So you have bought your first apartment or you’ve purchased your second family home and you’re ready for the big move? Moving house can be very daunting but here are ten tips to make your move go smoother.
Put together a checklist
Put together a checklist for things you need to do a month, two weeks, a week before or the night you move. By following a strict checklist, this will help avoid procrastination and last minute packing and help you remember things like defrosting the fridge or removing the light fittings or curtains that you may forget in a last minute rush to get everything done.
Declutter your life
Moving house is a good opportunity to declutter your life and get rid of all those things that you have been planning to sell or give away but have never quite got around to it. Have a garage sale to get rid of unwanted furniture, books and clothing or give it away to family friends or charity. You may have to hire a skip to take away your rubbish or check with your local council to see if they have a service where they remove rubbish.
Hire a mover
Ask friends or family if they can refer a removalist who is reliable and will give your possession the ‘white gloves’ treatment but also affordable. Other options may be to hire a truck and do the packing yourself with the help of family or friends. Make sure whatever option you choose includes insurance to protect your family heirlooms, treasured photo albums and worldly goods.
Utility check
Disconnect your phone and inform your internet service provider, gas, electricity or water company in a timely manner that you are moving and make sure utilities are connected in your new home. The last thing you want to happen is to have no water after a long day of packing to have a hot shower or even a cup of tea.
Check your rental agreement
If you are renting, make sure you give your landlord advanced notice that you are moving out. Check your individual rental agreement to see how many weeks’ notice you may need to give. You also need to allocate time to clean the apartment, arrange for an inspection and give the keys back to the real estate agent.
Redirect your mail
Contact your local post office and ask them to redirect all your mail to your new address. You will also contact your insurance company, bank and superannuation company, heathcare providers and other relevant organisations to let them know you have changed your address. Your address on your driver’s licence also needs to be changed and notify your newsagency that you are moving if you have a newspaper subscription.
Packing wisely
Make sure you label all boxes so you know where to find all your items. Pack essential items that you will require for your first night in the house such as cutlery, plates, cookware, towels, toilet paper and other essential items in a separate box. You should also pack away important documents and papers and take both boxes with you in case there is some kind of unforseen delay or accident with the removalist van.
Advance planning
With a floorplan and a little pre-planning, you can decide exactly where you want your larger furniture items to go such as lounges, wall units and cupboards. This will save you time and energy later moving large furniture around the house and up stairs.
Let everyone know you’re moving
Advise family and friends that you are moving via group emails or social networks such as Facebook to let them know your new address and telephone details.
Pick up the new set of keys
Arrange a time with your real estate agent to pick the keys to your new home and make a spare set of keys. The last thing you want is to be locked out of your new home with an expensive removalist in tow.
Moving can be a very stressing process but with a little bit of pre-planning and organisation and following a checklist; the whole day can go exactly to plan.