Whether you’re an empty nester downsizing or you’re leaving home for the first time, moving can be stressful. It can also be physically exhausting as you spend hours relocating all your worldly possessions to your new digs. But with the right planning and preparation your move can go off without a hitch. Here we show you how.
Tip 1: Start early with a schedule
Time is your most valuable resource. Six weeks before you move, create a weekly schedule that sets out which rooms to pack and when. Start packing your non-essential items first and getting rid of others.
Get settled in your new home without a hitch – download our helpful checklist below!
Things like books and DVDs can be sold on Internet websites, at markets or donated to charity. Once you have a few things packed away, you may be surprised how nice you find it living in a clean, minimalist household.
Tip 2: Have a thorough move day plan
In your master plan include the fastest route to your new home, the expected price of any transport, removalist costs and how long the move should take. Clearly communicate your plan to your removalist, including details about how best to get to your new home, where your boxes are located and where items should go when they reach their destination.
Also point out which boxes contain fragile items and which furniture is heavy or delicate. But before muscles are flexed and your furniture is upended, place towels beneath heavy items to prevent damage to floor surfaces.
Tip 3: Keep costs down
One of the biggest ways to keep costs down is to ask friends and family to lend a hand. If you are using a removalist, get three quotes before you lock one in and let the removalists know what their competitors have quoted in case they can price match.
Be sure to ask about any hidden fees or time penalties. Explain to the removalists exactly what you need moving and how much you have to move, so that their quote reflects the type of vehicle and manpower you will require on the day.
Moving home essentials check list:✔ I have a pet sitter to look after my pets for move day Changing your address? Who to notify checklist:✔ I have visited my roads and transport office to update my driver’s licence |
Tip 4: Use packing hacks
With the right knowhow, packing and unpacking can be a cinch. Save packing boxes ahead of time – simply ask supermarkets for free ones. Clothes on clothing racks can be placed in garbage bags while still on their hangers, so that they can be easily unpacked. On move day, have a separate suitcase with your absolute essentials ready for the first night. Tape the tops of bottles down to prevent spillage and use plastic wraps to prevent draws from opening on dressers. Egg cartons make great makeshift storage containers for transporting jewellery.
Tip 5: Label everything
Be sure to label boxes on their sides so that you know what’s in them when they are stacked. Stick coloured stickers on your boxes to further differentiate them. Match coloured stickers on boxes to their preferred destination rooms by placing stickers on the room doors. Be sure to ask the removalists to match like with like. Put screws and other parts from disassembled furniture in labelled lunch box bags, so that furniture can be easily reassembled at the other end.
Tip 6: Switch on your essential services
There’s nothing worse after a move than having no hot water for a shower, no lights and no working stove. Avoid this inconvenience by contacting your utilities suppliers before you move and arranging for these essential services to be switched on the same day you move.
| How AGL can make your move easier AGL guarantees that the lights will be on the day you move home if you contact them just one business day before your move*. And with 24 hour customer support, you can arrange your connection at a time that suits you. What’s more, this month AGL is offering a special deal to WYZA members. Click here to get all the details. |
How do you make sure your move day is less stressful?
Read more:
*If the power’s not on after the agreed day, AGL will cover your related expenses up to $250/day until your power is on. You’ll need to ensure clear, safe access to the meter. View full terms at agl.com.au/move