If you’re in the process of moving house or are about to be, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of work that lies ahead – so how do you prepare?
This year, 20% of Australians identified with living in a different residence than they were twelve months earlier. While this figure is an increase on the 15% reported in the last census in 2016, it should come as no surprise given the state of our extremely hot property market and the lifestyle overhaul that many of us have recently undertaken.
As a general rule, most of us simply hate moving house. Regardless of whether you’re off to a new rental or have sold your abode, the process is usually regarded as inconvenient, irritating, daunting and an altogether stressful experience. However, with a little forethought and careful planning, the good news is that the process of moving house doesn’t have to be an arduous one – so how do you get it right?
What To Consider When Moving House
Between the packing, the endless boxes, the bond cleaning, and for the unfortunate, endless amounts of stairs, it’s easy to see why moving house isn’t one of our favourite past times. While the payoff can potentially be worth it if you’re upgrading abodes or seeking a tree or sea change, the experience is somewhat of a necessary evil.
Once you’ve decluttered and have got your packing well underway, there’s plenty of other tasks that home owners and tenants need to consider. The stress of moving house is compounded by disorganisation and leaving things to the last minute, so amongst other things, preplanning is a concept that should be actively embraced by anyone in transit.
Pack Smart – Start your packing journey four to six weeks ahead of the move by tackling the items that are least used, or are kept for sentimental reasons. Pack your boxes or storage containers with the heaviest items at the bottom, and even consider living out of a suitcase to make that ‘in between’ period of time easier on everyone.
Consider Insurance – Whether you are buying or renting, it is a good idea to consider organising a form of contents insurance to protect your belongings. You can also ask your provider about cover during your move and transit, just in case anything doesn’t arrive at the new property in its original condition.
Embrace Outsourcing – Firstly, be realistic about what you can and can’t transport. If you’re the proud owner of a Mini Cooper, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to transport your three seater couch. If you’re time poor, online outsourcing services like AirTasker can connect you with removalists, bond cleaners and even professional packing services.
Check Your Bills – Prior to moving day, make sure that you check any existing utility bills that may be invoiced after you exit the abode. If a landlord is left to pay your electricity or internet bill, this can leave a black mark against your tenant record and even result in a bond deduction. Let your provider know that you’re on the move to avoid any late fees as well.
Tackle Your Utilities – When you know your move-out date, you can arrange for your utilities to be disconnected at the house you are moving out of, and connected ready for your arrival at your new house. The usual suspects include the internet, a landline telephone, gas, water and electricity, so don’t leave this task until the last minute.
Update Your Details – Be sure to tell your service providers what your new address is, to make sure you don’t lose important mail and that your contact details and other important information is kept up to date. People that need to know usually include your doctor, banking institute, schools, the ATO, your state’s road authority, and any frequent online shopping outlets.
Leave A Legacy – Whether you’re moving out of a rental or departing the family home, a simple gesture like a box of chocolates or instructions on how the house works will go a long way with your successor. A friendly welcome not only marks you down for good karma, but will also no doubt be noticed by your real estate agent or property manager for future dealings.
Should you be looking to sell your home or purchase a new one, enlisting the services of a free property advisor like ESPA can often be a game changer. As an example, your advisor would likely research the property, local agents, check the zoning, evaluate market conditions, and communicate clearly with you regarding all of your options – but where do you find one?
Take The Stress Out Of Selling Property
As a completely free service, Emergency Services Property Advisors provide property advisor services to Police, Fire, Ambulance and S.E.S personnel and their families right across Victoria.
Luke and the team at ESPA are passionate about providing support to some of Australia’s most valued public servants. Along with key industry insights, ESPA also works with a broad range of service providers linked to the real estate industry such as conveyancers, trades, legal practitioners and mortgage brokers.
If you are an emergency services worker looking to potentially buy or sell property in the future, please get in touch with Emergency Services Property Advisors today to discuss how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality, or call Luke directly on 0414 757 705.
