Start with a plan, not boxes
Most of the stress in a house move comes from starting too late. The moment you know your move date, build a simple timeline working backwards — when to book movers, when to start packing non-essentials, and when to handle address changes and utility transfers.
A two-to-three week runway is usually enough for a local move, and four to six weeks for an interstate relocation.
Declutter before you pack
Packing and moving items you don't actually need adds cost and effort. Go room by room and sort belongings into keep, donate and discard piles before any packing begins.
This step alone can reduce the volume of your move significantly, which also brings your moving cost down.
Label boxes by room, not just contents
Labelling boxes with the destination room (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, Study) rather than just a general description makes unloading and unpacking far quicker. Keep a short master list of what's in each box for anything fragile or important.
Prepare an essentials bag
Pack a separate bag with chargers, medicines, toiletries, important documents and a change of clothes. This way, even if unpacking takes a day or two, your day-to-day essentials are always within reach.
On the day itself, walk through your old home one last time to check cupboards, drawers and storage spaces before the vehicle leaves — it's the easiest way to avoid leaving something behind.
