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It’s a well-known fact that moving house is one of the most stressful incidents in life following close behind the death of a loved one and divorce, in the high-stress rates.

Luckily there are many things you can do the manage your stress levels during a home relocation, to turn it into a positive and enjoyable process. If you know you are prone to suffering from stress and anxiety during difficult times then the following tips will be a real help in keeping a check on your stress levels and ensuring that you are in control of your interstate move instead of it being in control of you!

1. Book in with your removalist early

As soon as your move is confirmed, it’s a great idea to book your chosen removalist. This is especially true during what are the traditionally busy seasons for moving – Christmas holidays and school holidays. The earlier you can tick off this task, the better. Many removalists do not need 100% confirmed dates for your move at this stage, you can lock those details in when it’s closer to the time of your move.

2. Declutter so that you only move what you need and love

Decluttering is bang on trend currently. With the ubiquitous use of Marie Kondo’s name now as a verb, there’s never been a better time to join the masses and minimise the amount of clutter and junk in your home prior to moving house; there are numerous different Netflix documentaries and reality TV series’, showing you step-by-step how to declutter. Before you even begin the packing process, go through each room of your home and ask yourself the following questions about your possessions.

  • Do you use it?
  • Do you need it?
  • Does it have sentimental value?

If the answer is no to all of these questions, then consider carefully whether it is worth the cost of relocating it. If you go through the larger items in your home initially – furniture, appliances, and bulky items and then move onto smaller items as you begin the packing process, you’ll be well on your way to reducing the amount you need to move and also be feeling organised and in control at the other end of your  move when you’re not faced with unpacking a whole lot of items you don’t really care about.

3. Use a trust-worthy removalist

One of the most important decisions you will make when planning your interstate move is who will assist you as your removalist. It is essential that you put some time and effort into making this decision as your choice will significantly impact the outcome of your move. When entrusting virtually everything you own into someone else’s care, you need to know that they are reputable, knowledgable and trustworthy. The internet has made researching removalists a lot easier. One of the best ways to assess a business is by reading online reviews and testimonials left by previous customers. Remember that while the price may be a very important deciding factor when choosing your removalist, it shouldn’t be the only way you make your choice. Read your quote carefully and make sure everything you think you are paying for is included in the quoted price. Common add-ons are storage costs, excess weight costs and added time/hire costs.

4. Stay on task with a moving interstate checklist

Stress often comes as a side product of not being organised and feeling in control of your move. A moving checklist is a great way to stay on task and know step-by-step what needs to be done during each phase of your move. You can find a printable PDF moving checklist here. After you have decluttered your house, this checklist will guide you through the planning stage, where to stay, what equipment you will need and will keep you motivated as you tick off each item you have completed.

5. Pack a survival kit

Having a survival kit packed and ready to use on the day you move is a lifesaver. It is basically a collection of all of those moving day essentials that usually get forgotten in the panic of moving day. All those last minute jobs that can only be done on the day you actually leave your home tend to take over and there’s nothing worse than forgetting something as vitally important as having snacks and their favourite teddy on hand for a toddler who is moving. A survival kit is personal and will contain all the essentials you need to get you through the few days surrounding your move. Only you will know what needs to go in yours but for some ideas on the sorts of things that you may want to include, check out this guide to an interstate removalists survival kit to help you get started on yours.

6. Confirm your insurance

Like taxes and moving costs, insurance is not a very exciting thing to spend your hard-earned money on, but for peace of mind when moving house, it is vital you invest in transit insurance. The best-case scenario is that is doesn’t get used but the worst-case scenario is that you need to use it and don’t have it. Different types of insurance cover different things when moving. Transit insurance when your home contents are transported in a shipped container covers you for instances such as derailment, theft, fire, and collision. You will need to examine your home contents insurance policy to see if it covers your home contents for instances such as a table getting scratched on a door frame when leaving your house or similar as these are the type of instances that are more common when moving house and may not necessarily be covered by the transit insurance policy provided by your removalist.

Stress when moving house is somewhat inevitable but hopefully, these tips will help you manage to keep your stress levels under control. If you try your best to keep calm and organised during your move you will find that much of the stress will dissipate and you can give your concentration and focus to actually achieving the task with a minimum of fuss and hassle.

What is the most stressful part of moving house for you? Tell us in the comments below.

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  • So hectic moving homes, I hate moving, it is so much stress. I would rather not.

    Reply

  • I’ve moved house a lot and don’t mind moving, maybe it gets easier with practice. I make lists and then work my way through them.

    Reply

  • The last time I moved was 4 years ago and I don’t intend to move within the next 10 years.

    Reply

  • After our last move, I told my husband that next time I was going for a holiday overseas while he dealt with it all.

    Reply

  • We have just purchased our first home and are moving next month. There are some great tips here

    Reply

  • Moving this week. These tips are common sense, but I’m afraid I still experience moving as stressful. I’ve been packing, repairing and painting non stop for 2 months in a row now…very hard with 2 kids with special needs !

    Reply

  • I’m moving next week, interstate with a baby. Wish me luck ! Once the removalist and cleaners were booked the stress eased a bit though.

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  • I have moved house a couple of times and it is very stressful in the lead up to moving day.

    Reply

  • It is always a stress to move and planning definitely is required some great tips

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  • These tips are great and so too your printable lists. I know this will have to be dpone sometime in the future and not looking forward to it. So I am starting to declutter and try to reduce what is in the house. Thanks so much

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  • Just the sheer volume of stuff to do. I think decluttering and having a survival kit are both great bits of advice.


    • Yes I agree, both of these tips would help me feel more in control and less overwhelmed

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  • These are some great tips. I think decluttering before moving is definitely important. Less stuff to take

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  • Highly recommended toilet paper, hand soap, paper towel and snacks in a box that travels in the car and easily accessible when you arrive at your new home

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  • Thanks for the tips. I know it is really stressful.

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  • definitely a trusted revivalist as also labeling boxes.

    Reply

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