Avoiding The Challenges of Moving Interstate

Moving is always a little stressful, even if it’s just down the road: but moving interstate is another thing entirely. If you are planning to move interstate for a job, family, or for any other reason, you’re going to need to take a more holistic approach to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, and that your stress levels don’t hit the roof.

As seasoned movers, we know how to move interstate with minimal hassle. Below are some tips that we would suggest to anyone about to take the plunge.

Know The Area

Such a big move takes quite a bit of research and although you might have had a quick check online, a deeper look will help to put your mind at ease or even highlight some downsides you didn’t know about.

What is the job market in the area like? How about the salaries or availability of services such as schools, hospitals and other daily essentials. Are transport links to and from other important areas plentiful, or are you likely to have issues?

Ideally, you’d visit the area first to get a feel for it yourself, but if you do have friends or family in the area, let them know about the things that are important to you and they can advise on how well they are catered for. If you are looking to buy somewhere, perhaps consider a short-term rent first (for a few weeks or months).

Understand The Journey

Moving interstate takes a lot of time and will cover a lot of miles. While a typical relocation might take just a day, an interstate move could take as much as a week. This may have a bigger toll on your budget than you might think and will likely have an effect on your stress and energy levels too. 

Before starting out, plan your trip in detail so that you know where affordable and comfortable stopping places are, and if there are roadworks or other obstacles that will slow things down.

Although we recommend flying down instead of driving, for some this might not be an option. If you are taking the road, please make sure to have your car serviced and checked so that you don’t have to face unexpected issues or breakdowns.

Work With The Right Interstate Removalist

The company you choose to entrust your belongings and interstate move to can make or break the whole operation.

You may be tempted to take on the move yourself and rent a van, but don’t underestimate just how much work all the packing, loading, driving, storage and unloading will be.

Saving money is always tempting, but in the case of interstate moves it’s best to let a professional company handle everything on your behalf.

For example, our interstate removalist services and moving coordinators take care of everything so that you don’t have to. While this might feel like an unnecessary expense, having our team to handle all the little things on your behalf will come as a great relief. And, with us, you can also enjoy the extra peace of mind with removals insurance, which will cover any damage in the unlikely instance of something going wrong. This is perfect for those who are moving an entire household with a range of different objects, including furniture and fragile electrical equipment.

Declutter your belongings

Moving is always the best time to take a step back and have a bit of a spring clean. When you get to packing, you’ll soon notice objects and clothing items that you haven’t touched or even thought about for years. As well as saving space in your moving truck you can even offset some of the cost of your move by selling off furniture items and electronics that you won’t be taking with you.

This also helps on the other side, as when you begin unpacking into your new home you’ll enjoy more space for new things and a neater way of living.

Transport your vehicle

Just like your cargo, you can have your vehicle moved interstate as well. Again, while this may seem like an unnecessary use of your moving budget, it may be better in the long run. As well as taking days (which might be holiday allowance from work) you’re going to need to find accommodation and pay for a lot of fuel along your route.

To avoid the hassle, you can take advantage of the many vehicles moving services out there who will take care of everything for you, meaning that all you need to do is hop on a plane on moving day and arrive to your vehicle already waiting for you.

Provision for pets

If you’re moving with your furry friends, it’s worth looking into the quarantine laws of your new area. These laws are important to prevent the spread of pests and diseases across states and are taken seriously so that local ecosystems are protected. Take a look at the Australian interstate quarantine rules so that you’re not caught off guard when moving particular plants and pets. 

Be Organised

As well as understanding each step of packing and moving interstate, take some time to ensure that everything is ready for you on the other side as well. For instance, do you know where to get your car registered? Do you need a new insurance policy? Will electricity, Internet and other utilities be available in your new home from day one?

As well as all the little things, planning your budget is essential so that you don’t end up short-changed for important things you may have underestimated or forgotten about. Leave some money on the side to handle unexpected costs or problems so that you can mitigate issues as best as possible.

And finally, don’t be daunted! Moving interstate is a big step, but it’s also a new start. Don’t cloud it with worry about the move and instead let us take care of it all for you instead. That way you can begin your new life without any hassles and problems. Just you, your new home and all of your belongings, safely delivered.

Useful Removals Resources

For more tips on getting ready for an interstate move, read our articles on Moving During COVID-19, Preparing Your Kids For a Move.

We also offer some handy planning tools. 

• Ultimate End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
• How To Move a Fridge
• Change Of Address Checklist

How Else Can ZOOM Removals Help?

We offer a number of useful services in conjunction with your interstate move:

• Movers and Packers Services
• Budget moving trucks
• Free Moving Boxes
• Last Minute Removals
• Home Removals