Moving houses can be an exciting yet challenging endeavour. Whether relocating to a new neighbourhood or a different city, proper planning and organisation are key to ensuring a smooth and successful transition. From packing up your belongings to navigating the logistics of the move, there are numerous factors to consider to make the process as seamless as possible.
So, if you are dreaming of moving houses but don’t know how, we’ll provide you with valuable tips, practical checklists, and insights to help you pack and move efficiently while keeping your expenses in check.
Tips For Moving House
Before you dive into the actual process of packing and moving, taking the time to adequately prepare will save you time, effort, and potential headaches down the road.
Moving House on a Budget
One of the first steps in preparing for a house move is setting a budget. Here are a few considerations:
Understanding the cost of moving a house: Moving costs can vary based on factors such as the distance of the move, the size of your household, and the services you require. Research local moving companies, request quotes, and gather information on their pricing structures to get an idea of the expenses involved.
The average cost of moving houses in Australia: It can be helpful to research the average costs of moving houses in your area. This information will give you a baseline to gauge your own budget and identify areas where you can potentially save.
Gathering Packing Supplies
Proper packing supplies are essential for safeguarding your belongings during the move. Start by collecting sturdy moving boxes in various sizes. You can obtain them from local stores or online, or even from your friends and family that might have recently moved.
Additionally, gather packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels to secure and identify your items.
Tip: Small card boxes are better than large ones since they are easier to carry. You might need more boxes but they will be useful, especially for people moving out on their own.
Creating a House Moving Checklist
A comprehensive house-moving checklist will serve as your roadmap throughout the moving process. It will help you stay organized, track your progress, and ensure you don’t overlook any essential tasks.
Write down all the tasks involved in your move. Categorise them into sections such as “Before the Move,” “Moving Day,” and “After the Move.” Break down each section into specific tasks and assign target dates or deadlines.
When it comes to deadlines your checklist should encompass important milestones such as notifying utility providers, scheduling professional movers (if applicable), changing your address with relevant organisations, and transferring or cancelling services as well. By including these tasks in your checklist, you’ll stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
Sorting and Decluttering
It’s time to lighten the load. Moving gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of clothes, utensils, electronics and more. Getting rid of unwanted or unnecessary items not only reduces the number of belongings you have to pack and transport but also helps you start fresh in your new home. It can be liberating to let go of things you no longer need or use.
The best way to organise the things you want and don’t want is by dividing your belongings into categories such as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Discard.” Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and cherish. Consider using online platforms to sell items that are in good condition but no longer useful for you. Donating or selling unwanted items is also a good way to get rid of your stuff.
If you have items in good condition that you no longer want, consider donating them to local charities or shelters. This not only benefits others but also reduces the number of items you need to pack and transport.
Things to do When Moving House
Once the organisation is done and checklists have been created, you have to finally start moving. You will need to organise, pack, hire moving services (or not) and consider storage solutions for an easy move.
Organising and Packing
Decluttering your space before you start packing is crucial. Additionally, use labelled boxes or colour-coded labels to indicate the contents of each box and the room it belongs to. This will facilitate unpacking and organisation in your new home.
When it comes to packing your stuff always begin with non-essential items and pack them well in advance. Gradually work your way toward essential items, packing them closer to the moving day. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper and use paddings, such as towels or clothing, to protect delicate items during transport. Remember to pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to ensure easy lifting.
Hiring Moving Services
Not everyone chooses to hire a moving service but if you have a lot of things or need to move interstate say moving houses from Melbourne to Sydney, a moving service is crucial.
Research local moving companies and request quotes to compare prices and services. Professional movers can handle various aspects of the move, such as packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a partial-service move, where you handle some tasks while the movers take care of the heavy lifting. But if you have the budget, you can opt for movers who will take care of everything from packing your things to moving them and setting them in your new place.
For those who prefer a DIY move, renting a moving truck can be a cost-effective option. Compare rental prices, check for any mileage limitations or additional fees, and ensure the truck size is appropriate for your belongings. Most importantly, always take the help of friends or family members to assist with loading and unloading the truck.
Storage Solutions for Moving House
While storage is not always required it can be useful for people in certain situations. Temporary storage solutions are good for people who have a time gap between moving out of their current home and moving into a new one.
Look for storage facilities that are in an accessible location, and have good security measures and pricing. Also, make sure to look into any additional services they might offer such as packing supplies or moving truck rental.
Moving into a new house can be a stressful experience but if you follow the tips and recommendations above, the process might be a bit easier.
