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Moving Hints and Tips

A MONTH BEFORE

  • Obtain an Estimation of costs from J. Doolan Pty. Ltd. Removalists call 03 9336 3147 or email:  office@jdoolan.com.au

  • Have a garage sale (or donate unwanted items to a charity).

  • Contact J. Doolan Pty. Ltd. to order boxes, Porta-Robes, tape & paper to be delivered (as part of Estimation).

  • Make an inventory of possessions for insurance and logistical purposes.

  • Consider packing non-essential items.

 

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

  • Notify people of your change of address.

  • Australia Post offers a service to arrange to have your mail permanently or temporarily redirected.

  • Start packing and label boxes indicating contents.

  • Don't pack books in large boxes as they will be too heavy to lift.

 

ONE WEEK BEFORE

  • Re-organise your Internet and telecommunication providers

  • Call to make arrangements for final reading on Electricity & Gas Accounts and organise date for connection at your new address.

  • Stop watering potted plants (they are lighter when they are dry).

  • Stop shopping.  Use existing food stocks.

 

THE NIGHT BEFORE

  • Prepare an essentials box: medicines, refreshments, cutlery, cups and plates, tissues; toilet paper; towels/rags and garbage bags; cleaning products; notepad and pen; screwdriver, packing tape and Stanley knife; basic toiletries.

  • Try to have a good night's sleep.

 

ON THE DAY

  • Wear supportive, comfortable shoes.

  • Empty your Fridge and Freezer (transport perishables in an Esky).

  • Leave future occupants any relevant instruction manuals for appliances and household systems.

Keep smiling as you're on your way to moving into your NEW HOME!

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Packing Tips

CROCKERY        Layer bottom of carton with approx 4 inches of crushed paper.

Individually wrap items and stand upright (on end).  Repeat, placing a small amount of crushed paper between each plate/bowl/etc.

 

GLASSES          Wrap individually with butchers paper & tuck

excess paper into top/tumbler of cup/glass.  Stand upright, again with crushed paper separating same.

 

CLOTHES          Portarobes are supplied on the day, free of charge, to transport clothing directly out of a wardrobe into these upright mobile portable robes.

 

Chest of drawer and dressing table clothing may remain in these units and transported this way. (Note: Please ensure any breakables are removed)

 

TV and Electronics etc.      A folded thick furniture pad will be placed on the floor of the truck and the appliance place on same (to reduce any impact whilst on the road) and wrapped in another felt furniture pad on the truck.

 

BEDS

                             Can be disassembled on the day if notified.  

 

FRIDGE                Defrost if possible, to avoid water leakage. If your fridge is plumbed organise it to be disconnected 

BLOG

**The Ultimate Guide to Moving House: A Customer’s Journey**

 

Moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful events, and after going through it myself, I can confirm that it’s not for the faint-hearted. From the excitement of a new beginning to the frustration of misplaced boxes, here’s an honest account of the total experience, including the pitfalls, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. ---###

 

**The Emotional Rollercoaster**

Moving starts with a mix of emotions—excitement for what’s to come and nostalgia for what’s left behind. Sorting through years of accumulated belongings is a walk down memory lane. While packing, I found forgotten trinkets that brought smiles, and other times, I asked myself, *Why on earth did I keep this?* The emotional toll hit hardest when saying goodbye to familiar surroundings. It’s not just a house; it’s a home filled with memories, and leaving it can be bittersweet.---### **The Planning Stage: Where It Can Go Wrong** Like any major project, moving requires meticulous planning. And let’s be real—this is where the pitfalls begin.

 

Here’s what I wish I’d known:

1. **Underestimating the Time Needed:** Packing always takes longer than expected. I thought a weekend would suffice. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

2. **Overpacking or Underpacking Boxes:** Too many heavy items in one box can lead to back strain (and potential box explosions), while underfilled boxes waste space.

3. **Forgetting to Label:** I swore I’d remember where everything was packed. I didn’t. Spending hours hunting for the kettle after moving in? Not fun.

4. **Overlooking the Essentials Bag:** Pack a bag with everyday items like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes. Trust me, you won’t want to dig through boxes after an exhausting moving day.

​

---### **The Moving Day Mayhem**

Moving day is like a carefully choreographed dance—except someone always misses a step. - **The Late Start:** I underestimated how early we needed to begin. By mid-morning, the movers were ready, but I wasn’t. -

 

**The Last-Minute Scramble:**

That one drawer I forgot to pack? Yeah, that became a problem. -

**The Arrival: A Mix of Chaos and Joy**

Finally, the big moment: arriving at the new house. While stepping inside for the first time felt like a victory, the reality of unloading and unpacking quickly set in. Here’s where I hit a few more bumps: -

**Furniture Mishaps:** That one oversized couch didn’t fit through the door. Cue a lot of head-scratching and maneuvering. - **Missing Items:** Despite labeling (some of) the boxes, a few items seemed to vanish into thin air. -

**Unrealistic Expectations:** I thought I could unpack the entire house in one weekend. Spoiler: I couldn’t. ---### **Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Moves** If I could do it all over again,

here’s what I’d do differently:

1. **Hire Professionals:** A reliable moving company can be a lifesaver. They handle the heavy lifting—literally—and bring expertise that DIY efforts can’t match.

2. **Declutter Ruthlessly:** If you haven’t used it in the past year, do you really need to bring it to the new house?

3. **Start Early:** Packing a little every day makes the process less overwhelming.

4. **Communicate Clearly:** If you’re using movers, make sure they know what’s fragile, what’s staying, and what’s a priority.

5. **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 house is also an exciting opportunity. It’s a fresh start—a chance to create new memories, build new routines, and embrace a new chapter in life. While it’s not without its 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, know that you’re not alone. Prepare for the unexpected, keep your sense of humor, and remember: the first cup of tea in your new home is worth all the chaos.

​

- Jane Spencer

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