Top 10 Tips For Moving Home

Moving house sits right up at the top of the list of life stressors. It can be a daunting process, but with the right approach and a bit of preparation, it doesn't need to drive you crazy. Here is a list of top 10 tips for moving home stress free so you can painlessly start looking forward to your new home.

1. START PREPARING EARLY

After making the decision to move, give yourself 4-6 weeks to get organised. Start by booking your mover company and arranging boxes and packing materials early on. Spare half an hour and pack items you don't use regularly. The earlier you start finding removalists near you, the earlier you will find the date, time and budget you want.

It is also a good idea to get rid of a lot of objects by donating or passing on things you don't need. Create a list of all your belongings, keep fragile items with special care when they are being moved, and any dents or scratches on furniture. Measure doorways and rooms in your new home to ensure furniture will fit.

Notify the Electoral Office of your new address and update your car registration and driver's licence. Have your mail redirected or held and gather dental and school records, as well as pet and family medical records, and prescriptions. Start using up food in the pantry and freezer.

Take time off work and plan for how to care for any pets and children on moving day. Disassemble heavy outdoor items and create a DIY kit with first-aid supplies and basic tools. Before the move, book cleaners after the last box has left. Do final readings of your electricity and gas meters at your new address.

Dismantle your furniture and tape screws in an obvious location. Prepare a survival box with a kettle, paper plates, disposable cutlery, chargers, tools and school supplies. Water your indoor plants lightly and pack them into plastic boxes. Don't forget to backup your computer files.

2. GET DOWN TO DECLUTTER

When you pack for a move, you must clear-out every single item in your home. Don't waste the opportunity to have a thorough check before leaving. Ask yourself: will this item be useful in the next stage of my life? Go through every room, including the garage. Divide items into three categories – keep, store and bin. Make sure kids follow the same and sort their things too.

3. CHOOSE THE BEST BOXES

Moving boxes should always have a sturdy base so nothing tears apart and falls out from the bottom. Prefer cardboard to plastic tubs, which are brittle and can break, leaving sharp edges. It is recommended to order about 150 boxes in two sizes for a 4 bedroom home with 2 to 3 children. Boxes are included in your removalist fee, but if they are not, it is easy to buy them separately. Companies such as Eco Move or Boomerang Box, will drop off plastic boxes and pick them up once you are done.

4. WEIGH AND PACK

Pack light items such as toys, linen, and clothes in large boxes, and heavy items like books and dinnerware in smaller boxes, with the heaviest ones at the bottom. Mark fragile items clearly. When it comes to packing strategy, start with least-used items and then the items you use regularly.

Label boxes by category and room – this makes unpacking much easier and faster. Label boxes on the side, so you can read what is inside them when they are stacked. Tape everything up with a roller gun than scissors – it's much quicker. Pack precious items, such as important documents and jewellery, separately and carry them yourself.

5. OUTSOURCE PACKING

If you are tight on time and have the budget, consider calling professional packers. They are trained and ensure that items are securely transported. You can also arrange an unpacking service for the new home. Prices vary, but in terms of timing, packers can generally pack up a 3 bedroom house in a day. They will also provide all the packing gear, from rolls of tape to rolls of bubble wrap and foam cushioning for securely transporting furniture and lamps.

6. KEEP THE ESSENTIALS

Pack an essentials box or bag for each family member to comfortably stay for the first couple of nights in your new home before items are fully unpacked. Fill it with clothes, toiletries, medications for the next day or two, pet essentials, the kids' favourite toys and school supplies.

7. PERFORM THE PROCESS FAST

To reduce the number of hours you will be charged by your removalist, there are several things you can do to streamline the moving process. Arrange an inspection ahead of time, so the removalists can see whether they need to accommodate difficult access or additional labour is needed for heavy items. Platforms such as Muval let you do a video inspection so you can get the best deals based on your inventory.

An inspection also helps them assess which truck size they will need to transport on the day. Make a list of what you are prepared to transport yourself. If you visit your new home before moving day, you might get surprised at what you can deliver.

Before the movers arrive on moving day, have all the tables and beds dismantled, boxes sealed packed, and all your electricals unplugged. If you live in an apartment you may need to book a lift. Ask your movers about their vehicle size and reserve a parking spot near your front door. Find a removalist whom you only pay for the used hours on the day to help save money if you need a lot of the heavy lifting.

8. EAT SIMPLE MEALS

Stick to simple meals during the week before and during the move. Eat food to keep the washing up to a minimum or eat packed food or in disposable or find some place to eat during the journey. Be kind to yourself and travel through the easiest routes wherever you can.

9. UNPACK IMMEDIATELY

Unpacking is best approached like an operation, so gather several pairs of hands, if you can. Three people unpacking and setting items is ideal. Flatten boxes as you remove items from them and allocate a spot to store them. Unpacking bed linen should be your first priority – it will be a long day.

10. WELCOME NEW OWNERS

Leaving a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates and a welcome letter with useful information for the new owners is a nice gesture. You could also share the phone number of a trusted electrician and plumber whom you were happy with, plus a couple of cafes for local takeaways. Leave any warranties and manuals for fixtures such as the oven, dishwasher and air conditioner. After all, previous owners can't take them with them.