Moving interstate can be an exciting yet also a stressful time. One that presents a number of unique challenges you don’t often see with local moves.
From making sure your personal goods are safe and secure during the long trip, through to relocating your children’s schooling, starting a new job, and getting accustomed to a new social circle.
By following these simple tips, you can easily take the stress out of interstate moving, and focus all your energy on making sure the next chapter in your life is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Tip #1 – De-clutter
Planning on hiring a removalist company to pack and transport your personal goods to the new address? If so, it’s worth putting in the time and effort to make the job as easy as possible for the movers.
Sort through your current belongings. This includes your clothes, kitchenware, equipment, computer accessories, and other possessions. Take anything you don’t wish to keep, and either: dispose of them, or donate to your local charity or Op Shop.
If you have items of particular value, sell them on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to earn some extra cash on the side.
By having less belongings to take with you, it’ll be cheaper and faster to transport them to your new address. Plus, you’ll be able to make a fresh start from the moment you arrive at your new home.
Tip #2 – Prepare items for transportation
Aside from getting rid of unnecessary goods, make sure the items you do plan to transport are ready to go.
The less time the movers spend on cleaning and dismantling goods, the more time they can spend on packing and loading it all onto the truck.
Here are a few ways to prepare your goods for the movers:
- Empty the fridge and freezer a few hours before the movers show up
- Defrost your freezer a few days before the moving day
- If you have the right tools, dismantle large and/or heavy duty items like bed frames, tables, couches, and anything else that may slow the movers down.
- Empty your external cupboards, drawers, beside tables, and any other containers that are holding your personal belongings.
- Water your plants in advance, as they may be without water and sunlight for a few days to potentially a week or more.
- Properly package your TVs and monitors, by either storing them in the original box they came in, or ask the removalist to provide you with a special plasma carton, which will ensure your valuable electronics are safe and secure during transit.
Tip #3 – Try to move during an off-peak season
Understandably, most families only have the capacity to move when they get time off work, usually during school holidays, public holidays, and around Christmas time.
This can be a problem, as you end up having to pay more for a removalist company than if you booked during an off-peak season.
Where possible, try to schedule time off work several months in advance. This way, you have the opportunity to move at a time where it’s cheaper and less stressful than a seasonal period.
Tip #4 – Consider moving insurance
Although removalists are highly skilled at packing and transporting material goods of all shapes and sizes with utmost care – it’s good to have peace of mind knowing you’re covered no matter what happens.
According to Joe Lopino, executive director of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), he says that while AFRA removalists always take utmost care:
accidents happen.[1]
“That’s why moving insurance is always worth looking at,” Joe Says.
The purpose of moving insurance is to ensure you’re fully reimbursed in the unlikely event of damage or loss. This level of cover applies to all stages of moving, from packing and transit through to storage and the final delivery.
How much you can expect to pay for moving insurance will depend on the value of the contents you wish to be insured for.
Any reputable moving company will be happy to give you an honest quote before you sign up for their services. They’ll also let you know exactly what the policy does and does not cover – so that you know exactly what to expect.
Tip #5 – Let the experts transport your vehicles and pets
Your vehicles and pets are two of the most valuable possessions in your family. To ensure they both arrive at your new location safely and securely – without the need to go on a week-long road trip – let a removalist company transport them for you.
To relocate your vehicle, the removalist will take into account the type and size of your vehicle. They will use this information to safely package your vehicle – be it a car, motorbike, 4WD, van, or anything else – and ensure the vehicle is delivered on time, in perfect condition.
To relocate your pets, the removalist will assess your pets’ individual needs. They’ll then arrange the transport and take care of the paperwork for you. Along the way, every effort is made to ensure the needs of your pet are met, while making sure the journey is stress-free and safe.