Expert hacks to take the stress out of moving house

Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events. Organisational expert-turned-stylist Cat Brown, director of Arch Melbourne, says moving house can be very stressful because “there are so many moving parts” to consider. 

“From organising your utility and internet connections, booking logistics, cleaning, gardening, not to mention the packing!” she emphasises. 

“The realisation that you have far more to do than you thought possible can be extremely daunting, and if you’re managing it on your own, it’s an enormous task.”

Indeed, there is a lot to co-ordinate when uprooting from one residence to another, but that shouldn’t become totally overwhelming, according to Brown. With some careful planning, considered packing and enlisted help, your next move will be all the better for these expert tips. 

Start early

Managing director of Relocation Services Australia Sue Carter says many people turn their thoughts to moving far too late. 

“Give yourself at least four to six weeks,” she cautions. “There is so much to do that you don’t want to leave it to the last minute.” 

Carter suggests booking a removalist and any professionals you plan to work with at least six weeks before your moving date. 

In the weeks before your move, update your details with the electoral office and on your driver’s licence, speak to the post office about a start date for mail redirection, and book your internet transfer to the new address. 

Carter also recommends dismantling furniture you can live without and familiarising yourself with special instructions for moving your washing machine. 

Get connected ahead of time

Brown says one of the most common mistakes people make is not connecting their new home to power, internet and utilities ahead of moving day. 

For this reason, providers like Optus have introduced a self-service offering to streamline the relocation or new installation of Home Internet services. Accessed easily through the My Optus app or the company’s website, you can be online from day one. 

The four simple steps take just minutes to complete, with real-time email updates keeping customers in the loop about service transfers. Most relocation requests are processed in two business days, so even if you forget to heed Carter’s advice of planning weeks in advance, you shouldn’t have to endure an internet-less first night in your new digs.

Direct support from Optus to help navigate the online process is available when needed, too. The O-Team is a licensed team of experts who come to your home for a fee, can troubleshoot various connection issues, and optimise your home and Wi-Fi network to ensure you hit the ground running in your new space.

Outsource where you can

Professionals can handle the moving process from start to finish, reducing stress levels significantly, Brown says. Removalists will pack, move and unpack for you if your budget allows, while cleaners, gardeners and handy people can tidy your home and have it looking shipshape upon exit. 

Some jobs you will need to tackle yourself, however, so allow time to sort through your belongings carefully; otherwise, you will wind up paying to move items that you might end up donating anyway. 

Pack smarter 

With that in mind, Carter shares her tips for clever packing, starting with “declutter before you pack”. She suggests packing the least-used household items well before moving day, with frequently used items packed later on top. Lighter items should be packed into large cartons, and heavier items in small, sturdy boxes. 

When labelling boxes, consider the floorplan at the new property and be as specific as possible because “detailed labels make for fewer headaches when unpacking,” she says. 

Don’t change things you don’t need to

While leaving a home and its memories can be particularly sentimental, there’s no need to leave functional conveniences like your home phone number behind. 

Changing a phone number can be another admin task to add to the list, but it’s worth it in the long run, and suppliers like Optus make every effort to help you easily retain your existing number. 

It also means you won’t have the hassle of updating your new phone number with friends and family, saving you precious time and effort.

Consider your first night in the new house

“Pack your bedding separately so that when you move, you can make your bed straight away rather than rifling through the mountain of boxes,” Brown advises. “The same goes for toiletries and a change of clothes – keep an overnight bag in your car so you have easy access.”

Brown’s final tip is to order your groceries for delivery, avoiding the need for a late-night run to the shops when you’re already exhausted.