself, label everything clearly and box the items by room. Your floor plan should help you out here. Otherwise, make sure your movers have a copy of the floor plan, and intend to follow it!
• 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.

Essentials

It's good to have a box of essentials to hand. These include:

• scissors and knives
• masking tape
• bubble wrap, old newspapers and rags, for packing
• address book and contact numbers
• toilet paper and toiletries, nappies
• garbage bags and cleaning products
• refreshments

Moving the (entire) family

It is not only you that can get stressed out by moving house.

• Young children can find the change unsettling. Talk to them about it first. On the day of the move, remember to keep some of your kids' toys out for them to play with. When you arrive at your new home, show them to their rooms as soon as possible.
• 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.

And don’t forget …

Moving house is not just about transporting your possessions from one location to another — it’s also about rearranging your life. The following tasks are important:

• Make sure the agent has provided you with all the keys to your new home.
• Discontinue the electricity, water, gas and telephone. Do not leave notification of the authorities till the last minute as in some cases, meters must be read.
• Redirect your mail at the post office.
• Advise all who need to know of your change of address. As well as family and friends, these may include your bank, solicitor, credit card company, insurance company, telephone company, Social Security, the tax office, your child's school and all the organisations and clubs you might belong to. Look through some of your past mail to check whether you have left anyone out.
• Change your address on your driver's license.
• Cancel your deliveries, such as milk, newspapers, and so on. Redirect any products you might have ordered.

In your new home, make sure to:

• Connect the electricity, water, gas and telephone.
• 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.
• Register to vote in your new electorate.