Smooth Moves: The Ultimate Guide to Moving House

Moving house can be an overwhelming experience. As we all know from our living experiences, to be fair, it’s extremely stressful. After sorting out all of the residential settlement paperwork, you are then packing up your belongings and navigating bumps in the road as you go. For all of us, a well-planned and organised approach is essential to ensure a smooth move with little breakage and a nice bottle of wine/beer at the end of a long day.

So what are KDD Conveyancing’s best practices for moving home?

TIP #1. PLAN AHEAD AND STAY ORGANISED:

The key to a successful move is meticulous planning. Start early by creating a moving checklist to keep track of tasks. When we say early, we mean as soon as you know you are moving. Divide your list into weeks or days leading up to the move, setting achievable goals for each time frame.

TIP #2. OP-SHOP DROP OFFS & BUY-NOTHING GROUP DECLUTTERING:

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and rid yourself of unnecessary belongings. Sort items into three categories: ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ and ‘bin it’. Downsizing early saves time and money on packing, literally leaving you with extra room to move in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to clear out the fridge and freezer and donate any leftovers to the local food bank.

It’s a sentimental process, but Marie Kondo’s advice on letting go of items that no longer bring joy is essential. Sign up for your local Buy-Nothing groups and start listing items early. Anything that doesn’t find joy in a new home can be donated to the local Op-Shop. Check out local Men’s Shed groups and Repair Cafes for fixing broken items before binning them.

TIP #3. BE CASH SAVVY WITH PACKING MATERIALS:

Invest in quality packing materials to safeguard your belongings during the move. For a short move in the same area, use boxes and supplies from your local Buy Nothing group to cut costs. Durable boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape are essential for protecting fragile items. Secure double of what you initially think you need to ensure you have enough. You can ask local butchers or supermarkets for free spare butcher paper.

Additionally, print off numbered labels for each box with its contents and the designated room in the new house. This ensures movers know exactly what’s in each box and where it should go in your new home, Win!.

TIP #4. LET PROFESSIONAL REMOVALISTS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING:

Why not hire professional removalists to handle heavy jobs if your budget allows. Expert movers can efficiently and safely transport your belongings, minimising the risk of damage, especially for valuable possessions like your 60+ inch flat-screen TV. Remember to check your box list before the removalists leave, so you can ensure all your boxes are accounted for.

TIP #5. COORDINATE THE UTILITIES SWITCH:

Be proactive when transferring utilities and services to your new address. Notify your current providers and set up new accounts for electricity, gas, and internet ahead of time. Most providers can schedule the switch on the day or the day before for peace of mind.

You may like to utilise KDD Conveyancing’s moving concierge. This free service can arrange seamless utility connections at your new property for you. Ask your conveyancer for more information.

TIP #6. KEEP YOUR ESSENTIALS CLOSE:

Pack an “essentials box”, suitcase, or overnight bag with items you’ll need right away. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, and other necessities that you might need for work or every day.

TIP #7. PLAN SOME “YOU” TIME:

Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take short breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Watch some TV (if you haven’t packed it already) or spend time outdoors for an essential Vitamin D boost and some fresh air.

Moving house doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Remember to stay positive and keep your end goal in mind: a fresh start in your new home. Happy moving!

For those seeking professional guidance for residential conveyancing processes, KDD Conveyancing is a reliable source of information on all thing property settlement in Perth and throughout Western Australia. Visit KDD Conveyancing online or please contact us; we’d love to chat.

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