Your Essential Moving Checklist For A Stress-free Move
Dec 13, 2023
Nothing is more nerve-racking than preparing for a house move. It is one of the most disruptive processes that can affect you physically, mentally and financially.
Juggling between tasks during the packing and moving can elevate your stress and affect your
mental health. What’s worse? A higher level of anxiety can lead to logistic errors, which can leave your possessions at risk while in transit.
Therefore, it is imperative to plan your relocation a few weeks ahead of the final moving day.
Whether relocating within the Gold Coast or across Queensland, consider this guide and create an essential moving checklist for your peace of mind.
A well-drafted checklist will help you set a timeline, eliminate potential blunders and keep you relaxed throughout the journey.
Let’s Get Started!
Two-Months Before Your Move
Below are some of the important tasks that can determine the success of your relocation. It is good to start at least 8 weeks or 2 months before your moving day.
Create a Moving Timeline
Start the process by creating a customised timeline to streamline the entire procedure. It is good to add almost all tasks, such as sorting items, transferring utilities, updating the address, arranging packing supplies, packing household items, arranging
budget removalists Gold Coast, and the list goes on. This will help you alleviate stress and keep you focused throughout the journey.
Prepare a Rough Budget
Unexpected expenses can lead to a higher level of anxiety. Thus, it is always good to create an estimated moving budget and include all the potential expenses. Make sure you consider the following aspects:
- The distance of your move
- Moving day or date (avoid moving in peak season to save money )
- DIY move or hiring professionals
- Packing costs
- Insurance coverage, etc.
De-clutter and Sort Your Items
Downsize your house by getting rid of items you don’t need at a new residence. Begin by inspecting all rooms, storage units, kitchen cabinets, etc.
Make a list and discard broken, empty and outdated items. You can also organise a garage sale to sell unwanted but pre-loved items for extra money.
Research the Best Moving Company
If you have decided to relocate with the help of professional removalists Gold coast, look for reliable options in your city. Consider recommendations from your relatives and friends, as they can help you suggest good names.
It is good to check ratings and customer reviews, pricing policy and experience before making the final decision. Get multiple quotes from three to four companies for your peace of mind.
Tip: If you are planning for a DIY move, rent the right-size moving truck.
Inform Relevant Parties
Are you moving out of a rental property in Gold Coast? Make sure you
notify your landlord, real estate agent or a property management firm at least a month before the final moving date.
Update the New Address
This is one of the most neglected tasks when preparing for a house move. Make sure you update your new address with the local post office, banks, utility companies, insurance companies, credit card companies, etc.
Arrange School and Medical Records
Visit the school to collect all records of your kids, and transfer them to a new school at least a few weeks before the final move.
Similarly, get copies of medical records from your general physician and ask them for good recommendations in the new location.
Six Months Ahead of Your Relocation Day
This is a crucial stage where you need to use your skills and patience while keeping your belongings intact.
Arrange Packing Materials
You will need quality packing supplies for the safety of your possessions. Stock up on packing paper, packing tape, bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, blankets, etc, to
protect your household belongings.
Tip: Get free boxes from local grocery stores or liquor shops to save extra money.
Pack Non-Essential Stuff
Don’t burden yourself when packing your stuff. Start with non-essential household items, which include seasonal clothing, decorations, additional items, etc.
Take Measurements
This is also pivotal when relocating large furniture pieces. It is good to measure the dimensions of your doorways, entryways and stairways for your sofa, beds and other furniture.
Additionally,
measuring a cubic metre can help you choose the right-sized moving truck for your belongings.
Four Weeks Prior to Your move
Consider the following tasks to ensure a stress-free move:
Pack Room-by-Room
Take one room at a time and wrap your household belongings using the two-layer method. First, use packing paper and cover it with bubble wrap to give an extra layer of protection during the process.
You can ask your friends to assist you in the process.
Label Boxes
Label your packed boxes using content names. You can write ‘Fragile’ if you have packing glassware and artwork. Etc. This will keep your items safe during the process.
Transfer Or Cancel Utility Services
Schedule the transfer of your basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, etc, at your new residence. You can either transfer the same companies or
set up new utilities. Make sure you cancel the services on time without any hindrances.
Dismantle Large Furniture Items
Read the instruction manuals and dismantle large pieces if required before packing them with blankets.
A Few Days Before Your Move
Create a Meal Plan
Start emptying your fridge and consume food items you don’t want to take at your new residence. Create a proper meal plan and eat non-perishable food as soon as possible.
You can prep meals for the entire week and save food wastage.
Pack Your Essential Moving Day Kit
Prepare a moving day kit with water, snacks, a first-aid box, pet and kid essentials, toiletries and a pair of clothes.
Keep this bag with you.
Other Key Tips for a Stress-Free Move:
- Create an inventory checklist
- Let professionals pack your delicate items
- Keep important documents and jewellery handy
- Defrost, clean and pack your fridge using blankets
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Sleep on time
- Spend time with your pets
- Arrange a parking spot for a truck before the arrival of removalists Gold Coast
Wrapping Up
Managing different house-moving tasks can make you feel anxious and uncomfortable. However, the essential moving checklist mentioned above in this article will streamline and simplify the journey.