18 Moving House Tips in Australia You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

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Moving house can be a wildly exciting experience, especially in Australia — although the logistics can be a bit different from other parts of the world. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, there are certain tips and tricks that can make your entire process run more smoothly and less stressful. We've compiled 18 invaluable moving house tips in Australia to help you navigate this busy day!

Planning Your Move

1. Start Early

The earlier you start planning your move, the better. Give yourself at least 6–8 weeks to prepare so you can tackle your tasks in a more organised and stress-free way.

2. Create a Moving Checklist

Make a comprehensive checklist to stay on top of all the tasks that need to be completed, from booking trustworthy movers to forwarding your mail to the correct address. Crossing these essential items off as you go will give you a sense of progress that you'll be thankful for, especially as the list dwindles.

3. Declutter and Downsize

Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home so you can start your next chapter feeling fresh! Go through each room and determine which items you no longer need or use. Donate, recycle, and sell what you can to lighten your load.

Packing Tips

4. Label Everything

Clearly label all your boxes with the room they belong in and a brief description of the contents. This will make unpacking a breeze.

5. Use the Right Packing Supplies

Get yourself some high-quality moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers to make sure your belongings are well protected during the move.

6. Pack a “First Day” Box

Put together a box with important items you'll need on your first day in the new place, such as toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

7. Disassemble Furniture

Take the time to properly disassemble any furniture, like beds, desks, and tables. This will make them easier to transport and carry around until they arrive in their new room.

Moving Day

8. Time Your Move Wisely

Avoid moving on weekends or holidays if possible, as traffic and demand for movers will be much higher. It’s usually less frenzied to make your move in the middle of the week.

9. Supervise the Movers

Be present during the loading and unloading process to confirm your belongings are handled with care. Double-check that everything has been properly loaded (you do NOT want to find out you're missing a box after a few days).

10. Make a Floor Plan

Create a detailed floor plan of your new home and share it with the movers so that they can place your furniture in the right rooms.

11. Take Photos

Before the movers arrive, take photos of your home, especially any areas that may be prone to damage during the move. This works well with the floor plan above to make sure everyone is on the same page on your moving day!

Settling In

12. Update Your Address

Remember to update your address with your employer, bank, government agencies, and any other important contacts who may need this information. Make sure your old address has your mail forwarded to your new one during this transition.

13. Childproof and Petproof Your Place

If you have young kids or pets, take the time to childproof and petproof your new home before you start unpacking. They'll be very excited to explore this new space and not in the safest manner!

14. Unpack Essentials First

Begin unpacking the most essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. This will make the early moving days easier to deal with. The last thing you need after a rough day is not knowing where any of the toothbrushes are that night!

15. Explore the Neighbourhood

Enjoy exploring your new neighbourhood, and take your time finding the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and recreational areas. Take notice of street names and check Google Maps to see where they all are in relation to your new address.

Miscellaneous Tips

16. Accommodate Your Pets

If you have pets, such as cats or dogs, make sure to plan ahead for their needs during the move. Provide a designated pet-friendly room or area, and gradually introduce them to the new environment to lower any stress they might be going through.

Moving House With Cats

With cats, it's important to take extra precautions to guarantee their safety and comfort. Here are some tips for moving house with cats:

• Try to keep your cat's feeding, playtime, and sleep schedule as close to normal as possible during the move.
• Set up a quiet room in your new home with your cat's familiar bedding, toys, litter box, and food/water bowls. Keep them confined to this space until they become acclimated to the new environment.
• Spend more time playing with and cuddling your cat to help them feel secure.
• Make sure your cat's collar and microchip are up to date with your new address in case they escape during the move.

Moving House With Dogs

This journey can be an overwhelming experience for dogs as well. Here are some tips for making the transition easier when moving house with a dog:

• Start getting your dog used to the idea of moving a few weeks in advance. Take them for walks around the new neighbourhood and let them sniff around the new home (if possible) to help them adjust.
• Put together a box with your dog's food, bowls, leash, toys, and bedding, and any medications they may need. Keep this with you on moving day for easy access.
• On moving day, keep your dog safely contained in a crate or a quiet room to prevent them from escaping or running around during the chaos.

17. Hire Professional Movers

While DIY moves can save money, professional movers are worth their weight in gold for the expertise and equipment they bring.

18. Keep Utilities Up to Date

Believe us; you want to make sure your electricity, gas, water, and internet are all connected and working before you move in!

Mistakes To Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people tend to make on moving day in Australia:

• Underestimating the number of items they need to pack and move
• Failing to label and organise boxes
• Not hiring professional movers and trying to do it all themselves with friends/family
• Neglecting to forward mail and update important contact information
• Not taking proper precautions to protect floors, walls, and other surfaces from damage
• Overlooking the needs of children and pets during the chaos of moving
• Not budgeting properly for all the costs associated with moving house
• Failing to thoroughly clean the old house before handing over the keys
• Not doing a final walkthrough to confirm nothing is left behind
• Neglecting to take "before" photos to document the condition of the new place

Best Place for Moving Help in Australia (and Self Storage)

When it comes to the ups and downs of moving house in Australia, having the right resources and support can make all the difference. That's where StorHub comes in — we're the go-to choice when it comes to reliable self storage solutions!

As the leading self storage provider in Australia, StorHub can fulfil all your storage needs on moving days so that everything is smooth-sailing, whether that involves short-term or long-term storage. We have durable packing materials in stock, connect you with trusted removalists, and give you all the space you need; we're pretty much moving day experts!

Get in contact with our expert team today!