Preparing is the key to having a stress-free move, experts say

January is traditionally one of the busiest months for people searching for a rental property.But with all work that goes into packing and unpacking, it’s little wonder that some consider moving as one of the most stressful life events.

Moving home ... house on the back of a truck

THINKING of moving this summer?

January is traditionally one of the busiest months for people searching for a rental property.

But with all work that goes into packing and unpacking, it’s little wonder that some consider moving as one of the most stressful life events.

REA Group chief executive Tracey Fellows said realestate.com.au had set up a new connection service where people can preselect their electricity, gas and internet services.

“We definitely see a significant spike in the number of people searching for properties to rent early in the year,” Ms Fellows said.

“In January last year we saw 25 per cent more searches for rental properties on realestate.com.au than we did in June of the same year.”

Property development company Intrapac’s senior development manager Max Shifman said the worst thing to do was leave things to the last minute.

Mr Shifman, who has moved house 18 times, said planning ahead minimises the stress of moving.

“The thought of moving boxes and furniture can seem like an arduous task for some, but the secret is all in the planning to ensure a smooth transition from old to new,” he said.

Mr Shifman said shifting houses was a perfect time to get rid of clutter.

“Be brutal. There’s no point carrying things from house to house,” he said.

“It means you are moving less things, which reduces the stress and costs less.”

Special care should be taken while moving pets, he said.

“Best thing to do is to introduce them to the new place one room at a time,” Mr Shifman said.

“And make sure they are micro chipped and tagged in case they somehow run out.”

Max Shifman’s top 10 moving tips:

• DE-CLUTTER BEFORE YOU MOVE: Get rid of all your junk to reduce moving time. Sell unwanted items online, have a garage sale, or donate things to charity. The rule of thumb is — if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to give it away

• PACE YOURSELF: Start packing items you don’t use regularly, like out-of-season clothes and the good set of dishes a few weeks ahead of moving day. This will make the whole task seem more palatable closer to the day

• PACK A FIRST NIGHT SURVIVAL KIT: Fill a bag with key necessities such as toothpaste, tea and coffee, snacks, soap and a change of clothes for the following day so you’re not rummaging through boxes to find things once you’ve moved

• LABEL YOUR BOXES CLEARLY AND FILL THEM LOGICALLY: Record what’s in the box, where it’s meant to go and whether there’s anything fragile in it. Fill boxes by the items that will end up together in the new house.

• ACCEPT HELP: Consider hiring a removalist to help you relocate and unpack at the other end if you can afford to. Don’t be afraid to take up any offers of help from family and friends.

• GET YOUR INSURANCE UP-TO-DATE: Check with your insurer to make sure you’re covered for before moving. Most policies will cover the old place and the new for a short time while you move

• UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS & REDIRECT MAIL: Get in touch with utility companies well in advance so you have running water, electricity and gas when you move. Redirect mail and advise necessary authorities of your change of address. If you do receive redirected mail, make a note to update your address with that sender.

• PACK CHILDREN’S ITEMS LAST: If you have toddlers or young children, leave

packing their room until last. Many children have an emotional attachment to their belongings — especially toys — and may not understand what’s happening, causing unnecessary distress.

• CONSIDER YOUR PETS WHEN MOVING: Like children, dogs and cats can

get confused about moving into new surroundings. Ensure their favourite toy or blanket comes with them, and ease them into new their environment one room at a time.

• THINGS WON’T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN: No matter the size, a house move takes a lot of time and effort and things will come up that you didn’t expect. Stay positive, and reward yourself with a nice family dinner or day out to celebrate afterwards.

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@NeelimaChoahan