Moving has always been a stressful process, with statistics revealing that it is getting more stressful year over year. Relocating to a different state can be a daunting and draining process, but with the right advice, it doesn’t have to be.
When it comes to moving interstate, preparation is key to reducing stress, lowering costs, and saving time. Depending on your situation, like if you’re moving with young children, there are also other considerations, such as enrolling your children in a new school.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know, including tips for moving interstate, the challenges, and what you can/can’t do. If you’re looking to prepare yourself for an interstate move and the logistics, we’ll be delving into different strategies and key information to consider.
The Challenges of Moving Over State Borders
Moving over state borders presents a range of unique challenges compared to a local move. To begin with, it’s important to consider factors like logistics, transport regulations, licensing and registration.
Logistics and transport
The biggest difference between moving across state borders versus a local move is the distance. Where it might be possible to do multiple trips between houses to move furniture and belongings, this isn’t feasible for an interstate move.
When it comes to interstate moves, unless you have very few belongings, it’s cost-effective to hire an interstate removalist service. Hiring a reputable, professional service not only guarantees your belongings make it to your new home safe and sound, but it also alleviates the stress of coordinating vehicles and transport of your own.
Regulations
Another huge challenge of crossing state borders is regulations. Different states have varying regulations and rules regarding the transportation of goods, including quarantine rules for plants and pets.
Licenses
In Australia, licenses and registration are typically handled differently from state to state. As part of moving interstate, it’s important to also prepare to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any other potential licenses or permits.
This can be a time-consuming process and may even require other documentation, like your birth certificate. So, it’s crucial to prepare beforehand so you don’t run into any hiccups during the moving process.
Finding new services
Although it can be easy to forget during the excitement of moving to a new home, finding new services is also an essential part of the moving process. It can be a challenge finding new healthcare providers and other essential services, especially if they don’t have the same organisations as your previous state.
If possible, we recommend doing research on new healthcare providers before moving. That way, you can organise with your previous healthcare provider to send over your previous medical history for a seamless transition.
Social groups
Another massive challenge of moving over state borders can be the social aspect. If you don’t already have friends in the state you’re moving to, you will want to research potential social groups you can join to meet new people. Friends are critical for having a strong support network and may even be able to help make the moving process easier.
What You Can & Can’t Take Over State Borders
Australia has rules and regulations for what goods can and can’t be transported between or within states. The reason Australia has these rules is that pests, diseases, and weeds can easily be transported with you between state borders.
Pests, diseases, and weeds can be transported by plant or plant products, fruit and vegetables, animal or animal products, soil, machinery (like agricultural machinery) and recreational equipment. So, when you’re planning to move interstate, it’s important to keep in mind what can and can’t be taken over.
In some cases, like with pets, it is possible to take them across the state borders, but you have to adhere to strict quarantine rules. This minimises the damage any potential pests or diseases can have on the surrounding environment.
As a general rule of thumb, when moving interstate, you can’t take any plants or fruit with you. If you do have plants you want to take with you, you will need to contact the relevant authorities regarding quarantine protocol. For more information, it’s always best to check the official government websites.
Other items that may be restricted or require special handling include firearms and hazardous materials, like paint and gasoline.
Additional Tips For Moving Interstate
Understanding the various challenges that moving interstate can bring is only the first step. Moving across states is a significant undertaking that requires weeks of planning and execution. This includes packing, hiring movers, and setting aside a moving budget. Additional tips to ensure a smooth move include:
Plan a moving budget
Moving, especially interstate, is an expensive task. Costs can add up quickly, from buying packing materials to hiring movers, transportation, tolls, and even temporary accommodation (if needed). It’s important to assemble a detailed and realistic moving budget. If possible, always have emergency funds on the side, too. You never know if essential items may be delayed or you have to spend an extra night in temporary accommodation.
Update your address
When moving houses, it’s important to notify relevant parties. This includes the bank, insurance parties, and updating your driver’s license. Some states require that an update to address has to be made within 2 weeks of moving, such as a driver’s license.
Prepare yourself emotionally
Moving can not only be a physically draining process, but it can also be mentally draining. During a move, your emotional well-being is important. Make sure to stay in touch with friends and/or family and seek support when needed.
Research
Researching your new state is critical when moving. In Australia, laws and regulations can differ greatly between states. For example, speed limits when driving are different between states.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is the key to a stress-free move. Weeks in advance, you’ll want to have logistics and packing organised. If you have any children, make sure that you’ve already researched any potential schools, reached out, and contacted their previous schools about the move.
Hire a reputable removalist service
When preparing for your interstate move, it’s crucial to hire a reputable removalist service. Always look at reviews, other customers’ experiences, and whether they offer peace of mind through insurance and guarantees.
Stress-Free Long Distance Moves With Ready Movers
Ready Movers can take the stress out of moving interstate. Our interstate removalist services include free in-home assessments, written quotes, dismantling and re-assembling furniture, and full cover insurance available.
Have a furry friend or a precious vehicle? Don’t worry. Our team can also help relocate pets and vehicles. We are a trusted name when it comes to local, interstate, and international moves. We will take the utmost care when it comes to moving you from point A to B.
Ready Movers also has insurance options available. Not only is there cover available for your furniture, but also for your properties on either side of the move during the process. We also offer full-cover transit insurance on interstate moves under QBE insurance.
Ready to get a move on your moving plans interstate? Contact the Ready Movers team today and request a quote. We’d love to help you on your journey to your next home with our pack-and-move services.
