Moving day is no one’s favourite type of day, but many of us have to go through it, often a couple of times in the span of a few years in Australia’s ever-changing property market.
It is safe to say that nobody necessarily likes moving, even when the change is sometimes needed. Understandably, moving can be stressful, time-consuming, expensive and usually difficult to organise for even the best of planners. Whether your reason to move is because you have recently sold your property and are moving into a new one or your lease is ending soon, the truth is it can be incredibly hectic.
With Australians relocating on average approximately thirteen times in their lifetime, it would be helpful to keep certain factors in mind to make the process easier when the time inevitably comes around.
Many of these factors revolving around moving may not entirely be in our control, for example, the number of heavy furniture items to the distance between old and new locations, but deciding when to move is under our control. Choosing the best time to move house can make all the difference between an easy move or the kind that makes you want to pull your hair out.
Choosing The Best Time To Move House
The equation to think of when solving this is quite simple: When the demand to move is lower than at other times in the year, it’s probably a better time to relocate. Generally, the cost is much lower in these off-peak seasons, and removalists are able to be more flexible with their schedules, which in turn accommodates you better.
People usually prefer moving at the beginning of the year, before school starts, during the holidays or on the weekends to avoid traffic and have what feels like more time on their hands. In reality, these in-demand months can be very expensive to move and most often require having removalists booked way in advance due to the high volume demand. The higher cost also comes from removalists having to work on weekends, public holidays and peak times.
Keeping your commitments in mind so that life can go on as undisturbed as possible would be key. This could involve an important personal day to avoid, a meeting you can’t cancel, exam season for the kids, etc. Though it is ambitious to think moving is a sport of just a few hours, the before-and-after tends to be quite taxing and can affect all members of the household. Ideally, mark a day on the calendar from a quiet month for your household.
What To Consider When Moving House
Moving involves not just the day of physically moving but also the weeks before and after it. The weeks before the big day normally involve organising a reliable removalist, getting rid of unwanted things from the house, and beginning to pack every item in the house in an orderly fashion.
A few tips that can help include:
- Sort and pack room by room. Start with the least used or busy room, and work your way through the house in that order.
- Try to be realistic and not hold onto things you have not used for years. You can put such things to good use by donating your items. If you are feeling the financial crunch of moving, you can try to get some money back by selling pre-loved items you own.
- Get in touch with a removalist as soon as you confirm that you are moving. They can guide you through the best available options for moving and packing boxes, or they can even help you pack.
- Label your moving boxes: Although this sounds like a small detail in the bigger scheme of things, labelling your boxes and having a basic item contents list on top can make unpacking much easier.
- Assemble the beds first so they are ready to go on your first night in your new place.
- Double-check the moving requirements of your new location. Some apartment complexes may require arrangements to be made with the property manager prior to moving. They may also have particular rules around loading dock usage, days of the week, and lift usage that must be adhered to. This must also be communicated with your removalist so there are no miscommunications.
- Before you move, make sure your utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, and Wi-Fi, are set up.
Best Season To Move House
Moving house is a significant event, and choosing the best season to move can greatly impact the ease and efficiency of the process. In Australia, each season offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider these when planning your move.
Summer (December to February)
Summer in Australia is characterised by high temperatures and longer days. This season is ideal for those who prefer to move when there’s plenty of daylight, allowing for a longer window to complete the move. However, the heat can be a significant drawback, making the physical aspects of moving more strenuous. Additionally, summer is a popular time for holidays, so the availability of removalist services might be limited, and rates could be higher.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is often considered the best season to move house in Australia. The weather is typically mild, avoiding the extremes of summer and winter. This makes the physical effort of moving less taxing and reduces the risk of weather-related delays. The moderate temperatures are also more comfortable for children and pets, who can be more sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Additionally, the demand for removalist services tends to be lower, potentially resulting in more availability and better rates.
Winter (June to August)
Winter offers cooler temperatures, which can be a relief compared to the summer heat. However, it also brings shorter days and the possibility of rain in some regions, which can complicate the moving process. On the upside, winter is usually off-peak for moving services, so you might find more flexibility in scheduling and possibly lower costs.
Spring (September to November)
Spring is another favourable season for moving. The weather is warming up but hasn’t reached the extremes of summer. Spring’s mild temperatures and blooming scenery can make the move more pleasant. Like autumn, the demand for moving services is moderate, allowing for better availability and potentially more competitive pricing.
While each season in Australia has its benefits, autumn stands out as the best overall time to move due to its mild weather and balanced demand for moving services. However, personal preferences and specific circumstances should always be considered when planning your move.
Timing Your Move
As with most things in life, timing can be the make-it or break-it factor. It is usually also the last step in scheduling the move before it goes on the calendar.
Day of the week
Any day between Monday and Thursday can safely be declared the best time to move house. Undoubtedly, if these days happen to approach public holidays, they should no longer be considered the cheaper and best option if that is what you are aiming for.
Time of day
Daylight hours are considered the best time of day to move house. With better visibility, things are more likely to get done quickly and safely compared to darker, obscure hours. Daylight hours also come with the added advantage of cooler hours in warmer seasons and warmer weather in cooler seasons, along with quieter streets.
The best time of day to move would also possibly be after the morning school and work rush. Things tend to simmer down before they pick up again in the afternoon. It may be wise to use this time period in between to do the actual transporting.
Stress-Free House Removals With Ready Movers
In addition to all the tips and tricks above, if you truly want a hassle-free and seamless move, the option that stands out from the rest is choosing Ready Movers as your relocating professionals. Ready Movers can make moving house hassle-free with our home removalist services, and we can even help you pack.
At the end of the day, even if you pick the best month, best time, and have the best packing skills, if your removalists are not reliable and efficient, it can undo all the aiding factors that were working for you. Make sure you do not just choose the best time to move house but also the best movers to move house with! Get a free quote and make your next move stress-free.
