4 ways to pack away your stress when moving

Hands up who likes moving house? Anyone?

I’m not surprised. Moving house can be a stressful experience filled with broken vases and the occasional broken back. However, relocating to your new home doesn’t have to be stressful – as long as you are organised and plan ahead. Here are four savvy tips that can help you curb the stress levels when moving house.

Removalist: “Where do you want it?” – Smash!

Choosing a removalist can be a time consuming and often confusing task. Many removalists charge by 15 minute blocks, others by the hour so be aware of how much you may be paying. In addition, plenty of removal companies levy a fixed fee calculated against the amount of furniture, whitegoods and valuables you’re planning on moving, as well as the travelling time involved.

When considering a removalist, seek a number a quotes from different companies to ensure that you are getting the best value for money. Even then, once you have decided on a company, be wary of any hidden fees and charges.

A clever tip is to try and move during the middle of the month or to schedule the move on a weekday rather than a weekend. Removalists often keep their charges lower during these times because they want your business.

 
Utilities: “Did you leave the gas on?”

Signing up for a new mortgage, a housing contract and paying government taxes are only some of the jobs homeowners face when moving into new digs. There’s also the gas, electricity and telephone to be hooked up, as well as your internet, Foxtel and redirecting the mail.

Fortunately, there are service providers, such as Direct Connect, that can redirect all your utilities to your new home in one quick swoop. These companies will ensure all your utilities are connected at your new place on the date of the move. The service is usually free and the benefit is that it removes the hassle out of dealing with all of the utility companies individually.

Packing: “I didn’t know I had so much stuff!”

Everybody hates packing. But it is a job that must be done and one that can be fun if you can manage to rope in a few of your family and friends to help you.

Start off by sourcing the packing supplies. Some removalist companies will provide these for you free of charge, while others will add the charges to your moving costs. A neat trick is to hire boxes from a storage facility rather than buying them. It’s cheaper and creates less refuse once the move is complete.

In addition, plan your packing a few weeks before the move. Remove all none essential items from the house and put them into storage or place them out of the way. This will not only remove a lot of the visual mess but will also help reduce stress levels as moving day approaches.

When packing, always label the boxes according to certain rooms or if they contain fragile contents. Some people even like to keep an inventory of each box so they can keep track of every item.

Take advantage of the packing stage to de-clutter your life. Get rid of any unwanted clothing, toys, kitchen equipment and furniture. A handy rule of thumb is: if you have not used it for two years – then it is time to get rid of it. Moreover, you can generate extra funds by holding a garage sale or selling the items on auction site such as eBay. It is possible to make enough money to cover the all the moving costs.

Consider donating leftover items to charities such as St Vincent De Paul or the Salvation Army, especially warm clothing and any unwanted toys or furniture.

Storage: “Now, where did I put that cuckoo clock?”

If you are moving interstate or overseas, shop around for local storage places. Many of them offer discounts on the amount of storage items you have and can be flexible on the dates in the event of a delayed house settlement.

In addition, keep all your medical and identification documents as well as your photo albums or any precious heirlooms close to you. It is unwise to simply pack them into a box, or to leave them in storage.

Here are some other tips to remember when moving:

– Advise your change of address to the post office, bank, phone company, health fund, gym, Medicare, the Tax Office, life Insurance and house insurance
– Change the address on your license and car registration forms
– Hire cleaners to clean the house
– Return empty used gas cylinders from the BBQ
– Dismantle furniture and sticky tape screws underneath
– Create a floor plan for the movers