Start planning your move now

 Congratulations – the place is yours!

Now all you have to do is move in.
Although moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences, it doesn’t have to be especially if you’re organised and start planning early.

DIY or moving professionals?

The first thing you need to work out is whether you want to handle the move into your new home yourself or call in the professionals. If you’re considering moving yourself, here are some things to think about:

• Do you need to hire a van? If so, how much will it cost?
• Do you need a special licence for the van you want (and if so do you have one or know someone who is willing to help)?
• Will you be able to get it all done in one day?
• Are you strong enough to move heavy items without injuring yourself?
• Do you have friends and relatives who can help you move?
• How will you move the large and awkward items?
•  Will there be any access problems?

If you have any doubts, it might be wise to let professionals handle the job.

Moving Services, Australia Post has good advice and information on moving house.

Choosing a removalist

There are some horror stories about removalists out there, so the first thing to do is ask around. Ask friends and relatives who have recently moved for any recommendations.

• Decide what you want the removalists to do for you. Some companies offer a complete packing and unpacking service, and will even stock your kitchen and make your bed – for a price. Work out how many boxes you’ll need to move, in addition to furniture, as removalists usually ask this to give you a quote. A good removal firm will often send someone out before the move to check out what’s involved.
• Get quotes from at least three removalists, and don’t automatically go for the cheapest one.
• Make sure you know what’s included in the quote and ensure it is in writing.
• Most removalists offer insurance, but you need to read the fine print – as you may only be covered for items they have packed, not those you packed yourself, for example.
• Check your own contents insurance policy to see if you’re covered already.

Tips for packing  

• Number each box and write on it what’s inside. It is also a good idea to write such details on a sheet of paper, which you can use as checklist to ensure all your boxes are delivered.
• Pack heavy things in small boxes.
• Check with the removalists whether there are things they won’t take eg. paint cans.
• Breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper and/or newspaper. You can also use pillows and blankets for those delicate items. Mark boxes containing your fragile items as ‘fragile’.
• Self-sealing bags are handy for keeping small items together.

How to pay the mortgage

A home loan may be the biggest debt you’ll ever have so it makes sense to try to pay it off as quickly as you can. By making extra repayments and increasing the amount you pay each month, it may be possible to wipe thousands off your interest bill and years off your loan (subject to the terms of your loan contract). You should then revisit your budget planner to get a clear understanding of your financial situation.

 Tips for paying off your mortgage sooner

• Pay more frequently: One of the best ways to pay off your mortgage early is to make weekly or fortnightly repayments.
• Extra repayments: Remember, every bit helps. By putting a spare $50 a month, or just over $10 a week, into your mortgage could shave a couple of years off the life of a loan and potentially save thousands in interest. For example, why not cut down on the number of coffees you have a day or bring your lunch to work? These small savings can make a big difference over time.
• Keep repayments the same if interest rates go down: If your interest rate decreases keep your repayments at the same level in order to repay your mortgage faster.
• Offset accounts: With an offset account, the rate of interest you would normally earn if the money was deposited in a savings account is set off against your mortgage.
• Consolidate your debt: instead of credit cards and personal loans at high interest rates, consider consolidating your debt into your home loan – the interest rate is relatively cheaper.