It's right up there with switching careers and ending a long-term relationship as one of the most stressful experiences you'll ever have - but there are things you can do to make moving house a less taxing experience.
Whether you hire professional removalists or you manage the move yourself, the key to a successful transition is planning.
The perfect move can be shattered if you haven’t done your research and planning beforehand,” says Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson.
The DIY move
If you decide to move your personal belongings yourself, then plan the operation carefully, recommends the Real Estate Institute of WA.
- Enlist the help of friends and family
- Try and arrange for a friend or relative to look after your children and pets for the day
- Before you hire a truck or van, work out how much you need to move and where you are going to put it in your new home, so you can hire the right sized vehicle, and move items straight into the right room in your new home
- Work out which items might require special attention so organise solutions, such as trolleys, straps and blankets
- Be prepared for how you might react if a volunteer friend or family member breaks a prized possession or injures themselves
- When hiring a removalist, get recommendations or referrals from family and friends
- Make an inventory of the items the removalist will handle
- Ask for a written quote, including a condition report for the items to be moved
- Research insurance coverage for household items during the move and ask about their policies for dealing with breakages and accidents
- Keep a record of all the items you’ve packed yourself, including their condition, and carefully label each box
Moving can be an exhausting experience so don’t rush to unpack. “A good idea is to pack a small overnight bag before the move, as if you’re staying in a motel,” advises REIWA. “It can be a relief at the end of a long day, as you don’t have to rummage through boxes for your toothbrush and other essentials.”
Collections: Mortgage News
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