The 10 Most Common Things People Forget to Do When Moving House

Moving house is a stressful, busy time, and it's easy to forget some important tasks that should be on your to-do list. To help you stay on track, here are 10 things we often overlook before moving home. 

1. Notifying Businesses About Your Address Change

It's so easy to forget to tell people about your change of address. So, here's a list of the most important contacts to notify:

• Bank and other finance companies
• Transport authorities (e.g., Transport for NSW to change your driving licence address)
• Doctor
• Dentist 
• School 
• Vet
• Employer 
• Utility providers (e.g., gas, water, electricity)
• Insurance companies
• Subscription services
• Sports and leisure clubs

To make sure you're covered, double-check who you get mail from and update everyone.

2. Taking Meter Readings

Check your final water and electricity meter readings right before you leave to ensure you won't be charged more than you owe. 

And remember, you need to set up utilities at your new address, too!

3. Hiring a Home Removals Company 

It's the night before moving day, and you have a terrifying thought: There's no one coming tomorrow to help you move. Prevent this scenario from happening by hiring a removalist at least a few weeks before the big day so you're ready to go.  

4. Getting More Than One Removal Quote

While it's easy to take the first removal quote you find, don't forget to shop around. You're more likely to get a competitive quote this way.

5. Purchasing Storage Boxes

Ensure you buy strong, sturdy boxes a few weeks before moving day to make packing easier. But remember, at ZOOM Removals, we can supply the packaging and even do your packing for you. 

6. Packing an Essentials Box

Everyone needs an essentials box — there's nothing worse than moving home and digging around boxes looking for a toothbrush! Pack a box with everything you'll need on your first day and night, which could include:

• Essential toiletries (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
• Medicine
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Water
• Pet food 
• Disposable cutlery 
• Snacks

7. Labelling Boxes Correctly

You've packed your boxes carefully — but you didn't label them. How will you keep track once everything’s in the moving van? It's important to label everything as you go, so you know exactly what's in each box, especially if there's anything fragile in them. 

8. Compiling Important Documents 

Always set aside a binder of documents you might need on moving day and shortly after. These documents might include:

• Passports 
• Property deeds
• Insurance policies 
• Rental agreements
• Financial documents 

Think about what you might need in the weeks after your move and make sure everything is on hand. 

9. Making Arrangements for Pets and Children

Moving house can be stressful for kids and pets. Ask family or friends to watch your kids on moving day, so you can focus on the move without having kids underfoot. 

Experts suggest it's best to keep pets with you on moving day to reduce their anxiety. Keep them in a closed room so the movers don't stress them out. 

10. Defrosting the Freezer

You'd be surprised how often people forget to defrost the freezer before they move out. If the freezer is coming with you, clear it out and defrost it a few days before you move. That way, it's dry and ready to load onto the van. If you're leaving the freezer behind, you should still defrost it and turn it off so it's not wasting electricity. 

Don't let moving house overwhelm you. If you need a little extra help on moving day, contact the team at ZOOM Removals for the best rates and competitive quotes.