Relocating to a new home

Relocating to a new home
Moving home can be a very stressful and emotional time in your life. Moving downtown, across town, interstate, overseas, downsizing or upsizing it’s a big job that requires a lot of thought and planning. Being organized and well prepared will make the whole process much easier.

Here are some tips to help you plan the move:

- The first thing to do is declutter. Throw away, give away, sell or donate any unwanted items such as clothing, toys, linen, books, bric-a-brac and no longer used kitchen equipment. Start to clear out the fridge, freezer and pantry of food past it’s use by date.

- Don’t forget to include the garage, attic, home office, garden shed and sporting equipment in your decluttering.

- Once you have decluttered you will have a much better idea of how much you actually have to move. Get some quotes for removalist costs and decide from there whether you will pack yourself or have the Removalist do all or some of it for you.

- Don’t forget to include insurance in your move.

- If you are going to do any packing yourself you will need to get large boxes or cartons, tissue paper, bubble wrap, butchers paper and newspaper. Also packing tape to seal the boxes and labels for identification.

- If possible dedicate one area where all packed boxes can be stored ready for removal.

- Before you start make sure each box or carton is taped very well on the bottom side. If it is for breakable items layer some newspaper in the bottom before you start to pack it.

- Start packing the least used items first. For example if its winter at the time you are moving, pack your summer clothes first. Pack your fine china, glasses and ornaments first. If you are soon to move you won’t be entertaining.

- Make sure each box is not too heavy. Scrunched up newspaper tucked around breakable items will help to stop movement and cushion items while not adding too much weight to the boxes.

- When the carton is about two thirds full try lifting it to make sure that it’s not going to be too heavy when full. Cardboard cartons can be cut and adjusted to size or you could perhaps finish it with packing paper or a towel to protect the items.

- Remember to label each box as soon as you finish and seal it. You may need more detail on some boxes than others for more specific items. For example kitchen or bathroom boxes may need a more itemized list on the outside. Each label should also have which room or person it belongs to.

- Have tools such as allen keys, a spanner or a drill handy to dismantle furniture and be sure to keep all screws and bolts together & labelled for the appropriate piece of furniture they belong to.

- Keep the kettle, some tea or coffee, a couple of mugs, some snacks, bottles of water and soap & towel for hand washing on hand right to the end. These can then be thrown into the car at the last minute with the family pets. No doubt family and friends will offer their support and help with your move so let them assist with the decluttering, sorting, packing and unpacking of boxes.

There are companies that will pack, move and unpack for you which is a fantastic idea to help alleviate much of the stress.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far at least hire a Professional Removalist to do the really heavy lifting,as well as the loading and unloading of the truck. Big items such as the piano or billiard table will definitely require a removalist who specializes in moving these items. They will have heavy duty equipment and the know how to do the job properly.

Moving is stressful for your pets as well. If you are moving a long distance you may need to look at pet transportation. There are lots of companies that specialize in a stress free safe relocation for your much loved animals.

Lastly we recommend you do a final check of all rooms as well as built in wardrobes and cupboards. Be considerate and leave the home clean and clear of all your possessions. A final inspection will be conducted by the real estate agent whether you were an owner or renter so you want to make sure the settlement goes through without a hitch or you get your bond back.

A mail relocation notice with your local post office is a good way to ensure you don’t miss anything important. You could leave a forwarding address with the new occupants but they will soon get tired of readdressing your mail.

To find a removalist who can help you, search the HomeImprovement2day directory.