After all the preparation, it’s finally moving day. You’ve packed your house into boxes ready to go to the new one, and all that’s left is to wait for the truck. If you’ve followed the plan and crossed every task off your list, you may find yourself wondering what’s left to do. Before big, complex tasks, we often feel like we’ve forgotten something important, so here are five tips for moving day.
Everyone responds differently when waiting for a major event, especially after a long buildup. You might feel tired, excited or apprehensive about the move going well. Working your way through these final tasks will help put your mind at ease.
Complete a final check of every room in the house
Room by room, work your way through the house, looking through every drawer, cupboard, and wardrobe. Look under any cupboards with open toekicks in case anything has fallen underneath and been forgotten. Remember to also look on top of cabinetry, especially kitchen cabinets, which have spaces above eye level. You might want to keep an unsealed box aside in case you need to pack any items that got missed.
You may be leaving your old home, but you’ll still need toilet paper and handwashing supplies in each bathroom for you and your movers.
Check all access points for your movers
In your planning, you will have worked out where your movers can park their truck. Even if you have your own driveway, it pays to check that the access is clear and available for when the truck arrives.
If you share a driveway or live in a gated community, make sure your movers can gain access to your house. Remind neighbours the truck is coming if it will block their access in or out of their home. If you have any other special requirements for access, check that everything is good to go.
Once you’ve prepared for the truck, double-check the path from the truck to your home. Remove or mark any tripping hazards, and open gates to provide the widest, clearest path for people to use.
Prepare for the handover
There are always a few last-minute tasks to attend to before you leave your property for the last time. Usually, they include a handover of the keys, any final cleaning and cancelling any amenities, such as internet, power and so forth. If you live on a property with special features or facilities, such as a rural property, you may want to leave the new owners a list of instructions about where to find them and how to use them.
Don’t forget about refreshments and snacks
Many people forget to eat and hydrate on moving day. Keep refreshments and snacks ready to stay hydrated and keep your energy up. You can also invite your movers to help themselves to drinks and snacks, which isn’t necessary but will be appreciated. Depending on the size and complexity of your move, your regular meal times may change, so having plenty of drinks and snacks available will keep everyone going.
Check you have everything packed in your car
Make sure you have your overnight bags packed and loaded, your important personal documents and valuables, and any other items you’re carrying with you when you move. In most cases, once the movers have packed the truck and are on their way and your car is loaded, you’ll leave your old home for the last time. Do one final inspection for peace of mind, and enjoy moving on to your new home.