Moving Tips
Moving house can seem overwhelming, especially if you've lived in the same home for many years. However, it's a great time to say goodbye to unwanted items and start fresh! At Cedar Ridge we are experts at sorting, packing, organising and moving so we've put together a list of our top tips to help you out.
1
De-clutter
This can be a really positive experience. Use this as an opportunity to unburden yourself of clutter and cherish the objects that enrich your life. Try to do this at least a month before your move. Arrange a garage sale or sell items online to recoup some cash and help ensure your unwanted items get more use. Anything that you don't pass on can then be dropped off at your local charity store or taken to the tip.
2
Complete a floor plan
Complete a floor plan of your new home for furniture placement and measure spaces to ensure your furniture will fit, particularly the fridge. Will large items fit through doors?
3
Book a removalist and packing company
Now that you've de-cluttered and decided what furniture is coming to your new home, book your removalist and decide if you are going to get a packing company to help partial pack or fully pack for you.
7
Pack like a professional
Use clean white butchers paper to wrap items. Pack heavy items in smaller cartons. Layer your goods, heavier items at the bottom and lighter items at the top. Label your cartons by room so the removalist can unload correctly. Pack plates standing on their side and books with spine down.
8
Dismantling
If you dismantle furniture or electrical items remember to tape the screws to the item or pack them in a clearly labelled essentials box making a note of what item they are for. Your removalist should set up any furniture items that they have dismantled in your new home ready for use. Make a note of any precious items that require special care to move and make sure the removalist and packing team are aware of these.
9
Essentials for your first night
Pack bed linen, towels and toiletries to be used on your first night in clearly marked boxes so these are easy to locate on move in day.
4
Change your address
Remember to change your address with important contacts like the electoral office, the RTA, My Gov, banks and schools and organise to have your mail redirected.
5
Transfer your utilities
Make sure you arrange for your metres to be read on move out day and connected at your new home ready for move in.
10
Survival kit
Pack a survival kit with essential items like kettle, tea and coffee, breakfast requirements, special children's toys, school needs, pet requirements, toiletries, toilet paper, medications, phone chargers and last minute cleaning items. Consider taking very sentimental or important documents with you in your car.
11
Handyman kit
Create a handyman kit with box cutter, scissors, screwdriver and allen keys and items that you might need in the first few days of unpacking.
6
Arrange packing materials
Arrange for packing materials to be delivered if you are packing yourself. Make sure you buy good quality cartons to ensure your items are protected. Most companies will buy undamaged cartons back off you so ensure you label cartons on the tape and take care not to damage the carton when opening or flattening.
12
Don't forget the refrigerator
Remember to defrost your freezer and empty out your refrigerator. Have a portable esky and ice ready to transport your cold items.