Are you considering moving interstate? Moving to Melbourne is a popular choice for many Australians. However, there is a lot that people don’t think to tell you when you’re moving across the country. It can be quite different than moving between homes in the same city.
No longer can you get away with just throwing everything in a trailer and adding a few tie-downs over the top. Fear not, that’s why we’ve put together this blog on what you need to know when moving interstate to your new home in Melbourne.
Hidden Costs
We all know that whether you’re moving near or far, it is a costly process. From paying for bond on a new rental to hiring quality movers to those trips to the rubbish dump to get rid of unwanted items, it adds up quickly. When you’re moving interstate, however, there can be even more costs.
Insurance
Moving insurance is one of the additional costs you might consider when you’re moving further away. The longer the journey, the more likely your items are to suffer damage in the moving truck. They can jolt around during a long drive and come out with scratches. That’s why many people purchase moving insurance for a cross country move.
Storage
Storage can also be another unexpected cost. Maybe you’re moving to a smaller place or not planning on moving to Melbourne permanently. In this case, you may decide to get a storage unit where you can safely keep extra items that you’re not using. This is a useful way to store all of that additional furniture that you can’t bear to part with or things you don’t use often.
Packing Boxes
The type of packing boxes you use for an interstate move is far more important than if you’re just moving down the road. Many people grab some hand-me-down boxes from friends and family or their local supermarket. However, it is more vital than ever to find high-quality boxes made especially for packing when you undertake a long-distance move. Why? They are higher quality, thicker boxes, which are superior for protecting the items inside. Some premium movers offer packing boxes for free along with their services, so you may want to investigate these options.
Extra Logistics
Not only do you have to move all of your stuff, but moving between states also takes a lot of extra planning. Here are some of the factors to consider.
Pets
The majority of families own pets these days. Do you know what you’re going to do with them while you move? Many people plan to put their pets in doggy daycare until they are ready to pick them up and bring them to the new house. This keeps them from getting underfoot or escaping while movers come in and out of the house. If you’re flying to your new home in Melbourne, make sure to plan in advance a way to get your pets there. Maybe they will be allowed on the airplane in a crate, or you may have to make other arrangements. Check in advance with your airline.
Change of Address
Letting relevant government agencies know that you’re moving will be more critical than ever if you’re heading off to a different state. They may have to transfer you to that state’s department to handle your affairs once you move, so the sooner you can let them know, the better. Australia Post, your local council, car registration, and Centrelink may all need to be updated with your new address.
School
Switching schools can be a massive upheaval for children. That’s why it’s crucial that you arrange this in advance to make it as smooth as possible for them. Contact the children’s new school and find out what information they need. That way, you’ll be able to ask the current school for the information and get it all sorted out ahead of time.
Moving Day Must-Haves
To feel prepared on the big day, here is a list of our tips and tricks for what to do or have on hand.
- Chargers – make sure that you have all of your laptop, tablet, and cell phone chargers packed in the car. You may need to use these during your journey and don’t want them packed away with the rest of your belongings. The same goes for the actual laptop, tablet, and cell phone.
- Toiletries – you’re likely embarking on a long drive in scorching weather, so don’t forget to have your essential toiletries on you. Some deodorant, wet wipes, sunscreen, and hair ties can go a long way.
- Keys – do you know who you’re handing over your house keys to when you leave? Whether you need to return them to the landlord or hand them over to the new owners, make a plan for how to do it. If you have a lockbox you can leave them in with a code you can share, that’s ideal. Plus, make sure you have the keys to your new place for when you and the movers arrive there.
Booking Movers
Finally, we come to one of the most important things you need to do for your interstate move. Don’t try to do it yourself – book a professional moving company well in advance. Movers will be best placed to safely stow away your furniture and possessions in their truck, ensuring that it is stacked in such a way that won’t cause damage in transit. Doing this yourself can be extremely difficult, as many objects have sharp edges that can rip other items. Most movers bring moving blankets and other accessories to wrap these edges that jut out to avoid damage. You can take help from removalists like Yes Movers as they are renowned interstate removalists. If you are looking for interstate removalists Melbourne to Brisbane, interstate removalists Sydney to Melbourne, interstate removalists Melbourne to Sydney, or interstate removals Brisbane to Melbourne, you can consider yesmovers as the best option.
You’re moving across the country, so you have enough to deal with. Don’t waste time trying to move your furniture and potentially damaging it or hurting yourself – leave it up to the experts. They do this day in and day out, so you can rest assured that they know how to take care of your precious possessions. Just make sure that you book with them early so that you get your ideal moving date.