How To Move: A Guide To Deal With The Difficulties Of Moving Into A New Home

Why is moving house so difficult? Moving into a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. From packing up all of your belongings to coordinating the move itself, there are a lot of things to consider when moving house. That’s where Move-In Connect comes in. We understand the difficulties of moving and are here to help make the process as smooth as possible.

Our team of professionals can assist with everything from packing and transporting your items to unpacking and setting up your new home.

Below we will take you through the best way to move house with our free week by week moving into new home checklist, including how to move from the very first stages of planning through to your first night in your new home.

CONTENTS

How To Move Timeline: Moving Into New House Checklist

• 6 weeks to go – Moving into a house checklist: Problems and Solutions
• 5 weeks to go – Moving into a house checklist: Action Items
• 4 weeks to go – Book your Services
• 3 weeks to go – Paperwork and Administration
• 2 weeks to go – Prepare for Packing
• 1 week to go – Packing Tips and Tricks
• Moving day
• After you have moved to a new place

6 WEEKS TO GO

MOVING INTO NEW HOUSE CHECKLIST: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

If you’re preparing to move into a new home, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. There’s so much to consider about how to move, from packing up all of your belongings to coordinating the move itself.

The first thing you should do is make a list of potential problems and things to change when you move house so you can be prepared for every scenario. Don’t worry, once you’ve got this step covered, knowing how to move will fall into place!

What are some challenges you face when moving? This list of potential problems when moving house will get you started.

PACKING MOVING PROBLEMS

When it comes to moving into a new home, having the right packing supplies is key. From bubble wrap to boxes and tape, there are a few essential items you’ll need to properly pack up your items for the move.

At Move-In Connect, we know how to move by making the packing process as easy as possible.

Our panel of recommended moving companies include full-service moving packages that include packing, transportation, and even unpacking and setting up your new home. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, so you can focus on other important tasks.

A more budget friendly option is to do the packing yourself. If you decide to take this approach, consider these potential problems to make your packing process as smooth as possible.

Packing problems

Do you have any special items such as pianos or aquariums, fragile or irreplaceable items to move? Prepare yourself with the appropriate packing supplies well in advance, including  packing boxes and tape, bubble wrap and protective blankets.

You can save money by finding packing boxes going for free near you, but be sure to take into account the size, sturdiness, and cleanliness of what you’re choosing. There are many potential sources of free packing boxes. Some of the best places to look are:

1. A good friend
2. Websites for specialised information
3. Supermarkets
4. Centres for shopping
5. The home improvement stores
6. Electronics stores at home
7. Bookstores
8. Produce stores in the area
9. Bars and liquor stores
10. A copy centre
11. Centres for recycling

Unpacking problems

When moving houses, it is always best to plan ahead to ensure that all pieces of furniture can be accommodated. Larger items such as pianos, huge dining tables and shelves will not be able to enter through doorways, windows or other openings that are too small.

To ensure success with the move and no loss of valuable items, take measurements to identify things to change when you move house before you pack up your old one.

INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS
When it comes to moving into a new home, it’s important to be mindful of potential hazards. Even the items we use every day can become dangerous if we’re not careful during the packing and moving process.

You should take a safety audit of your house by noting down things like tricky stairs or entry ways to brief your movers. Once you start packing, try to keep all your boxes in a safe spot, out of main walkways, to avoid tripping hazards.

At Move-In Connect, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to moving. That’s why we offer a range of services to help ensure that your move is as smooth and safe as possible. From packing and transporting your items to setting up your new home, our team of professionals can assist with every step of the process.

In addition to hiring professionals to handle the move, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your belongings during the process. Make sure to pack heavy items in smaller boxes that are easier to lift, and use caution when handling sharp or fragile items. It’s also a good idea to label boxes with fragile items clearly, so they can be handled with extra care.

ITEMS THAT ARE MISSING

While packing up your house, make sure you keep good track of what’s in each box so that nothing gets lost. It can be frustrating if something breaks or goes missing during the move; don’t let this happen to you.

It’s also a good idea to label your boxes clearly, so you know what’s in each one and where it goes in your new home.

Important documents such as birth certificates, contracts, and credit cards should be kept with you at all times to ensure you do not lose them. These documents may also be needed during the moving process, making it important to keep them on you. If you are going to be packing up your things separately, make sure to place all these documents into an appropriate box or bag, and keep it in a safe place you can easily access when the need arises.

TRANSPORTATION TRUCK BREAKDOWN

When it comes to moving into a new home, it’s important to be prepared for any potential disasters that may come up with a realistic and easy to action contingency plan. Whether it’s a delay in the movers arriving or a breakdown on the way to your new home, having a plan in place can help alleviate some of the stress.

Even the best laid plans can go wrong. You should think about what you will do, including where you will eat and sleep if there are unforeseen delays on moving day. The solution might be as simple as taking a blow up mattress to camp in your new house and ordering UberEats, or arranging for a friend or family member to help out or having a list of local hotels in case you need a place to stay.

UTILITIES ARE NOT SET UP

When you move into a new home, the last thing you want is to be without essential utilities like water, power, or heat. That’s why it’s important to get these things sorted out beforehand.

Contact Move-In Connect as early as possible and we will compare plans from our panel of preferred providers to find you the best option for your new home. We will also take care of all the arrangements for you to make sure you are connected in time for moving day.

You should also make sure you know who to contact if you arrive at your new home and find you are missing a new electricity connection. If you have arranged moving into a new house with Move-In Connect, simply give us a call and we will help to arrange a same-day connection for you.

NOT INFORM OTHERS OF THE CHANGE IN ADDRESS

One of the most important things to change when you move house is your contact information. This will prevent confusion from visitors, family members, and strangers alike.

We recommend maintaining a list of all your contacts and informing them of your new address as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any important mail or visits from loved ones.

One of the easiest mistakes to avoid when moving is forgetting to inform your contacts of your new address. It’s a common problem, but one that can be easily avoided with a little bit of planning. So make sure to update your contacts and avoid any confusion in the future.

You can use a service such as the Australia Post redirection service to make the process quick and easy.

PAPERWORK AND ADMINISTRATION

When you move into a new home, it’s important to make sure that all of your paperwork is in order. This includes settling any unpaid utility bills, invoices, and other administrative tasks related to the move.

One of the things you can do to ensure that your move goes smoothly is to settle all of your paperwork before the big day. This will help you avoid any issues that may arise after the move is completed, and give you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.

THEFT

Moving can be a stressful and hectic process, and one of the things that can add to that stress is the fear of losing or having your belongings stolen.

To help protect your items during the move, it’s important to keep track of them at all times and make sure that someone is with them. This will help prevent sneaky thieves from taking advantage of the chaos of moving and snatching your valuables.

You should also purchase moving insurance for the peace of mind of knowing that you will be compensated if something goes missing.

If you do suspect that something has been stolen, don’t hesitate to contact the authorities or your moving company. They may be able to help you recover your lost items or compensate you for any losses.

UNFIT OBJECTS IN THE HOUSE

When moving houses, it is always best to plan ahead to ensure that all pieces of furniture can be accommodated. Larger items such as pianos, huge dinner tables, and shelves will not be able to enter through doorways, windows or other openings that are too small.
To ensure success with the move and no loss of valuable items, take measurements of your new house before you pack up your old one.

UNRELIABLE MOVING COMPANY

It’s important to research moving companies thoroughly before booking them for your move. Doing so will help you find good moving companies whose employees are dedicated professionals with great attitudes and skills. More on this later.

PHYSICAL OR FURNITURE DAMAGE PROBLEMS

First, pack a first aid kit. The act of moving can be quite strenuous, so it’s important to be prepared for any physical injuries that could occur. That said, if you do happen to get hurt, it’s imperative to stay calm and have the necessary tools to function.

Additionally, make sure to handle your furniture with care both the hard and soft surfaces as some of them are more susceptible to damage than others.

NOTE: BE CAREFUL WITH THE ELECTRONICS AND ACCESSORIES MOVING

Electronics are some of the most delicate items to move, with countless small parts inside that can be dislodged with the slightest bump. The best way to move house and make sure your electronics and accessories arrive undamaged is to plan ahead.

How to move electronics and accessories the right way:

1. Use the right size and weight packing boxes
2. Bubble wrap and packing paper
3. Tape for packing
4. Plastic bags with a seal for small accessories such as remotes

TIME PROBLEMS WITH MOVING

If you are in a hurry to move to your new home, you should rely on licensed movers for help. They can take care of all of your moving problems to relieve some of your stress. You can find out about hidden fees and costs before you move, so you’re prepared. You also need to know the average cost of professional services so it doesn’t come as a shock.

Move-In Connect provides a free and tailored moving service in Australia. We can make your moving hassle-free and arrange everything in time for moving day.

MONEY PROBLEMS WHEN MOVING

There are a wide range of movers available for all types of budgets. Talk to a Move-In Connect expert to find a trusted mover that suits your needs.

To avoid running into money problems, the first step is to decide on your moving budget. This needs to account for all the moving company expenses, or if you are doing it yourself, the cost of the necessary packing materials, and insurance. You should also include an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses related to your move.

With this budget in mind, Move-In Connect can help you choose the type of mover you need and get them booked in time for moving day. More on this below.

5 weeks to go

Moving into new house checklist: Action Items

Now that you’re aware of the potential problems, it’s time to make a “How To Move” plan! Moving day should be the culmination of all your hard work. The day itself is just a single moment, but if you do all the preparations beforehand, then moving will be an epic adventure.

Prepare for the big day by planning and completing all the chores that need to be done before moving day comes.

Just take a look at the essential things to do before moving below and complete each with care. You can easily track your progress with our helpful checklist, so you know exactly what you’ve already taken care of and what you need to focus on in the upcoming weeks. Check off the items you’ve completed and get a clear picture of your status.

You can easily track your progress with our helpful How To Move checklist, so you know exactly what you’ve already done.

List of things to do when moving house

FIND THE NEW HOME

If you are planning a move, then you have probably already checked off this step, but we’re leaving no stone unturned!

Finding a new place to call home is a big decision. Think about the most important features you want your new place to have (a spacious yard, an open floor plan, a swimming pool),consider its ideal location (distance to your workplace, schools, transport, local amenities, the crime rate and living standards and decide on the size and type of dwelling that will best suit your lifestyle.

When you move to a new area, it can be a good idea to live in temporary housing for a while so that you can explore the area and find your perfect home.

DECLUTTER

To make your move less overwhelming, you should take a moment to think about your belongings and what you’re going to need in your new home. Get rid of anything you don’t like or need anymore and only the things you love and that are practical.

DONATE

From clothes to toys, from books to games, a lot of your decluttering can be donated. Make sure the items you donate are in good condition and find an appropriate place to donate them. The Salvation Army has locations that accept donated furniture, while Vinnies is a great option for good quality clothing.

MAKE A MOVING INVENTORY

Once you have decluttered, make a list of everything you have. List the types and numbers, distinctive features, estimated value, destination room, and most importantly, the condition of your goods.

Your moving inventory sheet will give you an estimate of your move based on weight, tell you if you need specialty movers, show you if you need to purchase more insurance, and give an accurate list of what you’re bringing with you.

CREATE A MOVING CALENDAR

Before you start packing up your belongings, add deadlines to your checklist and put it in the calendar. This will help you set realistic and manageable goals for the time leading up to the move.

The best advice on how to move is to break down large projects into mini-goals and do not forget to prioritise them according to their difficulty and importance. Personalise your timeline so it suits your needs. Regularly check in on your progress, so you can stay organised and on top of your moving preparations.

DECIDE ON A MOVING DATE

When you move, consider all the relevant circumstances like starting a new job, end of a lease agreement or school year. It’s important to choose the best time for your move and take into account the weather.

Moving in peak season will cost you a lot more than moving during the less busy period of the year, but don’t forget about potential risks like inclement weather from October to April either. If you have the option to be flexible, choosing a convenient date can make moving day a lot less stressful.

MOVE YOURSELF VS HIRE PROFESSIONAL MOVERS

The type of move you’ll be doing will heavily influence the rest of your checklist. You can do it yourself and just hire a ‘man with a van’, or you can hire a professional who can do all the work for you or land somewhere in between. Deciding on how to move depends on your particular situation.

The costs of relocation are not always as obvious as one might think. You should also consider the time, safety, efficiency, and insurance factors, which can be a lot to handle. If you are moving on your own, be sure to carefully consider the risks before you go alone. It is better to get reliable help in the form of good friends or trustworthy movers.

COMPARE MOVING COMPANIES

You should look for experienced and trustworthy movers to ensure a smooth, trouble-free relocation:

• Request recommendations.
• Submit a moving quote to several reputable moving companies.
• Estimate the moving costs in-house.
• Compare the moving companies’ rates, services, and conditions.
• Before choosing a moving company, find out as much as you can about them.
• Read reviews left by previous customers, check their online profiles, and make sure they have a license and insurance.
• Ensure you have read all moving paperwork before you sign any contracts.

Moving is a worrisome time, seeing all your belongings leaving on a truck with virtual strangers. If you have chosen a reputable moving company, then there should be no reason to worry, but it still pays to take out insurance to cover any accidental loss or damage to your items.

Move-In Connect has found a panel of trusted movers that can give you peace of mind for your next move. Call us today to arrange your professional moving service.

4 weeks to go

Book your Services

If you haven’t already, now is the time to book your services and utility connections to make sure you get the date secured with your preferred suppliers.

• Services and utilities moving into a house checklist
• Electricity and solar power
• Natural gas or LPG
• Internet connection (NBN or 5G)
• Home entertainment, such as Foxtel
• Removalists and/or storage
• Cleaners (current and new house)
• Mail redirection

Moving your services is one of the best tasks on your list to outsource and the only option if you’re wondering how to move without any stress!

Simply give Move-In Connect a call and we will compare electricity plans, find you the cheapest energy plans, connect NBN and even find you great Foxtel deals.

If you can’t access NBN at your new home, we can arrange high-speed internet with an Optus 5G home internet plan. Once you arrive at your new home, you should check your electricity and immediately report any faults, and test your internet speed to make sure you are getting what you signed up for.

3 weeks to go

Paperwork and Administration

The weeks are flying by now, but don’t fear. If you have been following this guide so far, then all your preparation is about to pay off – you might even have time to pull a few tasks forward from the upcoming weeks.

Take some time this week to make sure all the time-consuming paperwork that comes with moving house is taken care of.

• COLLECT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Relocating is not a simple process. However, it can be made easier by organising the necessary materials well in advance. Collecting and organising important records and papers before, during, and immediately after the relocation can be overwhelming but necessary for success.

Documents for moving into a house checklist

1. Lease
2. Deed of sale
3. Driver’s licence
4. Insurance policy
5. Electricity and gas plans
6. Internet plan
7. Pay TV plan

Pay outstanding bills

Before you move, make sure you have paid all the outstanding bills for your current home. This will avoid any impact on getting your new home connected and any risk to your credit score. Make sure you have paid, or set up a direct debit for:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet
• Water
• Council Rates
• Rent

2 weeks to go

Prepare for Packing

Nobody likes packing, but the trick is preparation! Try a moving app like Google Keep to help you make a plan of attack. The free app is a simple and clean design that offers infinite functionality. The app aims to “quickly capture what’s on your mind and get a reminder later at the right place or time.” It sounds simple enough – but in reality, this app can keep you sane during a house move.

Include in your plan each room that needs packing, the packing materials you will need, including any for valuable or delicate items and how long you think it will take. This will help you decide how far in advance you need to start packing.

Also include any items you need to leave out, such as cutlery, bedding and the TV, so you know what will need to be packed on moving day.

Make sure you take time this week to go out and buy or source all the packing materials you need.

1 week to go

Tips for Moving House How To Pack

• USE YOUR MOVING INTO A NEW HOUSE CHECKLIST

It’s easy to get excited that the time has finally come to start packing, but don’t let all your planning efforts go to waste. Make sure you use your Google Keep plan and work through rooms one at a time.

If you come across items you hadn’t planned for, make a note of the extra packing material you will need so you can go and buy extra packing supplies.

• TAKE CARE OF VALUABLES AND SPECIALTY ITEMS

Be sure to pack your valuable belongings separately and with care. Use only high-quality packing materials and don’t spare any effort for the safety of your family heirlooms, expensive jewellery, delicate artwork, sensitive electronics, sentimental possessions, and other treasured belongings.

If you can’t relocate a certain high-value item yourself (antique furniture, gold, jewellery, large pictures, etc.) declare it as such and get extra moving insurance.

• GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

Packing is mentally and physically really hard work. Make sure you have regular breaks for meals and be sure to get out and about for some fresh air and relaxation so that you are not burnt out before you have even moved to a new place.

Moving day

Moving day is finally here! Hopefully you’re feeling more excited than stressed, but there’s still some work to do before you can finally put your feet up! Follow these tips for the best way to move house.

Work with the removalists

Make sure you talk to the removalists before they start and give them clear instructions for your current and new home, including which boxes are high priority and will need to be easily accessed.

Keep your moving bag with you

Have a moving day back containing your wallet and keys, toiletries, phone and charger, medications, snacks and important documents.

Final tasks at your old home

Before you leave you should put the council bins out, leave a note in the with your new address so the new owners can forward mail after you have moved to a new place and make sure the home is properly locked up.

Check your utilities and smoke detectors

As soon as you arrive at your new home you should check that your utilities, including electricity, gas, internet and Pay TV are connected. If you find any issues, call Move-In Connect straight away.

You should also take a photo of your electricity and gas meters to make sure your first bill is correct when you have moved to a new place.

Complete the entry report and take photos

If you are renting, your landlord will have provided you with an entry report. It’s important to complete this as soon as you arrive to make sure you are not held liable for any existing damage.

Unpack and set up the essentials

Chances are that you won’t have the time or energy to unpack everything on the first day after you have moved to a new place. You should start with the essentials so you can enjoy a relaxing evening before finishing the job in the morning.

We recommend starting by assembling your bed, connecting the television, unpacking kitchen essentials such as the coffee machine, kettle and toaster and unpacking essentials for the kids and pets.

After you have moved to a new place

The first few days after you have moved to a new place can be a bit of a whirlwind. The best way to move house is to be kind to yourself and don’t try to take on too much.

• Work room by room

Start with the rooms you use the most and finish setting up one space before you move on to the next. This is the best way to move house to avoid feeling like you have a whole house full of half empty packing boxes.

• Recycle packing materials

You can either take your packing materials to a local recycling centre or post on a local community group to see if anyone is in need of supplies for an upcoming move.

• Change the locks

It’s often overlooked, but one of the best things to change when you move house is the locks. Having new locks and knowing only you have the keys can give you extra security and peace of mind once you have moved to a new place. If you are renting, you will need your landlords permission to do this.

• Treat yourself

As you unpack, you might find you need some new things, such as new furniture or home decor, to make your new home feel like home. Make a wishlist of everything you want and treat yourself to a shopping spree when the unpacking is done.

It’s easy to get carried away, so for the sake of your budget it’s a good idea to spend at least a week in the house before you hit the shops – some items might not be as important as they first seem!

Moving house FAQs

Below are some important questions to ask yourself before moving to make sure your checklist has everything covered.

Can I organise and execute a move on my own?

You can do it yourself. Sure, it is possible to pull off a DIY move, but the real question is should you do it? Moving by yourself is a rather risky ordeal for both financial and safety reasons unless you meet certain requirements that will guarantee a successful end to your DIY moving story.

Is it better to trust a professional moving company?

If you’re moving across the country with an expensive, specialty item, it’s best to hire a reliable, top-rated moving company. It’s important to find a moving company in your area or cross-country that is well-reviewed and known for excellent customer service. You will be thankful for it after you have moved to a new place.

How do I compare moving companies?

One of the most difficult things about moving to a new city is deciding which company to trust. You want to make sure you’re paying a fair price and that they are professional and reliable.

Premium moving companies offer services that standard ones don’t so be sure to keep this in mind. For example, if you need packing services, be sure to get quotes from both a premium and a standard company.

What packing materials do I need to pack by myself?

Before you embark on this journey of packing up your home all by yourself, ask yourself if you have the proper packing materials. You will usually need to purchase:

• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Packing boxes
• Colour markers

Can I use alternative packing materials?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use anything you have as packing materials, as long as you are confident it will do the job. Moving is all about organisation. Incoming and outgoing items should be stored in containers that are appropriately sized, so you don’t have to spend all day looking for that key or the perfect shoe. You can use buckets, baskets, suitcases, drawers, bags, and jewellery boxes to store items.

What to cancel when moving house?

Make sure you have paid any outstanding bills and cancelled any accounts for your current home, including electricity, gas, internet, water and Pay TV.

In some cases you might be able to transfer your account to your new address to continue after you have moved to a new place, but keep in mind that your new house will probably have different energy needs, so your current plan might not be the cheapest option.

Talk to one of our comparison and moving experts who can arrange all your disconnections, compare electricity plans, and find the best energy plans for your new home.

Conclusion

So now you’re ready and prepared to finally embark on your moving adventure. But please remember, these are just some of the potential preparations you should make before moving. Your to do list when moving house will be unique to your situation, so it’s best to get planning as early as possible.

Moving is not easy, but don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get help. Talk to one of our friendly team members today to get 100% free expert moving advice and make this moving day the best one yet – we know how to move!

Useful links

• Fees to connect electricity and gas when you move
• How to compare NBN plans for your new home
• Important information to connect your electricity
• How do I switch my energy provider?
• Moving tips