Guide for New Apartment Owners: Do’s and Don’ts of Moving

Wohooo, you’ve got yourself a new place! This is super exciting time and a new beginning for you and your family, but it can also be a pain in the back (literal and figurative). However, if you get familiar with all do’s and don’ts of moving, you’ll settle in your new apartment in no time!

Don’t leave everything for the last moment

Sure, no one likes packing and unpacking, but it’s absolutely necessary if you want to start your new life. So, don’t procrastinate, but start packing as early as you can. A few weeks before the actual move will leave you enough time to make a good schedule, divide tasks and book removalists. Also, on the day of the move, try to get it completely done, even if you’re moving just a few blocks away. Many people decide to leave a few things behind and go pick them up in the next few days, but that’s not a great approach. Once you’re in your new place, you want to focus on settling down and leaving your old apartment completely behind!

Do learn the house rules

Every building has house rules that you must respect, otherwise you might be facing fines and strikes. For instance, some buildings in Australia require elevator bookings for moving, while others have a moving fee that you have to prepay. Speak to your landlord or building superintendent about the rules and stick to them. You don’t need any extra expenses during this time!

Don’t move at weekends

Most people choose to move at weekends when they don’t have to work, but moving often takes longer than expected and most removalist companies are super booked during that time. But, if you opt for a weekday move, you can easily extend your moving truck lease with no additional charges or stress. Speaking of moving truck services, most of them also offer dolly renting. So, if you don’t own one yourself, make sure to rent it together with your truck. They will make moving the boxes much quicker and easier!

Do ask for help

Of course, moving your entire apartment isn’t a two-people job. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your family and friends for a helping hand (just make sure to repay the favor or organize a great housewarming party). If you’re moving to another city, like from Sydney to Brisbane, hiring professional movers might be your best bet.

When it comes to moving large furniture items, like these 3 seater sofas, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from professionals or at least a few strong friends. Attempting to move such items alone can be both physically demanding and potentially dangerous, as there is a risk of injury or damaging the furniture or your home. To minimize the strain and costs of the move, consider finding a reputable moving company in Australia that offers affordable rates for their services.

Don’t leave anything broken

Before you even start bringing in your stuff, make sure to thoroughly inspect the place and contact professionals to take care of everything that is not in top shape. For instance, many Australians, especially those living in Brisbane, have issues with electrical installations and electricity supply systems during heat waves. So, if you notice any exposed wires, malfunctioning switches or dead outlets, don’t hesitate to ring up an experienced electrician in Brisbane to handle your problems. It’s much easier to deal with these shortcomings while the apartment is still empty!

Don’t wing it

Making even a loose plan of where you want your things to go is better than just dumping them all inside without any particular floor plan idea. For instance, if you know where the couch or bookcases will go, it will be much easier to finish your unpacking!

Do pre-stock the fridge

Get some refreshing drinks, snacks and precooked meals and store them in your new fridge. This way, you’ll always have cold beverages and revitalizing food to give you new energy for unloading that truck!

As you can see, as long as you have a good plan and know your do’s and don’ts of moving, you’ll have a smooth and stress-free relocation. Just remember to have some fun in the process—it will definitely make things even easier!

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith