They say that selling a house is right up there for stressful life experiences. But we’re pretty sure that moving day is not too far behind.

After the excitement of selling there’s an uh oh moment, when the lightbulb goes off and you realise exactly how much furniture, homewares, appliances and general stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. And now you have to sort it and pack it all up!

In Australia the average settlement period is 60 days but it can be as little as 30 days. We suggest you opt for 60 days to give yourself enough time to sort out financing, paperwork, cleaning and packing your things ready for moving day.

If you want to know how to move house without stress, then follow these 6 steps and you should get through without losing anything of value, avoiding meltdowns from family members and keeping your sanity intact.

Step 1: Get organised (60 Days before moving)

Moving house is a great opportunity to declutter, especially if you’re downsizing. Make a list of household items you want to keep and those you want to sell, donate or give away to family and friends.

Contact removal companies to get quotes and book in the one you want to use asap. Booking movers in early is vital especially if you’re moving on a weekend. If you can, book them in for the crack of dawn so you’re the first house on the list.

Step 2: Pack your belongings (45 days before moving)

You’ll need various packing supplies such as, boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper and strong tape.

Start packing your ‘keep’ items that you use infrequently or seasonally and keep an inventory checklist of what goes into each box and what room it’s for.

You can tick off the boxes when you’re at the new place, and it’s handy for insurance purposes if anything goes missing or is stolen.

Step 3: Confirm and contact (30 days before moving)

Keep up the packing momentum! Contact your insurance company and tell them you’re moving. There may be changes you need to make to your home and contents policy.

Also contact power/gas and phone companies to let them know your final day at the old property and when to set up services at your new address.

Other services you’ll need to inform of the move are your friends, family, employer, the bank, doctor, dentist etc.

Step 4: Confirm movers (15 days before moving)

Confirming the movers is always a good idea at this stage so you can quickly find another company if anything’s amiss. Also check your insurance is in place.

Don’t forget to keep packing, and ask friends or family if they can spare a couple of hours to help out if you’re struggling.

Step 5: Finish packing (7 days before moving)

Finish up your packing and aim to be completed a couple of days before the move. Clean large appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and ovens.

Organise some easy cook stovetop and microwave meals so you don’t have to eat out and spend up large on takeaways.

Put together a shortlist of backup movers just in case of emergencies.

Step 6: Last minute tasks (2 days before moving)

You should be finished packing by now, but if not, you’ve a couple of days up your sleeve. Tackle last minute tasks such as cleaning, vacuuming, defrosting the freezer and disassembling furniture.

Confirm the movers again and clarify the ETA for moving day. Keep your boxes with important documents, valuables, laptops etc. off the truck.

Once you’re in your new place be sure to give yourself time to settle in and get unpacked. Don’t feel pressure to do everything on moving day. You may be living with chaos for a while but at least the hard part is over!

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