Help – I’m moving interstate!

16th March, 2014

Moving across town can be stressful, but when your move consists of travelling hundreds of kilometres away and across several states of Australia, things get even more pressure-packed.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few helpful moving tips to keep in mind as you plan for your big move interstate.

Choose an interstate moving company you can trust

It really pays to choose a removalist who offers a full, high quality service and knows their stuff. Look for removalists who offer a full suite of services, so that you won’t have to go shopping around for extra services like house cleaning or pet transport later on.

Here are a few questions you should ask before you make your decision:

  • Does the company know your new area? Do they have a service location there?
  • Do they offer all the services you need – vehicle transport, carpet cleaning, unpacking, etc.?
  • Do they offer in-home inspections? These are the best way to get an accurate quote.
  • How will your belongings be transported? Will they be secure?
  • What will you be charged for? Make sure you understand all the costs.
  • Does the company offer comprehensive in-transit insurance?

Read our full guide to choosing an interstate removalist.

Pack safe

Australia is a massive country. You and your household treasures will be travelling hundreds of kilometres to get to your new home, so it’s vital that you pack everything as safely as possible.

If your treasures are important to you, make sure you use the best packing materials you can get your hands on, wrap and load each item securely.

You can choose to pack it all yourself, or your removalists can provide a full packing service.

Find out more about your packing options with Kent.

Know the quarantine restrictions

In Australia, quarantine restrictions vary from state to state. It’s important to make sure you’re aware of any differences, so you’re prepared to make any special arrangements for your pets or plants.

Check out the government’s Quarantine Domestic website. It’s a quick and easy way to find out if you’ll need to obtain a permit for your herb garden!

Learn the laws

The moving industry tends to be a highly-regulated one. So find out what kind of laws apply in your area and see if they differ from state to state. That way, you’ll know if your movers are doing something that isn’t quite right!

Keep your papers in order

If you don’t write it down, it’s all too easy to forget. It’s a great idea to keep a folder of moving-related documents, including checklists of all the little jobs you’ll need to do during each stage of the move.

This folder is also a good place to keep:

  • You and your family’s medical records
  • Birth certificates, passports and visas
  • Veterinary records for your pets
  • School enrolment information for your kids.

Above all, make sure you know where to look for support when you need it. Your family and friends may have some great advice and will probably be willing to lend a hand.

But if you’ve chosen a full service interstate removalist, you can use them as a resource! They will have years of moving experience to draw from, so they’re the perfect people to ask if you’re not sure about any aspect of your move.

Find out how Kent can help you with moving interstate.