Moving house checklist
Moving house checklist: everything you need to know
Moving house can be a real task, but with the right planning and a little help, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you're moving furniture in Cairns, Mt Isa, or Townsville, we’ve got your back. At 1300 Meteor Rentals, we offer a range of furniture trucks and rental trailers to make your move as easy as possible. This guide covers everything you need to know, from selecting the right truck size to preparing for moving day.
1. Start with a moving checklist
The best way to stay organised when moving is to make a checklist. You might feel like you don’t need one, but trust us – it will save you time and stress in the long run. Write down all the tasks you need to do, and then check them off as you go. It might include things like sorting through your stuff, packing, booking your removal truck, or changing your address. Having everything written down will help you stay on track.
2. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time
You can’t plan a move in a day (unless you’re superhuman), so give yourself plenty of time. Start planning a few weeks before your big day. You’ll need time to pack, get everything organised, and make sure you’ve booked the right truck for moving your furniture. Remember, moving furniture is not just about loading a truck – there’s a lot of organising involved!
3. Get rid of things you don’t need
The last thing you want when moving furniture is to bring items you no longer use or need. Moving is a great time to declutter and get rid of stuff that’s just taking up space. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. The less stuff you have to move, the easier it will be.
4. Choose the right furniture truck size
This is a big one. The right truck size can make or break your move. If you rent a truck that’s too small, you might have to make multiple trips, and that’s no fun. If it’s too big, you’ll be paying for space you don’t need. At 1300 Meteor Rentals, we offer a range of furniture trucks in Cairns, Mt Isa, and Townsville, from smaller trucks to larger ones with tailgate loaders. Our simple furniture volume calculator can help you figure out the perfect truck size for your move. Don’t stress – we’ve got trucks that can handle anything from a small apartment to a large house.
5. Pack everything carefully
When it comes to packing your furniture, take your time. Wrap your items in moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect them. If you're moving furniture with delicate parts, like glass tables or mirrors, be extra careful. Don’t forget to pack your boxes securely so nothing breaks during the move. The more careful you are with packing, the less chance you’ll have of damaging your furniture.
Make sure to label your boxes so you know where everything goes. This will save you from digging through piles of stuff when you get to your new place. You can also pack similar items together – kitchen items in one box, living room items in another – to make unpacking easier.
6. Don’t forget the essentials box
This is a simple but important tip. The essentials box should be packed with everything you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new place – things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, snacks, and a phone charger. You’ll want to have easy access to these items when you’re settling in.
7. Rent a moving trolley
Moving furniture doesn’t have to be hard on your back. If you’re moving heavy or bulky items like fridges, washing machines, or sofas, make sure you rent a trolley. It will make the process much easier and help you avoid injuring yourself. At 1300 Meteor Rentals, we offer fridge trolleys, stair climbers, and other moving accessories to make your life easier.
8. Secure your load properly
When you’re moving furniture, it’s super important to make sure everything is secured properly in the truck. Use ratchet straps to tie down your furniture and prevent it from shifting during the drive. You don’t want your items sliding around and getting damaged. It’s also a good idea to use furniture pads or blankets to protect your furniture from scratches and dents.
9. Consider unsealed roads
If you’re moving to a more rural area, like some parts of Mt Isa, you might need to travel on unsealed roads. Not every truck rental company allows this, but 1300 Meteor Rentals does. We permit usage on unsealed gazetted roads, so you don’t have to worry about that. Just make sure to ask when you’re booking to confirm your truck is suitable for the journey.
10. Make sure you have the right drivers’ licence
It’s essential to have the right driver’s licence for the truck you’re renting. At 1300 Meteor Rentals, we make it easy by offering models that can be driven with a standard car licence. No need to worry about getting a special licence – our range of trucks in Cairns, Mt Isa, and Townsville are ready to go, and we’ll make sure you get the right one for your needs.
11. Book your truck early
Don’t leave booking your furniture truck until the last minute. Popular moving days can get busy, especially at the start or end of the month. To avoid disappointment, book your truck as soon as you know your moving date. If you're unsure about the truck size or have questions about your move, don’t hesitate to give us a call – we’re always happy to help!
12. Check your new place
Before you start moving furniture into your new home, take a look at the layout. Make sure the furniture will fit through doors, hallways, and staircases. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any access restrictions or parking limitations at your new place. The last thing you want is to get to your new home and realise you can’t get your furniture inside.
13. Prepare for moving day
On the day of the move, make sure you have everything ready to go. Have your boxes packed, your furniture protected, and your moving truck ready. If you’re renting a truck from us, we’ll make sure it’s in perfect condition and ready for your big day. It’s also helpful to have a few friends or family members on hand to help with the heavy lifting.
14. Load the truck efficiently
When loading your truck, place the heaviest items first, and make sure to stack your furniture securely. Try to load the items that will be going in the same room together, so you don’t have to move things around later. And remember to keep the truck balanced to prevent any accidents while driving.
15. Unload and settle in
Once you arrive at your new place, it’s time to unload the truck. Take it slow and steady. When you start unpacking, begin with the essential items and work your way down the list. Moving furniture can be exhausting, so take breaks when you need to. And before you know it, you’ll be all settled into your new home.
At 1300 Meteor Rentals, we make moving furniture in Cairns, Mt Isa, and Townsville easy and affordable. With our reliable trucks and helpful accessories, your move will be smooth. Start planning your move today – we’re here to help!