Moves come with a pretty long to-do list, and the further you go, the longer that list grows. When moving interstate, there are extra things to plan for, and additional admin tasks you’ll need to complete before setting off. Whether you’re moving interstate for uni, work, moving alone, or with family, we’ve put together this handy checklist and to-do timeline to help you stay on track!
Every relocation is different, making it tricky to put a timer on moves. Generally speaking, as soon as your move is on the horizon, it’s time to start fine-tuning the details.
Planning stages- 6 weeks out
Save the date
At this stage, you should lock-in your moving dates. This includes the date you intend to hand over the keys to your current home, and your arrival date in your next. If these dates don’t quite align, the 6 week mark is a good time to book accommodation for the interim.
Make moving arrangements
Now is also a good chance to size up your moving options. You can either rent a moving van and transport your belongings yourself, or you can opt to hire a professional moving company to take some of the strain off. Getting in touch 6 weeks before the big day leaves plenty of time for movers to evaluate your needs and provide you with a moving quote.
It’s a good idea to shop around to find an interstate removalist in Australia who can meet your needs. This also allows some buffer time for you to weigh up your options and decide how you want to handle your interstate relocation.
Consider Storage
If there will be a window between your arrival and move-in dates in your new place, you can also arrange short-term storage options as part of this conversation too.
4 weeks to go
Clearout
With a month to go until your interstate move, there’s never been a better excuse for a household clearout. This can be for everything from clothing and accessories to books, toys, appliances, and more. A four-option system is often the best here, making separate piles for ‘keep’, ’sell’, ’donate’, and ‘bin’. Starting this sooner rather than later means there’s more time to have items listed online, boosting your chances of making some pocket money during your move!
Take measurements
Furniture removal and transport can be pricey, especially if it ends up not being a practical addition to your home. Before you start packing, you should measure up furniture and consider how well the items will fit in your new place. In some cases with more budget-friendly items, it may also be easier and more cost-effective to sell large furniture and re-purchase them in your new home.
Change of address
With 4 weeks left in the countdown, you might also want to begin making calls and sending emails with change-of-address details. This includes letting your bank, superannuation fund, the ATO, and other similar entities know that you’re about to relocate. You may not be able to be able to officially change your address just yet, but it’s a good idea to get this on your radar before things get too busy.
Similarly to this, now’s the time to cancel newspaper deliveries, food subscriptions services, or gym memberships, or arrange for them to be transferred after your moving date.
2 weeks left
Shop for supplies
Getting down to the wire with just 2 weeks left until your move, you should start off by buying and organising your packing supplies. If you choose a removalist service to help you out, these may be supplied, but otherwise, boxes, tape, labels, and markers are all essentials here. If you are handling the packing yourself, then be sure to follow our packing guide for an efficient packing plan.
Item snapshots
As you begin to pack things up, you should also start taking an inventory of the items you’re taking with you. It’s also a good idea to photograph fragile items or anything that may be more likely to get damaged in transit. Just in case anything happens to them on the road, this can help to prove their condition before the move.
The final countdown
In the final week and days leading up to your interstate relocation, it’s time to get the last few things sorted.
Vehicle preparation
Whether you’re using a vehicle relocation service or driving interstate to your destination yourself, you should have your car serviced to ensure it’s fit for the journey. If driving interstate is part of your move, then check out our tips for long haul driving guide to get yourself ready to hit the road!
Pack your must-haves
While that’s being done, prepare the items you’ll want to have by your side en-route. This can be anything from snacks and drinks to medications and spare changes of clothes.
Get in touch
For help with planning or pulling, or for more tips for moving interstate, contact the Allied interstate moving team!