The Ultimate Checklist for Your Next Move in Perth

Relocating to a new home in Perth can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Whether you're moving across the city or coming from afar, having a well-organized plan can make the process smoother and less stressful. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through every step of your move, ensuring you don't overlook any crucial details.

1. Pre-move planning (6–8 weeks before)

a. Research moving companies

Start by researching moving and packing companies in Perth. Look for reputable services with good reviews and reasonable pricing. Request quotes and compare services to find the best fit for your needs.

b. Create a moving binder.

A moving binder will help you keep all your documents, receipts, and important information in one place. Include sections for quotes, receipts, and inventory lists.

c. Budget for the Move

Create a budget to estimate the total cost of your move. Include expenses such as moving company fees, packing supplies, temporary storage, and travel costs.

d. Declutter your home

Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will reduce the number of items you need to pack and move, saving you time and money.

e. Notify schools and employers

Inform your children’s schools and your employer about the move. If necessary, arrange for school transfers and time off work.

2. Organizing Your Move (4-6 Weeks Before)

a. Gather packing supplies

Collect all the necessary packing supplies, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Consider eco-friendly options like reusable plastic bins.

b. Start packing non-essential items.

Begin packing items you won't need in the immediate future, such as out-of-season clothing, books, and decorative items. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.

c. Arrange for storage solutions

If you need to store items temporarily, research storage facilities in Perth. Make sure to choose a secure and accessible location.

d. Update your address

Change your address with the post office, and notify your bank, credit card companies, and other important institutions. Update your address for subscriptions and deliveries as well.

e. Plan utility transfers

Contact your utility providers to schedule the disconnection of services at your old home and the connection at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, and the internet.

3. Packing and Preparation (2-4 Weeks Before)

a. Pack room by room

Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Start with less-used rooms like the guest room or basement, and work your way to more frequently used areas.

b. Prepare an Essentials Box

Pack a box with essentials you'll need immediately after moving, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important documents.

c. Confirm moving details

Confirm the moving date and details with your moving company. Ensure they have the correct addresses and contact information.

d. Arrange child and pet care.

If you have children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them on moving day to minimize stress and distractions.

e. Disassemble furniture

Disassemble large furniture pieces that you plan to move yourself. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture.

4. Final Preparations (1 Week Before)

a. Pack valuables separately.

Pack valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and electronics separately. Keep them with you during the move for added security.

b. Clean Your Old Home

Plan a thorough cleaning of your old home. This could include hiring a professional cleaning service or doing it yourself. Clean each room as you finish packing.

c. Defrost and clean appliances

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer for at least 24 hours before moving. Clean all appliances and ensure they're dry before packing.

d. Confirm arrangements with service providers

Double-check your arrangements with utility companies, moving services, and any other providers. Ensure all services will be ready at your new home.

e. Prepare Your New Home

Visit your new home to ensure it's ready for your arrival. Clean if necessary, and check that utilities are connected.

5. Moving Day

a. Conduct a final walkthrough

Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets.

b. Protect your floors

Lay down protective coverings in your old and new homes to prevent damage during the move. This is especially important for high-traffic areas.

c. Supervise the Movers

Be present to supervise the movers and direct them to the correct rooms in your new home. Answer any questions they may have.

d. Keep important documents handy.

Have important documents, such as the moving contract, your ID, and any necessary keys, easily accessible throughout the day.

e. Check inventory

Check the inventory list to ensure all items are accounted for. Report any missing or damaged items to the moving company immediately.

6. Post-Move Checklist

a. Unpack essentials first.

Start by unpacking the essentials box and setting up your kitchen and bathrooms. These are the most important areas to have functioning first.

b. Set up bedrooms

Arrange the bedrooms next to ensure you have a comfortable place to sleep. Assemble beds and unpack bedding.

c. Organize room by room.

Take your time unpacking each room. Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to keep things organized.

d. Inspect for damages

Check your belongings for any damage that may have occurred during the move. Document any issues and contact your moving company if necessary.

e. Update local services

Register your new address with local services such as healthcare providers, the DMV, and voter registration.

f. Explore Your New Neighborhood

Take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Locate nearby grocery stores, parks, and other amenities. Introduce yourself to your new neighbors.

7. Tips for a Smooth Move in Perth

a. Hire a professional moving service.

Consider hiring a professional moving service in Perth to handle the heavy lifting and transportation. This can reduce stress and ensure that your belongings are safely transported.

b. Label boxes.

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and more efficient.

c. Use high-quality packing materials.

Invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings. This includes sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.

d. Plan for Perth’s weather

Consider Perth's weather when planning your move. Be prepared for hot temperatures and ensure your belongings won't be damaged by heat or moisture.

e. Take breaks and stay hydrated

Moving can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks and stay hydrated. Ensure you have water and snacks available throughout the day.

8. Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

a. Use recycled packing materials.

Opt for recycled packing materials or reusable containers. This reduces waste and is better for the environment.

b. Donate or sell unwanted items

Instead of throwing away unwanted items, donate them to charity or sell them online. This helps reduce landfill waste and can benefit others.

c. Choose green moving companies.

Look for moving companies that practice eco-friendly methods, such as using fuel-efficient vehicles and recycling packing materials.

d. Minimize plastic use

Try to minimize the use of plastic during your move. Use fabric covers for furniture and reusable cloths for packing fragile items.

e. Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Dispose of hazardous materials, such as paint or cleaning supplies, responsibly. Check with your local council for disposal guidelines.

Conclusion

Moving to a new home in Perth can be a seamless experience with the right preparation and organization.

 By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that every aspect of your move is covered, from planning and packing to settling into your new home. Remember to stay organized, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the excitement of starting a new chapter in Perth.

Whether you’re relocating within the city or moving to Perth for the first time, this ultimate checklist will help you navigate the process with ease and confidence. Happy moving!