Key Takeaways
- Start planning your interstate move several weeks in advance by researching removalists, setting a budget, and organising key dates to avoid last-minute stress.
- 4–6 weeks before moving, begin decluttering, creating an inventory, and arranging services like utilities and address updates to stay organised.
- In the final 1–2 weeks, focus on packing essentials, confirming bookings, and preparing furniture and access points for a smooth moving day.
- Moving day should be well-coordinated, with everything packed, labelled, and ready for efficient loading and transport.
- After the move, prioritise unpacking, setting up services, and handling important updates to settle into your new home quickly.
Weeks Before The Move
- Tell your bank you’ve moved so all your banking mail will be sent to your new address. If you haven’t yet done so, you can do online banking so you won’t need to have a lot of paper mail sent to you.
- If you take medications, don’t forget to refill your prescriptions so you don’t run out during your hectic move.
- Return all borrowed things like kitchen stuff, books, DVDs.
- If moving during a workday, make sure you notify your workplace that you will be moving and will need time off.
- Get your vehicle or vehicles oil changed or repaired if needed before the big move. Don’t want any breakdowns on the highway.
- Change the locks at your new home.
- If you have young children that will not be traveling with you, arrange a sitter or have family members look after them during the move.
- If pets will not travel with you when moving, put them in a kennel or have friends or family look after them. Make sure the address on your pets’ tags are changed to your new address.
- If your children have a treehouse or playground that you’re taking with you, start taking those apart and prepare them for easy transfer.
- Start major cleaning of your new house. Dust shelves and disinfect kitchen and floors. If you have carpet, steam clean those a few weeks ahead, and they should be dry by the time you move in. If people walk into your new home with shoes on during the move, prepare plastic sheeting, flattened cardboard, or a tarp to cover the heavy traffic areas to protect your floors.
- Start general cleaning of your old home for the new owners.
The Week Before Moving
- Touch base with your agents, lawyer, and movers. Make sure all paperwork is confirmed and set for your move. Make sure your mover has the correct addresses and your phone numbers or email address. If you go with Brisk Transport, you will be kept in the loop with all your moving details from the loading to the transit right up to delivery.
- Set aside a few useful tools needed for moving.
- Plan ahead for furniture placement. Make sure all the measurements are correct and everything will fit in whatever room they are supposed to be in.
- Separately prepare blankets, sheets, pillows and towels and a few toiletries to be used right away for the first couple of nights after the move.
- Water indoor plants sufficiently but not too much and pack them into waterproof containers or boxes with plastic liners.
- When packing your electronics, make sure all your information is backed up onto a separate hard drive or memory holding device. It’s a good idea to use styrofoam, bubble wrap, or clothing to protect your devices.
- Make sure there is room for the moving vehicles where they will be loading and unloading.
- Clean out the fridge, freezer, and oven.
- Make a list of what needs to be packed. Pack the garage, living room area, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen.
- Separately prepare and pack a few clothes to set aside and personal items you need for the moving day.
- Electrical appliances can be unplugged with their cords nicely tied and packed.
- Set aside enough cash for unexpected expenditures during the move.
The Day of the Move
- Pack the essentials or valuable possessions like your documents that you have already set aside or the urgent things you need in your vehicle or place that is easily accessible when you need them.
- Confirm with the mover where to park, the stuff that will be going, and in what area of the new house the things will be unloaded.
- If you have children or pets, make sure they have all the things they need packed for that day like snacks and water.
- Jot down the meter reading so you know how much is left to pay for the power bill.
- Compare your list of what needs to be packed to what’s being put in the moving vehicles so that nothing is missed.
- Turn off the breaker for power or shut off the hot water tank if needed.
- Do a final check of the house and yard to make sure everything has been taken and what needs to be shut off is off like gas, water, or electricity.
- Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked.
- Finally, check to make sure you have all the keys you need for your new place and that your old keys are handed over.
FAQs
How long does an interstate move usually take?
The time required for an interstate move depends on factors such as distance, route, and the volume of items being transported. Some moves may take a few days, while others can take longer depending on logistics and scheduling. Delivery windows are often provided rather than exact times, as multiple variables can affect transport. Planning ahead and understanding expected timeframes helps you prepare for the transition and manage expectations.
Why are delivery timeframes not always exact?
Delivery timeframes can vary due to factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and scheduling across multiple locations. Interstate moves often involve coordinating several deliveries, which can influence timing. Because of these variables, moving companies usually provide estimated windows rather than fixed delivery times. This approach allows for flexibility and helps manage unexpected delays during transit.
What factors can affect the timing of an interstate move?
Several factors can influence timing, including distance between locations, road conditions, and the size of the move. Access to properties and the number of stops along the route can also impact delivery schedules. External factors such as weather and traffic may cause further delays. Understanding these elements helps you plan more effectively and set realistic expectations.
How can you prepare for the timeline of an interstate move?
Preparation involves organising your belongings early and confirming details with your moving company. Being flexible with delivery windows and planning for temporary arrangements, if needed, can help reduce stress. Keeping essential items accessible ensures you have what you need while waiting for delivery. This approach helps you stay organised throughout the moving process.
What should you expect during the delivery window?
During the delivery window, your belongings may arrive at any point within the estimated timeframe provided. Staying available and maintaining communication with your moving company helps ensure a smooth handover. It is important to be prepared for arrival and have a plan for unloading and organising your items. This helps you manage the final stage of the move more efficiently.