Moving Interstate Checklist

Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through at the best of times. Moving interstate is often a much bigger task, requiring logistics, forward-thinking and proper planning. With so many aspects to oversee to ensure that the move goes as smoothly as possible, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed at your upcoming move. However, with some careful planning and some time, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you would expect. Take a look at our moving interstate checklist and make sure you’re ready for the big move across the country.

1. Plan Your Itinerary And Travel Schedule

Moving across the country requires you to coordinate your movements and know when and where you need to be. You should plan to spend part of your day with the removalists to ensure that they’re packing and loading your belongings as per your directions, before heading off to the new home. Whether you’re planning on driving interstate or flying, having a plan for the big day is important. Having all the important details such as arrival times and flight times organised before the big day will save you a lot of stress and anxiety.

2. Get Copies Of Your Medical Records

Transferring your medical records to your new medical practice in another state can be time-consuming. While this may not be too much of a problem if you’re in good health, transferring to your new doctor will be important if you have underlying health conditions that require consistent care. Organise this change early so that you’re covered if you need to head into the doctor suddenly.

3. Get Rid Of Unwanted Items

Moving house is the perfect time to get rid of any unwanted or unused belongings that may have built up recently. Take the chance to declutter your life and ascertain if you need so much stuff. Scaling down and getting rid of your unwanted items will not only make your packing and move that much faster and easier, but it’s a great way to make a bit of spare cash if you choose to sell some of your unwanted stuff.

4. Update Your Insurance Policies

Insurance is one of those things that you probably don’t think about when you’re moving house, however, it should be top of your list. Having your insurance policies transferred to your new home ASAP can be the difference in being able to claim for that unexpected breakage or not. Updating your insurance policies will guarantee that your new home is protected from the day you move in. You might also want to think about getting insurance for the move itself, which, depending upon the policy you choose, can protect you in the case of missing, stolen or damaged items during transit.

5. Set Up Your New Utilities And Services

There’s nothing worse than travelling across the country for several days to discover that your new home doesn’t have any hot water or electricity. Take some time to research your utility providers before you move and organise to have them connected the day before you arrive. Having your electricity, water and internet ready to go can make all the difference after a long few weeks of packing, moving and travelling across the country.

6. Redirect Your Mail

While most of us get our bills through email, you may still receive paper bills for some services. You can choose to go to each company you do business with before you move, or you can pay a minimal fee with Australia Post and get them to redirect your mail for you to the next 12-months. If you choose to simply have your mail redirected, you will still need to manually change your address with other companies directly, however, this will give you more time to do so and let you focus on other aspects of your move.

7. School Enrolments

If you have school-aged children, you will also need to organise their school enrolments as well as any uniforms they may need. Even if you are moving house during the school holidays, having schools organised will allow you to focus on unpacking and organising your new home.

8. Arrange Your Childcare And Pet Care During The Move

If you have children or pets, you will want to think about what they will be doing during the move. Moving day is going to be hectic enough without small children or pets running around your feet and possibly getting in the way of removalists as they work. Organise someone to help look after them on the day or consider dropping them off at friends or family members until you’re ready to go. Finding a safe spot for your pets or children will also ensure that you know they’re safe while keeping their anxiety levels down.

9. Organise Your Bond Cleaner

Moving interstate means that you’re unlikely to be doing the bond clean of your old property yourself. Organise a reliable bond cleaning service ahead of time to come in and clean the property after your belongings are removed. This will save you hours and help to ensure that you get your bond back with little to no fuss. Knowing that your old property is going to be professionally cleaned will take a lot of pressure off your back as you organise your new home.

10. Organise Your Removalists Early

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, organise your removalists well ahead of time. A great removalist is going to be the difference between a good moving experience and a terrible one. Find a removalist that specialises in interstate moves and spend some time looking at their reviews. Get a quote from them early and if you like the look of the company and are happy with their quote then book them in ASAP.

Having a moving interstate checklist handy can help you get through your move with the least amount of stress possible. Rather than feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of packing up your entire life and moving across the country, let your checklist be your guide to a smooth experience. If you’re planning your big move and are looking for a professional and reliable removalist to help you get from A to B, we can help. Get in touch with our team today for a free quote.