Moving from one house to another can get overwhelming, especially since you have to handle multiple tasks while meeting tight deadlines. 

Almost everyone experiences relocating their accommodation at least once in their lifetime. According to Budget Direct, renters are twice as likely to move homes, with 13% of South Australians moving within 12 months last year. Covid-19 triggered 36% of such moves in 2021. However, compared to the last five years, relocations have increased from 15% to 20%.

You can make moving to a new home a simple process by following a few simple tips. Here’s what you need to know:

• Look for a moving and packing company in your neighborhood

Enlisting professional help is a good idea, especially if you are moving for the first time. Professional movers can help you plan your move and execute it with little to no trouble. Packing all your stuff by yourself can take weeks. Whereas getting assistance from a moving and packing company will simplify the process. A full-service moving company will also provide storage facilities in case you are moving long distances, or the weather gets unpredictable.

A full-service company will help pack all your belongings securely using the appropriate material for each item. It will help load big and small things in the moving truck and unload everything at your new home. So be sure to evaluate your options when looking for professional movers in your neighborhood.

• Plan in advance

The far ahead you plan, your moving process will be more straightforward. You may need time to transfer ownership or wait until your current lease ends and the one on the new house begins. Alternatively, your new house may not be vacant or ready for you to move in immediately. You can use this time to: 

• Cancel various services
• Change your address everywhere
• Clear house debts, if any

It is better to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. For example, if you anticipate forgetting to pack frequently used items, arrange separate storage space for last-minute items. Having a checklist could help eliminate issues and help you stay organized. 

Think about how you will remove fixtures and fittings and what you can leave behind. Many movers suggest storing smaller items inside cabinets and drawers for safekeeping. Do not forget to add those items to your checklist. 

• Start packing off-season and less-used items

To make packing as easy as possible, start with off-season clothing first. If you plan to move in summer, pack quilts, blankets, and warm clothing, in boxes and keep them ready to go. That would put your mind at ease, knowing that part of the job is done. 

You can also use the packing process to declutter. Sort out things you want to keep, donate, or throw away. Use this approach to pack only the stuff you want to take to your new home. This will help you save time and money.

• Fulfill all the maintenance requirements of your new home

Before moving into your new home, you may need to make some repairs to make it liable as per your needs. If you move into a rental property, check with the owner about any necessary repairs. Ideally, the property owner should do them before you move in. 

Alternatively, if you bought the property, deep cleaning and getting new pipes could ensure its longevity and value. Make all the required repairs before moving in. Fresh paint, new sanitary fittings, and fixing the floorboards can go a long way. 

You can also consult an interior decorator to help you spruce up the place. For example, replacing the lightbulbs and fixing the front and back yard.

• Book services for your new home

Contact utility providers to schedule electricity, gas, and water supply installation, especially if your new home was empty for some time and all utilities were off. Get Wi-Fi, TV cable service, or any other regular services you had in your previous home. You can change your address to reroute services to your new home. Phone companies typically help you shift your phone, TV, and Wi-Fi within the same package as your previous home. Although, you may need to pay for a new connection. Be sure to take advantage of that. 

Conclusion

Moving houses anywhere in Australia does not have to be as hectic as it sounds. Hire a 360-degree moving and packing company that can handle most of the grunt work for you while you coordinate with utility providers and repair contractors. Be sure to eliminate all unimportant stuff by donating or decluttering. Pack less useful and less frequently used items first to make packing easier. Start planning to avoid mishaps and have a backup plan if something goes wrong on moving day. Have a checklist of all items. Following the tips mentioned in the article will ensure a smooth move into your new humble abode!