May 2008

Relocation, relocation

I don't know how many of you watch this show on the Lifestyle Channel - I just love it! All those gorgeous properties hand picked by Kirstie and Phil for your inspection, then we all get so excited when the lucky buyers get the house they almost lost due to some dodgy building inspection.

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However, after the euphoria of finally having an offer accepted on your dream property, the real headache starts; eeekk the move!

There are plenty of things to do to arrange your move, let's try this list on for size:

• Finding a removalist
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Disconnections and reconnections of services
• Cleaning
• Sending change of address notices to everyone (inc bank, insurance co etc)
• More importantly, finding a new coffee shop that serves your Latte just right
• Perhaps even preparing your own home for sale!

Our top tips for creating a smooth Relocating are:

1. If you don't have one already, ask the Vendor if they have a plan of their home (this must be drawn to scale). This is important tool to have so you can actually double check if your belongings will actually fit into your new home, particularly large pieces of furniture (double check door way openings too - a grand piano will not fit through a regular front door!
   
   
2. De-Clutter - of course our favourite thing! This is the perfect time to de-clutter your home. You have to handle everything to pack it (or have it ready for packers), so it's a good time to make decisions about whether it is required in your new home or your life. Why pay for removing items you don't actually want or need.
   
   
3. Obtain 3 quotes from removalists, ask about mid-week removals as these are often cheaper than removal services on Friday and Saturday. Also ask about insurance, ie what insurance cover do they provide for any items they break or damage.
   
   
4. Make a list of all the services you need to relocate, ie telephone, electricity, gas, Foxtel, broadband connections together with their phone numbers and your account numbers, so you can arrange to have your services connected in plenty of time.
   
   
5. Make another list of all the businesses you need to advise of your change of address, there are lots! Things such as insurance companies, banks, magazine subscriptions and the like. In the meantime arrange a Redirection at your post office, when re-direct mail arrives at your new address, send them off a letter advising them of your new contact details (remember to include your phone number; that may have changed too).
   
   
6. Cleaning - naturally you will want to leave your previous home clean for the next buyers or tenants and of course, your new home cleaned to move into. There is nothing worse that arriving at your new home ready to unpack only to find it is filthy dirty. It is a good idea to either arrange your own cleaners for double check your new home the day before your move.
   
   
7. Get help - there are so many resources out there to help you with your relocation, removalists, companies will arrange all your connections, cleaning companies.

Of course if you would like the entire move project managed you can hire a professional life management company to take care of everything for you.

Blair Lifestyle Management provides a dedicated Personal Concierge service to take care of everyday tasks and errands that consume so much of your valuable time.

Adele Blair Personal Concierge Blair Lifestyle Management p 07 3848 8884 m 0413 481 482 e adele@blairlifestyle.com.au w www.blairlifestyle.com.au