Moving house isn’t just about chucking your belongings into boxes, it’s an emotional, physical, and logistical challenge. We have seen it all in our decades of service as trusted Australian removalists. With moving consistently ranked among the most stressful life events, it’s no surprise so many people struggle to manage this major life transition.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over 40% of Australians move house every five years. That’s a significant number of households juggling the complexities of relocation. To make your move smooth and stress-free, we’ve compiled tips to avoid five common moving mistakes based on our expertise as professional removalists.
1. Underestimating the time and effort required
Common mistake
Many people kick off their packing and planning far too late, thinking it will all come together quickly. But between sourcing supplies, organising belongings, and coordinating logistics, the days can slip away faster than expected.
Pro tip
Start early. Create a moving checklist at least six weeks before your move. Break tasks into smaller steps, such as notifying services, decluttering, and colour-coding boxes for individual rooms.
Australia’s unique vastness adds an extra layer of complexity, particularly for interstate moves. Long journeys require careful coordination to avoid delays. Plus, busy periods like December and January (a peak time for end-of-lease relocations) are typically booked out early, so plan ahead to secure your preferred removalist.
2. Skipping the decluttering process
Common mistake
Packing everything, regardless of whether it still serves a purpose, is an easy trap to fall into. Not only does this prolong packing, but it also leads to higher moving costs.
Pro tip
Use your move as an opportunity to refresh your space! Decluttering reduces the number of items to move, resulting in lower removal costs. Donate usable items to local charities like Salvos, Vinnies, or GIVIT. Alternatively, organise a garage sale to clear unwanted possessions and make a little extra cash for your move.
A lighter load not only saves time and effort but makes your new home feel fresh and organised from the start.
3. Not researching your removalist properly
Common mistake
Choosing a removalist based solely on the lowest price can result in broken furniture, delays, or worse.
Pro tip
Research is key. Look for AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) accreditation, which indicates high standards, insurance, and accountability. Check reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge a removalist’s reliability.
Grace is a proud AFRA member, which means you can trust us to transport your items professionally and securely. Our team goes the extra mile to handle belongings as carefully as if they were our own, ensuring peace of mind at every step.
4. Forgetting to update addresses and utilities
Common mistake
It’s easy to overlook essential administrative tasks when you’re focused on packing and moving logistics. But forgetting to update addresses or disconnect utilities in time can lead to missed bills, lost shipments, or unnecessary charges.
Pro tip
Set up a checklist to notify critical services early, including Australia Post, Medicare, ATO, banks, and insurance providers. Don’t forget about subscriptions, schools, and your electoral roll, either.
Australia Post’s mail redirection service can save you the hassle of missed letters while you’re still settling in. And if you own a pet, make sure to update their microchip registration details along with your own.
5. Trying to DIY the whole move
Common mistake
Many people think they’ll save money by renting a truck and enlisting friends to help. However, the process often ends in stress, added expenses, and even potential injuries.
Pro tip
Leave it to the professionals. Experienced removalists are trained in heavy lifting, safe packing techniques, and optimising truck space, helping you avoid breakages and accidents.
Consider the common stories of attempted DIY disasters where furniture ends up wedged in staircases or broken due to mishandling. A professional team eliminates that risk, saving you time, effort, and money in the long run.
Stress-free moving starts with Grace
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can make the experience smoother, more efficient, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re moving across town or interstate, our team at Grace is here to assist every step of the way.
For over 100 years, we’ve been helping Australians move home with ease and minimal stress. Our expert removalists take care of the details so you can focus on settling into your new space.
The best moves are made with Grace, get your free quote here.
