A Moving Guide for Purchasers

You're Moving!

Moving house can be stressful! And when you consider the average Australian moves 11 times in their life, it's worth a little time and effort to plan it properly and make the move as pain-free as possible.

Plan Ahead

Start planning six weeks from the big day if possible

6 Weeks to Go

• Make a file for your moving documents
• Get quotes from an AFRA accredited removalist (Australian Furniture Removals Association) to book your move
• Cancel, transfer or re-direct your newspapers and subscriptions
• Transfer Home and Contents Insurance
• Plan your packing and dispose of any items that won't be taken with you (check garden sheds, garage and under house)
• Dispose of any chemicals, paint, fuel, etc
• Check freezer and plan to eat all frozen food before the move

4 Weeks to Go

• Use the Notification Checklist (below) to start contacting relevant authorities of your move. Some authorities and institutions will need forms filled in; others can be changed over the phone
• If your move is a long distance one, get your car serviced and safety checked
• If a boat or trailer is being moved, ensure all loose items inside are packed

2 Weeks to Go

• Arrange utility connections at your new home and disconnect your current services.
• Return any library books
• Dismantle furniture as needed
• Start packing and label every carton by content and room identification

1 Week to Go

• Make a list of what you'll need on moving day
• Pets can often sense that changes are occurring and it's a good idea to arrange for your pets to be collected the day before you move.
• Remove batteries from any battery operated devices
• Organise a survival kit for the big day (cups, tea, coffee, milk, kettle, toilet paper, tissues and snacks)
• Check finances are in order for payments on moving day
• If needed, arrange special parking or access for your removalists from the relevant council or your new neighbours
• Collect any dry cleaning
• Do all remaining laundry

1 Day to Go

• Defrost and clean your refrigerator and leave it to dry for moving
• Eat or dispose of any perishable food items in the kitchen
• Leave your forwarding address in a prominent place for the new occupants/landlords
• To avoid confusion, clearly mark the items you will be taking with you so that the removalists can distinguish them from what goes on the truck

Moving Day

• Leave the vaccum behind for cleaning
• Collect all house keys, ensure meters have been read, electricity is turned off, phone disconnected and car keys are in a safe place
• With all this preparation, today will be a breeze. Good luck with the move. We hope that you enjoy many happy years in your new home!

Important Things You Need To Know

If you're using finance to purchase your new home, act swiftly and get organised early, then you can relax until settlement - sometimes delays occur which can be frustrating for you!

Organise building insurance straight away regardless of whether the current owner has the property insured. You will need proof of this insurance for your finance paperwork to be approved.

If you would like to change details on your Contract of Sale (for example to arrange an earlier settlement) you must now liaise your Solicitor, who will in turn liaise with Vendor's Solicitor. We are unable to make any alterations to the Contract of Sale once it has been signed, any changes must be make by your Legal Representatives.

You have the opportunity to perform a final inspection on your new property in the week before settlement. Please contact us in order to make this appointment. It's important to note that by giving us as much notice as possible, you will ensure your inspection can be at a time that suits you best.

On settlement day, we'll need written confirmation (faxed) from the Vendor's Solicitor that the property has settled before we can actually hand you the keys (so it's not a good idea to book your moving truck for 12.15pm if your settlement is scheduled for 12pm. Delays sometimes occur which again can be frustrating and stressful for you!)

Notification Checklist

Friends & Family	Electricity Supplier
Real Estate Agents	Mobile Phones
Removalist Booked	Internet
Postal Re-Direction	Centelink
Landlord	Employer
Electrol Forms	Superannuation
Local Council	DayCare
Building Insurance	Kindergarten
Contents Insurance	Schools
Transit Insurance	Universities
Vehicle Insurance	Medicare
Health Insurance	Doctor
Financial Planner etc	Dentist
Banking Institutions	Veterinarian
Credit Cards	Pet Registration
Solicitor	Clubs/Memberships
Stockbroker	Library
Water Supplier	Vic Roads
Telephone Supplier	Deliveries (paper, drinks etc)
Gas Supplier

Important Numbers

Telephone

Telstra	132 200
Optus	133 345

Electricity

Origin	132 461
Emergencies	132 412
AGL	131 245
Emergencies	131 626

Gas

Origin	132 461
Emergencies	132 973
AGL	133 000
Emergencies	132 771

Water

Yarra Valley	131 695
Emergencies	132 762
City West Water	131 691
Emergencies	132 645

Police Information

Ascot Vale Area	9376 2866
Avondale Heights Area	9337 6777
Essendon Area	9370 0655
Moonee Ponds	9370 0655

Maddison Estate Agents

196 Union Road Ascot Vale Vic 3032
Ph: 03 9370 1588 (Available 24 hrs)
www.maddisonestateagents.com.au