Moving House? Don’t Make These 10 Common Mistakes!
G’day, future mover! So, the big day is on the horizon. You’ve found a new place to call home, and the excitement is building. Whether you’re moving around the corner or heading interstate, it’s a massive undertaking. And let’s be honest, while it’s a fresh start, moving house consistently ranks as one of life’s most stressful events, right up there with planning a wedding or starting a new job.
Why? Because it’s a logistical puzzle with a million moving parts (pun intended). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even easier to make a few classic blunders that can turn an exciting new chapter into a chaotic scramble.
But don’t you worry. We’ve seen it all – and we’ve put together this list of common mistakes and smart moving tips to help you navigate the process like a seasoned pro. By sidestepping these common pitfalls, you can save yourself a heap of time, money, and sanity. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the 10 common mistakes people make when moving house – and more importantly, how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: The Last-Minute Scramble (aka “She’ll be right” Syndrome)
We Aussies are famous for our laid-back attitude, but applying “she’ll be right” to a house move is a recipe for disaster. You think you have weeks, then suddenly it’s the night before moving day, and you’re staring at a mountain of unsorted belongings, frantically throwing things into bin bags. The result? Stress, broken items, and a chaotic unpacking experience.
How to Avoid It: Create a Master Timeline
Moving is a marathon, not a sprint. As soon as you have your moving date, work backwards and create a timeline.
- 6-8 Weeks Out: Start the great declutter (see Mistake #2). Research and book your removalist.
- 4 Weeks Out: Begin packing non-essential items like books, out-of-season clothing, and spare linen. Order your packing supplies.
- 2 Weeks Out: Start notifying providers of your change of address (see Mistake #6). Confirm all details with your removalist.
- 1 Week Out: Pack the majority of your belongings. Label everything meticulously. Prepare your “Essentials Box” (see Mistake #7).
Mistake #2: Moving Your Junk with You
Your new home is a clean slate. The last thing you want to do is fill it with things you don’t need, use, or love. Paying a removalist to transport that broken lamp, the clothes you haven’t worn since 2010, or boxes of old university textbooks is throwing money away.
How to Avoid It: Declutter Mercilessly
Before you pack a single box, be ruthless. Go through every room, every cupboard, and every drawer. A great method is the four-box system:
- Keep: Items you love, need, and use.
- Sell: Good quality items you no longer need. Think Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or a good old-fashioned garage sale.
- Donate: Items in good condition that can find a new home. The Salvos, Vinnies, or local community shelters are great options.
- Bin/Recycle: Anything that’s broken, expired, or unusable.
Decluttering not only makes packing and unpacking easier but can also significantly reduce the cost of your move.
Mistake #3: A DIY Move for a Mansion-Sized Job
Hiring a ute and roping in your mates for the promise of a slab of beer and pizza sounds like a classic, budget-friendly Aussie move. And for a small one-bedroom apartment, it can work. But for a larger family home, trying to do it all yourself can lead to exhaustion, damaged furniture, strained friendships, and even personal injury.
How to Avoid It: Know When to Call the Professionals
Be realistic about the scale of your move. A professional removalist team has the right equipment (dollies, ramps, straps), the right vehicle, and the experience to move heavy, awkward items safely and efficiently. While it’s an upfront cost, it can save you money on replacing damaged goods and save your back from a world of pain.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Removalist
Not all removalists are created equal. Opting for the absolute cheapest quote you find online without doing any research is a massive gamble. You could end up with a team that’s late, unprofessional, careless with your belongings, or slaps you with hidden fees on moving day.
How to Avoid It: Do Your Homework
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three different companies for a comprehensive, written quote.
- Check Reviews: Look at their Google Reviews, testimonials, and social media presence. What are real customers saying?
- Confirm Insurance: Ask what insurance is included. What is their liability if something is damaged? (See Mistake #9).
- Look for Professionalism: Are they a registered business with an ABN? Are they members of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA)? AFRA accreditation means they meet high standards for equipment, training, and service.
Mistake #5: The “Art” of Bad Packing
Shoving items into old grocery boxes, forgetting to label anything, and hoping for the best is a common but costly mistake. Poor packing leads to broken valuables, crushed belongings, and an unpacking process that feels like a frustrating treasure hunt where you have no map.
How to Avoid It: Pack Like a Pro
- Use Proper Boxes: Use sturdy, double-walled moving boxes. They’re designed to be stacked and protect your items.
- Don’t Overpack: A box of books that’s too heavy to lift is a hazard. Keep box weights manageable.
- Label Everything: This is non-negotiable! Label each box on the top and at least two sides with the room it belongs to and a summary of its contents (e.g., “KITCHEN – Mugs & Glasses”).
- Protect Fragiles: Use bubble wrap, packing paper (not newspaper, as the ink can transfer), and even towels or linen to cushion delicate items. Pack plates vertically, not flat.
Mistake #6: Forgetting the Boring Admin Stuff
While packing chaos, it’s easy to forget about the mountain of administrative tasks that come with changing your address. Forgetting to connect your electricity or redirect your mail can lead to you arriving at your new home in the dark or missing important bills.
How to Avoid It: Make an “Admin” Checklist
About two to three weeks before your move, start working through this list:
- Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of gas, electricity, and internet at your old address and connection at your new one.
- Mail Redirection: Organise this with Australia Post. It’s a lifesaver for catching any mail you forgot to update.
- Update Your Address: Make a list of everyone who needs your new address: banks, superannuation funds, the ATO, VicRoads/TfNSW etc., electoral roll, insurance providers, doctors, vets, and any subscriptions.
Mistake #7: No Plan for Moving Day Itself
Moving day is controlled chaos. Without a plan, it can quickly descend into uncontrolled chaos. No food, no plan for the kids or pets, and no idea where the toilet paper is can make for a very long, stressful day.
How to Avoid It: Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit
This is your “Essentials Box” – the very last thing loaded onto the truck and the very first thing you open at the new house. It should contain:
- The kettle, tea bags/instant coffee, sugar, and mugs
- Toilet paper and hand soap
- Phone chargers and a portable power bank
- Snacks and bottled water
- A basic toolkit (screwdriver, Allen keys)
- A first-aid kit with pain relief
- Cleaning cloths and spray
- Pet food and bowls
- Important documents (passports, moving contract)
Also, if you have kids or pets, arrange for a babysitter or for them to stay with family for the day. It’s safer for them and less stressful for you.
Mistake #8: Underestimating the Total Cost
The removalist’s fee is just one part of the moving budget. Many people are caught off guard by all the other “little” expenses that add up quickly, leading to financial stress.
How to Avoid It: Create a Realistic Moving Budget
Think beyond the truck hire. Factor in all potential costs:
- Removalist fees (including any potential surcharges for stairs or difficult access)
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Moving insurance
- Utility connection fees
- Professional bond cleaning for your old rental
- Temporary storage if needed
- The cost of takeaway for the first few nights when you’re too exhausted to cook
Mistake #9: Skimping on Insurance
You might think, “My stuff isn’t that valuable,” or “The removalist has insurance, right?” Most removalists have Public Liability and Transit Insurance, but this often has limitations and may not cover accidental damage to your specific items if they were poorly packed. Relying on this alone is a risk.
How to Avoid It: Get Comprehensive Moving Insurance
For true peace of mind, especially if you’re moving valuable furniture, electronics, or sentimental items, it’s worth investing in a dedicated moving insurance policy. This covers your goods for their full replacement value against a wide range of potential risks, including accidental breakage, theft, and loss. Check your home and contents insurance provider, as they often offer this as an add-on.
Mistake #10: Trying to Be a Superhero (and Burning Out)
Moving is physically demanding and emotionally draining. Trying to do it all – decluttering, packing, cleaning, working, and caring for a family – without a break is a surefire way to burn out before you’ve even unpacked a single box.
How to Avoid It: Ask for Help and Be Kind to Yourself
You don’t have to do it all alone.
- Accept Help: If friends or family offer to help pack, mind the kids, or bring over a meal, say yes!
- Pace Yourself: Don’t try to pack your entire house in one weekend. Do a little bit each day.
- Plan Your First Night: Don’t expect to cook a gourmet meal. Plan for easy takeaway. Set up your beds first so you can crash at the end of a long day.
- Celebrate the Milestone: Moving is a huge achievement. Take a moment amidst the boxes to pop a bottle of bubbly and toast your new home. You’ve earned it.
Moving house is a big job, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of planning, a healthy dose of realism, and a focus on one task at a time, you can make your move a smooth, successful, and genuinely exciting experience. Happy moving! You’ve got this sorted.