Over the years, working closely with real estate agents and property managers, we have always thought providing our residents with a ‘Move Out Checklist’ would be a great idea that they would benefit greatly from. Whether you’ve purchased a new home or simply renting, the procedure remains the same when it comes to leaving a property.
If you have tried to make a plan to try to move out and don’t know where to start… keep reading:
Our Move Out Checklist:
4 Weeks Out
- With about a month left in your home, now is the time to start planning out the next few weeks to make sure that nothing is forgotten or left to the last minute. If you’re worried, contact your agent for advise.
- It’s also the time to start preparing for the actual move. You may need to arrange for a removalist and depending on your circumstances you may need to also contact a storage company. Remember, you can always ask your trusted agent, friends and family members for recommendations and advise on local, trustworthy companies.
- Assuming you will be doing at least some of the packing yourself, make sure you have plenty of supplies… Think packing boxes, materials to wrap breakables and make sure you don’t forget the packing tape.
- Expect a conveyancer to provide a checklist of what to expect, both during and post-sale. Review checklist to ensure you are meeting all of your legal obligations. Prepare list of all utility suppliers to contact… Electricity supplier etc.
3 Weeks Out
- Three weeks may seem like a long time, but now is the time you’ll need to really start getting organised. Pack the belongings you don’t use on a daily basis.
- Now is also a good time to start sorting through all of the junk thats been being stored in your garage and hidden away in cupboards. Get rid of all of the items you don’t plan on taking with you. You could also think about holding a garage sale, donate some of your unneeded items to charity, give your family and friends the opportunity to claim anything they may want or simply dispose of or recycle things that can no longer be used.
- Make sure you keep all of your important documents in a safe place where they won’t get lost… Items like all of your house sale documents, passports etc
2 Weeks Out
- Remove your name from all of the utilities for the house… You may also need to pay off any remaining bills while you’re at it. Of course, this is often taken care of at settlement.
- Change address with relevant entities and/or get your mail redirected. Don’t forget about the most common ones. such as: – Australia Post- Banks- Department of Transport
– Phone Company
– Centrelink/ Medicare
– Utility Providers
– Local Council
- Now is also the time to complete any last minute tasks. Make required home and property improvements or repairs. Remember to hold on to those records and preserve them for possible tax purposes.
- Make a plan for children & pets on moving day.
- Consult with your agent and conveyancer. They can help you ensure you’ve already met or are in the process of meeting any contractual obligations.
1 Week Out
- Clean the home from top to bottom. It’s important to leave your home in the same condition as you sold it, whether you clean it yourself or hire someone. If you find yourself short of time, simply hire a professional bond cleaner.
- Confirm last minute details. If you are using a removalist, give them a call to re-confirm. Confirm the date and time you need them, the pick up and drop off address, and any other specifics you may have.
- Complete the finishing touch ups of the home. You may have small holes in the wall where picture frames were hung that you may need to patch up.
Moving Day
The big day is here… Finally!
The good news is you followed a plan and you did it! To help make the next 24·hours as smooth as possible make sure you have:
- Designated one person to answer questions and direct removalists
- Go room to room, ensuring all of your possessions are accounted for and moved out
- Make sure the home is in the same condition as it was at purchase. It should be in the same condition as it was presented it at time of purchase.
After that, you can throw this move out checklist away and know that you have completed everything that is required of you.
We hope you find this Move Out Checklist helpful… if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us directly, we have onsite property managers who are very experienced in the industry and will be able to help you with all of your enquiries.