Moving house. It’s exciting! New space, new place to call home. Yet, it’s so stressful. Why are so many things involved?!
Take a deep breath, inhale, exhale… whether we like it or not, we can’t escape from all the (sometimes tedious) parts of moving house.
But we can make it easier for you, at the very least.
Wear your seatbelts and get ready to scroll. This A-Z guide for moving house is going to be a ride, but we promise it’ll help you. Let’s start!
Your Moving House Guide from A-Z
Before You Begin…
Here’s your checklist.
Before we start getting into the nitty-gritty, we’ve prepared a thorough checklist to make it easier for you to keep track (because we all might forget that one thing).
| No. | Item | Done? (✔️/✖️) |
| Before Moving | ||
| 1. | Get rid of unwanted items | |
| 2. | Get dimensions of every room | |
| 3. | Order packing supplies (labels, boxes, tape etc.) | |
| 4. | Make inventory list of items | |
| 5. | Pack non-daily items | |
| 6. | Separate valuables and important documents | |
| 7. | Pack essential household items | |
| 8. | Check with strata building management | |
| 9. | Notify relevant parties | |
| 10. | Find moving service | |
| After Moving | ||
| 1. | Check your inventory | |
| 2. | Unpack and settle in | |
| 3. | Update your information |
Be sure to take a screenshot, write it in your notebook or keep it somewhere handy!
Now let’s get into each item of the list:
Before Moving
1. Get rid of stuff you don’t need
Find out what you want to bring and what you’re going to leave behind.
If you’re moving to a smaller space, or planning to buy new things for your home, it’s time to get rid of unneeded items (even if that means leaving your string favourite plushie behind).
You don’t have to throw your stuff into the garbage – you can either donate them or sell them online!
This is where the internet comes in handy. Here are some apps you can use to get your old stuff in new hands:
Additionally, people tend to forget the food that they have in the fridge. As you get closer to your move, finish as much food as you can to avoid mess, melts and heavy cans.
2. Get dimensions of every room
The worst thing that can happen is to buy RM3,000 furniture and it not fitting right in your home.
Be sure to check the space and rooms in your new home carefully to see what fits and what doesn’t.
Luckily for you, your phone most likely already has an app that will help you with measuring. Ditch the tape and use your phone!
Measure app
3. Order packing supplies
Moving requires a lot of supplies. You’ll need lots of tape, markers, labels and bubble wrap.
If you’re moving on your own (or even if you’re getting movers – more on that below), stock up on these items by purchasing them at the store or even online.
Here are some apps or websites that provide packing supplies:
Some movers provide these items, so if you’re using a mover, might as well kill two birds with one stone.
For your clothes, you’ll do well with luggage and big bags. Moving can be quite expensive, so save as much as you can while you go.
4. Make inventory list of items
Don’t lose your things! Make an inventory list of all your belongings before you move.
It’s not only useful to have when you lose things due to your own negligence. It can also come in really handy for insurance purposes, so it’s easier to make claims.
If you have enough phone storage, taking photos of your items (especially valuable or fragile ones) will be even better so you have additional proof of ownership and condition.
Did you know that there’s apps for inventory management? Now you do! Here’s a useful app to help you with that:
Itemtopia
You can also use the built-in Notes app in your phone, or even Excel if that’s what you’re into. Just make sure everything is accounted for, and you’ll be good to go.
5. Separate valuables and documents & pack non-daily items
First things first, separate your valuables!
Make sure to have dedicated boxes for your jewellery, luxury items and especially important documents. Be sure to carry them with you so you don’t lose them, instead of leaving them with the movers.
Next is two things: (1) pack things you don’t normally use, and (2) pack them according to room.
Photo albums, fancy dinnerware and books you don’t normally read (or have given up on – I’ve been there) can be packed away for now.
To reduce clutter, you can set up a ‘packing station’ to place all your packed items (so at least your space will be less of an eyesore).
6. Have essential household items with you
Trust me, this is an essential step that most people overlook – make sure to bring your most essential things like towels, dishes, cutlery, clothes and medicine for the first few days.
Unpacking can be very overwhelming, so be sure to keep these handy. Have them with you instead of leaving them to the movers.
7. Check with your strata building management
If you’re living in or planning to move into a strata building like condominiums, apartments, or flats, it’s essential to communicate with the building management or JMB regarding any restrictions.
A lot of JMBs do not allow large lorries or trucks to enter the premises outside of designated working hours to minimize disruption to other residents.
Before scheduling any moving or delivery activities involving these heavy vehicles, do consult with your JMB and arrange a good date and time for your move.
8. Notify relevant parties
Inform important parties about your move, including your landlord (if renting), utility companies, postal service, banks, insurance providers, and schools (if you have children).
Utilities include water / gas / electric (often bundled), telephone / TV / internet (also often bundled), home security, and waste.
9. Arrange for moving services
Research and book a reputable moving company well in advance.
Get quotes from multiple movers, read reviews, and confirm details such as dates, costs, and services included.
Consider additional services like packing and unpacking assistance if needed.
Some movers you can consider:
During Moving
1. Move with the movers
Once you’ve selected your moving company and set a date, it’s time to get ready for the big day.
While you won’t be doing the heavy lifting, it’s important to be around when the movers arrive to transport and unload your belongings, unless you’ve made special arrangements for them to work independently.
2. Conduct a Final Walkthrough
An important part in moving house is to do a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
Check closets, cabinets, and other hiding spots, and ensure all utilities are turned off.
3. Secure Your Belongings
During transit, secure your belongings to prevent damage. Take precautions to protect fragile items and valuables during the process of moving house.
Consider purchasing moving insurance for added peace of mind.
After Moving
1. Unpack and Settle In
Once you arrive at your new house, start unpacking and setting up each room. Begin with essential items like bedding, kitchenware, and toiletries, then gradually unpack the rest.
Take your time to organize each space according to your preferences.
2. Update Your Information
Update your address with relevant parties, including banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and government agencies.
Register your new house address with the postal service and update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if necessary.
The good thing is you don’t have to go anywhere to get your info updated for your utility bills. Just download these apps and update what you need to:
3. Explore Your New Neighborhood
Take some time to explore your new neighborhood and familiarize yourself with nearby amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and schools.
Introduce yourself to neighbors and start building connections in your new community.
4. Enjoy Your New Home!
Finally, take a moment to celebrate your new beginning and enjoy your new home!
Take pride in your accomplishment while moving house and embrace the opportunities that come with starting fresh in a new place.
We hope this guide helped make your moving house process easier. And if you’re looking for a property negotiator for your next home, IQI Global is the place to be.
Continue reading:
