Here are our top tips for a stress-free house move.

Plan ahead

A successful move requires long-term planning – it shouldn’t be left to the last minute. Give yourself a month’s lead time.  That will give you time for a spring clean, book the removal company and get organised. 

Need help with cleaning? Find a local domestic agency here. Booked your man and his van? Find one here.

A removal company will often send a removal consultant to your house prior to Moving Day. This gives you the chance to discuss the logistics of moving your furniture. It will take some of the stress and responsibility out of those early preparation stages – and that has to be a good thing, right?

The removal company can provide a checklist with reminders such as cancelling newspapers, filling out change-of-address forms, organising storage and disconnecting/reconnecting your electricity and gas.

Packing up

When it comes to the packing, make sure everything is done in a logical, organised way. Request the right type of packaging from the removal company – such as portable wardrobes and special boxes for transporting artworks. Make sure your got loads of bubble wrap on hand for valuables.

Label everything clearly. This will allow boxes to be delivered into the correct room at their destination – making unpacking a lot easier. It will also ensure the essentials you’ll need for the first few days after the move are all easily at hand – including clothing, toiletries, bedding crockery and a few cooking utensils.

Some home removal companies also offer an unpacking valet service, which is a great idea if you are under a lot of stress.

When a family is being moved by an employer, a relocation removal company can often help find a new house or a school for the kids. If that’s a good option for you, ask your removalist company if private customers can request this kind of service, too.

On the day

If you have kids and/or pets, it’s best not to have them around on moving day. It’s stressful enough for adults, but is really upsetting for kids. Plus, they’ll get in the way. Find a friend to care for your pets, or pop them into a kennel or cattery for a few days, until the house is unpacked. The last thing you need is a distressed cat disappearing down the street when you’re in the middle of the move. You can find dog kennels and catteries here.

A last word of advice? Take some leave from work to properly focus on the move – it will help your stress levels, guaranteed.

Whether you are moving across town, or interstate – or beyond, find the right professionals to help with your next move with Yellow Pages.