Guide to Moving Interstate

Guide to Moving Interstate Featured Image
Moving interstate, whether it is by yourself or with your family can prove to be a logistical challenge. Navigating the complexities of a move whilst being hundreds or thousands of kilometres away is no easy task, which is why it is advisable to get all the help you need, so we have compiled this little list of things that you should be aware of when moving interstate.

Knowing who to notify

When you are moving home, knowing who to notify can be difficult and it is easy to forget people. If you have lived in your city your whole life, you will have built up a large portfolio of memberships and connections that you will need to inform of your departure. Check out our essential change of address checklist as a starting point towards knowing who to notify when you move. Getting this done early will mean that you have less to worry about once you arrive in your new home and more time to focus on getting settled in.

Packing for your move

The way that you pack for your move is arguably one of the most important factors in the move and can affect how much your move ends up costing you due to potential increased volume or breakages during transit. Here are some tips for packing your home for a move.

Don’t overpack

A mistake that many people make when they move interstate is that they overpack, bringing with them items that they should have thrown away long ago. Look at packing for your move as an opportunity to go through everything and declutter your life, almost like spring cleaning! Throwing away or donating clothes can be a significant space saver when moving homes. You don’t want to pay to transport items that you will not need in your new location, so it is best to get rid of them during the packing process. For example, if you are moving from Victoria to Queensland you probably won’t be needing your ski gear anymore! There are several great organisations such as St Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army who are always open to accepting donations and have drop off points across the country.

Don’t overfill boxes

Overfilling boxes can potentially result in boxes breaking or collapsing whilst they are being carried to the truck. Having your belongings spill out on to the pavement on their way to the truck is unpleasant and not want you want on moving day.

Use good quality packing materials

Making sure that you use good quality packing materials is key to ensuring that nothing goes wrong during transit of your belongings. Use proper moving boxes as they are stronger and will be able to handle the heavy weight of your belongings without breaking.

Use a professional packing services

If your moving company offers professional packing services, then it is a good idea to take advantage of them. Getting experienced staff to do your packing for you means that they will follow best practice and will ensure that your belongings are properly protected during the long interstate transit. For more detailed information on packing for your move check out our What to Pack First When Moving article.

Quarantine

Quarantine probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of moving interstate, but it is something that you will need to be careful when moving interstate in Australia. Australia has some of the strictest quarantine laws in the world. Make sure that you clean all outdoor equipment like gardening and camping equipment properly before loading it for transport. It is best to avoid any sticky situations and leave your plants behind.

Choosing your home

Choosing your new home can be an exciting, albeit stressful, experience. It can be hard to know whether you are choosing the right home for you and your family, especially if you do not have the time to conduct a site visit. If you are unsure about the kind of home that you want, or you do not know the area that you will be moving into very well, then you should consider renting to start off with. Renting means that you won’t be locked into a house or an area, and you can spend some time getting to know the different areas of your new city before you make the decision to buy. It also means that when you do decide to buy, you will be able to visit the house physically, to ensure that it is suitable for you and your family.

Allied are Australia’s premier moving company, with over 40 locations across the country we are perfectly positioned to get you to your new home wherever it may be. We offer a comprehensive list of additional services including pet relocation and packing services. Call us on 13 25 54 today to get a free quote.