Start With a Clear Timeline
The biggest mistake people make when moving is not starting early enough. Even a local move involves more tasks than most people anticipate. A clear timeline, broken down week by week, keeps the process manageable and prevents the frantic last minute scramble that makes moving day exhausting.
Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the ideal opportunity to reduce clutter. Every item you don't take is one fewer thing to pack, move and unpack. Go through each room honestly and sort items into keep, donate and dispose of. Charities such as the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul offer free collection services for furniture and household goods in good condition.
Create a Room-By-Room Packing Plan
Work through your home systematically rather than packing randomly across rooms. Complete one room before moving to the next. Label every box with the room name and a brief description of the contents. Add a priority indicator so you know which boxes to unpack first at the new place.
Use the Right Packing Materials
Strong moving boxes in various sizes, heavy duty tape and dispensers, bubble wrap or cushioning, butcher's paper rather than newspaper since ink transfers, mattress and furniture covers and plastic tubs for fragile or valuable items. Using quality materials makes a genuine difference to the condition of your belongings on arrival.
Protect Fragile and High Value Items
Give fragile items the time and materials they deserve. Wrap each piece individually, use double walled boxes for extra protection and fill any empty space to prevent movement in transit. Label fragile boxes on multiple sides and make sure your removalist is aware of any particularly delicate or valuable items before the day.
Prepare Large Appliances and Furniture
Fridges need to be emptied, defrosted and dried at least 24 hours before the move. Washing machines need the drum secured. Furniture that can be disassembled should be, with hardware stored in labelled bags taped to the piece they belong to.
Plan for Moving Day Logistics
Confirm truck access and parking at both addresses. Let neighbours know if it's likely to cause any inconvenience. Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed. Keep important documents, medications and valuables with you rather than in the truck.
Update Personal and Home Details
Redirect mail through Australia Post before your move date. Update your address with Medicare, the ATO, your bank, insurance providers, electoral roll and any subscriptions. It's easy to forget these and they can cause significant inconvenience later.
Pack a First Night Essentials Box
Pack a separate box or bag with everything you'll need for the first night in your new home: toiletries, fresh clothes, phone chargers, important documents, basic cleaning supplies, snacks, bedding and towels. This box goes last onto the truck so it comes off first.
Easy Choice Removals and General Freight. AFRA accredited, free quotes. Call (02) 6583 1595.