Whether you are moving out of home for the first time or a seasoned mover, it helps to think about the move in three stages: before, during and after. Read on as we talk through those three stages, and provide tips for a stress free move.
Before - Make a plan
Your moving out process will revolve around when you get your keys and how much time you can afford to take off work. After buying an established home, you will receive your keys after settlement. If you have just built a home and gone through a builder, you will be eligible to get your keys after your last progress payment has cleared.
The following are a few moving out tips to consider
1. Whether you will need to hire removalists or enlist the help of family and friends.
2. Whether you need to hire utes, trucks and/or trailers.
3. When to start packing and items needed. E.g. packing tape, boxes and bubble wrap
4. Whether you can move out over a few days rather than all on one day. For example, it may work better to move all boxed items over during the week and living with minimal items in your current home. Then organise a day for heavy furniture and appliances.
Hold a moving out sale
Moving home provides a great opportunity for a clean out and even the chance to make a bit of cash. Sell unwanted items online well before your move date so you don’t have to take them with you. Anything that cannot be sold needs to find a new home or be thrown out. Take the time to really think about what you use, and what you can really get rid of. This goes for clothes, documents and files, shoes, garage items and homewares/decorations.
Organise your utility suppliers
Don’t leave yourself stranded with no electricity or gas. Before moving home, ensure you have compared providers ahead of time and settled on a plan to begin for your move in date. If using your current providers ensure you advise them of where you are moving to, and when your first day in your new home will be.
Organise an essentials box
The essentials box will save you from asking “where’s this?” and “where’s that?” over and over during the day. It should include things like new house keys, garage remotes, batteries, scissors, tape, a few cleaning products, plastic cups and paper plates, tea bags a kettle and non-perishable snack items to have within easy reach.
Be covered for the unexpected
Your home and contents insurance policy should start from the day you move into your new home. Or, from your handover day as set by your builder. Horizon offers competitive home and contents insurance through CGU. Contact us to get a quote, or read more about home and contents insurance.
On the day
Organise your man power
If enlisting the help of family members and friends, give everyone a task and be clear about what goes where in your new home. Try and put like items together in the appropriate room, rather than dumping everything in one spot and moving it all again later.
Pack mindfully
Clearly labelling boxes and bags will save confusion and frustration when you’re looking for something. Think about what you’ll need to access straight away on your first day/night and have these items within easy reach. When transporting items to your new home, avoid several trips by taking the time to pack your car to make the most of the space you have available. Think of it like a game of tetris!
Make time to give your old home a clean
Leave your old home in good shape for its new owners by giving it a good clean. Enlisting help from family and friends will keep the cost of moving house down and will save time so you can get back to enjoying your new home! Pay attention particularly to floors, windowsills, mirrors and the insides of cupboards.
After you have moved in
Don’t forget to change your address with your employer, banks and Service NSW just to name a few. Download our moving out checklist for tips and a list of where to change your details. If you’re moving house in the future get in touch with us and let us help you on your journey.
Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.
The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.
