There's more to moving than packing up your belongings and hitting the road, and moving needs grow even more complicated when you're moving interstate. The key to a successful move is organisation! The more planning you do, the easier it is to handle the relocation details that are amplified when moving long distances.
What you need to know about moving interstate
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There's nothing more exciting than buying a new house, but before packing up and hitting the road, you should research your new location. In addition to learning everything there is to know about your new suburb and its surroundings, pay close attention to the size of your new home. Room sizes vary widely and photos don't tell the whole story. If you can't view your new address in person before buying, take note of any room or house sizes stated on the listing, to ensure you will be able to easily move all your belongings in.
Local Schools
If you have children, the decision to move interstate grows even more stressful. Whether you have a city or suburb in mind already, you must look into the schools in the area. Look at how successful they are in the rankings, consider what subjects are available, and read reviews about the teachers and staff. What about bus travel or making drop-offs on your way to work? Does it all work out?
Planning
Planning is key to a successful interstate move; once the decision is made and you know where you're heading, you need to arrange interstate relocation for your belongings. Working with reputable interstate removalists will make moving house simple, but always look at multiple moving services and don't be afraid to ask each moving company for a quote. What could be more stress free than using a professional service to handle transportation, ensure a smooth transition, cover the long distances with your belongings to provide you with peace of mind and make move day a cinch?
Spring Cleaning
You can call it a spring clean no matter what time of year you plan to move, but a big part of the moving process is a ruthless spring clean to cull your belongings and pack only the must-have items in your home. Stock up on boxes, look out for packing materials and start tidying up your old home to prepare for the big move. If there are large items you're not sure about, you can look at long-term furniture storage to store it while handling your move. Don't forget to label your boxes or use a colour coding system to ensure it all comes off the truck and goes into the correct room upon arrival.
When moving interstate there are also many circumstances at your final destination to prepare and plan ahead for such as having to temporarily move into a hotel or rented house which may require you to place some or all of your belongings into storage and therefore it is important to ensure these facilities are available to you.
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Documents and Utilities
You should store your important documents in a safe place regardless, but it's particularly important to get everything in order before relocating. There will be documents you need when you arrive in your new city, whether it's medical records or letters of introduction for your children's new schools. Use a box file to store them all together and keep them on hand.
Disconnecting the electricity, gas, phone and internet are also important considerations to keep in mind when moving interstate in Australia. Regardless of whether you're renting or buying a new home, it is important to be prepared in this often overlooked aspect of a relocation, to avoid paying for utilities at your old and new home! There may be different suppliers in your new state and regulations that are in place which affect pricing and setup requirements. It is important to research all of the options available to you and there are many websites readily available with utility information and connection services.
Notification
It goes without saying that you need to tell your family and friends about your big move, especially ones who have made similar moves and may be able to recommend removalists. You will also need to alert the relevant authorities, including the Electoral Office, the ATO, banks, healthcare providers, Australian Post, and anyone else who may need to be aware of your moving plans.
What to Pack or Not to Pack
If you do have some time and want to save on some of the costs associated with moving interstate, then packing all your household items can be carried out by yourself if you have the correct materials. It is always wise to purchase strong and sturdy moving boxes as they can withstand the weight and transit trauma that many other boxes cannot. Remember to provide plenty of cushioning by packing loosely crumpled, plain newspaper in the bottom of boxes and be sure to leave room at the top for more crumpled paper. Don't forget to wrap all fragile, breakable items in paper or bubble wrap before packing them in boxes.
Pack large and heavy items first, smaller items next, filling in all empty spaces with paper. Ensure the moving box is not overfilled and can be easily closed. Then tape top seams securely and label boxes clearly with your name, room where the box should go in your new home and a brief description of the contents.
What not to Pack
When moving interstate there are certain items that are best carried by yourself either in the car or in your hand luggage:
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- Jewellery
- Passports
- Mortgages
- Birth certificates
Interstate Removals Company
The best price isn't always the best transport company, so contact as many local companies as possible for multiple quotes. There are so many logistics involved in interstate moves in Australia, using a company is a must and though you may balk at transportation costs, it's less stressful than renting a van and handling it yourself. That costs money, too!
Have each company fully assess your belongings to ensure accurate quotes to avoid extra costs, ask about insurance coverage, and whether they will assist with loading and unloading at either end. Moving interstate exposes your goods to risk as they are no longer in your care or standing still in your home. Roads, rail and various third parties may handle your effects and it is important to understand what level of transit insurance cover your removals provider can provide.
It is important to also research transit insurance cover for any items that you may have packed yourself as some companies will have different coverage options on those items. Ask your removalist for a copy of their Product Disclosure Statement so you can fully understand the level of coverage you have. If you're paying a lot of money for a transit service, you need to know what that entitles you to. Many companies offer packing or unpacking services, but these can cost extra. Maybe you just want help with the heavy furniture – as long as you know what you're getting for your money.
Additional Considerations for Moving House
Moving with Cars
Whether you choose to drive or use a specialised car transportation company in Australia it is important to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. It may even be worth getting your car serviced prior to your move, especially if you are going to drive from one side of the country to the other! Check with both state's motor registry offices as to the process of changing your address and registration details, as each state across Australia has different laws and regulations.
Settling-in Costs
Be prepared to have some money put aside for some of the things that may have been left behind such as food items, cleaning products, BBQ gas bottles and handyman services you may require to help make your new house a home. If you are moving with children there will be new school uniforms, books and other fees that may be applicable depending on the school you are joining.
Be Interstate Move Ready
By ensuring you pack the essentials, prepare the necessary documentation and research the logistics for your interstate move, you can start your new life in your new home with limited dramas. Once you get to the other side of your interstate move, make sure you introduce yourself to your new neighbours when you arrive at the other end. Moving long distances to a new property in Australia can be a challenge, so you want to make sure you have everything you need, including new friends.
Enlisting in a team of professional interstate removalists will ensure a stress-free move. If you need help with your big move, you can get multiple interstate removalist quotes here.
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