Fridges that don’t fit through doorways, precariously narrow hallways and third floor apartments are just some of the things that can make moving house a nightmare.
Congratulations! You’ve just secured your dream home. Now the fun begins – moving time!
Here are our top five tips to guarantee less mess, less stress, and ultimately, more moving success.
Make a moving list/ budget
A moving budget doesn’t just help manage the cost of moving, it can also act as a checklist to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything.
Besides the obvious expenses like removalist fees and utility connection costs, it can also help you remember things like redirecting your mail. Here’s a good rundown from ASIC’s MoneySmart website on some costs to expect.
It’s time to cull
Moving is the perfect time to get rid of any stuff you no longer want or use.
Go from room to room and work out what items you can offload on gumtree for some extra cash. Not only will it help you to save on removal fees, but the extra cash can go towards shouting dinner for all your friends who help out on moving day.
Hiring a removalist
Sure, offering friends pizza and beer to help you move is one way to do it, but you might still need an expert hand. Ring several different removalists to compare both quotes and insurance coverage.
Also check whether there are any additional fees – for example, if the move takes longer than expected.
Another thing to ask is whether moving supplies are included as well – boxes as part of the deal as this can help you save money on boxes and tape.
Ask for leave
Moving house isn’t always something you can always squeeze into a weekend.
Think about taking an extra day or two off to move, or having someone look after the kids to make it a bit less stressful.
And finally, pack smart
Packing smartly can help to save time and stress when it comes time to unpack all your belongings. Some things to consider:
- Pack boxes with heavier items on the bottom and don’t overfill a box
- Newspaper makes great fill for packing boxes, as do tea towels and dishcloths
- Label boxes as you pack them, to avoid ending up with boxes of garden tools in the kitchen
- Consider packing a few boxes of essential items you’ll need for the first week in your new house. That way, if you don’t have the energy to unpack all the boxes right away, you’ll still have a mug for your coffee in the morning.
