Some say moving house is considered to be one of the top three most stressful life events after death or divorce(1). To make the process a whole less complicated for those moving over this summer period, here are some stress free moving tips.
Whether moving into a new home you own or a rental property, Intrapac’s Senior Development Manager Max Shifman believes it’s important to plan in advance, to minimise the level of stress associated with moving.
“The thought of moving boxes and furniture can seem like an arduous task for some, but the secret is all in the planning to ensure a smooth transition from old to new and to start the year off on a positive note,” said Max.
“My family moved house a lot while growing up. In fact I have personally moved 18 times, so I can relate first hand to the pressure you feel when moving,” he said.
MAX’S TOP 10 MOVING TIPS TO HELP SAVE YOUR SANITY:
DE-CLUTTER BEFORE YOU MOVE: Get rid of all your junk to reduce moving time. Sell unwanted items online, have a garage sale, or donate things to charity. The rule of thumb is – if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to give it away
PACE YOURSELF: Start packing items you don’t use regularly, like out of season clothes and the good set of dishes a few weeks ahead of moving day. This will make the whole task seem more palatable closer to the day
PACK A SURVIVAL KIT FOR FIRST NIGHT: Fill a bag with key necessities such as toothpaste, tea and coffee, snacks, soap and a change of clothes for the following day so you are not rummaging through boxes to find things once you have moved
LABEL YOUR BOXES CLEARLY AND FILL THEM LOGICALLY: Record what is in the box, where it is meant to go, and whether there is anything fragile in it. Fill boxes by the items that will end up together in the new house.
ACCEPT HELP: Consider hiring a removalist to help you relocate and unpack at the other end if you can afford to. Don’t be afraid to take up any offers of help from family and friends.
GET YOUR INSURANCE UP-TO-DATE: Check with your insurer to make sure you are covered for before moving in to your new property. Most policies will cover the old place and the new for a short transitional period while you move
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS & REDIRECT MAIL: Get in touch with utility companies well in advance so you have running water, electricity and gas when you move. Redirect mail and advise necessary authorities of your change of address. If you do receive redirected mail, make a note to update your address with that sender.
PACK CHILDREN’S ITEMS LAST: If you have toddlers or young children, leave packing their room until last. Many children have an emotional attachment to their belongings – especially toys – and may not fully understand what is happening, causing unnecessary distress.
CONSIDER YOUR PETS WHEN MOVING: Like children, dogs and cats can get confused about moving into new surroundings. Ensure their favourite toy or blanket comes with them, and ease them into new their environment one room at a time.
REMEMBER THAT THINGS WON’T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN: No matter the size, a house move takes a lot of time and effort and things will come up that you didn’t expect. Stay positive, and reward yourself with a nice family dinner or day out to celebrate afterwards.
For more information contact: Zoyee Kartalis m: 0409 301 975, e: zkartalis@intrapac.com.au
About Intrapac Projects:
Intrapac Projects is a privately owned property development company, primarily focused on creating residential land subdivisions and built-form projects. David Payes established the company in 1984. Intrapac has a proven-track-record in delivering high-quality land developments, and has won multiple industry awards over a 30-year period. Considered to be one of Australia’s most successful private land developers, Intrapac is 30% owned by the Smorgon Family’s Escor Group and has backing from a suite of high-net worth investors.
(1) Moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. (Source: Employee Relocation Council, http://3rdculturechildren.com/2013/04/08/packing)