Tips when moving interstate

Many Australians move interstate every year, and it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to plan properly if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible.

Here are our top tips to follow if you’re moving interstate.

1. Get to know your new state

Before you plan your move, you need to familiarise yourself with the new area where you will be living. Find out everything you can about the local amenities, including shops and leisure facilities. If you have children, you will also need to make sure your new home is close to some good schools.

In addition, you'll need to find out the different laws in your new state so you can organise everything before you move.

2. Start decluttering early

You’ve done your research and found the perfect property in another state. Now you need to make sure everything is ready for the move to go without a hitch.

Before you start packing, it’s a good idea to declutter your home. Take a good look at all your possessions and decide what you really want to keep. Anything you don’t want or need can be given to charity if it’s in good condition, or thrown away if not.

3. Leave plenty of time for packing

Even if you have a thorough clear-out, you will still have a lot of things to pack before you're ready to move. You'll need to make sure you have an adequate supply of strong cardboard boxes, as well as packing paper to protect your possessions. Start early so you have enough time to pack without rushing. Also, make sure you label each box clearly so you know which room to take it to in your new home.

Some removalists will pack your belongings for you, saving you a lot of time and stress. This is something to consider when choosing the right removal firm.

4. Make sure your new home will be ready

You’ll want to transition seamlessly to your new life as soon as you arrive. Make sure the utilities and internet are already connected so you can have a hot shower when you get there and upload all those photos of your beautiful new home on social media!

You will also need to have your mail redirected to your new address and sort out your new home insurance. In addition, you likely need to re-register your car and possibly your driver’s licence. It’s a good idea to plan these things in advance.

5. Choose experienced removalists

Find removalists you can trust. They should have plenty of experience in interstate removals and enjoy a great reputation. For example, if you’re looking for removalists Sydney to Canberra, make sure they have carried out moves between these areas many times before.

Ideally, they should also be accredited with AFRA, the Australian Furniture Removals Association. This demonstrates that they have the right training, equipment, and vehicles to take the best possible care of your possessions.

6. Take care of children and pets

If you have children, you’ll need to request a transfer certificate from their current school and register them at their new school.

Pet microchips will need to be updated to show your new address, and your veterinarian will need to provide you with an up-to-date vaccination certificate.

7. Keep the essentials close

On moving day, make sure you pack a bag with the immediate essentials you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home — toiletries, a few groceries, and phone chargers, for example. This will make life much easier when you get to your new address!

More information on moving interstate

If you are moving interstate and would like more information, please contact us. We’re always happy to help your move go more smoothly!