Moving homes is never an easy task, despite the excitement that surrounds it. Packing is perhaps one of the most daunting tasks to undertake, because of the inconceivable amount of clutter we have unwittingly managed to collect over the years. Apart from packing, we need to focus on a few more factors to ensure a seamless move.
Create A Moving List
Organisation is the key to moving. Start preparing a checklist of everything, absolutely everything that’s involved in the moving process – whether it is contacting the removalist, getting in touch with your utility company, getting rid of certain items or packing boxes. Start by listing down each task and setting a date for completion. It’s important to update the list regularly because new priorities will crop up as you move along.
Inform Utility Services
Before you move homes, make sure your utilities know about your house transfer. The more advance notice you give them, the easier it will be for you – since most utility companies may not be able to come out on short notice to make the switch. Get in touch with utility companies to transfer or disconnect your services and make sure you have the new one set up before you move into your new home. You won’t have a pleasant move if your new home is lacking in gas, electricity and water when you move in.
Change Your Address
You will need to file a change of address form, as early as you possibly can. It may sound like a trivial matter, but you’ll be surprised at the number of people that need your new address – insurance companies, banks, utilities, doctors, schools – it’s an endless list. Send your new address to all the important people first. Consider a mail redirecting service through Australia Post to redirect the mail from the old address to your new home.
Smart Packaging
Moving homes is the best time to unclutter your home to get rid of the old junk and unused items that you haven’t come across in years. Take only the items that are essential to your new home. Make sure you label each box, based on the room they belong in. This way the removalist knows where to place the boxes in the new home – otherwise you’ll be stuck with the tedious task of lugging around heavy boxes on your own. This also makes the unpacking process easier. If you want to organise better, make a list of everything that’s placed in each box – so you start unpacking items that are most important first and then move on to the less important boxes.
Insure Your Inventory
If you’re moving around expensive items, you may want to get insurance to cover them while they are in transit. Most often, fragile items get damaged when they are moved callously from one place to another. Even experienced movers sometimes can cause damage to your inventory. It’s always good to check with your removalist company about their insurance policies. If it doesn’t cover every item you have, make sure you take out insurance to cover them. A few extra insurance dollars is far better than paying thousands of dollars to repair damaged goods.
Moving homes is simpler than you think if you follow these simple tips and prepare well.