5 tips for moving house for a seamless transition

Moving house can be both exciting and stressful, but with the right approach, research and a healthy dose of organisation and pre-planning, you can make the process far less overwhelming than it needs to be.   

Whether relocating across town, to a new city or heading across state lines for a lifestyle relocation, getting prepared early is key to a successful move.   

In this article, we'll share five tips for moving house to help you stay on top of tasks and make your move as seamless as possible. From the best way to pack for moving to general moving home advice, these tips will keep stress low and efficiency high. Moving is still, after all, no small task.   

1. Start with a checklist

A task of this size requires you to go in prepared, ahead of time. A checklist will give you a clear idea of exactly what needs to be done, and how long each task will take. This will save you the headache of being caught off guard with tedious tasks... like making sure the lights turn on when you get to your new abode and the washing machine fits. 

Checklist items to consider:  

• Confirm the moving date and book a removalist or rental truck.   

• Change address with online profiles including banking, bills, Australia Post, MyGov, Medicare and mail subscriptions.

• Notify utilities and service providers (internet, gas, electricity) and arrange for transfer or cancellation of services.  

• Purchase/collect packing supplies.  

• Arrange for pet and/or childcare on the day of the move.  

• Schedule a deep clean once everything has been packed and moved. 

• Measure white goods and furniture to ensure they fit in the new floor plan. 

2. Declutter as you pack 

To avoid double handling, instead of decluttering before packing and adding an extra task to your checklist, declutter as you pack. Have your boxes for the move ready to go on one side, with a box for donations and a bag for binning on the other.   

Decluttering will allow you to enter your new home feeling fresh, with only the things you need and love. If time allows, a moving-out garage sale is a great way to clear the clutter and make some extra money! 

3. Pack room by room and label boxes

Particularly helpful if you are hiring removalists, labelled boxes will make for a seamless transition, as the boxes can be placed in the correct room in your new home, ready for you to unpack. 

Pack room by room. Whether you go from top to bottom or side to side, this will allow you to keep track of your progress and keep everything in order.  

Use soft blankets, bubble wrap and paper to protect fragile items and avoid overpacking boxes – someone needs to be able to lift them. Place heavier items in the bottom. 

Take photos of electronics before unplugging them and keep cords/remotes attached to their device to avoid confusion and tech problems when putting it back together.

4. Pack an essentials box

As is the case with anything, things go wrong with delays, traffic and weather. Be prepared for a long day with an essentials box, filled with daily medicines, toiletries, towels and a change of clothes.

If you arrive at your new place later in the day, defeated from the move, you won’t need to rummage through boxes to find the body wash and toothpaste.

5. Hire professional help

If you take only one thing from our tips for moving house, make it this one. While you may be able to save some money doing a DIY move, the convenience, efficiency and limited heavy lifting generally outweigh the cost.

Removalists are professionals in all things moving. They come prepared with blankets for your furniture and electrical goods, pack efficiently, undo bed frames and couches in a flash, and do the lifting for you.

You can help load boxes or supervise and answer questions as they pop up. At the other end - depending on the service you have booked - the removalists can place everything in the correct rooms, assemble furniture, and overall save you a lot of time... and potential injuries.

To find the best removalists in your area, a quick Google search or referral from a friend is the best way to go. Call up and get a few quotes to find the best rates, and reviews are helpful to avoid using a service that is less than professional. 

By now, you should be ready to tackle the big move with less apprehension. Following these practical tips will keep you on track. Remember to write that checklist, label clearly, declutter, find a reliable moving service and plan for unforeseen issues. 

With these handy tricks, you'll be unpacked and settled into your new space in no time. Happy moving!

A few steps behind and thinking about selling? For advice and assistance with selling your property and preparing it for sale, find your nearest Hockingstuart branch, and read more on our blog on how to prepare your house for sale.