6 tips to ensure a stress free relocation to Melbourne

There is no doubt about it, that relocating is stressful. However, when you are relocating from interstate or overseas then it becomes even more stressful. So with a little bit of planning you can make your relocation a little less stressful.

These 6 tips to ensure a stress free relocation to Melbourne cover the key aspects that you will need to consider with any move. I think the biggest tip I can give you is to start planning your relocation well in advance.

Do a moving checklist

Start a moving checklist early, writing down all the tasks that you will need to do. You will be surprised by the sheer amount of tasks that need to be done. When I am managing a client’s relocation, the first thing I do is start a moving checklist. It helps me plan the move, and ensures I allow myself enough time to organise all the services and book suppliers that I need for their move. Plus, it does not feel as overwhelming once everything is written down and you assign a date as to when the tasks need to be completed by.

Select the best removalist to help you relocate

Good removalists book out early, so book yours well in advance. Keep in mind that they always booked out early around Christmas time and public holidays too. Having helped people to relocate since 2005 we have got to know which removalists are good and which ones you would want to keep away from. So don’t be in the situation where you forget to book your removalist and then you find yourself trying to find one at the last minute. Luckily, we have got to know who is good and we often get preferred treatment from our removalists now because we have worked with them for a number of years. If you are looking for a removalist, for a big move it might be worth visiting: https://www.afra.com.au/find-a-removalist/  The Australian Furniture Removers Association is the official body of removals experts that helps regulate the removals industry and they have a list of members you can choose from.

I also do some research and check out the companies online reviews. I check to see how many reviews they have, and how recent they are. This often gives you a good guide as to their customer service levels. My only other tip is to be extremely careful about using “backloading  removalists”.  These companies are removalists that travel from state to state, doing “Backloading trips”. We have a really good backloader that we work with, however there is some shonky operators out there. You may have even seen some of them featured of the TV program, A Current Affair. So my big tip is to do your research and keep in mind that the cheapest removalist is often not the best removalists.

Picking the best time to relocate to Melbourne

For some reason, everyone wants to move in December (to be in just before Christmas) or in January just before school starts. However, the good removalists book out well in advance and there is so much more competition for rental properties around that time of the year.

The best time to relocate is in winter because it’s not as popular. There are more rental properties available to choose from and this really takes the pressure off you. There’s nothing worse than having to sign up for a 12 month lease, knowing that you don’t love your new home. So planning to move house in winter has lots of benefits for you.

6 tips on a stress free Relocation to Melbourne

6 tips on a stress free Relocation to Melbourne

Tips on finding the right rental property

It can be tricky when you are moving from interstate or overseas and don’t know the area that you are moving to. This is when it might be a great time to invest in the services of a relocation agent. An expert that knows the local area, understands how the rental market works and has got contacts with local realestate agents. With your rental brief taken, they will do all the research, speak with agents and shortlist properties for you to inspect. If you are interested in finding out more about how a relocation agent can help you find a rental property, then click here.

If you are not going to use the services of a relocation agent, then you will need to do your own research. Start by searching for local blogs that give you an overview on various areas. Local realestate websites such as www.realestate.com.au, www.domain.com.au and www.realestateview.com.au also have a wealth of information on suburbs. It might also be good to check with your new colleagues to find out where they are living.  Getting the inside knowledge on suburbs from locals is invaluable when you are relocating.

Overwhelmed? Then book some relocation assistance

Imagine this. Your relocation is all organised for you. A reliable removalist booked. A team of lovely ladies will arrive the day before uplift and pack and label all your boxes ready for the removalist. Your vacate clean is booked for the day after you move out and any leftover rubbish will be removed. Then, the same team of experienced ladies will unpack and set up your new home, ready for you to just walk in. If you like the idea of relocating this way, then contact The Lifestylers Group, and we can manage your entire move for you.

Allow enough time to settle into Melbourne

It takes time to settle into any new area and to make new friends. So don’t be too hard on yourself. So allow time for this. Commit to regularly getting out and exploring your new suburb. Write a to do list of all the things you would like to do or visit in your new town and make the most of your weekends. Take the opportunity to join a new sporting group (why not book those golf lessons that you have always been waiting to do).  Or perhaps instead of eating lunch at your desk, ask one of your new colleagues out for lunch each week.

Moving House Checklist

Are You Moving House?

Moving house is a huge job. However, moving doesn’t have to be an ordeal. This checklist and timeline should help you plan for your move. I would also recommend that you start organising your move, at least a month in advance. For big moves, or interstate moves you will need to start organising your move much earlier than 4 weeks. Good luck and I hope these moving tips, help take the pressure off your move.

4 Weeks Before the Move

  1. Set up a “Moving House Folder” containing all your moving documents
  2. Organise removalist quotes. (Remember the good ones always book out first)
  3. Make a floor plan of your new house detailing where your furniture will go. Dispose of items that won’t fit.
  4. Start decluttering your house and throw out or donate items that you don’t want to take to the new house.
  5. If renting, formally notify the realestate agent of your vacate date.

 

2 Weeks Before the Move

  1. Confirm house and carpet cleaning. (Check with your realestate agent, if they have preferred suppliers)
  2. Organise utility connection/disconnections.
  3. Start using up any remaining food in your refrigerator/freezer.
  4. Cancel newspaper, milk and other deliveries
  5. Finalise any additional moving documentation such as transit insurance, house or contents insurance.
  6. Organise for pets to be moved to their new home
  7. Organise accommodation and travel arrangements for the duration of the moving process.

1 Week Before the Move

  1. Lodge your Australia Post Mail Redirection forms.
  2. Advise relevant organisations of your change of address details.
  3. Back up your computer hard drive and ensure your printer and scanner are ready to be packed securely.
  4. Organise rubbish removal

1 Day Before the Move

  1. If booked, professional packers will arrive and pack up your house in a day. Remember to leave out items not to be packed including clothes and medicines that might be required on the day of the move.
  2. Place important items in your “Moving House Survival Kit” e.g. new keys and remote control, mobile phone charger, Panadol, toilet paper, kid’s toys or activities, phone number of your new local takeaway place and your “Moving House Folder”.

On The Moving Day

  1. If appropriate, reserve a park out the front of your apartment or house for the removalists
  2. Do a final check of all cupboards, rooms and outdoor areas before the removalist leaves.
  3. Let the cleaners in so they can start the vacate clean.
  4. Do a final check of the property ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned, rubbish removed, light globes replaced.
  5. Return the keys to the realestate agent.
  6. Once you’re settled into your new home, complete and return the property inspection report to the real estate agent, within the agreed time frame.

Don’t have time to organise your move, pack and then unpack at the other end?

Then contact The Lifestylers Group and we can organise it for you. Whether it’s packing up the kitchen, the entire house or helping to organise your move, we can help take the hassle out of moving house. The Lifestylers Group offer a comprehensive house relocation service including:

Relocation Assistance | House Packing and Unpacking | Home Organising & Decluttering

 

Until next time, happy moving.

Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser.