Moving into a new home is a major life change. While it's an exciting time, it's also bound to be stressful. The more organised and prepared you are, the more relaxed and in control you will feel.
Ensure a smooth and safe move with these 4 tips:
Get organised early
The more organised and prepared you are the better. Avoid leaving everything to the last minute and try to begin preparations as early as you can.
Start by making a list of everything you need to organise – what needs to be packed, cleaned or thrown out? Break these tasks down into small jobs and map them out on a calendar – this will give you a manageable schedule to work to, no one wants to be packing boxes at 2 am!
De-clutter before you pack
Relocating is a great opportunity to organise your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use- this is your chance to throw away or donate items you don’t need to bring with you to your new home.
A great rule of thumb is if you haven’t used something in two years, you no longer need it. Consider holding a garage sale, donating to charity, selling online or recycling. Decluttering will give you less to pack, save you money on moving costs and make you happier.
Pack smarter
Packing an entire house can seem overwhelming but knowing how to pack properly will ease your stress.
Pack each room systematically with the least-used items first and make sure to clearly label your boxes or containers.
Another great tip is using other items to pack your belongings. For example, use blankets and clothing to wrap fragile pieces or use suitcases instead of boxes.
- Choose the right boxes
Invest in heavy-duty boxes for items that will be stacked, shuffled or stored away. For those heavy items, use small boxes as some removalists will refuse to move large, overly-heavy boxes for OH&S reasons.
- Secure your belongings
Whether you’re moving close by or further away, make sure to secure your items to avoid unwanted damage. Use newspaper or bubble wrap for those delicate items and place them between pillows or linen. Make sure to label the box to remind you and removalists to be gentle when unpacking.
- Prepare your whitegoods​
Most people forget to prepare whitegoods in advance before relocating. Make sure all your whitegoods (fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer) have been turned off, wiped out and air-dried with the doors open for at least 24 hours. This ensures no mould grows during storage.
- Pack an overnight bag
Although all your possessions are travelling with you to your new place, pack an overnight bag with all your essentials. This will allow you to easily locate things you will need on your first day without having to unpack every box. Ensure to pack all your important moving documents, electronics (phone, laptop, chargers), toiletries including medication, two days’ worth of clean clothes and towels for each person.
Clean as you go
To avoid a top to bottom cleaning overhaul on moving day, spread the cleaning out. When you pack your books, give the bookshelf a thorough clean and vacuum each room as you empty it.
You can also do this with your pantry, cupboards and workspace. This will allow you to concentrate on cleaning the bathroom and kitchen on your last day, these are rooms that tend to take up the most time.
With these practical tips, you can prepare yourself for the new chapter ahead. It’s important to be organised and prepared, but most of all it’s important to enjoy the exciting experience of moving into a new home.
