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However, while relocating to another state can feel overwhelming, the truth is it doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right guidance, planning, and execution, you can keep things simple, stay organised, and even enjoy the process!

Making your move smooth, affordable, and as stress-free as possible shouldn’t be out of the question. With these tips, you should be able to navigate your way through moving interstate.

1. Start with a Moving Checklist

If you’re struggling with a place to start, consider organising your move with a checklist of your belongings and actions you’ll need to take. By doing this, setting up your new address and booking movers for your moving day won’t be missed in the grand scheme of things. You can also find guides on how to move interstate from Muval, detailing all of the things you may need to consider.

You should consider adding the following to your checklist: cancelling utilities, sorting packing supplies, booking removalists, and arranging a change of address.

Checklists like this will keep you focused and enable you to tick off tasks as and when you’ve completed them. Make sure you keep it somewhere that is easy to access so you can remain up-to-date with what you have done and so you can include any additional items to your list.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

A trap many people fall into is that they just start wildly packing and take everything with them to their new home. However, if you have lived in your current residence for a while, there is a good chance that you have accumulated a decent amount of possessions that you either don’t use or no longer work.

One of the easiest ways to save time and money on your move is to do an extensive decluttering of your existing dwelling. You’ll be amazed at what you can sell, give to charity, and send off to your local rubbish tip and how much packing it saves.

The best way to declutter is to start in one room and work your way through in a strategic order. You will need to be ruthless about what you keep and what you get rid of. But just remember the bigger picture.

3. Label and Pack Like a Pro

Packing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a move. But thankfully, there are a few smart tricks you can employ to make the process quicker and more effective.

For a start, you should use the right materials. So, buy strong boxes and quality packing tape. Also, make sure you label every box clearly with both the room it is destined for and the contents within it. Doing this will help you and your removalists know where everything belongs.

Use clothes or towels to protect any fragile items you might have and avoid the temptation to overload boxes.

4. Use Professional Removalists

Moving yourself might seem cheaper, but hiring experienced interstate removalists can save you a lot of time, stress and effort. There are a few companies in Australia that specialise in relocating people to a different state. 

Look for companies that offer insurance, packing services, and have experience in relocating bulky or specialist items (such as a piano or chandelier).

It is worth getting quotes from at least three of these companies. However, don’t just go with the cheapest. Instead, engage the services of the one you think will do the job most effectively.

5. Time Your Move Wisely

When you move matters because peak times like school holidays or summer weekends are always going to be more expensive than other times of the year. If you can, try to schedule your move mid-week or outside busy seasons. Doing this can save you a lot on moving truck hire and reduce the risk of delays.

You should be mindful that removalists tend to get booked up fast, particularly for jobs that require going to another state. For this reason, it is worth securing the services of your chosen company early to avoid the stress of having to find someone last minute.

6. Don’t Forget Your Admin

Among all the packing, it’s easy to forget the admin side of things. However, it is vital to get your paperwork sorted early to avoid hassle later down the line.

Make sure you organise your change of address with banks, insurance companies, and Medicare. It may also be worth redirecting your mail through Australia Post for a period of time to safeguard yourself against not receiving important letters, parcels, and documents.

You will also have to get a new driver's licence when you move interstate and will need to organise electricity and maybe internet.

7. Prepare for Your First Few Days

With everything you’ll need to do in the lead-up to it, you’ll probably be exhausted on moving day. That’s why it helps to pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first few days.

This should include things like toiletries, chargers, snacks, towels, bed linen, and a few changes of clothes. If you’re moving with kids or pets, it is also worth packing their favourite toys or teddies to help them settle in more easily.

Before you leave your present abode, make sure you clean it well, particularly if it is a rental property. Otherwise, you might not get your bond back.

8. Embrace the New Chapter

Moving isn’t just packing, transporting and unpacking boxes between houses. It also represents a fresh start. Therefore, once you’re in your new place, make sure you give yourself time to explore your new surroundings.

Go for a walk to familiarise yourself with where you now live, visit some local cafés and restaurants, join a sports team, or invite a neighbour over for a tea.

It may take a while to feel totally settled in your new state. However, doing these activities should make the process a little bit quicker and easier.