The Ultimate Guide to Moving House: From Packing to Costs and Starting Fresh 

Moving house can be both exciting and overwhelming. The prospect of starting fresh in a new home is filled with dreams and possibilities, but the logistics and planning process often bring stress. From packing up the entire house to understanding the costs and making the big move happen, it requires preparation and organisation. 

This comprehensive guide will simplify the moving process by giving you clear, actionable packing tips on everything from packing efficiently to managing costs. Whether you’re relocating locally or planning a long-distance move, this guide will help every step of the way.

1. How to Pack Up a House for Moving 

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, but with careful planning, you can make it less daunting. Follow these steps to pack quickly and efficiently.

Declutter Before You Start Packing 

Moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through your belongings. Decide what to keep, discard, or donate. Fewer items mean less space taken up in the moving truck and fewer items to unpack at the new home. 

• Ask yourself: Do I still use or love this item? 
• Donate clothes, stuffed animals, or unnecessary items to local charities. 
• Consider selling expensive items online for extra cash. 

Gather Your Packing Materials 

To pack items securely, invest in essential packing supplies like the following:

• Moving boxes in various sizes (small, medium, large). 
• Packing tape for sealing heavy boxes. 
• Bubble wrap and butchers paper to protect fragile items. 
• Masking tape and permanent markers for labelling. 
• Garbage bags or plastic bags for loose items. 

If you’re on a budget, look for used boxes at grocery stores or community groups. 

Pack Room by Room 

Tackle one room at a time for better organisation. This strategy will prevent mixing items from different rooms in the same box. 

• Label all the boxes with the correct room using coloured labels or colour coding. For example, blue stickers for the kitchen or yellow for bedrooms. 
• Add a brief description like “fragile plates” or “outdoor furniture parts” to make unpacking easier. For a few boxes that have your personal items – keep them untapped or separate for easy access.

Special Tips for Packing 

• Fragile items like glassware and dishes should be wrapped with bubble wrap, packing paper, or butchers paper. Use paper plates between stacked dishes for extra cushioning. Label in bold and make clear these are fragile boxes.
• Clothes on hangers can be transported quickly by wrapping them in garbage bags, leaving hangers intact. 
• Keep smaller items like jewellery in zip-lock bags and place them inside larger boxes. 
• Toilet paper rolls and straws acts as a great hack to keep your necklaces from being tangled.
• Pack an essentials box with everyday needs like toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels for easy access on the first day in your new home. 
• Kids toy boxes with lids can have the lids taped shut (to save re-packing into yet another box), you can reinforce this by putting them in plastic tubs.
• Pack boxes in order of unimportance to importance. To help the progress track along.
• Leave hanging clothes on hangers and place them directly in boxes or moving containers.

Safeguarding Valuables and Documents 

Store important documents (passports, contracts) and valuable items (heirlooms, jewellery) in a secure bag. Carry these with you rather than packing them into the moving truck. 

2. How Expensive Is It to Move a House? 

Moving costs depend on how far you’re travelling, the size of your home, and your method of moving. 

Key Expenses to Consider: 

• Moving company: Hiring professionals can cost $300-$1,500 for local moves and more for long-distance relocations. 
• DIY costs: Renting a truck to move yourself ranges between $50-$200 per day, excluding fuel costs. 
• Packing supplies: Boxes, bubble wrap, and tape can cost around $50-$200 depending on the size of your house. 
• Additional fees: Temporary storage, cleaning services, or unexpected time delays may add up.
• Moving interstate: when moving interstate, the cost of your move will depend on how much space your belongings take up in the truck or container, and where you are moving to/from.

Cost-Saving Tips 

• Pack your own boxes to save time and money. 
• Opt for lighter items to handle yourself while movers focus on large furniture. 
• Compare quotes from multiple removal companies to find affordable options. 
• Use free, used boxes for lighter items like clothes and toys. 

3. How Do You Move Houses? 

Moving day can feel like chaos without proper planning. Here’s a step-by-step to streamline the process. 

Prepare Your House for the Move 

• Remove light bulbs from lamps and wrap fragile items securely. 
• Clean and dismantle furniture wherever possible to save space in the moving truck. 

Decide Between Movers and DIY 

• Hiring movers: Professional services save time and effort but can be more expensive. 
• DIY option: Renting a truck to rent gives you full control but requires substantial effort.

Create a Moving Day Checklist 

• Double-check that all the boxes are securely packed and labelled. 
• Inspect every room to ensure no items are left behind. 
• Keep snacks, water, and th e essentials box handy. 

Moving With Kids or Pets 

• Arrange childcare or pet sitters if possible. If not, keep their favourite toys or stuffed animals available for comfort and distraction. 

4. How Much Does It Cost to Move House? 

Local Moves vs Long-Distance Moves 

• A local move within the same city might cost $300-$600 for a small house. 
• An out-of-state move or national relocation could cost upwards of $2,000. 

Factors That Affect Costs: 

• The size of your house (1-bedroom flat vs. 4-bedroom home). 
• Distance to the new house. 
• The amount of furniture and outdoor furniture being moved. 

Tips to Avoid Hidden Fees 

• Request clear, itemised removalist company quotes. 
• Check cancellation policies for unforeseen delays. 
• Look for inclusive insurance options to protect against loss or damage. 

5. Can I Move Back Into My House After Separation? 

If moving back into your house after a separation is on your mind, there are both legal and emotional factors to consider. 

Legal Considerations 

• Review agreements, like court orders, to check for any restrictions. 
• Consult family lawyers Brisbane or if you’re located up Queenslands north, personal injury lawyer Sunshine Coast or search down south for Gold Coast family lawyers to better understand property rights.

Making Your House Feel Like Home Again 

Moving back may feel strange, but small changes like redecorating, rearranging furniture, or creating personal touches can help establish a sense of ownership and comfort. 

6. Final Tips for a Smoother Move 

• Planning ahead is crucial to avoid any last-minute rushes. Ensure your packing and logistics align with your moving date for a seamless experience. 
• Ask friends for help if needed, or hire a removalist company for heavy lifting. 
• Stay flexible and patient—unexpected delays or hiccups are part of every moving process. 

A Fresh Start Awaits 

Moving house doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation and the right strategies, you can make the transition smoother and even enjoyable. From learning how to pack up a house for moving to understanding how expensive is it to move a house, every step brings you closer to your fresh start. 

Take this as an opportunity to declutter, organise, and find joy in your new home. With a clear plan and a flexible mindset, moving will be a rewarding step toward the next chapter of your life.