10 steps to A STRESS-FREE MOVE
We asked the experts how to pack – without cracking it!
When it comes to life stressors, moving house sits near the top of the list. Yes, it can be a daunting process, but with a bit of preparation and the right approach, it doesn’t need to drive you to despair. We asked some relocation experts to share their top 10 tips for easing the pain of moving so you can power through – and start looking forward to your next chapter.
1 START EARLY
“After you’ve made the decision to move, give yourself four to six weeks to get organised,” says Sue Carter, managing director of Relocation Services Australia. “Start by booking your removal company and arranging an early delivery of boxes and packing materials.”
It’s also a good idea to book a skip if you think you’ll need to get rid of a lot.
“Two weeks out, start using up food in the freezer and pantry. Arrange time off work and plan for how to care for any children and pets on moving day,” adds Sue.
“A week before the move, book cleaners for after the last box has left. Prepare a ‘survival box’ with a kettle, tea, coffee, cutlery and paper plates, phone and laptop chargers, and tools.”
2 GET DOWN TO DECLUTTERING
“Don’t waste the opportunity to have a thorough clear-out,” says Amy Revell, professional organiser and decluttering coach at The Art of Decluttering. “Ask yourself: will this item add value to the next stage of my life? Go through room by room, including the garage. Put items into three categories: keep, store and bin.”
3 GET GOOD BOXES
“Moving boxes should always have a sturdy base, so nothing tears or falls out the bottom,” says renovation and design expert Naomi Findlay, who has moved house nine times.
Psychologist and chief organiser at professional organising firm Dotorg, Etty Matalon, recommends ordering about 150 boxes in two sizes for a four-bedroom home with two to three children.
“Boxes can be included in your removalist fee, but if they’re not it’s easy to hire them separately,” says Sue.
4 PACK BY WEIGHT
“Pack light items such as clothes, linen and toys in the largest boxes, and heavy items like dinnerware and books in smaller boxes, with the heaviest items at the bottom,” says Amy. Mark fragile items clearly. “Label boxes by room and category,” says Naomi. “This makes unpacking at the other end easier. Tape everything up with a roller gun – it’s much quicker than using scissors.”
5 OUTSOURCE YOUR PACKING
If you’re pushed for time and have the budget, consider calling in professional packers. “They are trained, and can ensure that items are secure for transport,” says Ryan Cameron, group relationship manager at Conroy Removals.
Prices vary, he says, but professionals can generally pack up a three-bedroom house in a day. They’ll also provide all the packing gear.
6 KEEP MUSTHAVES CLOSE
“Pack an essentials bag or box for each family member to get you through the first couple of nights in your new home before you’re fully unpacked,” says Naomi.
7 SPEED UP THE PROCESS
There are several things you can do to streamline the moving process and reduce the number of hours you’ll be charged for by your removalist.
First, arrange an inspection of your new home ahead of time (it’s generally free), so the removalists can see whether additional labour is needed or if they need to accommodate difficult access. Consider, too, what you’re prepared to transport yourself.
“Before the movers arrive, reserve a suitable parking spot near your front door,” adds Ryan.
8 STICK TO SIMPLE MEALS
Stick to the basics for dinner in the week before and during the move. “Cheese on toast, sushi,
microwave meals, a barbecued chicken. Anything to keep washing up to a minimum,” says Etty.
9 UNPACK STRAIGHT AWAY
“Unpacking is best approached like a military operation, so enlist several pairs of hands, if you can,” says Etty. “Three people unpacking and putting away is ideal. Flatten boxes as you empty them and allocate a spot to store them.”
10 FRIENDLY WELCOME
“Leaving a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine and a letter with information about the house for the new owners is a nice gesture,” says Amy.
Leave any manuals and warranties for fixtures such as the dishwasher and oven.