Moving Date Countdown: A Timeline for First-Time Movers

While the end result of a brand new living space is worth it, moving can be one of the most stressful times of a homeowner's life.  With so many things to keep track of, it may feel like there's a countdown clock ticking over your shoulder, and a never-ending list of things to do before it reaches zero.  Since it's not something that many of us do often, it's also rarely something we feel confident or comfortable with - so having a brief checklist can really help you to stack on track.  Of course, each family and each move is different, so be sure to add your own items to the list, but here are some basics to start with, sorted by timeline.

After Initially Choosing to Move

Book in with a moving company as soon as possible.  Most reputable companies will be booked up to a month in advance, but you should aim to schedule a time far in advance of this - especially if you'd like to move around the end of the month or over the weekend.  These are the busiest times and will always be booked up first.  As with any professional service, it's good practice to call at least three companies for quotes.  That way, you know you're getting the best price for a quality job.  Doing so this far in advance means you don't have to scramble for quotes while you could be busy packing up boxes, and you'll likely have the widest range to choose from for your chosen dates.

One Month to Go

If you haven't already, start packing up things you don't use on a day-to-day basis.  If it helps, once boxed, move them into temporary storage.  If your home is free of clutter and easy to move around, you'll have a much easier time on the day of the move.  Also, breaking up the workload will make it feel like a much more manageable job.  Try dedicating a weekend day to each room of the house, packing only the things you really need last.

The Day Before

Make sure all your boxes are labelled and arrange them into groups so that they're easier to place once they arrive at the new location.  You should know from looking at the box's exterior which room it's intended for, and vaguely what's inside.  Ensure fragile boxes are marked, and that all boxes are secure; the last thing you need is to lift one and have the bottom fall out.  Beyond that, the best thing to do is get a good night's rest and ensure you're awake well in advance of the removal company's arrival.

Naturally, you may still experience some stress and difficulty on the day - but at least with a checklist you'll have some peace of mind, knowing that all the main bits and pieces are taken care of.  

About Me

Coast to Coast: The Big Move

Hello, my name is Emma. I am originally from Brisbane, but last year our family decided to move to a little seaside town on the Western Coast of Australia. I have a husband, two kids and a dog, so organising the move wasn't easy. Thankfully, we found a fantastic moving company who helped us to pack our things and load the truck that would transport out things across the country. They even arranged for our surplus things to be placed in a secure storage unit. I was so pleased with the service and learned a lot about big moves, so I decided to start this blog.