What I Learnt from My Experiences Completing Multiple House Moves
If you’re anything like me, you’ve moved more times than you can count on both hands. It almost seems like you’ve just unpacked when you receive notice the owners want to move back in, and you know it’s time to find a new place all over again.
But if you’re a first-time mover, or just a little rusty on the experience, take it from me and don’t leave it to the last minute! There are ways to make the arduous process of packing easier.
Old Packing Ways No Longer Work
I think we’ve all done a move at some point that was simple, probably when we first moved out of home. You can throw your clothes into the boot in a borrowed suitcase, carry your house-warming plant from your sister on the back seat. If you’re lucky, mum has loaded a washing basket with somewhat healthy food in the hope that you’ll not just eat noodles, understanding you’ll return with the washing basket full of your dirty laundry.
How to Organise A House Move?
That method may have worked then but, as life becomes more complicated with families and households full of furniture and items, it’s not a practical approach. When moving-house, planning is key. Without a plan, everything could go pear shaped very quickly, costing time, money and even some of your items. Here’s how I recommend planning a house move:
- Be organised.
- Keep track of everything on a list.
- Pack your things so they stay safe.
- Pack the moving truck efficiently.
- Plan the move-in.
- Get an expert’s help.
- Take the shortcut with your packing.
Be Organised
If you’re one of those people who never keeps the original box for electronics, it’s time to start now. When you’re packing up your gaming console, what better way than its original box? Or that awkward shaped kitchen blender – it will make things a lot smoother in the long run if you find a safe dry place in your house where you can store these boxes so you can take advantage of them later.
Starting packing early is always a good plan, that way you can take the time to sort things out properly, to make it easier to unpack on the other end. It always takes much longer than we estimate. Trust me!
Keep Track of Everything on A List
You may feel like you’ll remember everything but moving is a busy, stressful time. One way to combat this is to get it all out of your head and on to paper.
Make a list of every room in your house, then all the main furniture in that room.Next on the list you should add a comprehensive and detailed list of everything in each room. This is your moving inventory list; it will allow you to be 100% certain you haven’t forgotten any of your items. Don’t forget the under-house storage items that you put under there for a rainy day.
Pack Your Things So They Stay Safe
Bumping around in your car or a hired truck can be quite risky for your valuable and fragile items, so they should be boxed in with extra bubble wrap. Things like blankets, sheets and doonas are also useful for making sure these items don’t rattle around in transit- you don’t want to arrive to a car boot full of broken plates.
Choosing the right packing materials can be costly and time consuming, so it’s a good idea to enlist a professional removalist where possible. For example, the careful, efficient team at Sunset Removals can supply you with everything you’ll need for your move, such as:
- Packing paper – to protect fragile items
- Packing tape – knowing what works reliably
- Standard packing boxes – available in two sizes with a choice of new or recycled
- Port-o-robe boxes – for clothing to be folded or hanging
- TV boxes – all sizes
Pack the Moving Truck Efficiently
You’ve made it to the big day. You’re nervous and excited and keen to get it over and done with. What next?! Take a deep breath, and get ready to pack everything in. My top tips for the physical moving are:
- Use original boxes for electronics where possible.
- Keep all furniture parts together in plastic tubs or tape.
- Mark the contents on the top of each box.
- Mark boxes with the room they belong in.
- Mark heavy and fragile boxes
- Use blankets, sheets and doonas or even clothes to help protect breakables.
- Tape cords to large appliances like your refrigerator so they don’t get caught or trip anyone over during the move.
- Empty drawers and remove before the move. Carry them separately to the main unit (taping them shut can affect the unit’s appearance when removed).
- Use room colour coding on boxes, to minimise double handling.
Plan the Move-In
Don’t be like me and get to your new house, only to discover there was no easy driveway access. Getting your mates to carry your lounge chair up a steep driveway before you even get to the steps and the too-narrow-to-get-the-couch-through front door is an awkward experience that’s worth more than a case of their favourite beer.
Is there road access to park the moving vehicle? Will you block any driveways trying to unload? You don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with your new neighbours.
Get an Expert’s Help
After moving so many times and learning that hard way what works and what doesn’t (I’ll never un-brake that glass vase), I rely on the professional experts now.
Sunset Removals provide personalised quotes, and from there, take the hassle off my hands! They can give you a quote on your move and estimate the types and quantities of packing materials that you need (and even deliver them to your door).\
Sunset Removals can also completely do all the house packing and unpacking for you – imagine not having to spend every night wrapping your items in old newspapers. They’ll do the heavy lifting while you take on the official “supervisor” role on moving day.
Take the shortcut with your packing
Don’t make the same mistakes as me, let the experts do the hard work for you. Peter O’Connor owns and runs Sunset Removals and has 15 years of experience helping customers relocate to their new house. He’s “been there, done that” and knows all the tricks to get me packed and relocated with the minimum of cost and stress.
Get in touch with Call Peter on 0430 111 107, or by emailing him at sunsetremovals@live.com with your move destination and expected time. Alternatively, just fill in the contact form online by clicking here and his team will get back to you as soon as possible, so you can get your show on the road.
