Preparing to Move House

So you’ve just purchased your dream home, and it’s now time to turn your focus to moving day. While you’re probably eager to get settled, there’s plenty of groundwork you need to sort before moving day.

Being organised is the key to minimise stress and any surprises along the way. After all, you want your move to be as dreamy as your new abode. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth transition to life in your new Mirvac home. 

Make a Plan 
Write a checklist and map out your tasks in chronological order between now and moving day. This way you can see an agenda every week leading up to the move and ensure you never miss a deadline.  
 
De-clutter 
You should plan to sell, donate or arrange council pickup of items that won’t be coming with you. Moving home is a great excuse to downsize or declutter, and to clear out no longer used items of furniture. Clear your kitchen of food that is out of date, and dispose or recycle any rubbish that’s been tucked away.  
 
Connect and Disconnect Essential Services 
Plan to connect essential services well before the day you move. Make a point to understand how your gas, water, electricity, internet and home phone will be transferred and activated at your new address well in advance.  

Change Your Address 
On top of your bills, make sure you update your address on all mail, subscriptions, your driver’s licence and the electoral roll. Paying for a mail forwarding system is a great temporary solution for any senders you may have missed, and gives you time to catch up without losing important mail.  
 
Create an ‘Essentials’ Kit 
Keep aside important items you’ll need on moving day. This may include drinking glasses, toilet paper, food, a change of clothes, kettle, tea or coffee, garbage bags, soap, towels, cleaning products and cleaning supplies. These items should stay with you, but ensure items such as toilet paper are left at both locations. 

Keep it Green 
Moving house can create significant waste. To combat this, opt for environmentally friendly packing options where available, purchase used boxes, and use storage items such as luggage and drawers as a moving container where possible.  
 
Take Inventory 
Every item that is being moved should be recorded in an inventory. Number your boxes and items once packed, ensuring each item has been clearly labelled with its contents. This method helps you keep track of how many items you need to move, and ensures that items do not become lost. 

Prepare for Removalists 
No matter whether you hire professional removalists or enlist the help of family or friends, you’ll need to make a plan for your moving day. If you are doing a DIY move, have all required items wrapped, boxes packed, furniture dismantled and your refrigerator emptied and de-frosted before the day so they’re ready to be loaded. 

Alternatively, if you’re using a professional moving service, they can do all of this for you. You should also notify your removalist company where they can park the truck, and be considerate of your neighbours and let them know when you’re moving.  
 
Hiring a professional removalist will streamline the process, take a load off the heavy lifting and transport all your goods so you can enjoy your new home sooner. John Ryan Removals is a leading Melbourne’s removalist company with over 40 years’ experience, and can help you with your local, interstate and international moving needs. For more information, visit the John Ryan website.