With spring traditionally beckoning more house buyers and sellers into the real estate fray, we're guessing many of our readers could have a house move on the horizon.

As someone who has moved continually since leaving high school - we're talking 16 moves in 26 years, both interstate and intra-city - this blog writer knows all too well the trials and tribulations of relocating.

Here are my top tips to simplify your next house move.

Packing

The magic two words for simplifying packing trials and moving house made simple is regular decluttering.

I've moved at least once every four-five years since leaving high school so decluttering is just my state of mind as I know less clutter will make the next move so much easier.

(Side note: this state of mind also means I save money by not buying potential future clutter). 

As an example, if I buy new books, I immediately clear out other books I don't like to make room for the newbies that I will enjoy.

As a result, my bookshelves are always decluttered. 

The same goes for pictures, ornaments, clothes, shoes and basically, everything in my house.

Of course, decluttering will be trickier for larger families.

But even every six months or once a year decluttering will simplify your next move - and your life overall. 

Decluttering also has the added bonus of producing more room in your house.

NB: don't throw decluttered items into the bin unless they're seriously damaged or no longer usable.

Instead, take them to an op shop; have an op shop charity, such as the Salvation Army, pick them up for free; or save them for the next local council kerbside item collection.

Finding packing boxes

How and where to pack your items can be a tricky moving point too, especially as you're most likely very short on time and smiles.

However, it's not as bad as it seems.

Firstly, ask friends and family members for old cardboard boxes.

Next, visit a few supermarkets and other major stores and ask for their old boxes.

The majority are willing to give you boxes for free.

Thirdly, major removalist companies are on the ball when it comes to boxes these days, with most providing boxes along with their services - and some allowing you to either keep them or hand them back undamaged, after the move.

NB: company boxes will most likely incur a cost beyond the removalist services, but at the same time, they're better quality - and in better shape - than free store or friend ones.

Pack safely and wisely

While on the packing topic, I've learnt the hard way to use sturdy, reliable packing boxes, especially if they'll be travelling a long way and especially if the items inside are fragile or particularly special to you.

Actually, if I have items like this, I now take them with me in the car or plane to my new house, rather than in the removalists' truck.

Finding removalists

Moving house made simple...finding quality removalists who won't damage or lose my items is one of the most stressful and costly parts of a move.

But as with most important and costly things in life, I believe in asking friends and family members for removalist recommendations...this was before I knew about Moving Loop, that is!

NB: neither cheaper prices, larger companies or faster times necessarily mean a better, easier move.

Always keep in mind that when it comes to removalists, you're trusting your items to another person to care for.

This sounds obvious but it's particularly important if your move is a long interstate one.

As well, make a list of exactly how many boxes are going with the removalists, including a rough guide as to what's in them.

Make sure the removalists have this list too, as well as the removalist company, and keep an eye on how every box is placed in their truck on moving day.

The same goes on arrival at your new home.

Tick off every box on your list as it comes out of the truck and if anything is missing, let the removalists know immediately.

You may not like being bossy and annoying in this way but these are your special items and you've paid to have them be removed, and also arrive, safely and smartly.

At the same time, be considerate of your removalists on moving day.

If it's a hot day, offer them a drink. 

Offer to move smaller boxes for them - but keep out of the way when it comes to them moving major white goods, particularly fridges.

Give them clear directions on how to find your new home, or offer to lead them to it in your car.

New address information: mail redirection

An easy - if a little costly - way to make sure you receive snail mail at your new house is simply organising a mail redirection online via Australia Post.

I just checked the prices on this and it's $34 for one month plus you'll have to verify your ID.

The Big End Clean

You're not legally required to clean your home on leaving but it's the nice thing to do ie "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

I now always use professional cleaners to do this job, although, in the "good old days" when I was at university and had little money, I did it myself.

Professional cleaners obviously cost more than cleaning the house yourself but I believe they're worth every penny as few things are worse than having to clean up after long weeks of packing and moving.

Bond cleaners are an excellent idea for tenants as they do a "real" rental clean.

And if the property manager doesn't approve the clean, you can ask those cleaners back at no extra cost to you to finish the clean properly.

Other points to note

Moving costs

Again, it sounds obvious but moving is costly and it's unfair - and not always possible - to rely solely on friends and family members to help you with it.

So, prepare for moving costs well in advance - and add a little extra on top of this figure for the invariable accidents or dramas that can happen.

Taking time to relax

This point is perhaps the most important of all.

When moving house, it can be easy - especially on moving day - to not take time for a good meal. Make sure you do though.

You're making some of the most major decisions of your life at this time from signing legal contracts on your new home purchase to how much money to spend on removalists, packing boxes and cleaners.

You need a calm, cool, smart head space with rest and energy behind you.

Need a hand with finding removalists?
Talk to the team at Moving Loop today! We are committed to moving house made simple! 

NB: Need your power connected at your new place? Let us help you!