It’s important to start with a plan
Begin by making yourself a list of everything you need to do. Checkout handy guides and checklists online which detail every little detail you may or may not have thought of when it comes to relocating your whole life from one building to another.
In a nutshell, you want to start as soon as possible to give yourself the most time to get prepared for your move. It is almost always going to take you 10 times longer than you thought, and you’ll find all sorts of things you need to declutter.
Declutter and sell off unwanted and unnecessary items first. This is a great way to thin out and reduce the work you’ll need to do when it comes to moving day. Being with rooms and areas that are easy to pack first and those that are not essential to daily life. For example, start packing up the bookcase, then wrapping your artwork and photos on the walls. Sort through the laundry and bathroom cupboard, and pack up the guest room. Pack non essential items in the kitchen like your fine china or wine glasses. Hot tip: leave one wine glass out because you will need it throughout this process.
The right tools are essential
The right tools are essential. A professional removalist will carry about $10,000 worth of equipment on hand to help get your treasures from Point A to Point B, so if you’re doing it yourself you’re going to either have to make a few purchases or go hunting in some Op shops.
You will need:
- Boxes: boxes are best when you can source them all the same size and quality. It’s easy to go to skip bin at the supermarket and get 100 different sized boxes but it will do your head in when it comes time to pack it into a truck or trailer. Different size boxes will be a nightmare to “tetris” into your pack, and will almost definitely result in multiple trips if you have a decent amount of stuff. Multiple trips are not so bad if you’re moving in the same street but if its intrastate or interstate, efficiency at the start of the job will pay dividends at the end.
- Used blankets and plenty of them: Source as many used and cheap blankets as you can for wrapping your furniture. Secure blankets around your furniture with packing tape to ensure your furniture stays protected during lifting and transit. Just as important, wrapping furniture will ensure the walls in your house and door jambs do not get scuffed or scratched when moving furniture throughout the house.
- Packing tape: this is cheap as chips at Bunnings so don’t skimp on it. You’ll need it for securing everything from blankets to furniture, sealing boxes, wrapping artwork and taping your mouth shut when you start swearing.
- Rubbish bags: Great for packing pillows, linen and towels etc. Make sure you keep these to the side as you are packing your rental truck or moving trailer. Soft bags like this are great for padding out space in your truck to stop items moving around and provide extra protection when up against fragile items.
- Old newspapers or magazines: Bubble wrap is best, but it is expensive when used extensively. Use newspapers or magazines to pad delicate items like glassware, mugs and trinkets. Scrunch extra newspaper into each box to make sure nothing can move around.
- Lifting Aids and Straps: a decent trolley and dolly will save your back but not your wallet. Truck rental companies like Hertz will have high quality trolleys and dolly’s which you will definitely need for your heavier items like whitegoods. Ensure you have a plenty of ratchet straps or tie downs handy to tie heavy loads to the dolly or trolley – this will make it so much easier to control. For example, putting a washing machine or freezer onto a trolley and then strapping it into the trolley so that it cannot move makes it so much easier to handle.
You don’t have to do it all yourself
If you’re moving house, your friends and family will want to help you in any way they can. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—in fact, it’s quite the opposite! It means you know what’s best for yourself and your home. Everyone can empathise with how difficult a task moving house is.
Even if you do opt for professional packing services, there are still plenty of ways to get valuable assistance from others in your circle: Ask friends with big trucks or trucks big enough to fit all of your stuff into one load; ask family members who own trailers; ask friends who own vans.
It will be easier if you get the right help
Don’t try and do everything yourself if you don’t know what to do. It’s a process, and it’s going to take time. You’re going to want your things out of the house and later get them organized in your new home, but don’t sacrifice quality by trying to cut corners or rushing through any part of the process. The last thing you want is to arrive in a new house with damaged furniture and holes in the walls.
Hire professionals if you can afford it! There are many types of professionals that can help with moving day: movers (for heavy lifting), packers (to pack up all those things you’ve been putting off), cleaners (to clean up any damage left behind), and even interior designers to make your new home a beautiful place to be.
Enjoy the process
Moving is always a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. You just need to make sure you get the right help and have all the right supplies handy. Stay motivated and excited about the eventuality of your new home and if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to pack up your home and move into your new place without stress or hassle.