Tips on how to move house smoothly

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Moving is always a major upheaval, and worse when you know nothing about your new home turf.

 

YOU have found the perfect house, done your sums and know you can afford it . . . then you look at a map. Gulp. Your dream home is across town. 

PRE-MOVE

Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences individuals can go through but with a little thoughtful planning the move does not have to be as stressful!

When a family relocates it is important parents start talking to their children about it weeks in advance -They will need time to grasp the idea and come to terms with a change

You can also help kids by trying to maintain a sense of routine and find out if it is possible for the kids to visit their new school.''

ON THE MOVE

Be realistic about the time it will take them to settle in!!

Establishing connections and a lifestyle early on, it can make the settling process a lot easier

Connect with community groups, local sporting clubs or your local gym.

NEW MOVERS

Here's a litte story:

After six years in Altona Meadows, Ms Bennetts, husband Matthew Tallent and daughter Mary-Clair bought on the Mornington Peninsula in January.

"It was a lifestyle choice. Our daughter is three, we are hoping to have another baby and want to live in an area that feels safe, has lots of activities and a close-knit community,'' Ms Bennetts said.

But travelling between her old and new lives has been a challenge in recent months.

The couple run Bennetts Boots shops in Richmond and Hoppers Crossing and their busiest months are February and March.

"We really miss having my mum only 10 minutes' away when we lived in Altona Meadows as she was fantastic for babysitting or a cooked meal,'' Ms Bennetts said.

"But we plan to make friends and form social groups in Rye and have found great support in the local community centre child care group.''

First-home buyer Vanessa Phillips recently moved from Melbourne's inner-east to its inner-west.

After five years "on and off'' in Windsor she expects to get the keys to her Yarraville townhouse this week.

The move can't come soon enough, despite some sadness at saying goodbye to neighbourhood friends.

"I will miss my friends in the park where I used to walk my dog but I cannot wait to have my own north-facing garden and to be moving to a real village like Yarraville,'' she said.

Tips for making a move smooth:

Treasure chests

Pack - and clearly mark - a couple of boxes with emergency items including medicine, toiletries and children's school essentials. Keep them apart from your main household items.

Seek counsel from council

Check your new local council website for information on rubbish collection, community events, local shopping facilities and transport options.

Pound the pavement

Stroll through surrounding streets, a park or the local shopping strip.  Pets are also a great conversation starter so take them with you

Love thy neighbour

Once you are in your new home your neighbours will be curious, so introduce yourself. This also boosts neighbourhood security.