From Packing to Unpacking: The Essential Checklist for Moving House in Perth
Moving house is an exciting yet challenging task, especially in a vibrant city like Perth. It involves a lot of moving parts, from packing to unpacking and then setting up utilities at your new place. A well-structured and detailed checklist can be your best friend for a stress-free and organised move. In this article, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive step-by-step moving house checklist for your move in Perth.
Planning Your Move: Start Early
The process of moving starts before you even pack the boxes. In fact, the earlier you start planning, the smoother the move will be. A well-thought-out timeline and organisation is very important, especially when considering Perth’s specific housing market, logistics and climate.
8 Weeks Before Moving: Create a Plan
Start by setting up a “moving folder” where you can keep all your important documents, contracts and receipts for your move. This can include quotes from removalists, new home paperwork and a to-do list. You’ll need to list all the services you need to transfer over, such as utilities, internet and mail forwarding.
In Perth, many people experience longer commutes or delays with moving services due to the size of the city and the suburbs. With early planning, you can avoid these common bottlenecks.
Declutter Your Home
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. Go through every room in your house and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell or throw away. This will make the move easier and cheaper.
Perth has many charity shops and recycling centres so you can donate items you no longer want. Consider having a garage sale to get rid of some of your unwanted items. Garage sales are popular in Perth and can help you make some extra cash to put towards your moving costs.
6 Weeks Before Moving: Start Packing
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to start packing. Start with items you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, such as seasonal clothing, books and holiday decorations. Use sturdy moving boxes and label each one with its contents and the room it will go in at your new place. This will make unpacking much easier.
Get Packing Supplies
You’ll need a few packing materials, boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and markers. Perth has many local suppliers where you can buy these. You can find sustainable and affordable packing solutions at local hardware stores or office supply stores, both of which have eco-friendly options.
If you want to save money, consider getting free boxes from local supermarkets or posting them on Perth’s active Buy Nothing community groups on Facebook, where people often give away excess moving supplies.
4 Weeks Before Moving: Book a Removalist
By now, you should be researching removalists to see if you’re going to hire professionals. Perth has many good removalists, so it’s a good idea to get quotes and services. When hiring a mover consider cost, experience with moves in Perth’s conditions, hot weather and narrow streets and availability.
1 Month Before Moving: Organise Your Services
One of the most important things to do before you move is to get your services set up in your new home. This includes electricity, water, gas and internet. You’ll need to arrange for services to be transferred or set up in your new home.
Also, notify the following of your new address:
- Your employer
- Banks and financial institutions
- Government agencies (e.g. Medicare and Centrelink)
- Insurance providers
- Subscription services (e.g. newspapers, Netflix)
Updating your address early so you don’t miss out on important communications or services when you move.
2 Weeks Before Moving: Final Tasks
As your moving day gets closer, it’s time to start tackling some of the final tasks on your moving house checklist. Now’s the time to start packing essentials and preparing your new home for your arrival.
Pack an Essentials Box
When moving, it’s a good idea to pack a “first night box” with all the essentials you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home. This box should include toiletries, basic kitchen supplies (e.g. a kettle, mugs and some cutlery), medications, important documents (e.g. lease agreements, identification and insurance paperwork), chargers for your electronics and a change of clothes for each family member.
Prepare Your New Home
If possible, visit your new home before moving day to make sure it’s clean and ready for you. This is also a good time to measure your rooms and make sure your furniture will fit through doorways and into the designated spaces. Take note of any repairs or maintenance that need to be done before you move in.
Moving Day: Stay Organised
Well finally, the day has arrived! Moving day can be chaotic, but being organised will help it all go according to plan. Work with your removalist to get everything loaded efficiently. Be available to answer questions and give directions. If you’re doing the move yourself recruit some friends or family to help with heavy lifting and transportation.
Last Minute Checks
Before you leave your old home, do a final walk-through to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Check cupboards, drawers and closets. Make sure windows are closed, utilities are turned off and all keys are handed over to the real estate agent or new owners.
After the Move: Unpacking and Settling In
Once you’ve arrived in Perth, you can start unpacking. Start with the essentials first, like setting up beds and basic kitchen things so you can cook and get a good night’s sleep.
Room by Room Unpacking
Unpack one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with the kitchen and bedrooms, and then move on to the rest of the house. Take your time and recycle or get rid of moving boxes as you go.
Explore Your New Neighborhood
Once you’re settled in take some time to get to know your new neighbourhood. Perth has a unique lifestyle, with beaches, parks and great local cafes and shops. If you’re new to the area in popular suburbs like Fremantle, Subiaco and Cottesloe offer a great mix of urban and beachside living.
Conclusion: Stress-Free Move
Moving in Perth doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow this checklist from early planning and packing to moving day and unpacking and you’ll have a stress-free move. Preparation, organisation and a little help from local services will have you enjoying your new home and the city of Perth. With these tips in hand, your move will be more manageable, and you’ll be able to settle into your new home without unnecessary stress.