Do’s and Dont’s for Moving into Your First Home
Although moving into your first home is exciting, it can also be difficult and frustrating—especially if you are doing it for the first time. The confusion and stress that come with it can negatively affect the relocation process. Because of this, many first-home buyers choose to hire professionals to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
If you’re one of them, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of some dos and don’ts to help you through your first move.
Dos
Declutter: The first thing you need to do is declutter. Donate or dispose of items you no longer use. Sort through your belongings to decide what to keep, donate, or discard—whether it’s old appliances, books, clothes, or electronics. You could also organise a garage sale to give your unwanted items a second life while making some extra cash.
Ask for Free Moving Boxes: One way to save money during your move is by sourcing free moving boxes. Instead of buying them, check with nearby grocery stores or liquor shops, as they often have spare boxes they’re happy to give away.
Visit Your New Place Before Moving: Familiarising yourself with your new neighbourhood before moving is essential. Take some time to explore local amenities such as banks, hospitals, supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools. This will help you settle in more quickly, especially if you have children.
Prioritise Utility Transfers: Ensuring your utilities are transferred on time is crucial. Plan to arrange the transfer at least one to two months before your move to avoid delays. The last thing you want is to spend your first few days in your new home without electricity, water, or internet.
Hire Credible and Reliable Professionals: As mentioned earlier, moving can be overwhelming. That’s why hiring reputable professionals, such as a removalist, can ease the burden. They have the expertise and modern equipment to make the process more efficient, saving you time and money.
Don’ts
Don’t Delay Packing: Start packing your belongings at least 4–6 weeks before moving day. Leaving it too late can create unnecessary chaos and stress, making the process much harder than it needs to be.
Don’t Forget to Label Boxes: After packing, clearly label your boxes according to their contents. This will make loading, unloading, and unpacking much easier once you arrive at your new home.
Don’t Pack Hazardous Items: Not everything should be packed and moved. Some items, such as aerosols, ammonia, bleach, fertiliser, firecrackers, old car batteries, and paint, can pose safety risks during transport. If you’re unsure, consult your removalist for a full list of restricted items.
Don’t Let Professionals Pack Your Valuables: If you’ve hired professionals to assist with packing, keep in mind that certain personal and valuable items should remain in your possession. This includes bank documents, cash, jewellery, passports, photographs, and prescriptions.
Final Thoughts
No matter how well you plan, moving is always a stressful time. However, by following these steps, we hope to make the process just that little bit easier for you.
At Providence, we’re here to support you beyond just the move. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
