Common Moving Questions

Moving house is often listed as one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between organising belongings, coordinating movers, cleaning properties, and managing timelines - as well as still working and managing a family? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Whether you're downsizing, relocating for work, helping ageing parents move, or simply upgrading homes, planning ahead makes a huge difference. At Sorted & Settled, we specialise in helping people manage every stage of the moving process — from sorting and packing to coordinating movers, cleaners, and everything in between. Below are some of the most common moving questions we hear from clients and practical advice to help make your move easier.

When should I start planning my move?

Ideally, you should begin planning your move 6–8 weeks before your moving date, but that's only possible if you know this far in advance.

During this time, it's a great idea to start sorting out cupboards and belongings, and decluttering and removing anything you don't plan to keep for your next home. Next plan and arrange what packing supplies you need and where to source good quality (and good sized) boxes. Starting early helps reduce last-minute stress and ensures you have time to make thoughtful decisions.

How long does it take to pack a house?

Packing time depends on the size of your home and how organised everything is and how much time you have available to complete this process.

As a general guide a small home or apartment: 1–2 days, a medium home: 2–3 days and a large family home: 3–5 days. Professional packing services can dramatically speed up the process while protecting fragile or valuable items - one packer for a small house can take half a day to a full day, two packers can pack a medium sized houselot in a day, or 1.5-2 days for a large home using two-three packers.

What should I pack first when moving house?

Start with items you don’t use every day, such as seasonal clothing or items, decorative items and wall hangings, books, spare kitchen items, or items in storage. Leave everyday essentials until the final days before the move.

What should I keep in a moving day essentials box?

An essentials box can make the first night in your new home much easier.

Include things like bedding, snacks and drinks (morning coffee!), phone chargers, medications, toiletries (don't forget the toilet paper!), important documents you may need in the first week, basic kitchen items like utensils, cups, plates, pan etc, pjs and a change of clothes. This prevents searching through multiple boxes when you arrive.

Should I hire professional movers?

Professional movers can make a significant difference in reducing stress during a move.

Benefits include less likely to experience damage to walls and belongings, faster loading and unloading, less sore muscles the next day, friends are happier as they aren't called up, less chance of weather negatively impacting your move day if using open trailers. For many people, the time and energy saved is well worth the investment.

What is a move management service?

A move management service coordinates the part of the move that you need assisstance with, or every aspect of your relocation if you're after a full service.

This may include:

• Sorting and decluttering

• Packing and unpacking

• Organising movers

• Coordinating cleaners

• Preparing homes for sale

• Setting up the new home

This service is especially helpful for busy professionals, families or older adults transitioning homes.

How far in advance should I book movers?

Generally, as early as possible to secure the right move date as they book up fast. It’s best to book movers 3–6 weeks in advance, if you are able, particularly during busy seasons such as Farm Move (Late May/early June), Summer (November to March), around public holiday weekends and school holidays.

What is the biggest mistake people make when moving?

One of the most common mistakes is leaving everything until the last minute. Prior to starting this business we noticed a pattern of people thinking they had alot of time, then move day was chaos, still not packed, the new owners circling waiting to move in, overwhelmed with the task of cleaning the exiting property. A clear plan — or help from a move manager — makes the entire process far smoother.

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, support, and organisation, the process can be far smoother than many people expect.

At Sorted & Settled, we help manage every stage of the moving journey — from sorting and packing to coordinating movers, cleaners, and settling into your new home.

If you’re planning a move and would like expert support, our team is here to help make the transition simple, organised, and stress-free.