Start preparing earlier than you think

The easiest way to make moving feel overwhelming is to leave everything until the final week.

So, as soon as you know your moving date, work backwards. Book your removalists, arrange time off work, start collecting boxes and create a checklist of everything you need to organise.

Many people don’t anticipate the premium that comes with last-minute bookings. Removalists often also charge more during peak periods and weekends, so getting organised early can save you both money and headaches.

Breaking the move into smaller jobs can also make it feel more manageable – and far less daunting.

You know what else this prep time is great for? Decluttering. So get the Marie Kondo videos up and go through that wardrobe of yours. And while some items may have sentimental value, we recommend clearing your mind of every attachment for this process.

There’s only one question you need to remember while in this fugue state: Do I really want to pay someone to carry this from one house to another?

 

Set a moving budget that covers more than the obvious

Most people remember to budget for the truck. It’s everything else that tends to sneak up on them. A realistic moving budget should also account for:

• Removalists
• Packing materials
• Cleaning
• Storage (if needed)
• Utility connection fees
• A contingency fund for the unexpected (there’s almost always something unexpected)

And then there are the smaller, situational expenses, like:

• A trip to Bunnings for extension cords
• Takeaway meals because you can’t find the frypan
• Extra cleaning products
• New bins
• Replacement lightbulbs

So start giving yourself some breathing room. Setting aside just a few hundred dollars for miscellaneous expenses can make those surprise costs feel far less painful when they inevitably pop up.

Future you will be very grateful.

 

 

Book your movers (before everyone else does)

Whether you’re hiring professional removalists or relying on a few generous friends with trailers, locking in your moving plan early makes life easier.

Our hot tip? If you’re comparing removalists, don’t just look at the bottom-line price. Check what’s actually included, whether your belongings are insured – and if any additional charges might apply.

Some companies charge extra for stairs, oversized furniture, difficult access or moves that take longer than expected. Others may have weekend or public holiday surcharges.

So don’t let yourself be romanced by a ‘cheap’ base rate. Not to be dramatic, but your moving T’s and C’s may be among the most influential fine prints you’ll ever read in your life.

 

 

Sort your utilities before moving day

There’s nothing quite like the breakdown that occurs after arriving at your new home only to discover the internet won’t be connected until next Tuesday.

Or the electricity.

That’s why it’s a smart idea to organise your electricity, gas, internet and water accounts a couple of weeks before moving. That’s also the time to redirect your mail and update your address with your bank, insurer, employer, subscriptions and anyone else who still insists on sending post.

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for connection or disconnection fees, as well as any overlap between accounts at your old and new addresses. They’re usually not huge, but they’re easy to forget when you’re juggling everything else.

 

Pack smarter – not harder

Packing isn’t just about fitting everything into boxes. You also need to think about unpacking.

So label every box clearly by room and keep similar items together. ‘Kitchen’ is helpful. But ‘Coffee mugs, kettle and toaster’ is even better at 7 am the day after you move.

It’s also worth packing a moving-day essentials box with things you’ll need immediately. Think phone chargers, medications, toiletries, important documents, a change of clothes, snacks – and yes, probably the kettle.

Nobody wants to spend 45 minutes searching through 20 identical boxes before they’ve had their first coffee.

Packing carefully also reduces the chances of having to replace broken items later, which is another hidden cost people often overlook.

 

 

Renting? Don’t forget your end-of-lease checklist

If you’re moving out of a rental, there’s another to-do list to tick off before you hand back the keys:

• Check your lease agreement
• Organise any required cleaning
• Repair minor damage (that occurred during your lease)
• Make sure the property is ready for its final inspection

Depending on your agreement, you may also need:

• Professional carpet cleaning
• Garden maintenance

Skipping these jobs can end up costing far more than organising them in advance, especially if they affect your bond.

 

 

Prepare for the moving day itself

Moving day always feels like organised chaos at best. So, anything you can do to make it run any smoother before M Day is worth doing.

Keep valuables and important documents with you rather than packing them into the truck. Make arrangements for pets or young children if you can. Wear comfortable clothes. And, most importantly, keep some water and snacks on hand.

It’s also a good idea to do one final walk-through before the removalists leave. Open every cupboard. Check every drawer. Look behind every door.

It’s remarkable how many knick-knacks get rescued during those final five minutes.

 

Give yourself time to settle in

Once the boxes are inside, it can be tempting to unpack everything in one exhausting weekend. You don’t have to.

Start with the essentials – your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen – then work through the rest at a comfortable pace. Take a walk around your new neighbourhood, discover your local cafe, introduce yourself to the neighbours and begin making the place feel like home.

If you’ve settled into southeast Melbourne, we probably even have a blog walking you through the highlights of your new suburb.

 

 

Your moving day cheat sheet

So, before you hand over the keys, make sure you’ve ticked off these moving essentials:

• Book your removalists early
• Create a moving budget (including a buffer for unexpected costs)
• Declutter before you start packing
• Collect boxes and packing supplies
• Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet connections
• Redirect your mail and update your address with important organisations
• Label every box clearly by room and contents
• Pack an essentials box for your first night in the new place
• Complete your end-of-lease cleaning and repairs (if renting)
• Keep valuables and important documents with you on moving day
• Make arrangements for your kids and pets
• Do one final walk-through before you leave
• Unpack the essentials first and settle in at your own pace

Moving doesn’t have to be perfect. But it can be bearable. A little planning goes a long way towards making your first day in your new home one to enjoy.

 

Ready for your next move into your family’s forever home? Take a look at our current listings.