Moving house can be one of the most stressful times in your life. The key to a successful move is getting organised early instead of a day or two before your move. To help you get into move mode, Urbane Homes has put together a handy list of tips for packing and moving to make the process a lot easier, time saving and less frustrating.
1. Moving yourself vs hiring a removalist.
This is the first thing to consider. You may decide that a removalist is best for the big-ticket items like your lounge, TV unit, beds and other large furniture plus the heavy boxes. Make sure you research the best removalist companies that give you bang for your buck if you’re on a tight budget. Some even offer before-the-move help, like delivering a variety of boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap and labels. Make sure to read their fine print and liability too. If you move yourself, you may want to consider hiring a 4 tonne truck, mini van or trailer to limit the number of round trips you need to make.
2. Go through your home sooner rather than later.
Give family and friends first dibs on any items you’re getting rid of. Check your local council to see if a council collection is coming up or take items to your local charity shop. If you have the time and means and want a little cash, a garage sale or placing an ad on Gumtree is also a great alternative.
3. Collect boxes early.
Whether they’re bought from your local storage shed, Bunnings or second hand from Gumtree or the local community Facebook group, it will save you money later on when you’re hit with removalist costs and you can leave them flat in your garage. You can also use items to pack things in that you already have around the house such as suitcases, baskets or hampers.
4. Create obvious bright labels.
This saves you from guessing where it goes and having to move it yourself later. It’s also ideal to write what’s inside the box as well and whether or not it’s fragile. Above all never write “valuables” on them, you never know what can happen.
5. Don’t overfill the boxes.
There’s also a good chance the box could collapse if too heavy and not packed properly or you may hurt yourself.
6. Wrap your breakables.
Roll jewellery in towels and glassware in socks. Pillows, cushions and stuffed toys are ideal for padding boxes while clothing can be used if you want to save on bubble wrap. Plastic plates in between ceramic ones are also a good stopper if they’re packed vertically like the dishwasher.
7. Take photos before you dismantle.
Especially if you’re particular about how a display cabinet or bookshelf is placed. This goes for electronic cables as well if you’re not a tech wiz and want to save time hooking everything up later. It’s also a great idea to add the screws to a zip lock bag and tape that to the item.
8. Eat all the food.
Ideally all food items should be used up before you move. Plan your meals around items you already have in the fridge. Big grocery shops just before the move should be avoided and remember to defrost your freezer a day before moving to avoid any issues.
9. Packing hanging clothes.
The fastest way to pack hanging clothes is using a bin bag and pulling it up from the bottom, leaving the hangers exposed at the top. This way you won’t lose loose items out the bottom and they’re ready to hang.
10. Changing your address.
In case you forget, change your address at least two weeks before you move, sometimes it’s also worthwhile paying for a re-direct through Australia Post for a few months in case you have missed anything.