Our top 10 tips for your next move!

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Moving houses can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Whether you're relocating to a new city for a fresh start or simply transitioning to a new place in the same neighbourhood, the process of packing up your life and settling into a new home can present its fair share of challenges. From sorting through a lifetime's worth of possessions to coordinating logistics and managing the emotional toll of saying goodbye to a place filled with memories, moving is a difficult task. In this 'Hot Tips' blog, we have put together a list of 10 tips to make your next move a smoother, more organized, and ultimately less stressful transition. These tips will help you navigate the complexities of moving, ensuring that the excitement of a new chapter in your life is the primary focus, while the stress takes a back seat. Whether you're a seasoned mover or this is your first time, read on for valuable insights that can make your next move a breeze.

 

1. Start planning as soon as possible.

Having a clear plan of what needs to be done and when it is going to be done is important when it comes to moving. Ensure that you have both a written plan with dates leading up to the day of your move, and a to do list with these tasks compiled into it. Don't worry if you don't have much time before your move, as long as you have a plan and distribute tasks for each day so you font get overwhelmed, it will be much easier. Another tip for planning is to use the floorplan of your house to decide what furniture stays and goes. That way you have more time to organise what to do with any large furniture that you aren't taking to your new home.

 

2. Do your research and ask for recommendations.

Organising moving services can be tough but if you research and ask for recommendations, it will make the process a lot smoother. Research removalists, storage companies, cleaning and repair companies for furniture, curtains or rugs, house cleaners, and carpet cleaners if you require any of these services for your move. Once you have gathered the information you need, get quotes and book as soon as possible.

 

3. Have a record of everything.

Know what you're packing. You can make lists as you are packing or alternatively, write lists before of everything you are going to take so you can decide what you would like to sell or donate. If you have lots of things you want to sell but don't know how, you could put these things to the side and have a garage sale or post them online. Additionally, make sure you have copies of all important personal documents from your doctor, dentist, account, lawyer, etc. On the day of your move, you should ensure that these documents, along with any other valuable items, are kept in a safe place for transportation. If you are using a removalist, it may be a good idea to take these items with you instead.

 

4. Don't forget to organise the essentials!

To ensure that you are organised when you start packing, there is a few things that you should ensure you have before you start. Here is a list of a few essentials for packing:

  • Packing notebook/planner
  • Boxes
  • Furniture pads
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Styrofoam 'peanuts'
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife
  • Large self-stick labels
  • Felt tip markers

 

5. Don't leave it to the last minute.

You can start packing as early as you like. As a matter of fact, the earlier you start packing the better. Start with things that you don't use often or may not need in the time leading up to the move. This will make it easier to declutter and organise your belongings into things you are keeping and things you are not as you go and will give you more time to decide what to do with the things that you are not going to keep.

 

6. Packing is not just doing things in the house!

There are lots of little things people may forget to do because they are not surrounded by them every day. For example, you will need to cancel any utilities and services at your old home and organise for them to be installed in your new home such as phone services, Wi-Fi, gas, electricity, or Foxtel. Don't forget other little things such as transferring any medical prescriptions to your new local pharmacy or returning any items you have borrowed in your previous area such as library books. For anyone with furry friends, arrange for pet transportation if needed, as well as transferring any veterinary information or documents to a new vet. You may also like to consult your vet about how you can make the move easier for your pets.

 

7. Have a 'First Day Box'

A 'First Day Box' should be packed with anything and everything you may need on day one in your new home. Imagine getting to your home and you have to dig through a box just to find a glass for some water… not fun. The 'First Day Box' should be the last box you pack before leaving your old home. Anything you use in the days prior to your move, you will probably need as soon as you get to the new home. You can also take a small bag such as an overnight bag or small suitcase with clothing, toiletries, and chargers that you will need to have easy access too.

 

8. Don't waste time!

Don't get caught up reminiscing in memories. You will find lots of old items including photos and videos that can become a very easy distraction. Try not to get caught up in these when packing. You can enjoy these things when you settle into your new home.

 

9. Pack like a pro.

Make use of things you already have at home when packing. You can use suitcases to pack your clothes and packing cells (if you have them) or plastic bags to separate which clothing belongs in separate drawers. You can also get 'Port-a-Robe' moving boxes which are made with a rack to hang your clothes on when moving. This makes it easier when you arrive, so you don't have to worry about putting everything back on coat hangers. Remember to leave some essential clothing items in your 'First Day Box' so you don't have to worry about finding clean clothes when you arrive in your new home.

 

10. Change your address!

Yes… when you move that does mean you will have a new address. You can update your address from Australian Government portal or change of address it from post office. Also ensure that you change address for any companies who sent physical bills, magazine subscriptions, automated delivery services, etc. You may also like to write an email, letter, or text message to anyone you would like to notify of your move such as friend, neighbours, employers, and anyone else. Below is a template of what you could say:

"WE ARE MOVING!!

John & Mary Brown are leaving 1 Smith Street, Smithtown

and will be at 10 Brown Street, BROWNSVILLE STATE 0000

From 1st November New Telephone: (00) 0000 0000"

 

Bonus Tip: Make it FUN!

Although moving can be stressful, if you plan ahead and ensure you are organised, you will feel at ease. Put on a playlist with your favourite tunes, a podcast, an audiobook or even your favourite movie or youtuber to pass the time and make it more enjoyable. Before you know it, you will be enjoying these things in the luxury of a new home.

 

As you put these tips into action, you'll find that the stress of moving can indeed take a back seat, allowing the thrill of your new journey to take centre stage. So, whether you're a seasoned mover or embarking on this adventure for the first time, these insights will make your next move a breeze. For more information and tips, head to our Moving Recources page to download our Essentials Checklist, Moving Planner, and other useful documents. 

 

 

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Happy moving!​​​​​

 

DISCLAIMER

The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions.