Five top tips when you're moving house

You’ve used a home loan calculator, arranged your property finance, signed a contract of sale and are gearing up to shift from one property to the next, and here comes the fun part – moving!

While this is an exciting process, it can be one riddled with nerves. While you’re counting down to settlement day, there are numerous things to do, all while everyday life ticks on. 

“Detached house sales increased by 2.6 percent in the June 2014 quarter despite falling in the final month. That is a healthy note on which to finish the fiscal year,” explained Harley Dale, HIA Chief Economist.

If you’re making the move, be sure to follow this handy checklist. While a home loan calculator can help you scoop up a competitive home mortgage, careful planning will ensure the moving process runs as smoothly as possible.

Book removalists

If you’ve got a busy schedule during the working week, chances are you plan to move into your new home on a Saturday or Sunday.

Ask family, friends or work mates for recommendations about the best removalists, seek a few quotes then book ahead with your preferred company so you can secure the right time for your circumstances.

Do some of the legwork

You can avoid making a painful dent in your savings account by packing up household items yourself, rather than getting removalists to do so. Simply leave the heavy lifting to them.

Reduce the stress by getting started early — once you know what your settlement date is, start packing away items you won’t need over the coming weeks, such as off-season clothing and infrequently used kitchenware.

Arrange insurance

You’ll need to arrange home and contents insurance for your stunning new home. 

Don’t make this a last minute job — call your existing insurance company to find out when you should take out a policy for your new property. If you think you’re paying too much for your existing coverage, it might be a good time to switch providers.

Drain the pantry

Moving can be expensive, so it’s important to cut down on unnecessary transport of goods.

In the week leading up to moving day, use up what’s left in your fridge, freezer and pantry, rather than doing grocery shopping. You’ll be surprised at what you can whip up without having to venture to the supermarket.

Remember to defrost and aerate your fridge the day before moving day, too.

Check out that area code

Whether you’re moving a few blocks down the road or from one side of the country to another, be sure to pay a visit to your local post shop. 

Australia Post offers a mail redirection service — letters and bills will be redirected to your new address for one, three, six or 12 months, per your request.

It’s a smart idea to start recording the mail you receive, so you can inform friends, families and companies of your new location.

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