With Australia being made up of 6 pretty huge states, it’s naturally a pretty huge place, full of different kinds of people, different places, and different cultures. It’s no wonder that a fair few of us seek to move around from state to state. There are many reasons for us to want to do this, including for work, travel, or family. When we decide to up sticks and relocate to a different state, there are many things to consider. In light of this, this article features 6 crucial facts you need to know about interstate removal.
1. Moving Costs
As anyone who’s moved will tell you, moving costs money, and moving interstate will inevitably cost more than moving a few roads away. But it’s not on any one thing, but several things, which we’ll briefly discuss.
Insurance
Everyone should have moving insurance because it’ll save you money in the long run because some of your items may get ruined, especially if it’s a long journey. Insurance costs may vary according to the number of belongings you have, and some removal companies cover this cost in their overall price, so it’s worth finding this out when you’re deciding which removal company to use.
Removalists and Packing Boxes
Inevitably, this is going to cost you, but the amount will depend on the service you opt for. Some companies will do everything for you, from packing to delivery to unpacking in your new home. This is naturally more expensive than using interstate removals that will just transport your belongings, but it means that you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is being handled by experts. Otherwise, you’ll have to box everything up yourself, which will take up considerable time that could be better focused on other areas to do with your move.
Or, you could just do something known as backloading. This is when your possessions go into a container with items that are going the same as you. However, you’re at the mercy of the company, in terms of transportation dates, and could take more than one trip.
2. Unexpected Expenditure
This doesn’t always mean that it’s a surprise, but it can all unexpectedly add up, hence this section. What we’re referring to here is ad hoc things like cleaning materials, take-out, petrol money, and all those things that you’ll have to shell out for whilst in-between packing, moving, and unpacking. With this in mind, it’s important that you have a good couple of hundred dollars that’s dedicated to the unforeseen little expenses that add up to a considerable expense altogether. Having a checklist will help keep this under some control, but as the title of this section suggests, you never quite know what will occur because of the unexpected.
3. Daily Life Things
To make sure you can hit the ground running, and only have to deal with teething problems that inevitably occur when you’ve moved, there are a few things you can organize beforehand. By sorting out these things before you move, when you do move, everything will fall into place a lot easier.
Healthcare
One of the first things you should look into is local dentists, doctors, and opticians in your area. Look at online reviews before you make a shortlist, and when you have this, call them, or look at their website, to see how you can register you and your family with them.
Education
If you have children, finding a good school is equally important as finding good health care providers. You want to find one that’s just as good, or better than, the one they’re leaving. You’ll also want to ensure that it’s located within decent travel distance to your home. Just like with healthcare, go online to read the reviews, and perhaps even contact them to see if your child(ren) can go to look at it. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to discuss application procedures.
4. Driving Licence and Vehicle
If you’re changing state, you need to know what the laws surrounding your license and vehicle are. This is because many states require you to apply for a new one within 90 days of moving. Your vehicle may also have to be re-registered at your new home. Make sure you know the requirements of each state, so you can do this within the given time frame.
5. Moving Day Considerations
It’s going to be a long day, even longer if you have young children, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep, have eaten well, have some snacks and drinks for your journey, a fully charged phone, and spare clothes for the young ones. Plan your journey in advance, so you know when and where to stop.
A few car games, movies, music, books, and creature comforts will help occupy your children. Remember, if you’re feeling tired, chances are they are too. Also, make sure your pets have had an active day beforehand, so they’re more likely to appreciate the rest whilst they embark on the long journey to their new home. It’s also an idea to prepare a contingency plan, just in case anything goes wrong. A little preparation before moving day could make the difference between a smooth removal, and the removal from Hell.
6. Those First Things To Do
Make sure all those things you researched in point 2 are ready to implement, so your children’s school is ready to accept them, and your chosen healthcare providers have you on your books. If you have a vet, make sure you have registered with one as soon as possible.
You’ll be doing this in between packing, which we’d suggest you take your time doing. It’s all too easy to rush and hurry to put things away. But take your time and enjoy the process, cleaning before you settle everything into their new space. You’ll thank yourself for this later.
It may also be worth doing a bit of recon, if you haven’t already, just so you know where your local chemist, shopping center, and the local shop are, as well as their opening times.
Obviously, most of us don’t make such a decision to move interstate lightly. This is because there is often major upheaval involved. But with careful planning and after reading this article, you may find it’s not as bad as you once thought. It may help to talk through your plans with someone, just so there’s a fresh pair of ears that perhaps, through listening, can provide you with a new perspective on your plans. This may benefit you no end, and if you’re prepared for every eventuality, no matter how small, it’ll make your relocation less daunting and difficult.
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