The Ultimate Guide to Moving Interstate

The Ultimate Guide to Moving Interstate Featured Image
Let’s cut to the chase, you’re planning an interstate move in Australia and you just want it to go smoothly. Packing, insurance and moving trucks are all important, but have you considered the end of lease cleaning, new utility providers and the potential need for short term storage?

Our guide to moving interstate maps out a simple process for getting you ready for your big move. By starting early and following the steps laid out below, you can give yourself the best chance of a successful, stress free interstate relocation.

Need help right away?

If you want to learn more about moving interstate, or about the services we offer, get in touch. You can speak with one of our experienced moving specialists who will talk you through the whole process and happily provide you with any extra assistance you may require. Contact us by filling out the quote request form on our website or by giving us a call on 13 25 54 today.

6-8 weeks before moving day

We recommend starting preliminary planning for interstate removals at least six weeks before moving day. This gives you enough time to organise a removalist company, to ensure they have availability on the date you need them and to get the rest of your affairs in order. However, don’t take this as gospel because the earlier you start, the better! In these early stages you want to focus on locking in dates and determining your budget, as this will give you a roadmap to follow for the rest of your moving process.

Book your moving company

Find a reputable moving company that can accomodate your needs. A moving company makes all the difference when it comes to an interstate move. They keep track of everything during transit to make sure it’s going smoothly. They have the experience and resources to ensure that your belongings are kept safe and secure. A moving company can help you as much or as little as you require during your trip. So whether you just need a moving van and an extra set of hands, or the full valet packing and unpacking experience, a professional removalist company can ensure you have the help you need.

It’s a good idea to compare quotes for different services to find the one that’s right for you. Lock in a date and discuss with the moving specialists your specific requirements. Don’t forget to ask for any tips they may have. Sometimes a little piece of advice from an experienced professional can set you on the right path for a big process like an interstate move. To get a quote from Allied simply follow the steps on our free quote form and one of our team will be in touch with you.

Get insurance

You’ve got to pack, organise and move your belongings safely across the country. But there are also plenty of other things you need to consider before you go – like what happens if something goes wrong? Moving your life can feel daunting. It’s important to limit the risks wherever you can. For this reason we highly encourage everyone to look at their insurance options throughout your relocation. You deserve peace of mind when moving home – that’s why we offer furniture removals insurance tailored to your individual needs at affordable rates. Contact our team to discuss the right coverage for your move.

Set a moving budget

Now that you’ve compared quotes, locked in a moving company and organised insurance, you will have a good idea of the main expenses involved and will be able to plan your budget for the rest of your move. Consider factors like moving trucks, packing equipment, storage, additional vehicle transportation etc. By planning your budget early, you can have a better idea of what you need for the rest of your move, what is essential and what is outside of your comfortable spending range.

2-4 weeks before moving day

Your moving company is booked and you have a budget set, now it’s time to delve into some of the hands-on aspects of the move. This includes things like organising packing supplies, creating an inventory of everything you’re moving and even some early packing.

Create an inventory

Creating an inventory of everything for your move will help you and your moving company to keep track of everything and ensure that nothing gets left behind. It also allows you to plan out your packing schedule without having to keep track of every item you own in your head. An inventory can also help with any insurance claims, so it’s a good idea to include the condition of the items on the list too.

Sort out your packing supplies

Scrambling to find yourself boxes and packing paper is the last thing you want to be doing a few days before your move. Not only will it add to your stress, but there’s a good chance you’ll end up with poor quality supplies that may end up falling apart during your interstate move. Get yourself some good quality packing supplies and do it early. You’ll be so grateful you did and it’s just not worth skimping on your boxes if they’re going to be responsible for transporting everything you own.

Sell, donate or discard unwanted items

Before you begin the packing process, make sure you’re not wasting time and space with items you don’t want or need. We recommend hosting a garage sale or donating all the items that aren’t going with you for your move. Read our blog post for more tips for decluttering your home during a move and why it might be beneficial to do so before you start packing.

Preliminary packing

The earlier you start packing, the more chance you have of a successful move. A few weeks before moving day is a great time to start packing the things you use the things you use the least. Think about your garage, outdoor furniture, tool shed etc. Getting some of these bulky items out of the way early will give you the time to properly pack the important things later. Check out our packing tips for expert advice, or get in touch with our team and we can take care of it all for you!

1 week before moving day

Packing

In the final week before your move you want to make sure you have everything else you need packed and ready for the movers. Depending on the type of moving service you choose, you may have some packing assistance. In this case it’s a good idea to speak with your moving consultant about what you should do to help streamline the process.

If you’re planning a self-pack, start with the least used items and slowly make your way to the items you use the most. Keep anything you will need for moving day and your first night in the new place in an easily accessible bag so it doesn’t get buried under everything else.

Create a plan for moving day

Don’t leave your moving day to chance, set out a detailed plan for your transport, arrival, meals, kids, pets etc. Draw up a floor plan of your new home with clear directions for the removalists for where you want everything. A plan for moving day can help keep you calm and on track when the big day finally comes.

Empty the fridge and pantry

Don’t bother buying more food that might be wasted during the final week before your move. Get creative and try to use all of the food in your house so that you don’t have to throw it all out on moving day.

Get excited

It’s easy to get lost in the packing process and forget about the fact that you’re about to make a big change in your life. Get excited about it! Start researching your new neighbourhood and thinking about all the things you’d like to do once you’ve moved. Not only does this get you ready for the changes ahead, but it’s a good way to de-stress after a big day of packing.

Important things to consider:
  • Meals for moving day and your first night
  • Cleaning your old and new home
  • Transportation
  • Internet service provider
  • Security system
  • Notify Australian Taxation Office
  • Updating concession and health care cards
  • Notifying insurance companies
  • Notifying healthcare providers
  • Updating any subscriptions
  • Informing friends and family
  • Changing/notifying banks

Moving day

It’s finally arrived! If you’ve followed the guide then you’ve set yourself up for success and you shouldn’t have too much to worry about on moving day. Now all you need to do is follow your moving plan. It’s recommended that you supervise the packing and unpacking process to make sure everything is accounted for and that the movers know which items to treat with extra care.

Important things to consider:
  • Getting a good night sleep
  • Keys
  • Chargers
  • Lay the groundwork for a great removalist experience
  • Call ahead of time to confirm the reservation
  • Look over the contract again
  • Have water and snacks to share
  • Prepare games for the little ones
  • Have a backup plan for delays

Get in touch

You don’t need to do it all on your own. If you’re just starting to think about your move, or the day is coming up quicker than you expected, reach out for help. Get in touch with our moving specialists via our quote request form or call us on 13 25 54.