Real Estate Feed

Moving House? 11 tips to keep your new neighbours on side

Thu, 02 May 2024 00:03:54 +0000

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. If you’re moving house, here’s how to get off on the right foot with your new neighbours.

Settling into a new neighbourhood involves more than just unpacking boxes and decorating your space – it’s about making connections with those who live around you.

From finding your new local coffee shop and making friends with the barista to learning where the best trivia nights are – your move (believe it or not) can actually be hassle and stress free, because Budget Trucks, with over 200 locations in Australia, have a truck or a van for any size move.

Here’s how you can get to the good stuff sooner, and create lasting positive impressions that could lead to some very neighbourly friendships.

1. Notify neighbours of moving day

This one might sound a bit weird considering you A) don’t live there yet, and B) haven’t met anyone. But trust us, it will go a long way.

So, a few days before your move, inform your future neighbours about the date and approximate times when you’ll be moving in.

This heads-up can prepare them for any temporary inconveniences, such as increased noise or vehicles that may block parts of the street.

It’s a simple act of courtesy that can prevent frustrations and demonstrate your consideration right from the start.

2. Plan your move thoughtfully

When you’re moving, the chaos can easily spill over from your property to the street, impacting your new neighbours' lives.

To keep the peace and show respect, this is where Budget Trucks come in – because with the right sized truck, you can ensure that all your belongings are neatly contained and transported in fewer trips.

This minimises disruption in the neighbourhood, keeps the street clear, and reduces any potential stress on your moving day.

No matter what size your move, Budget Trucks has a vehicle to suit. Picture: Alan Richardson

Plus, by finishing the heavy lifting sooner, you’ll have time to unwind and maybe even greet some of the locals before the day is out.

3. Introduce yourself early

Don’t wait until you have everything unpacked to say hello, because a quick introduction as you’re moving in, or even a friendly wave, can go a long way.

If you spot a neighbour, take a moment to pause your activities and introduce yourself.

This small gesture helps break the ice and lays the groundwork for future interactions. It also signals that you’re considerate and open to building a community, not just fences.

4. Communicate any planned works

If you plan to make significant changes to your property, such as renovations or landscaping that could impact your neighbours (e.g., noise, dust, changes to shared views), it's courteous to let them know beforehand.

A quick chat to explain what's happening, how long it's expected to last, and any potential disruptions shows respect for their comfort and can help prevent complaints.

5. Control Pet Disturbances

If you have pets, ensure they are properly managed during the move, because pets can get stressed and act out with excessive barking or by escaping.

Don't get off on the wrong foot with neighbours by letting pets roam free. Picture: Getty

Keeping them secure and as calm as possible not only helps keep them safe but also prevents disturbances that might annoy your new neighbours.

6. Dispose of packing materials properly

After unpacking, you’ll likely have a lot of boxes and packing materials.

Dispose of these items responsibly. Break down boxes and place them in recycling bins if available or arrange for special disposal.

Avoid leaving a mess outside, which could disrupt the cleanliness of the neighbourhood and potentially irritate your neighbours.

7. Keep noise to a minimum

It’s not just pets who make noise – and while it might be tempting to celebrate your new abode with a big housewarming party, hold off on any major celebrations until you’ve settled in.

Blasting music or hosting an all-night rager in the first week might set you off on the wrong note.

So, be mindful of noise, especially during your moving process—keep the volume down and restrict any loud activities to reasonable hours.

8. Be considerate

If you see an opportunity to help out or perform a kind gesture, take it.

Mowing your neighbours lawn can go a very long way in creating a good relationship. Picture: iStock

Something as simple as bringing in a neighbour's bins or mowing the nature strip can earn you lots of goodwill.

9. Don’t hog any parking real estate

In your first few days, take note of how parking and shared spaces are used in your new area.

Make sure to park considerately, not blocking any driveways or taking up more space than necessary.

If you’re unsure, ask your neighbours for any unspoken rules or preferences so that you don’t inadvertently get off on the wrong foot.

10. Respect Boundaries

While being friendly is important, it's also crucial to respect your neighbours' privacy and boundaries.

Avoid overstepping by being too intrusive or letting pets roam freely into their yards.

Understanding and respecting each other’s space is fundamental for maintaining good relationships.

11. Maintain Your Property

Keeping your property tidy and well maintained not only enhances your home’s kerb appeal but also contributes positively to the neighbourhood's overall aesthetics and atmosphere.

Regular maintenance, like cleaning gutters, mowing the lawn, and keeping the exterior in good shape, shows that you take pride in your home and, by extension, the new neighbourhood in which it’s located.

The post Moving House? 11 tips to

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5 obvious things we’re still forgetting when we move

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 02:50:00 +0000

Have you ever moved to a new place and realised you’d forgotten something vital – probably something glaringly obvious?

Don’t stress, it happens to the best of us.

To prove it, we spoke to a cross-section of different folk – including professional declutter, Chelsea Smith of The Organising Platform – and asked them which vital items they’d forgotten when they moved to a new home.

Here's what they said.

Electricity

Research from realestate.com.au shows that 30% of all movers still forget about connecting their electricity when they move.*

"A friend moved house recently and didn't tell her provider she was moving," Chelsea shares. "She arrived, didn't have electricity and couldn't open her [electrical] garage door." D'oh.

Professional organise Chelsea Smith reminds us to connect our electricity. Picture: Eugene Hyland

"She spent almost half of her moving day without electricity. It was one of those really hot days and she couldn't put on fans or aircon."

Save yourself any hassle by contacting your provider before you move.

Organise your electricity before you move to avoid winding up in the dark. Picture: Unsplash

Moving with Origin is easy, and it only takes a few minutes online – just input your address and select the services you want to connect at your new address to see their best available plans, and choose the one that’s right for you.

Origin even has a move promise, where if you book before 1pm Monday to Friday, they guarantee your electricity and NBN will be connected the next business day.

Relevant keys

"When we moved house, we left a key to our safe hidden in the felt under a billiard table," Deanna Nott from the Gold Coast begins.

"The safe came with us, but we were never able to get the key back because the new tenants refused to let us in to get it and claimed they could not find it! We had to get a locksmith to crack the safe."

We all have little things that require keys, not least of all are safes containing precious items! Remember where you've hidden keys so you don't get locked out of anything vital.

The bed (wait, what?)

Hear us out!

Jessica, a former Sydney resident who now lives overseas, once signed the lease on a new rental property before ordering a mattress, only to then face a rather lengthy delivery time.

If ordering new furniture, make sure the delivery times align with your moving needs. Picture: Pexels

"I was leaving a furnished property and I knew I was going to need a mattress; I just didn't realise how long it would take," she says. "I then spent the first month in my house sleeping on a single air bed."

This is a good reminder for anyone buying new furniture suites or items that need to be delivered.

Ensure you shop around in advance and check delivery windows to ensure they align with your moving plans.

And with Origin Rewards you can unlock great deals, and get online shopping discounts and deals from a stack of brands including Temple & Webster.

To cash in, just sign up with Origin on an eligible electricity or natural gas plan either online or over the phone.

The assembly order

You're unlikely to forget the fridge itself (right?) but Chelsea warns against forgetting to organise your move so that your fridge is in your house and ready to go when you need it.

With some prep work, moving can be smooth and stress free. Picture: Getty

But in the chaos, there’s a few important details that can get overlooked.

To ensure your move goes off without a hitch, we asked Chris Cervera from Holloway Removals and Storage what are the five most important things for movers to consider – because Chris believes moving doesn’t need to be stressful.

1. Packing materials: the more, the better

While it might be tempting to minimise packing materials to reduce costs, cutting corners here can lead to damaged belongings during the move.

Instead, consider buying high-quality packing materials such as sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape.

Fragile items, in particular, require extra care and protection.

Having an abundance of packing materials ensures that you can secure your belongings adequately, minimising the risk of breakage or damage.

2. Get moving to secure your removalists

Scheduling removalists well in advance is essential, especially during peak moving seasons – and whether you’re moving locally, or interstate, Holloway Removals and Storage can move you literally anywhere in the country.

If you don’t get removalists locked in with enough notice, you might be left doing it yourself. Picture: Getty

“For smaller jobs, such as one- or two-bedroom places, we recommend booking around two weeks in advance,” Chris Cervera, Business and Commercial Relocations Manager, says.

“For larger relocations, planning your removalist at least a month ahead gives time to get quotes.”

Besides, most removalists will want to do a survey of your home prior to the move to make sure they prepare correctly in advance – so having that extra bit of time on your side will help.

3. Prioritise value over cost when choosing removalists

These days, anyone with a truck can offer a removalist service.

However, experienced removalists not only offer a smoother and more streamlined approach to your move, they are also likely to take more care with your belongings – because the last thing you want is to have your precious items ruined.

“I recommend people choose an Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) accredited removal company,” Chris says.

It’s a quick and easy search on the AFRA website.

“This way you know that the company you selected has been audited to ensure they have provided the proper training, have the correct insurances in place, and that their staff are police-checked and screened,” he adds.

“Not all removal companies are equal.”

4. Tackle some tasks before the removalists arrive

There’s a bit to do before the big day, so leaving things to the last moment is sure to backfire.

First, the removalists will want to gauge your needs ahead of time so they can provide you with the correct resources.

“If a piece of furniture requires special attention, or more than two people to lift, or was difficult to get in your house, let your removalists know so they can be prepared,” Chris says.

Even if you do one room a day, do as much as you can yourself – it makes life easier. Picture: Getty

Next, be sure to do as much as you can yourself before the removalists arrive.

Remove sheets from the beds, empty the fridge and freezer, unplug your electrical items, and disassemble what you can.

And finally, be sure to carry your important documents with you like passports and birth certificates – because if they’re packed into a box and onto a truck, you could run into trouble if you suddenly need them.

5. Consider your storage needs

There are various scenarios where storage can play a role in your moving journey.

There may be a gap of time between moving out of your old home and into your new one, or you may have excessive items that you’re not quite ready to let go of yet.

Either way, planning ahead is critical.

“Don’t be afraid to call your removalist and ask for advice,” Chris says.

“The removal company will need to know your storage requirements so they can ensure there’s space available for you prior to the day of your relocation.”

So whether your relocation is local, or further afield, don’t risk a DIY job or an inexperienced removalist – get you and your belongings there safely (and more importantly, happily).

The post Moving house? 5 crucial things most people overlook that make life easier appeared first on realestate.com.au.

5 things we often forget when moving into a new home

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:04:00 +0000

Alleviate stress with our list of often forgotten – but very important – tasks for moving into a new place.

There are so many things to remember when moving into a new home. Unsurprisingly, when the to-do list seems to just keep on growing, it’s easy for things to slip off the schedule. Just make sure it’s not these!

1. Get insurance

Remember, you may need to start looking into home insurance before you even technically own your new home. Depending on your state’s regulations, you may be responsible for insurance before the actual date of settlement.

Make sure you know your insurance responsibilities so you can get home insurance at the right time. Picture: Getty

“Having cover for the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings if they’re damaged or lost in an insured event can provide massive relief for home owners,” Head of AAMI, Joshua Kelland, explains.

“A home is a huge investment – one of the greatest assets you’ll ever own. So, it’s worth considering taking out insurance properly and early to protect that asset.”

However, this doesn’t just apply to home owners. Renters should also consider contents insurance which can cover your contents for loss or damage caused by insured events like burglaries or storms, which may leave you needing urgent repairs or replacement of your must-have items.

2. Change your address

While most bills and bank statements can be delivered via email these days, there are still elements of life that require you to update your address, like your voter registration.

Regarding the rest of your mail, you can register a change-of-address with Australia Post, who can redirect it as it arrives.

3. Transfer your utilities in advance

Fortunately, transferring your utilities can be arranged online or over the phone – just make sure you give them enough time.

Don’t skip a beat with your energy and internet by planning the transfer of your utilities in advance. Picture: Pexels

While electricity can be turned on or off reasonably quickly, things like internet take a little longer as they require time to establish a connection if it isn’t already hooked up. Give your service provider enough time to arrange everything by sussing out your internet options and alerting them to your move at least a month in advance.

4. Take measurements

Imagine getting to your new home on moving day, after days – nay, weeks! – of packing and realising you can’t even get some items through your door.

Not only that, but the fridge doesn’t fit, the dining table looks too big for the space and you can’t open your built-ins because your bed is in the way.

Avoid moving mishaps by taking measurements and making a layout plan. Picture: Pexels

The moral of this story is: measure everything!

Measure your belongings and the space to get a reasonable idea of layout, then go the extra mile by measuring doorways and making sure you’re all clear for a smooth moving day.

5. Change the locks

You never know who may be holding a spare key to your home, even if it’s brand new. Previous owners, their friends or family, former tenants, builders, real estate agents – there could be a dozen extra keys floating around without your knowledge.

Changing the locks to your newly acquired home can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind. Plus, it’s not too expensive. This way you can start fresh and know exactly who has access.

Issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as AAMI. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement available at www.aami.com.au before making any decisions about whether to buy or continue to hold a product. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.

The post 5 things we often forget when moving into a new home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Top tips to ensure your day of open-for-inspections is stress free and successful

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 09:25:48 +0000

Finding a new place to live can be one of life’s biggest stressors – especially if you’ve got multiple open homes packed into a single Saturday. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re gearing up to move into a new rental or looking for a place to buy, you might be (completely and understandably) daunted by the prospect. Besides switching jobs and having a child, house-hunting is easily among life’s most stressful events.

One of the most harrowing parts of the process? A Saturday filled with back-to-back open homes and trying to get around in the most efficient way possible.

Open-for-inspections can be stressful to coordinate. Make sure they run smoothly by being prepared. Picture: Getty

But, the experience of touring prospective pads doesn’t have to be a trying one.

With a few useful tips up your sleeve and a bit of planning, your day of open-for-inspections can be smooth, stress-free, and significantly more successful.

Here’s how.

1. Create an itinerary

First things first: knock up a detailed itinerary to plan out your day. You’ll likely have numerous open houses to attend, and you may have trouble keeping tabs on their locations and times.

This is where the realestate.com.au Inspection Planner can come in handy. You can save property listings and add them to your personalised inspection itinerary, which then displays them in chronological order.

Next, create a custom map that gives you the most efficient travel routes. You can use Google My Maps to do this; simply plug in the property addresses, arrange them in order of inspection time and turn on the ‘directions’ feature.

2. Take an arsenal of investigative tools

While an online property listing can tell you a lot about a prospective home, there are certain things you’ll only detect in person. This is why it’s essential you rock up to each open-for-inspection with the right investigative tools.

Pack a bag with a (fully charged) mobile phone for taking photos and videos; a notebook so you can jot down any issues, comments from the agent or other important things of note; and a tape measure to check the property’s dimensions.

Looking at so many houses, you can lose track of each one. Take a notebook and a measuring tape so you don’t forget anything. Picture: Getty

Ensure your photos/videos, comments and measurements are properly organised, too. Create an individual album for every property and a new page (with the address clearly marked at the top) for each body of notes.

3. Organise the right transport

Sure, you could ferry yourself around on a bus or train, or by taxi, but having your own set of wheels will make your day a lot less stressful – because relying on weekend public transport schedules can be fraught with danger.

If you don’t have your own, don’t let that deter you, because there are some excellent solutions. Uber Carshare is a fantastic option, allowing you to rent a car in your local area and drive yourself to each and every inspection.

The platform also offers a wide range of cars, vans and utes (ideal come moving day), 24/7 support and roadside assistance, and damage and loss cover included in every trip.

Plus, Uber Carshare vehicles are bookable by both the hour and the day,or however long you need, meaning you can rent a car for the time that suits your open-for-inspection schedule.

4. Bring snacks!

If you’re traversing the city all day, you’re bound to get hungry – especially if one of the inspections is taking place over lunchtime.

To save yourself the stress (and inevitable feelings of hangriness) of trying to track down the nearest food joint between inspections, take a decent lunch and a stockpile of snacks.

Don’t be afraid to pack too much; like any critical operation, you’re always better off being overprepared.

Whether it’s your own snacks, or a cheeky drive-through, make sure you’re stocked up on food to eat on the go in your Uber Carshare. Picture: Getty

Make sure you’ve got plenty of water, too. Chatting to multiple agents, asking numerous questions and having countless debates with your partner, friend or housemate about whether property A or property B offers more natural light is thirsty work.

5. Be flexible

Despite your very best efforts, you may not make it to every single property. There could be two inspections taking place at the same time, you might hit unexpected weekend traffic, or perhaps you end up lingering a little too long at one property because you simply loved it that much.

But that’s totally OK. Go into your day of inspections with a flexible mindset and try not to get too stressed if you end up missing one.

You might find another inspection is scheduled at a later date or, if the property’s unoccupied, there’s always the possibility of organising a private tour. Ring up the agent after the open house and see what your options are.

The less you agonise over the experience, the more simple and stress-free your day will be.

Treat it as a fun – rather than fraught – adventure and things will always work out.

The post Top tips to ensure your day of open-for-inspections is stress free and successful appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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The do’s and don’ts of moving into a new house no one talks about

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:05:38 +0000

It’s common (and totally normal) to talk to your friends about your dream kitchen, the new bathroom, or how you’re going to create a luxury bedroom.

But when it comes to newly built homes, there are some essential things we need to do that often don’t get a mention – like connecting the power and game-planning your fast-speed internet.

Moving house requires lots of admin – make sure you’re prepared. Picture: Getty

To help things run smoothly, here are 6 important things to know.

The Do’s

1. Do check that your new address has nbn

Fast and reliable internet is super important in today’s connected world. Naturally, people will want the best connection, so check that your new address has the National Broadband Network (nbn).

“If you’re moving into an existing property, then it’s very easy,” says Andrew Walsh, Executive General Manager, New Developments nbn.

“People can go on to the nbn website and check their address to see whether the property is, in fact, connected. Then all you need to do is make contact with your preferred service provider.”

2. Do connect nbn in new homes

Once you’ve checked if your address can be connected to the nbn network, the process of getting nbn is quite simple.

“There’s a process called pre-installation, which actually completes the physical connection from the street into the home or from the spine of the building into the apartment. But that needs to be triggered during the construction of the property,” Walsh says.

“Meaning, are they installing an nbn box to your home?”

He adds that ensuring your new home is connected makes things convenient and may benefit future resale value.

nbn connectivity is seen as a major consideration among new home buyers. Picture: Getty

“What’s really clear from the research is that people, whether they’re buyers or renters, are willing to pay more for properties that have access to the nbn’s’s full-fibre network.”

“We found that about 73% of buyers believe that a nbn full-fibre connection is going to add more value to the property, and 80% of new build home buyers who are aware of nbn rank nbn FTTP as their first preference for fixed line connectivity* ,” adds Walsh.

3. Do redirect your mail

Updating your postal address is vital to ensure all your important documents like bills, government documents, registration renewals, and other private correspondence are kept from getting lost or, worse, landing in the wrong hands.

You’ll have to contact a host of companies and government providers to ensure your address records are updated, and it can be challenging to remember every single one.

Australia Post can redirect mail and parcels for one, three, six or 12 months. This’ll give you a buffer to update any records that you forget.

4. Do sign up for insurance immediately

Insurance is integral to protecting your home; you’ll want to be covered from day one.

If buying a home, ensure your home and contents insurance policy starts on the day you take possession.

For people leasing, you’ll want at least content insurance from the day you move in.

And remember, the longer the process is put off, the more likely it’ll be forgotten, putting you and your family at risk of having no protection if something goes wrong.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t just sign up for any energy and gas suppliers

Connecting utilities is easy these days and typically can be done over the phone or online. But you should always look around at different providers and compare the market to ensure you’re going with a provider who meets your individual needs.

Take the time to compare utility providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs. Picture: Getty

In each state, free and independent energy price comparison tools and websites will help identify the best deals for your circumstances.

This due diligence could save you hundreds of dollars on bills each year.

2. Do leave these things behind

Taking all your possessions is a no-brainer when moving out – so you might be surprised that some things actually need to stay at the property.

Firstly, if you’ve sold your home, you’ll need to leave behind any items listed explicitly in the contract of sale.

Make sure you leave behind any extra keys that lock windows, fly screens or outside storage areas, and remotes to heaters, air conditioners and connection devices to smart home systems.

And, if you have an nbn box – that stays behind too.

“All of the nbn connection boxes are registered to work at the property, and they won’t work at another property,” Walsh explains.

Leaving the nbn box behind also helps reduce e-waste, too, says Walsh. But if you take the nbn box by mistake, don’t worry, as there’s an easy fix.

“Go onto our website, there’s a link that will take you to Australia Post, and you can arrange for that device to be shipped back to nbn to be used again,” Walsh says.

* (Fifth Dimension, 2022 (research commissioned by nbn)

The post The do’s and don’ts of moving into a new house no one talks about appeared first on realestate.com.au.

11 ways to nail your housewarming party

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 05:43:45 +0000

The best housewarming parties aren’t just about the food, music, or even the new home- they’re also about being able to celebrate this massive achievement surrounded by your favourite people.

Moving into a new home is a significant life event, and one that often takes up a considerable amount of physical, mental, and emotional effort.

But once the hard part (the actual moving) is done, it’s time to celebrate. And one of the most exciting ways to mark this milestone is with a housewarming where you can show off your new pad to friends, family, and new neighbours alike.

Thankfully, with the help of Budget Trucks and their PreCheck service, you can settle into your new home faster so you have plenty of time to focus on the party planning.

Here are some clever tips to make your housewarming the party of the year.

1. Set the date

There really is no perfect party date – but a good start might be a few weeks after you've moved in so you have time to unpack boxes and get comfortable.

But if you can’t wait to have people over, why not throw a moving or unpacking party and enlist friends to help you unpack your Budget Truck and get set up in your new space?

As an added bonus (and a thank you for their hard work) - order take out from your new local and start getting to know your neighbourhood.

2. Have a plan

You don't need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but you should have a clear idea of when guests are arriving and when to serve food.

Just like your actual move, planning ahead ensures a smooth flow of events and avoids any awkward lulls.

3. Consider the guest list

It can be tempting to invite everyone you know, but you also need to consider the space you have and the vibe you’re going for. Is it a small, intimate gathering or a full-on party?

4. Craft the menu

Food is a crucial component of any party. Consider having a variety of options available, from gluten-free and vegan options to dishes suitable for those with nut allergies.

Remember to label the food items, so guests can easily find what suits their dietary needs.

A party can never go wrong with an amazing spread of delicious food. Picture: Getty

For drinks, a mix of sodas, water, beer, and wine should cover everyone's preferences. Make sure you have ample supplies - not having enough food or running out of drinks halfway through the party can be a disaster.

5. Set the mood

The atmosphere of your party can make or break it, so consider factors like lighting, music, and temperature.

The right playlist can also significantly enhance the mood of your party – or turn it into a total flop.

You could even go one step further and tailor the event to the preferences of your guests. For example, if your crowd loves sports, make sure you’ve got the footy playing. If they're foodies, dazzle them with a bench-top charcuterie or cheese board.

6. Mingle

While it's natural to spend time with your best friends, as a host, you should distribute your attention evenly and ensure all your guests feel welcome and engaged.

It's also your job to help your guests feel comfortable so take the time to make introductions and kick off conversations.

7. Decorate

Decorations? Your new place is the décor! A clean house, some comfy seating, and maybe a few well-placed candles, florals or fairy lights should do the trick.

8. Skip the house tour

Your new home might be the star of the show but instead of a formal house tour, let your guests explore at their own pace. People will likely be curious and wander around, or you can show small groups around if they ask.

9. Clean as you go

Waking up to a messy house can be a nightmare. Do some tidying up as the party goes on to lighten your load later.

10. Be neighbourly

Don’t forget the neighbours. Make an effort to invite some of the neighbours around your new home.

Get off to a great start with your new neighbours by inviting them to your housewarming bash. Picture: iStock

This can help kick-start good relationships with them and gives a communal, inclusive feel to your party.

11. Enjoy yourself

The key to a casual housewarming is to relax. This is a chance to enjoy your new space with your favourite people.

So kick back, have a drink, and enjoy the first of many memories you’re likely to create in your new space.

The post 11 ways to nail your housewarming party appeared first on realestate.com.au.

12 ways to put the good times into your next move

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:13:42 +0000

Moving house can be an exhausting process, filled with moments of stress and frustration – here’s how to get your groove back and make it enjoyable.

When you undertake a move, it's not only a physical relocation—it's a new chapter in your life, and with the right approach, it can be filled with excitement and anticipation instead of worry.

From creating an uplifting playlist to keeping snacks on hand and using reliable vehicles like the ones from Budget Trucks, here are 12 hacks to transition smoothly so you can start enjoying your new home sooner.

Moving is stressful, but with a positive attitude and a few key steps, it can be pretty enjoyable. Picture: Alan Richardson

1. Create a moving playlist

Music has a powerful effect on our mood. Creating a playlist of uplifting, happy songs can bring a positive vibe to your move. Make it a sing-along to engage everyone and lift spirits.

2. Keep snacks on hand

Moving can be physically draining and you'll need to refuel. Pack a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone well-fed and hydrated throughout the day.

3. Plan your first takeaway meal

Before you move, research local eateries near your new home. Once you're all moved in, order a tasty takeaway meal as a reward for your hard work.

Cooking will be the last thing on your mind after moving, so plan ahead and order takeaway. Picture: iStock

4. Hire a reliable moving truck

Services like Budget Trucks with 181 hire locations around the country can make the moving process smoother and less stressful.

They offer a range of vehicle options to suit any move - big or small - and they're also super easy to drive (taking even more stress out of things), and you can do so on a regular car licence.

5. Pack an “open first” box

Have a clearly labelled box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, and necessary kitchen items that you'll need right away at your new home.

This should be loaded last so it's the first thing you can unload.

6. Declutter before moving

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need, or that you want to leave behind with the chapter you’re about to close.

Give yourself less to pack and unpack by getting rid of unwanted stuff beforehand. Picture: Alan Richardson

Decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away; there’s no use in moving items that you no longer need or want.

7. Say goodbye

Whether it’s your first rental or the pad you’ve been sharing with your bestie since you graduated university, saying goodbye to your old place can be a significant step.

It might be a walk around the neighbourhood, a last meal in your old home, or a party with friends.