Property

How to move house by yourself safely

woman unpacking new house

Jessica Taylor Yates

Posted August 31, 2023

Moving house alone may seem daunting, but with the right planning and organisation, you can successfully tackle it on your own.

You’ve got the keys to your very own abode, you’ve planned the layout of where your new furniture is going to go, and now all that remains is the one big task: the move.

While moving house by yourself may seem overwhelming on your own, with careful planning and organisation, it can be a manageable and rewarding experience.

Whether you’re downsizing, bought your first house or apartment, heading to another rental or a whole new city, with these simple tips and strategies, you'll be well-prepared to tackle your move on your own with confidence so you’re ready to start enjoying a place that is uniquely yours. 

Tips for moving house by yourself safely

Create a moving checklist

To ensure a well-organised and safe move, start by creating a comprehensive moving checklist. This will help you keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed before, during, and after the move, including tasks people commonly forget when moving, like notifying your owners corporation about moving and exit days (if applicable), updating your address with relevant organisations, and changing your door locks around the home to increase protection from theft.

Include items such as packing, hiring a moving truck (or booking movers), notifying utilities, and updating your address should all be listed before you begin the moving process.

Take care of utilities and address changes

You want to get into your new place and instantly feel at home, whether it’s turning on the TV or making a cup of tea. Before moving day, you can utilise a service like Arcline Move, who handle changing over all your utility needs in one place, allowing you to enjoy your new home sooner.

At no extra cost to you, Arcline Move can organise services like your water, electricity, gas and internet to transfer to your new home, and can even source you better deals for your next place.

Declutter and organise

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. It’s important to do this ahead of moving day, so that when it comes time to pack, you know exactly what contents are coming with you.

Sort your belongings into categories such as keep, donate, sell and discard. This will not only make your move more efficient, but can also help you to start fresh in your new home, while donating items is both eco-friendly and assists those in need.

 

older man unpacking in new house

Labelling boxes makes unpacking a lot easier on the other side. Image: Getty. 

Gather packing supplies

Before you start packing, gather all the necessary supplies you will need. This includes sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labelling. You can often find free or discounted recycled boxes at local grocery stores or online marketplaces, which can help to make the move to a new place more budget-friendly.

Remember to wrap fragile items carefully, such as in bubble wrap, sheets, or pillowcases, and put a ‘fragile’ label on the box so you don’t forget.

Pack room by room

To make unpacking easier at your new place, pack your belongings room by room. Start with the least frequently used rooms, and gradually move to the more essential ones.

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and frustration when unpacking in your new home.

 

Man watching tv with dog

Getting your utilities organised ahead of time means more time to enjoy your new space straight away. Image: Getty. 

Rent a moving truck or van

If you’re moving house by yourself, consider renting a moving truck or van, and remember to check in advance for how you will navigate issues like tight doorways, stairs and lifts safely.

SIXT have a range of vans, utes and trucks that can hired for a day rate, with discounts for RACV Members. Make sure to reserve the vehicle well in advance to secure availability on your moving day.

If you need to move heavier items, practice safe lifting techniques and always look to enlist the help of family, friends or neighbours. You can also book in movers to help with the big-ticket items to ensure your move runs smoothly and safely. 

Plan for any works or contingencies in advance

Does your old place still need some plumbing fixed, or does the new home need smoke alarms installed? Nip those home maintenance jobs in the bud before moving in for a stress-free move by getting a free quote from Arcline Move for RACV Trades.

 

Ready to make your next move? 
Discover more about Arcline Move→