By Rachael Thompson Interiors 05.02.2024

Moving Homes? Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide to Getting It Right

Make your moving experience a stress-free event.

Moving homes is equal parts exciting and exhausting. The idea of starting fresh in a new space where you get to decorate it and make it your own is delightful. But the actual process of moving always ends up being more laborious than you had imagined.

From damaged furniture to underestimating how long it will take, a lack of planning and organising can make moving homes stressful and tiring.

To mitigate these challenges, we've devised a step-by-step guide to nailing your next move so you can actually enjoy the process of living in a new space.

Step #1: Create a timeline

Before you start packing everything away, create a timeline for the move so you can better prepare yourself for what's ahead. This should include key dates such as the move-out and move-in dates, utility transfers, a cleaner, and any other deadlines.

Step #2: Book removalists

Once your dates are locked in, it's time to book a removal company. Obtain quotes from moving companies if you plan to hire professionals, or, if moving yourself, arrange for a rental truck, any necessary equipment and – ideally – call in favours from friends to lend an extra set of hands.

Step #3: Take stock and declutter

You'll thank yourself on the move-out day if you have already decluttered your home ahead of time. One of the biggest mistakes when moving home is underestimating how many things you have. Do a stocktake of your items and begin the process of donating, selling, or throwing away items you no longer need.

On the flip side, ensure you have all the essentials for a comfortable first night at your new address – including clean sheets, a stack of bath towels or, if you're moving into your first home, fill your linen closet in one click with our Ultimate Move In Bundles.

Step #4: Gather packing supplies

When moving, you'll need the following supplies:

Boxes in a variety of sizes – chances are you'll need more than you think!
Packing tape.
Moving blankets for wrapping and protecting furniture and large items.
Tie-down straps for securing furniture in your van/truck if you're not using a removalist.
Trash bags for clothing.
Packing labels.
Bubble wrap.
Furniture covers to help protect your furniture against dirt and stains.
Hand truck for moving heavy items.
Toolkit for dismantling and building furniture.
Packing paper.
Bubble wrap.

Step #5: Packing

Start your packing process well in advance so you aren't scrambling to get everything together on the moving day. Pack room by room labelling each box with its contents and destination room.

It might be tempting to fill boxes to the top, but those that are filled with items such as books will end up being too hard to carry. Make sure to consider the weight of items as you're packing. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom of boxes.

All delicate items should be well-wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper so they don't get damaged during the move.

You should also prepare an essentials box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home (toiletries, clothes, important documents, etc.).

Step #6: Give your new property a clean

If you can make the time, giving your new home a thorough clean while it's empty and before you start unpacking is a great idea as it will reassure you that it's germ-free. This should include wiping down cupboards, vacuuming, washing the floors, cleaning the bathroom, and wiping down any surfaces.

Step #7: Clean your old property

The property you have just left will need to be thoroughly cleaned for the next occupants. Either hire a cleaner or ensure that if you're doing it yourself you give it a thorough clean that involves everything from kitchen appliances, marks on walls, and carpet stains.

Step #8: Unpacking

This is generally the part of the move where you feel the fatigue and just want to stop – but keep the momentum going!

Unpacking might take longer than you anticipate, so start with the essentials such as kitchen supplies, bathroom items, and bedding. Move each labelled box to its corresponding room and take it box by box, focusing on one room at a time.

Once a box is empty, designate a spot in the room where you can stack all of them together. Boxes and wrapping should be disposed of appropriately.

Step #9: Change your address and redirect mail

Ensure you update your address everywhere it needs to be updated e.g. mail, driver's license, electoral roll, government agencies, medical providers, and banking. Also, make sure to cancel/redirect any other regular deliveries such as meal delivery services.