Moving house in Malaysia: a checklist, from booking movers to changing your address
What to do four weeks, one week and one day before you move, so moving day goes smoothly, and where to change your address afterwards.
Four weeks before
- Pick your moving day. Month-end, weekends, school holidays and festive seasons are the busiest, so book earlier for those.
- Post one request with what you're moving, both addresses and the date, then compare the movers who contact you.
- Ask each mover what is included: helpers, packing, dismantling and putting furniture back together, and waiting time.
One to two weeks before
- If you live in a condo or apartment, book the lift and loading bay with the management office for both addresses, and give the movers the booked times.
- Tell your electricity, water and internet providers your moving date.
- Start packing things you don't use every day. Label each box with the room it goes to.
- Sell, give away or throw out what you don't want to move: less to move usually means a smaller lorry.
The day before
- Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer.
- Pack a bag with documents, keys, medicines, chargers and a change of clothes. Carry valuables yourself.
- Confirm the time, addresses and phone numbers with the mover.
Moving day
- Be there at both addresses, or have someone there for you.
- Take photos of furniture and the old home before loading.
- Check every room, cupboard and the balcony before the lorry leaves.
After the move
Check your things before the movers leave and raise any damage straight away. Pay as you agreed. If you posted on CariLori, record how it went in My Requests.
Change your address (tukar alamat)
- MyKad (JPN): update it at a JPN counter if you'll live at the new address for 90 days or more. It costs RM10 for citizens; bring proof of address such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement.
- Voting address (SPR): a new MyKad address does not move your voting address. After JPN, apply to SPR with Borang A at myspr.spr.gov.my or a post office.
- Driving licence and car (JPJ): update your address through MyJPJ, the JPJ portal, a JPJ counter or a kiosk.
- Income tax (LHDN): use e-Kemaskini on MyTax, or form CP600B. Writing a new address on your tax return doesn't update it.
- Electricity and water: change the TNB account through myTNB, and close the old water account to get your deposit back.
- Internet and TV: unifi moves your line for free when your bill is paid up; Astro sends a technician to move the dish (a fee may apply).
- Also tell: your bank, insurers, EPF (i-Akaun), your employer and online shops.
Latest house & office moving requests on CariLori
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Questions
Should I pack myself or let the movers pack?
Packing yourself usually costs less but takes time. Many movers offer full or part packing: tick Packing in your request if you want it.
What if something is damaged?
Agree before the move whether and how the mover covers damage. See Before you agree a job.
Do I need to change my MyKad address after moving?
Yes, if you'll live there for 90 days or more: at any JPN counter, RM10 for citizens. It doesn't change your voting address; apply to SPR separately.