Moving Home Hacks – How To Be Prepared

Moving Home Hacks – How To Be Prepared

Start Decluttering Early

Start by decluttering your home early on. This will make packing and moving much easier and quicker. Get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. If it’s easier, separate items into ‘Keep’ ‘ Throw’ and ‘Maybe’ piles. Check back with the ‘Maybe’ piles after a week and make a final decision. 

This process is critical as it can make unpacking in your new home either much more difficult or easier. Consider if you’re moving into a smaller or larger space. 

“Where most people go wrong is keeping too much ‘clutter’ or unnecessary items which won’t have space in your new home”, admits Ingleburn Century 21 real estate agent. 

Labels

Take the time to label each box in detail. This will make it easier to unpack, and decide which boxes will need to be unpacked first and which can go into the garage.

Photo by cottonbro

Change your address in advance 

Post settlement date, when the property is officially yours it’s best to begin changing your address. Important companies to update your information with include your bank, insurance company and government websites (E.g Medicare). 

If you’re unable to change in time, head down to your local post office and set up a ‘Post Redirection form’. These can be set up for 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Ensure throughout this period you continue to update your postal address to not miss any mail once the redirection period is complete.

Get your bond back 

If renting, it’s essential that you get your bond or deposit back. Ensure you’re deep-cleaning the property throughout your packing process to discover any damages or hidden dirt. It’s better to start early so you’re not met with any surprises once all your furniture has been moved. 

Schedule your move one day before the keys need to be handed over to the agent so you’re also able to go back to the property after the removalists have emptied the house. Use this time to look over the property once more, vacuum and mop any dirty footprints left behind. 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Organise a removalist company one week before

Worst case scenario, you’re one day before your scheduled move date with no one to assist in moving your heavy furniture. Ensure you check for hidden costs when hiring a moving company, such as fuel surcharges or extra fees for stairs.

“We have a strict timeline during the property settlement process. We have set dates that families need to be in and out of properties. It’s best to prepare in advance so that you’re not extremely stressed or behind time”, says experienced real estate agent Nathan Hunt Real Estate. 

Turn off your utilities

“Most confusion and missing bills occur when utilities are transferred (or not transferred). New tenants end up charging the old tenants account. It can be a mess” explains an electrical contractor from TPE Services.

Pack a survival kit 

Ensure you have a survival kit packed with essential items like medications, phone charger, toiletries, and easy-reach food. You may feel all over the place during your first night so it’s necessary you have your personal items on hand. 

Enjoy your new home

Unpacking is a step-by-step process.

Move all boxes into one room and take boxes out when you can. It’s essential you keep your main living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms clear from boxes so you don’t constantly feel pressured to unbox and work. 

It’s Ok to take a break. 

Featured Photo by Max Vakhtbovych