8 Things You Should Always Do Before Moving Houses

Moving houses is one of life’s most stressful events, and it is something Australians do on average 13 times in their life. So, whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating or moving into a love nest, the task can get overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead and stay organised.

However, between packing boxes, redirecting mail and finding a mover, there is so much to do that you could be forgiven for not knowing where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are eight things you should always do before moving home.

1. Clear Out the Junk First

Many people jump straight into packing, oblivious to the fact that a lot of the stuff in their current property will not be taken to their next residence. Therefore, before you break out the boxes and scotch tape, it is a good idea to take a good look around your home and get rid of anything that is superfluous to requirements.

Most of us have been guilty of hanging on to broken gadgets, old furniture and clothes that stopped fitting us a few years ago. So, moving home is the perfect excuse to clear the clutter. Ideally, this process should start a good couple of months before you vacate the property, and it is best done on a room-by-room basis. That way, you can be more strategic and clearer about what will stay and what will go.

You can sell or donate to charity what’s still usable. But for everything else, dump it in one spot and book a reliable rubbish removal service like 1300 RUBBISH to get rid of it for you. Doing this will save you a notable amount of time, space, and money on moving day.

2. Create a Moving Checklist

Once you have done a thorough declutter, the next thing you should do is create a moving checklist that outlines everything you need to do. With so much to think about, a checklist can be invaluable as it will prevent your brain from going into meltdown when it has a hundred tabs open!

The list doesn’t have to be created in one sitting, as there would be a lot to remember. For this reason, keep it somewhere that can easily be accessed whenever you think of something to add to it. To help you create the list, you should easily be able to grab a template online.

3. Book a Reliable Mover or Van Early

One of the first things that should be on your list is to book a reliable mover or van as early as you can. You shouldn’t leave this until the last minute, particularly if you are moving in peak season or around school holidays, because good removal companies tend to get hired quickly.

When trying to find a suitable service, it is always a good idea to get quotes from at least three companies and check Google reviews of them written by other customers. It is also worth asking them about insurance and packing services, as both can be useful.

4. Notify All the Right People of Your Address Change

As you will be moving home, it is important to tell all the right people and authorities that you will be doing so. Your local postal provider is a good starting point as they can redirect your mail to your new address. However, you’ll also need to update your address details with banks, insurance companies, Medicare, your employer, schools, and any subscriptions you may have.

5. Pack Smart and Label Everything

When it comes to packing, a good strategy to adopt is to do so on a room-by-room basis and box up all the non-essential items first. It is also worth investing in quality packing supplies like sturdy boxes, tape, and bubble wrap that will protect your most precious belongings. The last thing you’ll want is your wine glasses to arrive in shards or your favorite figurine to lose a body part.

When you do start packing, be sure to label each box with what’s inside and where it’s going, for instance, “Kitchen – pots, pans and crockery”. This will make it easier to keep track of what you have packed and where it needs to go in your new home.

6. Set Up Utilities at the New Place

No one wants to arrive at their new place only to find the lights don’t work. So, make sure that your electricity, gas, internet, and water are all sorted before you move in. Many providers will allow you to easily transfer services to a new property. However, it might be a good opportunity to see if you can find a better deal with someone else.

Make a point of checking connection timeframes, while you are at it, because an internet modem, for instance, can take several days to get to you in your neighbourhood.

7. Arrange Storage If You Need It

Depending on whether you have somewhere to move into immediately or if you have a lot of furniture and possessions that you are not quite sure where they will go, you might need to organise storage.

In most suburbs, there will be a secure storage unit close by where you can keep your stuff until such time as you need it. Just make sure the one you pick is clean, dry, and easy to access, and that the company is reputable.

8. Give Your Current Place a Proper Clean

If you are leaving a rental property, you will need to give it a thorough clean if you want to get your bond back. This includes everything from the skirting boards and oven to the light switches and behind the fridge. If you are pressed for time, then you might want to enlist the services of a bond cleaner.

Even if you’re selling, it is good karma to leave your place spotless. After all, you probably wouldn’t want to move in somewhere that is dusty and dirty. So, you can’t expect anyone else to be happy to do the same.