It’s common knowledge that moving house is incredibly stressful. From packing to arranging to transfer utilities and other services, to getting settled in your new home, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Fortunately, proper planning can make the entire process much easier. Follow this simple timeline to ensure you get everything done in plenty of time so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.
6 Weeks Ahead
The earlier you can start planning, the better. As soon as you know you will be moving house, it is a good idea to book your removalists. Those that are highly qualified in this area tend to book out pretty far in advance so you’ll want to make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure you are able to get service on your preferred moving day.
You should also take this time before things get crazy to make a plan for how you will approach packing up your belongings. Buy all of your packing materials during this time as well so you have everything ready to go. This includes boxes, packing tape, packing paper for wrapping delicate items and packing blankets for protecting your furniture. Finally, make a list of any services or subscriptions that will need to be switched over to your new address, like bank accounts, utilities, post and more.
1 Month Ahead
This is where those lists you made in the previous step will come in handy. Start calling or emailing all of your service providers to notify them of your new address. This will give them plenty of time to make the switch before you move. Be sure to alert AusPost of your address change as well to have your mail forwarded to your new house.
It is a good idea to get started with packing during this time as well. Start with items that you won’t be needing in the immediate future, like off-season clothing, sporting equipment, fine china, books and other non-essential items. When packing, group items by room so you know exactly where each box will go in your new house.
Be sure to label everything clearly so your removalists know where to put things. Don’t just write the name of the room, though; you want to know what is in each box so you don’t have to search for the things you need before you have finished unpacking. Include as much detail as possible so you can find things easily when you arrive at your new home.
Make good use of the items you already have when packing. For example, rolling luggage is ideal for transporting heavy items like books, and duffel bags are great for clothing, kids’ toys and other small things. Use trash cans to move cleaning products, paint and gardening chemicals to minimise the risk of them contaminating other items. Pack shoes in their boxes to prevent them from getting scuffed or getting other items dirty. As an added bonus, shoe boxes are much easier to stack than a pile of loose shoes.
2 Weeks Ahead
The next step is to start packing the rest of your non-essential items. Be ruthless about what you need and don’t need. For example, if there are four members in your household, you don’t need plates and utensils for 10 place settings. Keep four in your cupboards and pack the rest.
When packing breakable items like dishes and glassware, wrap each item individually in packing paper to minimise the risk of breakage in transit. You can also use your clothing for this purpose instead. Rolled-up socks are great for stuffing inside glasses, and sweaters can keep plates and other dishes safe.
Use blankets or towels to wrap larger items, like artwork, serving platters and decorative items.
You’ll be able to pack up most of your clothes during this time as well. Set aside just the clothes you’ll need in the next couple of weeks and pack the rest. Use wardrobe boxes for specialty items, like formal gowns and suits. These boxes tend to be more expensive than standard packing boxes, so only use them for items that truly need them. For everything else, roll the items instead of folding them to prevent wrinkles and maximise space.
1 Week Ahead
Now is the time to finish up packing anything that is left over. Remember to use separate boxes for each room to keep everything as organised as possible. This is especially important as you get down to the last few items in each room. You don’t want to arrive at your new home with a jumbled mess of stuff from several rooms in the same box.
To make sure you don’t forget anything, start by opening every door, drawer and cupboard in your house so you can see what is inside. Pick one room to start with and check each storage area, one at a time. Close each cupboard or drawer once you have verified that it has been cleared out. Close the door to each room after you have finished. This will prevent you from wasting time checking areas that you have already packed and will minimise the risk of missing anything important.
On Moving Day
When it comes time to move, set aside your valuables, like jewellery, cash and important keepsakes. You should move these items in your own car, rather than on the moving truck, to ensure their safety.
It is also a good idea to pack a separate bag with all of your essentials, including a few changes of clothes, your toiletries, mobile devices and any other items you can’t live without. Take these in your own car as well. This way, you’ll have easy access to them when you arrive at your new home. You’ll likely be tired after a long day of moving, and you probably won’t want to start unpacking right away.
Finally, if you have children or pets, make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or family member so they won’t be in the way. Moving day is stressful enough as it is without the added concern of little ones underfoot. Once everything is moved into your new house, it’s safe for your kids and furry friends to come home.
Southside Removals & Storage Can Help
When you are ready to move, Southside Removals & Storage should be your first call. We can help you out through all stages of your move. If you would like, we can even do all of the packing and unpacking for you. This frees up your time to focus on caring for your family and exploring your new neighbourhood. We take great pride in our work and will do everything in our power to prevent any damage to your home or belongings. We are licensed and insured for your protection as well.
We are typically pretty busy, especially in the summer, so don’t delay in booking your appointment. When you call to schedule your move, we’ll go over all of the details of our process with you so that you know exactly what to expect on moving day. Get in touch with us today to get started with your easiest move ever.