Moving house is a significant life event and one that can often feel overwhelming. With over 30 years in the removalist industry on the Gold Coast, I’ve seen all sorts of moves – from seamless transitions to frantic last-minute dashes. The key to a successful and stress-free move lies in preparation. Whether you’re moving from a small apartment or a large family home, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference.
In this article, I’ll share seven tried-and-true tips to help you prepare for your house move on the Gold Coast, ensuring everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
1. Start Planning Early
The sooner you start planning your move, the smoother the process will be. Give yourself ample time to organise, pack, and coordinate logistics so that you’re not left scrambling in the final days before moving.
Create a Moving Timeline: Start by making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before the big day. Break it down into manageable tasks, such as organising your belongings, packing up each room, and arranging removalists. Having a clear plan will not only keep you on track but also reduce the stress of trying to do everything at once.
Book Your Removalist in Advance: The Gold Coast is a vibrant area with a growing population, which means removalists can get booked out weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and school holidays. To secure your preferred moving date, I recommend booking your removalist at least four to six weeks ahead of time.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen over the years is people moving items they no longer need. Not only does this add unnecessary cost to your move, but it also makes unpacking more difficult on the other end.
Go Room by Room: Take the time to declutter your home before packing. Sort through each room and divide your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Items that haven’t been used in a year or more are likely candidates for donation or sale. By doing this, you’ll lighten the load and make the move more manageable.
Sell or Donate Unwanted Items: The Gold Coast has a thriving community that loves second-hand items. Consider hosting a garage sale or listing items on online marketplaces like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Not only will this reduce your moving load, but it might also help you make some extra money to cover moving costs.
3. Pack Strategically
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any move, but it’s also where a little bit of strategy can go a long way. Packing your belongings properly can save time, reduce the risk of damage, and make the unpacking process easier.
Use the Right Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and heavy-duty tape. For fragile items like glassware and electronics, use extra padding and label boxes as “fragile” to ensure they’re handled with care by the removalists.
Pack Room by Room: Start packing non-essential items first, such as seasonal clothing, décor, and items you don’t use every day. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This will make it much easier to unpack and get settled once you arrive at your new home.
Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with all the essentials you’ll need during the first few days at your new place. This might include toiletries, bedding, basic kitchen supplies, and any important documents. Having these items readily accessible will save you the stress of searching through boxes when you first move in.
4. Notify Utility Providers and Change Your Address
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home on the Gold Coast and realising the electricity hasn’t been connected or you’ve forgotten to redirect your mail. Avoid these hiccups by notifying utility providers and updating your address ahead of time.
Contact Your Utilities Providers: About two weeks before your move, contact your gas, electricity, water, and internet providers to arrange for services to be disconnected at your old property and reconnected at your new one. The last thing you want is to be without hot water or internet when you arrive at your new home.
Update Your Address: Make a list of all the places that need your updated address, including banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, and government services like Medicare and the ATO. Australia Post also offers a mail redirection service, which can be a lifesaver for any mail that slips through the cracks.
5. Protect Fragile and Valuable Items
When it comes to packing fragile or valuable items, extra care is needed to ensure they make it to your new home in one piece. From artwork to electronics, there are a few strategies you can use to protect your most important belongings.
Use Specialised Boxes for Fragile Items: For delicate items like glassware and dishes, consider using dish pack boxes with built-in dividers to keep them safe. Artwork and mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap or blankets and packed upright in specialty picture boxes.
Transport Valuables Yourself: For expensive or irreplaceable items such as jewellery, important documents, or sentimental objects, it’s a good idea to transport them yourself rather than packing them with the rest of your belongings. This way, you can keep a close eye on them and reduce the risk of loss or damage.
6. Hire a Professional and Reputable Removalist
Choosing the right removalist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the moving process. A professional and reliable team can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth move, while a poorly chosen company can lead to delays, damage, and frustration.
Research and Compare Removalists: Look for removalists who have experience in the Gold Coast area and offer the services you need. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. Be sure to get quotes from at least three different companies to compare prices and services.
Check for Insurance and Licensing: A reputable removalist will be fully licensed and insured, protecting your belongings during the move. Ask about the company’s insurance policy and whether it covers potential damage to your items.
Tailored Services for Your Needs: Depending on your circumstances, you may want additional services such as packing assistance, furniture disassembly/reassembly, or storage solutions. Many removalists on the Gold Coast offer customisable packages to suit your specific needs, so be sure to inquire about these options.
7. Plan for Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. By planning ahead and staying organised, you can ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Prepare Your Home: Make sure both your old and new homes are ready for the removalists. Clear walkways, disassemble furniture (if necessary), and ensure there’s enough space for the moving truck to park nearby. If you’re moving out of an apartment, check with the building management about lift access or any restrictions on moving hours.
Stay Accessible: Be present on moving day and ensure that the removalists can contact you if needed. Provide them with any specific instructions about fragile items or furniture placement at your new home. Being available to answer questions or offer guidance will help the process run more smoothly.
Have a Backup Plan: Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Whether it’s unexpected weather, delays with the removalists, or issues at the new property, having a backup plan will reduce stress. Make sure you have contingency measures in place, such as alternative accommodation if the move takes longer than expected or a plan for handling items that can’t be moved right away.
Conclusion
Moving house on the Gold Coast can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right preparation. From decluttering your home and packing strategically to hiring a professional removalist and staying organised on moving day, these seven tips will help ensure your move is as seamless as possible. Remember, the key to a successful move is early planning, so start preparing now and enjoy the excitement of settling into your new home with confidence.