ORGANISE A SITTER FOR PETS AND CHILDREN. Moving day is chaotic enough without worrying about kids and pets. Organise a sitter in advance to alleviate added stress, and reduce any anxiety sometimes experienced by pets and children.

SET UP YOUR INTERNET. Connecting the internet can take longer than other utilities. So, it’s worth contacting your provider at least two weeks in advance, especially if your home hasn’t previously been connected to the NBN.

DO A DEEP CLEAN. There’s no easier time to clean a home than when it’s completely empty, so take the opportunity to do this in advance – not on moving day while you’re also trying to unpack!

MAP OUT YOUR FURNITURE. Mapping out which furniture will go where will help streamline the packing process, allowing you to group items by room. Complete this process in person, or by referring to your new home’s measurements.

START DE-CLUTTERING EARLY. The more you can declutter before you move, the less you’ll have to pack and spend transporting.

SELL UNLOVED ITEMS EARLY. Another reason to start the decluttering process early is to allow time to sell any unloved items so you can avoid the trouble of trying to sell your items while you’re going through moving.

PROPERLY BRIEF YOUR REMOVALIST. If booking a removalist, don’t skip over details of the job including stairs or heavy items like a piano, as this will only add to the cost further down the track. Also, advise your removalist in advance if you’ll need help disassembling furniture on the day, and if you have any house plants.

PREPARE A MOVING DAY ESSENTIALS PACK. Pack together any essential items you’ll need on moving day like towels, crockery and cutlery, phone chargers, toiletries, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, soap, a change of clothes for the next day, sheets and pillows, and ensure they are the last items on the truck and the first to be unloaded.

PET-PROOF YOUR BACKYARD. Patch up gaps or holes in the fence in advance to avoid your furry friends escaping.