It’s the night before you move into your new home: the big day you’ve been planning for is almost here. To ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to have a game-plan for dealing with those last minute tasks in mind. Work through the following tips, and you’ll be able to sleep soundly knowing that everything’s under contro.

Do a last-minute check of your old property

Check that you haven’t left any items behind in the old property—check the tops of built-in wardrobes, as well as the backs of cabinets. Garden sheds and garages should be checked as well. Ensure that keys, including hidden keys, and garage door openers are left for the new residents.
Before you leave in the morning, turn off any lights and power points, and check that windows and doors are locked.

Know where you’re going—and when

Ensure that you have maps and itineraries at hand so that you know exactly where you’re going, how to get there, and how to coordinate your move with other family members or your removalists. Have a printed map at hand just in case you can’t get phone reception or your phone goes flat.

Tip: Check your car’s petrol, water and oil levels as well as tyre pressure; if driving long distances, ensure that your car is in good repair.

Pets

If you’re travelling with pets, ensure that they have a comfortable carrier, as well as food, water, and collars/leads at hand.

Children

If you’re travelling with small children, ensure that they have something to keep them entertained, and that you have a nappy bag packed with any necessary items.

Mobile phones

Make sure that you have your mobile phones fully charged, and preferably with a charger at hand—a car charger is a great option. This way you’ll be easily able to make or receive any necessary calls and will be able to coordinate with your removalists, or even other family members.

Precious items and documents

Important documents such as insurance files and proof of identity documents should be kept with you at all times, so have these ready to pack into the car. The same goes for precious jewellery items: pack them away ready to go into the car for your moving day.

Bedding items

You may not have easy access to bedding supplies when you move into your new property, so it’s worth ensuring that you have things such as pillows, doonas or sleeping bags, and sheets handy for easy access at the end of the day.

Prepare a couple of in-car moving boxes

On-the-day moving boxes are a handy way to ensure that everything you might need for your moving day—both during the drive, and when you arrive—is within easy reach.

Your moving box should include things such as:

  • maps and directions
  • your mobile phones
  • any documents and forms you might need
  • contact numbers, parking permits, and access codes
  • box opening tools
  • an itemised packing/unpacking checklist
  • any valuables such as jewellery that you want to keep close at hand.

You may also want to pack separate kitchen/bathroom and cleaning supplies boxes that contain:

  • toiletries such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste and towels
  • bandaids, painkillers, and prescription medication
  • a can opener and picnic-style cutlery and crockery
  • buckets, brooms, mops, plastic bags and rubbish bags