Moving to a new home is a blend of thrilling anticipation and the often daunting task of handling the actual move.

Whether you're relocating just down the street or embarking on a new life in a different city, managing stress levels is crucial for both the success of your move and your well-being.

To help you achieve a smoother and more efficient relocation, here are some practical tips and tricks.

Before the Move

1)Have a plan

The concept of moving is simple enough, but when you get down to the details, there are a lot of things you’ll need to stay on top of.

By putting together a reasonably detailed plan you can minimise the chances of any surprises and keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed. 

Consider things such as timings, deadlines, moving companies you’ll be working with, and the logistics involved at every step.

2)Put together a realistic budget

Moving will always end up costing more than you think, so make sure that you have a flexible budget in mind that allows for the little things as well as the big. Factors such as moving company fees, packing supplies, boxes, transportation costs, storage, and utility hookups can quickly add up in cost.

3)Start early

One of the best ways to minimise stress is to start the process well in advance, including researching any moving companies that you might use.

This goes extra for packing, which will always take a lot longer than you might expect. In the weeks leading up, start packing up all non-essential items and work your way up as the big day approaches – this way you can stay in full control and not frantically throw things into boxes and suitcases because time has run out.

4)Make an inventory

You might think that you know which box has what, but after all that work and time, you may find yourself in your new home without a clue where things are. 

Mark each box with a number and create a list that details what is in each box. This will also help you when it comes to unpacking, as you can focus on the essential items first.

If you need help with an inventory, there are plenty of online documents which can help, moving checklists and even this handy Change of Address Checklist by ZOOM

5)Sort out utilities

Don’t forget to notify your various service providers well ahead of the move so that you won’t end up paying for power, water, gas, or Internet that you won’t be using. 

If you’re going to be in the same neighbourhood or city, they may be able to transfer your services to the new home so that everything is ready for when you get there.

During the Move

1)Use a moving company

If you’re moving an entire household, it may be tempting to handle it all yourself – but this may end up being a mistake. 

Moving companies will have the proper tools and experience to handle large and heavy items, not to mention a vehicle that can safely move them from A to B. Yes, it will add a cost to the move, but in terms of your time and effort, it’ll be worth it.

2)Use quality boxes and materials

Moving boxes can cost more than you expect, but you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to your cargo. 

The last thing you want is for your items to fall through the bottom of a box, or for them to get wet and damaged during transit. This also applies to protective materials such as bubble wrap and tape.

3)Avoid injury when loading

If you’re handling the move yourself, you’ll have to load up your cargo with care to avoid injury. Large and heavy items can put significant strain on your back and knees, so make sure that you use proper lifting techniques such as bending the knees and lifting with your legs rather than your back. 

Also, make sure that the path to the vehicle is clear of wayward boxes or anything else you can trip over.

4)Leave breathing room

Despite your best planning, the unexpected can always happen. Leave plenty of time on a moving day so that you have the flexibility to rest, contend with traffic or deal with any other surprises that happen along the way. 

The last thing you want is to be up against the clock!

5)Keep important items close by

You'll want to have a few necessary items around on moving day. Put your toiletries, a change of clothing, critical papers, and any other items you might need immediately away in a compact bag. 

By doing this, you'll be able to stay organised and ease into your new house without looking for the essentials.

After the Move

1)Have realistic expectations

When you first move into your new home, you’ll experience a lot of new emotions: some of which can be disappointment or uneasiness. 

This is perfectly natural as you’ll be surrounded by bare walls and moving boxes. It takes time to make a house a home, so when you’ve unpacked and put your personal touches on it, things will feel a lot better.

2)Check out the new community

Odds are that you know a little bit about where you’re moving to, but take the time to explore your surroundings to find out where shops and other essential facilities are. 

If you’re up to it, you can also introduce yourself to the new neighbours who can also help you to acclimatise to the area.

If you live in Sydney Australia, You can even use the NSW government page to view communities.

3)Take it slow

It will be tempting to unpack everything as quickly as possible, but this can lead to unnecessary exhaustion and stress. 

Instead, focus on the important things such as your electronics and clothing to make things more comfortable. You’ll have plenty of time to arrange your items in the days and weeks that follow.

4)Treat yourself

Moving into a new house is a wonderful chance to update your living quarters, and if your budget permits, buying new furnishings may improve the experience. 

Consider replacing your TV to upgrade your entertainment system, or replace your kitchen's pots and pans and appliances to spice up your kitchen. 

It may also be relaxing to add additional greenery to your room by buying plants, which can also improve the overall aesthetic.

Summary

Thanks for reading our blog post. Moving is always a daunting task, but with the right approach, careful organising and some helpful tips, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. 

Whether you're moving town or across the country, planning and preparation are key to a successful move. Remember to stay organised, if you need to then enlist help when needed, and finally, take the time to relax and recharge throughout the process. Good luck with your move!