Moving Hints and Tips
One Month Before Your Move
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Obtain an Estimation of Costs: Contact J. Doolan Pty. Ltd. Removalists at 03 9336 3147 or email office@jdoolan.com.au.
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Declutter: Have a garage sale or donate unwanted items to charity.
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Order Packing Supplies: Contact J. Doolan Pty. Ltd. to arrange delivery of boxes, Porta-Robes, tape, and paper (as part of your estimation).
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Create an Inventory: List your possessions for insurance and logistical purposes.
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Pack Non-Essential Items: Begin packing items you don’t use daily.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
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Notify of Address Change: Inform relevant parties of your new address.
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Redirect Your Mail: Use Australia Post’s mail redirection service.
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Continue Packing: Label boxes to indicate contents.
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Books: Avoid packing books in large boxes—they’ll be too heavy.
One Week Before Your Move
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Reorganize Utilities: Notify your internet and telecom providers.
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Arrange Utility Final Readings: Schedule the final readings for electricity and gas accounts and arrange connection at your new address.
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Prepare Plants: Stop watering plants (they’ll be lighter for the move).
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Use Existing Food: Finish remaining groceries to reduce waste.
The Night Before Your Move
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Essentials Box: Prepare a box with essentials like medications, refreshments, cutlery, plates, tissues, toilet paper, towels, cleaning products, a screwdriver, tape, Stanley knife, and basic toiletries.
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Rest Up: Try to get a good night’s sleep.
On the Day of Your Move
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Comfortable Footwear: Wear supportive, comfortable shoes.
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Fridge and Freezer: Empty your fridge and freezer (transport perishables in an Esky).
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Leave Manuals: Leave relevant appliance and household system manuals for the new occupants.
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Stay Positive: Keep smiling as you head to your new home!
Packing Tips
Packing Guide for Your Move
Crockery
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Line the bottom of cartons with 4 inches of crushed paper.
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Wrap each item individually and place them upright (on end).
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Add crushed paper between each plate, bowl, and other similar items.
Glasses
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Wrap each glass individually in butcher’s paper and tuck excess paper into the top or inside of the glass.
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Stand glasses upright, with crushed paper separating them.
Clothes
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We provide Portarobes on moving day, free of charge, for easy transport of clothing directly from your wardrobe.
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Clothing in chests of drawers or dressing tables can remain in these units (just ensure any breakables are removed).
TVs & Electronics
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We’ll place a thick furniture pad on the truck floor to reduce impact.
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Your electronics will be wrapped in another felt pad for extra protection during transit.
Beds
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Beds can be disassembled on moving day if notified in advance.
Fridge
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Defrost your fridge before the move to prevent water leakage.
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If your fridge is plumbed, please arrange for it to be disconnected prior to the move.
Let us take care of the details and ensure your belongings are moved safely and efficiently!
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The Ultimate Guide to Moving House: A Customer’s Journey
Moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful events—and I can confirm, it's no walk in the park. From the excitement of a fresh start to the frustration of misplaced boxes, here’s an honest account of the entire moving experience, from the highs and lows to the lessons learned.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Moving begins with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement for the new chapter ahead and nostalgia for the memories left behind. Sorting through years of accumulated belongings felt like a walk down memory lane. Some items sparked fond memories, while others made me question, Why on earth did I keep this? But the hardest part? Saying goodbye to the house I had called home. It wasn’t just a place—it was where memories were made, and leaving it felt bittersweet.
The Planning Stage: Where It Can Go Wrong
Moving requires serious planning, and this is where things can quickly go off track. Here’s what I wish I’d known:
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Underestimating the Time Needed: I thought packing would take a weekend. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
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Overpacking or Underpacking Boxes: Too many heavy items in one box can cause back strain, while underfilled boxes waste space.
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Forgetting to Label Boxes: I swore I’d remember where everything was packed. I didn’t. Spent hours searching for the kettle. Not fun.
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Overlooking the Essentials Bag: Make sure to pack a bag with toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes. Trust me, you don’t want to be hunting through boxes for these things after a long moving day.
The Moving Day Mayhem
Moving day is like a carefully choreographed dance—but someone always misses a step.
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The Late Start: I underestimated how early we needed to begin. By mid-morning, the movers were ready—but I wasn’t.
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The Last-Minute Scramble: That drawer I forgot to pack? It became an issue.
The Arrival: A Mix of Chaos and Joy
Finally, arriving at the new house! While stepping through the door felt like a victory, reality set in quickly as unloading and unpacking began.
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Furniture Mishaps: That oversized couch? Didn’t fit through the door. Cue a lot of head-scratching and maneuvering.
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Missing Items: Despite labeling most of the boxes, a few items went mysteriously AWOL.
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Unrealistic Expectations: I thought I could unpack everything in a weekend. Spoiler: I couldn’t.
Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Moves
Looking back, here’s what I’d do differently:
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Hire Professionals: A reliable moving company can be a game-changer. They handle the heavy lifting—and know how to manage everything efficiently.
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Declutter Ruthlessly: If you haven’t used it in the past year, do you really need to bring it to the new place?
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Start Early: Pack a little each day to avoid overwhelm.
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Communicate Clearly: If you're using movers, make sure to tell them what’s fragile, what’s staying, and what’s a priority.
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Expect the Unexpected: No move goes perfectly. Embrace the chaos and don’t be too hard on yourself.
The Silver Lining
Despite the stress, moving is also an exciting opportunity. It’s a fresh start—a chance to create new memories and build new routines. While there will be challenges, there’s something deeply rewarding about turning a new space into a home. So, if you're about to embark on your own moving journey, remember this: you're not alone. Prepare for the unexpected, keep your sense of humor, and cherish that first cup of tea in your new home—it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Max Turnbull