Long gone are the days when families just did not move. Even as far back as our grandparents people were beginning to move at least once or twice in their lifetime. These days we are truly nomadic and it is rare for a couple to move into a house and remain their throughout their married life. For some people moving house can be almost a way of life.
Between 1974 and 2005 I moved 16 times within New South Wales, down to Tasmania, within Tasmania and then up to Queensland as work and family commitments took me on a journey that I had never dreamt off when I was growing up.
So hopefully after moving house that many times I've now got some tips to share with you that might help your next move be much smoother and less stressful.
The Stress of Moving House
I cannot remember ever having a move that was completely free from stress. Oddly enough though the longest moves have usually involved the least amount of stress while a move around the corner was perhaps the worst I have ever had.But then experts suggest that the stress of moving house is as bad as the stress that comes when there is a death in the family. So be prepared for the stress that will come and make sure you factor in some breaks when you can get away from the planning and the packing and just relax.
Prepare Your Kids
A number of the moves that I made were with young kids - including one who is disabled. Moving house with kids can take the drama of moving to a whole new level. Make sure they understand why you're moving. Encourage them to plan for the move too. Take them to the new town or house if you can to let them have a look around. They can see it either as an adventure or something that they never want to happen so it's up to you to encourage them to see it in the best possible light.Tips to Make Moving House Easier
Call the Removalist
If you have booked a removalist, then call them several days before the move to ensure that your booking hasn't some how disappeared. Call them first thing on the morning of the move to make sure they haven't forgotten you (yes it's happened to me).Insurance
The amount of insurance cover that Australian removalists are required to carry is limited and so is their liability if your furniture and effects are lost or damaged. That's why you really MUST take out your own insurance to cover the move. Normal contents insurance does not cover furniture etc. while it's in transit. You need a special policy and all insurance companies have them.Disconnect the Phone
Make sure that you have arranged to have the phone disconnected - the day after you move. Don't try and save a few cents by having it disconnected on the day your moving house because Telstra, and the other companies, often do their disconnects first thing in the morning. That means that at the very time you may need the phone to solve some emergency, the phone will be dead.Disconnect the Electricity
Contact your local energy authority and arrange to have the power disconnected but make sure that you arrange to have that done on the day after the carpet cleaner has shampooed the carpet.Cleaning Gear
If you have to clean the house after the furniture is gone make sure that the removalists don't pack all your cleaning gear and load it in the truck. The afternoon before you move gather up the cleaning gear you will need the next day and put it somewhere that the removalists won't see it.Pay to Have Your House Cleaned
I know it costs money but the last thing you will want to do is stand there in the empty house wishing you didn't have to clean it. When you're moving house cleaning the old place always takes much longer than you allow for.Don't Forget Your Mail
Don't forget to arrange with the Post Office to have your mail re-directed. While your down at the post office ask for one of their handy change of address kits and when you get it make sure you use it to notify all the people you do business with that you have changed your address. You can find out more information here .Always Pack Your Own Breakables - Maybe
This is an instance where, if you know what you're doing then pack your glassware and other breakables yourself. If you've never packed breakables before then let the removalist do it but take the time to watch what they do so you can do it next time.You Can Never Have Too Many Boxes
When you're moving house you can never have too many cartons and every time you think you've finished you will always find something else to pack so make sure you buy plenty of cartons and after the move collapse them and keep them for next time.Don't Overload the Boxes
If the box weighs more than around 40 kilos then it's definitely too heavy. And if you're packing books or magazines be prepared for a shock ... they weigh a lot ... that's why there are smaller boxes for books. Be sure to use them - the last thing you want when you're moving house is a hernia or a ruptured disk in your back. Pray that you never find out what L5/S1 refers to.Empty Your Fridge and Drain Your Washing Machine
Emptying your fridge is self-explanatory ... I hope ... but your washing machine may be another matter. The fact is that when your washing machine pumps out at the end of a cycle a litre or more of water will remain in the machine and that can make a right mess in the back of the removalist's van.To drain really empty the washing machine lay the hose flat on the floor - with the end over a drain or out through the door - and let the water that remains trickle out.
Empty Your Mower
Removalists simply refuse to carry anything that is flamable ... and with good reason. I've seen removalist trucks on fire and they are not a pretty sight. So make sure that there's no fuel in your lawn mower or brush cutter.If You Have Something Really Valuable ...
... try and take it with you rather than letting it go into the truck. If it's valuable then the best person to take care of it is you.Finally
When the removalist knocks on the door on the morning of the big day cross your fingers, hold your breath and hope to God that you haven't forgotten anything. Also be prepared for it to all go pear-shaped because, no matter how well you have planned, if something can go wrong it will.But if you have prepared for the move then the shape of the pear can be a whole lot better than it will be if you haven't done all the planning.
Good Luck ... and score some brownie points with the light of your life who has had such a hard and tiring time during the move:
Flowers will definitely cheer her up :)