Moving interstate needs a lot of preparation and planning. You don’t just have your belongings to shift in an interstate move. Sometimes your items take more than a week that costs you hundreds and on top of it, you have to manage your kids and change your address at the relevant places. But you might have heard of a successful move? Do you know what is common in these moves? Yes, correct planning and preparation. Initially, it may seem overwhelming but with the right guide can help you stay organized for a seamless move. However, people are busy and it becomes difficult for them to take out weeks to jot down a path to keep their moving process on track. Hence we created this simple and comprehensive moving guide to help you know how to move interstate in Australia.
So, let’s get moving:
Let’s start with some basic things that you need to keep into consideration when conducting an interstate move.
- Invest 30 minutes to pack your moving box. This will surprise you at how many boxes you have packed at the end of the day with great ease.
- Don’t skip to label your boxes to ease your unpacking process.
- Do declutter to reduce the volume of your belonging
- Begin your process with a room that you use the least
- Keep your everyday item for the last day pack
- Don’t stuff too many items in your box
- Buy sturdy packing material to ensure maximum safety of your items
- Booking a self-storage facility is helpful in an interstate move
- Compare moving home prices in advance to select the right and affordable one
Select the Right Removalist
We will dig deeper into this because with an interstate move, all you need is an affordable yet reliable removalist. Here’ s our step-by-step guide to select the right one, so you don’t make a mistake that you may regret later:
- Check-out reviews of the removalists before selecting a final one. Prepare a list of the best-reviewed companies and ask them for quotes. Choose the company that you find offers the services you need in your budget. Don’t hesitate to pay extra to a company that is known for high-quality services. This payment will be worth it as they will take extra care of your belongings.
- Don’t just rely on a vague quote, ask the Movers for a detailed quote. It should have all the services mentioned with the cost mentioned. Never agree on a verbal front on what they will charge. Ask the movers to put a signature on the quote and get everything in writing.
- After you are given a quote, read the rental agreement and contract. The next step is to confirm the dates and check for the hidden charges. Ask them about their agreement in lost or damaged items.
- Prepare an inventory of your items that needs to be moved alongside the value. Ask your movers to assess the items before transporting them. Take a copy of the inventory and see if the description of your items is accurate.
Start purchasing your packing supplies
Some moving providers give packing supplies. Check with your movers if they do so, otherwise head to a supply that offers it. If you don’t have time to pack in your busy interstate schedule you can hire professional packers who can help you with the packing and unpacking process. And for people who want to go packing themselves, below are a few rules that they should follow for effortless packing.
- First and foremost, begin early
- Items that you don’t use frequently should be packed first
- Pack your daily used items in the end
- Maintain a weight of the box by dispersing the items
- Use bed sheets, bags, and suitcases to use less packing materials
- Avoid using newspaper for breakable and small items
- Do label your items in details
- Start packing room by room
- Declutter and throw all the extras
- Use bubble wrap and old fabrics to prevent fragile items from breaking
- Don’t wrap the furniture in an old sheet as it may cause scratches
- Place heavier items at the end
- Don’t use old boxes as they can break easily
Moving with pets
People find moving with a pet to be a stressful thing. Following these tips can help you and your furry animal go through the process with ease:
- Ask your family or friend to watch your pet for those days
- Don’t pack everything that they are familiar with or their favorite toys
- Try to keep them with you in the car so they can feel comfortable
- Stop at regular interval if you think your pet needs a walk or break
- Make a plan for how you will make your pet familiar with the new surroundings
- Create a similar routine for your pet so they can adjust to the new setting
Keep a check on the packing and unpacking process
- We recommend you to keep a check on the process of loading and unloading your items. This way you can tell the movers about the delicate items and also see if you are getting all the service you agreed upon.
- Inform the movers in advance about the day when you will be available at the new home to check if they have delivered your items correctly.
- While the unpacking process takes place, inform the removalist where you want your items to be in the new place. Usually, interstate moving companies are happy to be informed about the place they need to keep the belonging rather than they guessed it.
Cross-check your Inventory on Arrival
After all your items have been assembled, check the inventory to make it a reference point to see if the items have been delivered in the original condition. Your removalist will ask you to sign a document saying you have received the belonging in a safe condition. Do cross-check your items before signing it otherwise you can raise a complaint.
Pay at the time of Delivery
Only pay the moving company when you have received and checked everything. After signing the document, ask for a receipt of payment.
Finally, Don’t forget to inform at these places
- School: get in touch with your kid’s present school to get a transfer certificate
- Mail: redirect all your mail to not miss on anything crucial
- Electoral Roll: Do pay a visit to the electoral commission and update your information
- Pets: request the current vet to give the medical history and a vaccination certificate of your pet. If you have microchipped your pet then feed the new address.
- Utility Providers: Call your utility providers and discuss the transferring or terminating of your services wherever applicable.
- Insurance and Medicare: change the address details and confirm the fluctuation on your insurance rates based on your new place.
- Car Registration: Do make an appointment with an agency for inspection before three months of your address change.
- Take readings of your meters before leaving: Do check the last reading of your meters to avoid paying extra for the charges that you haven’t taken.
Handy tips to move within a budget
Inevitably, interstate moves are expensive, here are a few tips to cut down on the costs:
- Conduct a garage sale or see your items on Facebook and Gumtree
- Hire a trustworthy moving company with a proven record and get everything in writing
- Don’t move during peak season as it may cost you extra
- Get your new house ready so you can avoid the storage costs
Staying on top of the move is easier by following the tips discussed here. Next time whether you are moving from Sydney to Brisbane or any other place, keep these tips into consideration. Also, don’t forget to hire a reputed and reliable interstate moving service for an easy and stress-free move.