A Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Interstate Move In Canberra

Moving across state lines can be exciting and stressful, particularly if you’re leaving an urban center like Canberra behind. You can make sure the transition goes smoothly and stress-free with a little serious preparation and organization. To assist you with your interstate move in Canberra, make sure you follow this full, step-by-step checklist.

1. Plan Your Move in Advance

6-12 Months Before Moving:

• Research Your New Location: Get familiar with your new city or town, including its various neighborhoods, schools, health facilities, and other facilities.
• Budget for Your Move: Estimate all moving costs, including removalists, travel, packing materials, and short-term accommodation.
• Create a Moving Folder: Organize your move by keeping documents, receipts, and contracts in one folder for ease of access.

2. Hire Professional Interstate Removalists

3-6 Months Before Moving:

• Get Quotes: Seek quotes from various interstate removalist companies and compare their services. Specifically, inquire about the services offered, the insurance options available, and any extra charges that apply. 
• Check Reviews and References: Check online for reviews and references from the companies regarding their services. 
• Book Your Removalists: Once you have chosen the removalist, confirm the reservation well in advance so that you may be able to lock in the date of your preference for the move.

3. Declutter and Organize

2-3 Months Before Moving:

• Sort Your Belongings: Take out, room by room, what you no longer need or want. This saves on moving costs and also allows you to make some money to offset your move by selling items that are no longer needed. 
• Hold a Garage Sale: Sell what’s left through a garage sale or online auction sites and apply the money to your move.
• Donate to Charity: Donate usable items to local charities or resale shops.

4. Notify Important Parties

1-2 Months Before Moving:

• Change Your Address: The most critical thing is to leave a change-of-address order at the post office so that all your mail will be forwarded to your new location. Update the address with banks, assurance companies, and other important organizations.
• Cancel or Transfer Services: Give us a call to move internet, utilities, and other services to your new address. Establish a time for the services at your current residence to be disconnected and the services at your new residence to be connected.
• Inform Your Employer: Your employer has to know about your relocation and talk to you about any last-day arrangements that might be needed. It would be best if you informed him of your move as soon as possible.

5. Prepare Your Home for Moving Day

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Start Packing: Pack non-essential items first. Indicate which box belongs in which room and what’s inside each one.
• Create an Inventory: For insurance purposes, make a thorough inventory of everything you own, including pictures of valuables. 
• Use Up Perishables: Start to use up perishable food items and stop buying more. Clean out your cupboard and fridge. 

6. Arrange Travel Plans

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Accommodation: If you require temporary accommodation before you can move into your new home, make your arrangements now. 
• Plan Your Route: If you are going to drive, plan your route and schedule overnight stops en route. If you’re flying, reserve your airline tickets and arrange for transportation to the airport. 
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Schedule an appointment for service if necessary.

7. Pack an Essentials Box

1 Week Before Moving:

• Essentials for the First Few Days: Prepare one box separately with some essential items that you may need immediately at your new home, like toilet requisites, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, and basic kitchen items. 
• Keep Valuables Safe: Jewelry, important documents, and personal electronics should stay with you in lieu of packing them with the movers. 

8. Finalize Details with Your Removalists

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm Booking: Verify with your removalists that the right date, time, and address were selected for your move.
• Provide Special Instructions: Let the removalists know about any fragile items or any unique needs.
• Prepare Payment: Make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the removalist’s bill after the move is finished.

9. Prepare Your Current Home

1 Week Before Moving:

• Clean Thoroughly: Clean everything, from carpets to windows and appliances. This becomes particularly relevant if you are leaving a rental property so that you can get back your bond money. 
• Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Safety assumes the proper disposal of hazardous materials that cannot be moved, such as paints, chemicals, and inflammable goods.
• Return Borrowed Items: Return the things you have borrowed from the library or from friends and neighbors.

10. Moving Day

Moving Day:

• Supervise the Move: Be present to supervise the removalists and ensure everything is loaded safely and securely.
• Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, cupboards, and storage areas.
• Turn Off Utilities: Turn off all utilities, lock doors and windows, and hand over the keys to the new owners or your landlord.

11. Arrival at Your New Home

Upon Arrival:

• Inspect Your Belongings: Check all your belongings against your inventory to ensure everything has arrived safely. Report any damages or missing items to your removalists immediately.
• Unpack Essentials: Start by unpacking your essentials box to settle in quickly. Set up your bed and basic kitchen supplies.
• Connect Utilities: Ensure all utilities are connected and functioning properly.

12. Settle Into Your New Home

First Few Weeks:

• Unpack Systematically: Unpack room by room, starting with the most important areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.
• Update Your Address: Continue updating your address with any additional services or subscriptions.
• Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take some time to explore your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and familiarize yourself with local amenities.

Conclusion

An interstate move from Canberra can be a complex process, but with careful planning and organization, you can make it a smooth and successful transition. By following this step-by-step checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for every aspect of your move, ensuring a stress-free experience as you embark on this new chapter in your life.

For more moving tips and tricks or to get a range of moving services, contact Canberra Movers Packers at:

Phone: 1800 865 005

Mail: info@canberramoverspackers.com.au

Best of luck for your unpacking!