Ahh, the joys of moving house. Hang on, isn’t a house move one of life’s most stressful events? Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, moving across the country or down the road, the process brings with it a mix of excitement, stress and a ridiculously long to-do list.
So, how do you move house effectively? How long does it take to move house, and what’s the best way to pack a house when moving? Okay, take a breath. TAXIBOX is here to be your trusty companion through it all.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know, from the first steps of planning your move to settling comfortably into your new space, plus other handy tricks and tips for moving house. For each stage of your journey, we’ve linked to detailed resources to help you master the art of moving. So let’s get cracking.
Planning your move
As you start to plan your move, getting organised early on will set the stage for a calm and (hopefully) stress-free experience.
Set a moving date
Choosing the right moving day matters. Consider factors like work schedules, school terms and even weather conditions in your area, as well as the place you’re moving to. Wondering how long it takes to move house? Well, that depends on how much stuff you’ve got and where you’re moving to. Our tip? Once you’ve nailed down a date, create a timeline that outlines key tasks and deadlines leading up to the big day.
Get your TAXIBOX early
Got stuff? Then you need TAXIBOX! Booking your TAXIBOX ahead of time ensures you have the flexibility to pack at your own pace. Plus, you can have our mobile storage delivered and stored whenever you need, making the whole process smoother.
Notify the right people
Be sure to tell everyone who needs to know about your move. This includes utility providers (water, phone, electricity, gas), banks, insurers and subscription services. Hot tip: Use Australia Post’s mail redirect service. It’ll save you a lot of time and hassle.
Create a budget
What exactly are the costs associated with moving? Like many things, moving house can have many hidden costs, so it’s essential to budget wisely. When weighing up the cost of moving house, consider expenses like packing supplies, removalists and any potential last-minute emergencies. Setting a budget upfront will help keep your finances on track during the process. Be sure to add some contingency cash in there for those unforeseen expenses.
Pack smart
Smart packing is key to a successful move, ensuring your belongings are sorted, protected and easy to unpack in your new home.
Declutter before you pack
Our best piece of moving house advice? Before you start packing, declutter. There is something cathartic about having a good clean out, and you’ll be grateful that you offloaded your unwanted stuff before you get to your new place. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell or donate. A moving sale is a great way to simplify your move while making some extra cash. Hot tip: Donating to charity gives you a fresh start and helps those in need.
Gather the right supplies
Having the right packing supplies is a must. Stock up on boxes, tape and bubble wrap. Don’t know where to start? Check out TAXIBOX’s range of packing materials. Hot tip: For a more eco-friendly move, use reusable containers or bags, plus sheets, towels and blankets to wrap your stuff.
Room-by-room packing guide
Take a strategic approach by packing room by room, starting with non-essential areas like spare bedrooms and storage areas. Begin with items you rarely use, including out-of-season clothes, and work your way to daily necessities. A successful move is all down to an effective packing strategy, so plan ahead.
Tips for fragile items
Protect your breakables by wrapping them in bubble wrap, towels or soft cloths. For items like glassware and artwork, use extra padding and pack them in small sturdy boxes.
Labelling for success
Clear labelling makes unpacking much easier. When packing, label each box with its contents and note the room it belongs to. Hot tip: Use colour-coded labels for each room to make unloading a breeze.
Moving furniture with ease
Moving furniture can be hassle-free with a few simple tricks to protect your pieces and your floors.
Dismantle and protect
Start by dismantling larger furniture pieces, like beds and dining tables, to make them easier to move. Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags, and pack these in a place where you can find them easily. Wrap each piece in blankets, throws or towels for added protection.
Slip in some sliders
Sliders are a lifesaver for moving furniture and heavy items without damaging your floors. Simply place them under the furniture legs and glide the item across the room. Hot tip: Wrap furniture legs in old socks to avoid scratches and save on supplies.
The packing tips continue
We know moving, and we’re here to help with our useful tips
Kitchen packing made easy
Pack your kitchen items efficiently by starting with non-essentials. Start by boxing up small appliances and utensils you don’t frequently use, then nest dishes and glassware with paper in between each item to prevent chipping. Stack pots and pans efficiently by placing smaller ones inside larger ones, separated by paper or cloth. Wrap fragile items like glassware and dishes in bubble wrap.
Sort out your wardrobe
When packing clothes, fold them carefully or use wardrobe boxes to keep them wrinkle-free. For a quick pack, consider leaving clothes on hangers and covering them with a large garbage bag, bed sheets or doona covers.
Books, bathroom bits and beyond
Use sturdy boxes for books and avoid overloading them. Pack bathroom items last, keeping essential toiletries handy. And be sure to keep these boxes away from pets and kids.
Preparing for moving day
Create a moving day kit: Keep essential items handy in a moving day kit. Include snacks, water, important documents, basic tools, a first-aid kit, medication and a phone charger. This kit will help keep you prepared and comfortable throughout the day.
Final checks and balances: Go through a final checklist to ensure everything is packed and ready. Hot tip: Take photos of your old place to document its condition for bond claims or landlord disputes.
Moving day strategies
Stay organised by following a timeline. Grab a clipboard and go old-school style by physically ticking tasks off your written or printed list as you go. So satisfying!
TAXIBOX tips: When packing your TAXIBOX storage facility, load heavy items first to keep the centre of gravity low and distribute weight evenly. Place fragile items on top and secure everything with straps.
Final walkthrough: As you prepare to leave your former home for the last time, do a room-by-room walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check cupboards, drawers and behind doors.
Settling in to your new home
Connect your services: Make sure all utilities, like electricity, water and internet, are set up and functioning. It’s a good idea to arrange these in advance so you’re not left in the dark. Like, literally in the dark!
Unpack your essentials: Prioritise unpacking the kitchen and bedrooms so you can cook a meal and get a good night’s sleep on your first night in your new home. You’ll be grateful you did.
Update your address: Quickly update your address with essential services, such as banks, government agencies and subscriptions if you haven’t already done so.
Take a break: Remember that moving house can be stressful. Don’t forget to rest and have some fun on moving day.
TAXIBOX is here to help
Still got questions? Need more tips for moving house? We’ve got you covered. Check out these resources we’ve created just for you.
For the lowdown on how to move house, check out these moving house tips and download our printable moving house checklist so you can tick and flick as you go. Too easy!
Feel like the whole moving process is putting a strain on your relationship? We get that it can be one of the trickier parts of adulting and we can help with advice.
And don’t forget your physical wellbeing – put down that heavy box and read all about taking care of your back. Moving house can cause some serious strains and pains. We want you to get into your new home pain free. Find out how.
Get a move on!
Moving house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning, smart packing and a few handy tricks up your sleeve (including our useful moving house tips!), you can turn a potentially stressful experience into a smooth and exciting transition.
Remember to prioritise essentials when unpacking, reconnect your utilities early and update your address to avoid missing important mail. Most importantly, let TAXIBOX be your moving companion, from the first packed box to the final unpacked one.
Got to move? Need to pack? Get TAXIBOX!
