1. Sort through your household belongings and return borrowed items (such as library books or your friend’s t-shirt). You wouldn’t want to move long-distance before realizing and have to mail things back! Likewise, pick up items that family and friends have borrowed from you.

2. Declutter and minimalize your life by removing and donating any items that you haven’t worn or used within the last year. If you didn’t use it last year, you’re not likely to use it this year! This also applies to non-functional furniture.

3. Check your kitchen and bathroom cupboards for expired goods. There’s no point throwing something away from the other end when it can be done now!

4. Check for redundant paper work and out-of-date magazines/newspapers and dispose of them. You can simply take a photo of your favorite articles or browse for an online copy.

5. Clean out your garage and contact your local council on how to correctly dispose of any toxic/flammable wastes. This includes all paint, oil, and aerosols, which can be dangerous and unnecessary to travel with.

6. Back up your computer and other electrical devices onto a hard drive. This will ensure that you have copies of your most precious images and files, incase your device becomes lost or damaged during the move.

7. Drain your kitchen appliances and hoses so that they don’t leak during transit.

8. Be a good neighbor and consider hosting a farewell BBQ before you leave!

9. Pack an overnight bag. Even if you’re moving early during the day you may become too exhausted to sort through your belongings on arrival. It’s more work now, but you’ll thank yourself later.

10. Lastly, get plenty of sleep the night before. Keep your coffee machine unpacked and set your alarm early enough to keep on top of the day before your removalist team arrives!