Are you planning an interstate move?

 Relocating to a new State can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming. With Australia’s vast size and endless opportunities, it’s important to plan and plan some more! 

I have some personal experience in this. My family and I have moved countries three times and interstate once, from Tasmania to Queensland, we thought we had everything under control – until we didn’t. One minute I was confidently ticking things off the to-do list, and the next, I was wide awake at 2am, suddenly remembering I hadn’t arranged for the power to be connected at the new house. (Spoiler: cold showers aren’t fun, well maybe in Queensland during summer they are!)

Research your new Location 

This was my favourite past time – researching our new home. Factors you need to consider, cost of living, housing, local amenities, climate, transportation, employment opportunities, community vibe and school district.

Plan and Create a Checklist

To avoid the 11pm “Where’s my phone charger?” panic, trust me – write everything down. A solid moving checklist is the secret weapon that keeps your sanity intact and your relationship argument-free. Well, mostly. So, create the world’s greatest checklist.

Declutter

Declutter by category ie: clothes, kitchenware, tools etc, instead of room by room. This is called the KonMari Method. Something else to consider – sort into piles, keep, donate, sell.

Removalists and Cost

Do your research here and find a reputable, reliable moving company. Check out their reviews and star ratings to get a sense of how they operate – because, let’s be honest, you are uprooting and moving your whole life to a new destination. The general estimate that removalists offer is somewhere between $2,000 and $6,000 for an interstate move. Don’t forget to label your boxes!

Changing your Address, Cancelling Services & Setting up Utilities

Essential services to notify are your utilities provider, phone and internet, home insurance, subscriptions, and that pesky gym membership you never used – now you finally have the best excuse ever! You will need to notify and update your details with Medicare, Centrelink, the ATO, drivers licence and vehicle registration and of course bank details. Before you leave for your new destination check electricity, water, gas, internet and phone services are connected. Key points to remember, research local providers, contact current providers, check for connection fees and coordinate timing unless you want your teenager son to have a hissy fit because the internet wasn’t connected for “gaming!”

Now, take a deep breath – remember, amongst the chaos of moving, a brand-new life awaits! Enjoy the victories, survive the meltdowns, and just accept that at some point, you’ll be eating takeaway on the floor and wondering where the cutlery went.