MovingChecklist
Your step‑by‑step guide to a smooth, stress‑free move.

Posted on July 31, 2024 | UAE
Pre‑Move Checklist
Here’s a list of everything you need to check pre‑move and the rough timeline of when to complete each task:
8–12 Weeks Before
- Contact Allied for a pre‑move survey
- Advise your children’s school/kindergarten and have transfer documents sent to the new school/kindergarten
- Create a file for paperwork, receipts and important documents related to your move
- Determine tax requirements
- Consider what household goods to take; check regulations before shipping a vehicle
- Inventory/photograph home contents for protection coverage
- Identify high‑value items and have them appraised
- Contact insurance, bank, financial, medical, and dental providers regarding changes or record transfers
- Pre‑advise clubs and organisations about your anticipated departure
- Consider which appliances/electronics to take (consider voltage and compatibility)
- Consider which purchases you need to make before moving
- Begin using up items you can’t move, such as frozen food and cleaning supplies
6 Weeks Before
- Establish or re‑establish contact with healthcare professionals at your destination
- Plan movement of pets and review their veterinary requirements
- Complete change‑of‑address notifications for friends, family, vendors, and service providers
- Take steps to sell vehicles or club memberships
- Contact the foreign consulate if necessary for information
4 Weeks Before
- Hold a moving sale to dispose of unwanted items
- Clean closets and storage areas
- Notify utility services of your intention to move and arrange final readings
3 Weeks Before
- Segregate airfreight, including a “survival kit” of essentials
- Consider fumigation of selected items; polish/lacquer silver, brass, or copper
- Sort toys and assemble small parts
- Arrange professional handling of specialty items (wall units, pianos, clocks, AV equipment, sports equipment) via your Allied Move Coordinator
- Settle club dues or request “inactive” membership if returning
2 Weeks Before
- Collect children’s school records and immunisation certificates
- Arrange disconnection of gas, water, phone, electricity and settle charges
- Inform your doctor, dentist and specialists of your move; collect or request transfer of records
- Record contact numbers and emails of friends and service providers
- Photocopy essential documents (passports, tax records)
- Arrange postal mail redirection to your new address
- Return borrowed items and collect belongings you have lent
- Reserve a babysitter or pet‑sitter for moving day if necessary
Moving Day Checklist
Here’s a list of everything to check in the lead‑up to moving day and on the day itself:
1 Week Before
- Dispose of flammables, BBQ gas, and solvents
- Clean the BBQ thoroughly if it will be shipped
- Dispose of out‑of‑date items from storage areas
- Complete home repairs needed to recover your rental deposit
- Bring home office items that need packing
- Keep a few things out for children on moving day
- Pick up items from repair shops or vendors
- Clean sports bags and equipment
- Finalise valued inventory for protection coverage (surface, freight, airfreight)
A Few Days Before
- Empty, clean, and dry the refrigerator/freezer; add baking soda for freshness
- Finalise personal documents and valuables into suitable carriers
- Close or transfer accounts
- Assemble medications and clean out the medicine cabinet
- Schedule final home cleaning and arrange a walk‑through with your landlord
Moving Day!
- Place all suitcases and essentials in a dedicated space so they aren’t loaded
- Review the home with the crew supervisor and highlight special‑care items
- Carry valuables, important papers and passports with you
- Ensure children and pets are safe and supervised
- Ensure packers separate air, sea and storage shipments
- Keep passport copies, paperwork, inventory, and insurance documents with you
- Provide Allied with any last‑minute instructions and updated contact details
- Before movers leave, inspect the home for left‑behind items
- Lock all doors and windows before leaving
Post‑Moving Day Checklist
Here’s a list of tasks to complete after moving day to ensure a smooth transition into your new home:
- Check utilities (electricity, water, gas, TV, phone). Record meter readings
- Check delivered boxes, unpack essentials, and report missing or damaged items
- Support pets during acclimatisation by keeping them in a safe room initially
- Childproof the home if you have infants or toddlers
- Begin unpacking at a comfortable pace, ideally room‑by‑room
- Prepare for healthcare, transport, and school by providing required documents
- Explore your new area to avoid relocation stress and find essential amenities
- Leave a review for your moving company to assist future movers
We hope this comprehensive moving checklist gives you the information you need to begin the next chapter of your life with a well‑planned and seamless move. Now you can begin to tick the tasks off one by one.
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