The Southern Highlands Moving Guide: Decluttering, Packing Hacks & Moving Day Prep

Expert tips from the pros at Southern Removals & Storage

Look, there’s no sugar-coating it, moving home can feel like a mighty stressful and daunting task.

But fear not, fellow Highlanders, because there are actually some things that can make the whole process a lot easier. 

And when it comes to moving-day advice, we’re turning to the experts at Southern Removals & Storage.

Led by the amazing Adam and Lisa, this crew is all about making your move happen respectfully and carefully – legends. 

They know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the whole thing way less stressful. 

So let’s get into it.

Declutter Before The Move 

Decluttering means fewer items to move, saving time and money. It also gives a fresh start without the stuff gathering dust in the garage.

Here are some tips to help with the decluttering process.

1. Start early: Begin decluttering well before your move. This will give you plenty of time to decide what stays and what goes, reducing stress and feeling overwhelmed.

2. Be realistic: Maybe you’re downsizing, so think carefully about what to take. Trying to squeeze a four-bedroom home’s furniture into a two-bedroom unit…. YIKES!

3. Don’t waste it: Some things will need to go to the tip, but plenty can be sold or donated. Snap some photos and check with local charities or list them online. If you have antiques you no longer want, a local auction house might sell them for you.

4. Good old-fashioned garage sale: If you’re up for it, a garage sale is a great way to declutter and clear out things you no longer need.

5. Holding onto memories: If something doesn’t fit in your new home but has sentimental value, storage is a great option. Southern Removals & Storage offers flexible solutions to keep those cherished items safe.

How To Prepare For Your Moving Day Like A Pro.

Getting organised before moving day means [hopefully] less stress, fewer last-minute surprises, and an easier time settling into your new place.

1. Create a checklist: It sounds basic, but a list keeps everything on track. Sort out your internet, gas, and electricity, update your postal address, and book a removalist so nothing gets left behind.

2. Plan ahead: The more time you give yourself, the smoother your move will be. Did you know removal companies can book out up to six weeks in advance?!

3. Especially during school holidays and Christmas. Get a quote early to lock in your preferred dates and budget accordingly.

4. Declutter: Moving house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of any of those dust-collecting possessions that aren’t being used anymore. See above for all those helpful decluttering tips.

5. Get packing materials: Sort out boxes and supplies early so you can start packing when it suits you. Sturdy removal cartons will help protect your belongings and don’t forget essentials like butcher’s paper, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. Butcher’s paper and tape are complimentary with every removal booked with Southern Removals & Storage. They can also deliver your packing materials… one less thing to worry about… aw yeah!

6. Room at a time: Tackle packing one room at a time, starting with the least used spaces like the spare bedroom or garage. It makes the process more manageable, and you get to enjoy the little wins as each room is done.

7. Settlement dates. Moving on settlement day might seem convenient, but delays happen more often than you think, leading to extra costs. It is best to move out a day or two before and into your new home a day or two after. We love that Southern Removals & Storage offers up to two weeks of free storage with every removal to help with split settlement dates. They also understand that this isn’t always possible and are happy to work with you to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Either way, communicating settlement dates and changes with your removal company is important.

8. Priority boxes: Moving can be exhausting, so make the first night easier by packing a few must-haves in priority boxes. Think tea, coffee, a kettle, basic kitchenware, towels, linen, toiletries, medication, and phone chargers. Unpack these first so everything is ready to go when it is time to unwind.

9. Plan your new setup: Having a rough idea of where furniture will go makes moving in much easier. FYI- Southern Removals & Storage does a final walkthrough to make sure everything is in place, and if something does not look right, they offer a free 30-minute internal move to adjust things to your liking.

10. Be the captain: When the Southern Removals & Storage team starts unloading, it is best to hold off on unpacking and stay near the entrance instead. Directing where furniture goes as it comes off the truck helps keep things moving efficiently.

Fragile items 101: How To Protect Your Valuables During A Move.

When moving house, it’s totally normal to worry about fragile and precious belongings like antique furniture, crystalware, or that old grand piano.

Here are some tips to pack and prepare them properly so they arrive safely at your new home.

1. Crush: Scrunched-up butcher’s paper, known as crush, is perfect for cushioning fragile items in boxes. Use it on the bottom, top, and sides of the box, and between delicate pieces to prevent movement and contact. The more crush you use, the safer your belongings will be.

2. Packing order: When packing the boxes make sure you put heavier items like books or plates at the bottom and then pack lighter items such as glasses and china on top. Don’t forget to use plenty of that crush!

3. Let the movers know: Clearly labelling boxes with “fragile” helps ensure breakable items get extra care. The team will handle these boxes with caution and pack them securely in the truck.

4. Wrap it all: Be sure to wrap all breakables that are going in a box with a few sheets of butcher’s paper. This will stop clinking and rubbing from occurring. For fine crystalware, be sure to use tissue paper as it is softer and less abrasive than butchers’ paper therefore minimising the risk of scuff marks.

5. Artwork: Keep artwork and family photos safe by using picture boxes with plenty of crush at the top, bottom, and corners. For larger pieces that will not fit in a box, Prowrap is a felted padded bubble wrap used for high-value items and offers extra protection. For maximum security, combine Prowrap, crush, and a picture box.

6. Pianos & Pool tables:  If you are moving a piano or pool table, Southern Removals & Storage has it covered. The team handles everything from disassembly and wrapping to transport and reassembly at your new address. Just let the office know in advance so they can be ready on the day.

7. Fabric items: To keep fabric and soft furnishings clean, Southern Removals & Storage uses specially designed plastic coverings. These protect against dust, dirt and fingerprints during the move. Let the office know the size of your beds and couches, and the team will bring the right covers for the job.

8. Get the professionals: If packing valuable items feels overwhelming, Southern Removals & Storage offers a “Fragiles Only Prepack Service.” The team will carefully pack delicate and prized belongings, taking the pressure off… nice!

Alright, so we were wrong… moving doesn’t have to be a headache.

With the right preparation and the expert team at Southern Removals & Storage, the whole process can be smooth, efficient, and even a little exciting. 

Whether it is careful packing, heavy lifting, or storage solutions, they’ve got ya back!

Get in touch at their website to learn more and to get a quote.

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