Key Takeaways
- Plan early by creating a moving checklist and timeline to stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
- Declutter before packing to reduce moving costs and only take items you truly need to your new home.
- Use proper packing techniques—label boxes clearly and protect fragile items to prevent damage during transit.
- Notify important parties of your address change to ensure a smooth transition.
- Consider hiring professional movers to handle logistics, heavy lifting, and transport efficiently, making the move faster and less stressful.
Are you preparing to move and have no idea where to start? We understand that moving can be overwhelming and as for that huge checklist, well that can just leave you feeling worse.
Stress no more! Our moving experts here at Brisk Transport are about to share with you 10 simple to follow steps to ensure your next move is a smooth one.
There is nothing worse than reading a checklist two weeks before your move date that reads, “start three months prior.”
We aren’t going to give you a timeline… whenever you are reading this, just start now!
1. Book your Removal Company
It is always best to do this as early as possible so that you can select your desired date and time. Learn why you should choose Brisk.
2. Buy Packing Materials.
Purchase packing materials such as boxes, packing tape, packing paper, Stanley knife, bubble wrap, and markers.
3. Declutter.
Start cleaning your home and decluttering one room at a time. Follow the Sunday Stylists 7 Declutter Tips and consider how often you use each item and whether you would purchase it again. If the answer is never and no, then sell it or donate it to charity!
4. Book a Bond Cleaner.
Cleaning a whole house is time-consuming, a lot of hard work and the costs of cleaning supplies can quickly stack up. If you are moving out of a rental, your real estate may ask you to go back and clean several times until they are satisfied. Take the stress out of it and hire a bond cleaner!
Call ahead of time to schedule address changes and disconnection/connection dates.
5. Schedule Disconnection and Connection Dates.
Call all your utility companies to schedule a disconnection date and organise a connection date for your new home. Utilities you may have to call include water, gas, electricity, and internet.
Alternatively, save yourself the hassle and leave it to the experts. Move Me In and My Connect are connection services that do all this for you – FOR FREE!
6. Change your Address.
Inform anyone necessary of your new address. Keep any delivered letters as reminders of who you must notify. Here’s our list of the most common companies you may need to notify:
- Department of Transport
- Bank
- ATO
- Postal Subscriptions
- Medicare
- Superannuation
- Insurance
- Employer
Start packing as early as you can and start small.
7. Pack Unused Items.
Start by packing the items that you don’t often use, for example, the guest room or seasonal items like big winter coats if you are moving in summer.
8. Pack One Room at a Time.
The key to packing is to take it one room at a time, one cupboard at a time. Make sure to label each box with the room it belongs in and its contents. This will prevent you from carting heavy boxes back and forth after the removalists have left!
9. Pack a Moving Essentials Bag
Pack a bag with all your essentials to take with you. This way if you are wiped out after your move you won’t have to go digging through every box to find the essentials. We recommend adding the following items to your move bag:
- Bedding
- Plates, cups, and utensils for each person
- Bin bags and cleaning supplies
- Kettle
- Coffee
- Snacks
- Easy to cook meals
- Toilet paper
- Medicine
- Towels
- Phone charger
- Clothes for a few days
Make sure to pack a suitcase with a few days’ worth of clothing before you pack your wardrobe, otherwise, you might be wearing your birthday suit on move day!
And finally…
10. Take your Time and Look after Yourself
A little self-care goes a long way in helping you cope with the stress of moving plus you are better equipped to support those who are moving with you when you are feeling in control.
Put on music that makes you smile, do an activity that makes you feel relaxed, get enough rest, ask for help and remember to breathe! You got this!
For more tips on how to cope with the stress of moving visit the Life Storage Blog.
Download our printer-friendly 10 Steps for a Smooth Move Checklist and feel that sense of accomplishment when you tick each step off the list.
Stay tuned for our Ultimate Checklist for Your Most Organised Move – coming soon!
FAQs
What are the most important steps for a smooth move?
A smooth move starts with early planning and organisation. Key steps include creating a timeline, sorting and packing belongings, and confirming logistics with your moving provider. Preparing in advance helps reduce last-minute stress and ensures everything is handled in an organised way. Each step builds on the previous one, making the overall process more manageable. Staying structured and following a clear plan helps keep your move on track.
When should you start preparing for a move?
Preparation should begin as early as possible, ideally several weeks before your moving date. This allows enough time to organise belongings, gather packing materials, and make necessary arrangements. Starting early helps avoid rushing and reduces the risk of overlooking important tasks. A gradual approach makes the process more manageable and less stressful, especially for larger moves.
How can you stay organised during a move?
Staying organised involves creating a checklist and breaking the move into smaller tasks. Labelling boxes clearly and keeping related items together can make unpacking easier. Keeping important documents and essentials separate ensures they are easy to access. Regularly reviewing your plan helps you stay on schedule. Organisation plays a major role in ensuring the move runs smoothly.
Why is proper packing important when moving?
Proper packing helps protect your belongings during transport. Using appropriate materials and techniques reduces the risk of damage, especially for fragile items. Well-packed boxes are also easier to handle and transport. Taking the time to pack correctly ensures your items arrive in good condition and makes unpacking more straightforward. This step is a key part of a successful move.
How can professional movers help ensure a smooth move?
Professional movers provide experience, equipment, and a structured approach to the moving process. They can handle packing, loading, and transport efficiently, reducing the physical effort required. Their expertise helps minimise the risk of damage and keeps the move organised. Working with professionals can save time and help ensure each stage of the move is managed effectively.