Moving House – The Origin Blog https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog A place to learn about Origin, energy and the environment Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:26:00 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 9 life hacks for a stress-free move https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/life-hacks-moving-house/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:48:49 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/uncategorised/smarter-and-easier-moving-hacks Moving house is a stressful part of life for many of us. These clever life hacks will help take the hassle out of moving.

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Moving house is a (stressful) part of life for many of us. Whether you move regularly or are packing up for the first time in a long time, we’ve got you covered with these clever life hacks. So, bookmark this page and save yourself a world of stress!

1. Take photos of everything

Moving house is a really busy time, so you’re bound to forget a few details. Take photos of which cables go where at the back of your TV, where screws go on flat pack furniture or the way your favourite shelves are arranged so you can put them back together just right!

2. Avoid single use packing items

Running out of bubble wrap or just want to be kinder to the environment? Wrap breakables like plates and glasses in clothing to cut bubble wrap from your shopping list.

3. For the jewellery lovers

Toilet paper rolls, zip lock bags and egg cartons are perfect for getting your jewellery from A to B – without the headache of tangled pieces.

4. Sticky tape is your friend

Packing tape is a moving essential, so you should have this one on hand already. You can use it while you’re taking furniture apart to keep all the screws together or to remember which cables go where on your TV or computer.

5. Prevent tangles

To avoid a serious cable tangle, pack your cords in empty toilet paper rolls and remember to label them. Or if you haven’t been collecting toilet rolls for the past six months, you can use zip lock bags instead.

6. Vacuum bags

Items like pillows, blankets and bulky coats take up lots of space when packing. Save room and money by using garbage bags instead of expensive space saver bags – all you need to get started is a regular garbage bag, a vacuum clear and a rubber band.

7. The moving kit

The last thing you want to be doing after a long day of packing is scrambling to remember which box you put your PJs in. Put together a bag of all the essentials you’ll need for your first night in the new digs – think toiletries, towels and bedding.

Now that you’ve got these moving hacks under your belt, you can move online with Origin in less than five minutes. Simply book your move with an energy plan that suits your needs and your done.

8. Box skills

To make unpacking as easy as possible at the other end, colour code boxes by using a different coloured tape for each room. And if you want to take your box game to the next level, try cutting handles into the side of boxes and make them easier to carry.

9. Bundle and save

We’re all looking for better value – especially when it comes to the ‘must-haves’ in our homes – so why not bundle your energy and internet and save? Our customers can bundle their energy and internet and get $10 off their internet bill each month. Over the year, that’s $120 of savings that you get right back in your pocket!

Not only do our internet plans offer great speeds and customer support, we’ve also thrown in a mountain of entertainment for you to enjoy with 12 months of Paramount+ on us. 

You’ll also save on life admin, as you’ll only have to deal with the one provider for your energy and internet. Who doesn’t love a little extra time back in their day?

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

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Tips for moving house with pets https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/tips-for-moving-house-with-cats-and-dogs/ https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/tips-for-moving-house-with-cats-and-dogs/#respond Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:37:41 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/uncategorised/tips-for-moving-house-with-cats-and-dogs Moving can be a stressful time, and no-one notices it more than our furry family members. We’ve come up with a pet-friendly moving plan to ensure your cat or dog is feeling at home in no time.

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Moving house can be a stressful time, and no-one notices it more than our furry family members. We’ve come up with a pet-friendly moving plan to ensure your cat, dog, bird or goldfish is feeling at home in no time.

Did you know that over 63% of Australian homes house pets?  Of these 63% , 40% are dog owners and 26% are cat owners, so it’s fair to say that pets are as much of our families as people are. As cats and dogs are highly sensitive creatures, it’s important to remember that they will pick up on your anxiety too. What better way to reduce your own stress and ensure your moving day goes smoothly than with a sure-fire moving plan in place?

Tips for a stress-free pet move

  1. The first thing to do is to call your local vet and set up an appointment to get any final checks, vaccinations, medicine and a vet referral for your new location. Make sure you get copies of all your prescriptions and any certificates required for air travel if you’re moving interstate or overseas.
  2. It’s a good idea to contact your local council to register your pets in the area. Check any council rules for pets and check out the local beaches and parks for restrictions.
  3. Before moving house with cats and dogs, make sure you check out your new home for pet-friendliness. Check that there is ample space to get some exercise, with a fenced backyard, courtyard or a nearby local park.
  4. Go to your local pet store and talk to them about the best pet carrier for safe travel. To help with a comfortable transition, be sure to pack familiar items such as blankets and toys.

Your pet moving checklist

  • Veterinary certificates and records and prescriptions
  • Harnesses or leashes (for both cats and dogs)
  • Pet beds (pillows, towels or other crate liners)
  • Bags and scoops for dogs
  • Litter box for cats
  • Cage covers for rodents and birds
  • Paper towels for messes
  • Supplies for your first day at your new home
  • Your usual pet food and plenty of water from the home you’re leaving (changing the water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)
  • Food and water bowls, a can opener and re-sealable lids
  • Toys, chew bones and treats

Tips for moving day

One tip for moving house with your pet is to try to arrange to have your pet looked after until you’ve unpacked yourself. It will free you up to unpack quickly and goes a long way to alleviate stress for both you and your favourite family member. If that’s not possible, be sure to keep to your normal routine on moving day. Pets pick up on change, so sticking to your usual routine, using the same toys, blankets and even packing their favourite treat is a great way to ease them into the move.

To avoid a run-away cat or dog, keep your pet in their travelling crate until you can arrange a space for them in your new home.

Did you know it’s quite normal for stressed pets to refuse food and water and is usually the first tell-tale sign that your cat or dog is feeling anxious?

If you do notice your pet is a bit anxious, just monitor their intake for the first day. If they continue to refuse food, it’s best to call your local vet.

Helping your pets settle in after moving

To help your pets settle in, try to make everything seem familiar, new smells and sounds can create anxiety, so it’s best that you don’t wash your pets bedding until a few weeks after you’ve moved.

Remember to keep your furry friends on leashes until they get comfortable with their new surroundings. This can usually take a few days for dogs and up to a week for cats. To quicken up familiarisation, it’s a great idea to take your pets for long walks in the area.

With a little bit of TLC, a great plan and a bit of prepping your furry friends will have an easy transition to your new digs!

We make moving your energy easy

At Origin, we make moving house easy. With our Move Promise we’ll make sure your power’s on the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday). And for added peace of mind, our Moves Promise guarantees that in the event we can’t power your home the next business day, we’ll give you $400 (incl GST) credit per day for related expenses.*

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

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The essential guide to moving house https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/moving-house/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:43:12 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=11087 We've put together a moving house guide full of the essential things you need to do to prepare for your move.

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A smooth and stress-free move ultimately comes down to a bit of forward thinking and organisation. As you prepare to move house, you’re faced with a seemingly endless to-do list and some of the basics are bound to slip your mind. That’s why we’ve created a moving house guide to help you prepare for your move.

Collect packing boxes

Moving can be costly, but there are plenty of ways to keep moving costs down and that starts with packing boxes. Save money on packing by taking regular trips to your local shops leading up to your move. You’ll find most supermarkets and local stores are more than happy to get rid of their unwanted boxes.

Organise a removalist (or enlist your mates)

Hiring a professional removalist service can definitely relieve some stress on moving day, but it’s an added cost you’ll need to consider.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, consider whether you really need a removalist.

Ask yourself:

  • Could you enlist the help of friends and family for the move?
  • Will you be able to transport large pieces of furniture?
  • Will you need to hire a truck?
  • Are you under time constraints for the move?

If you don’t think you can do it yourself or just want to remove one (big) task from your plate, hiring a removalist can smooth out the process for you. Shop around for prices and make your booking far in advance.

Consider renting a skip bin

When you start going through your things, you’ll probably realise just how much stuff you have, and there’s no better time to get rid of things you no longer need than when you’re moving house.

You’ll find when you’re sorting through what to keep and what to let go of, a lot it’s rubbish. It might be worthwhile organising a skip so it’s out of the way and you can focus on packing. If there are items of value you’re thinking about parting with, don’t throw them away – there are plenty of second-hand shops and charities around that are always looking for donations for those in need.

Make arrangements for your pets

Moving house can be stressful for our furry friends. So, if you have a pet, ask friends or family if they might be able to look after them for a few days during the move. If you’re lucky enough to secure them a babysitter, visit them with your pet in the lead up to your move so they can get used to the people and their surroundings.

Making sure your pet feels safe and comfortable during a move is important, so we’ve put together a pet moving checklist full of handy tips for moving house with cats and dogs.

Get connected (and disconnected)

Disconnecting and connecting utilities is quick and easy, though it can take up to 3 business days do get sorted, so make sure to plan ahead to ensure you’re not left in the dark.

Once you know your move out date, you can arrange for your utilities to be disconnected and connected to the new property on move in day.

For Origin electricity connections, just let us know about your move before 1pm Monday to Friday and we’ll make sure the power is on the next business day.

Set and forget your energy payments

You’ll have enough to worry about post-move, so set your energy accounts up on either an ongoing payment plan or direct debit. With our ongoing payment plans, you can choose to set up monthly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, and we’ll calculate your repayments based on your usage forecast to ensure your bill is always covered. You can choose to pair this either with a direct debit or set up BPAY payments via your bank. Set and forget to tick one piece of life admin off your to-do list.

Get your internet connection sorted

Get your internet connection sorted ahead of time so when the moving is done you can sit down, unwind and stream your favourite show the day you move in.

To sort out your internet connection early, you’ll need to contact your internet service provider at least three weeks before you move in. Your provider will usually be able to offer you the same plan, though pricing depends on where you live and the type of broadband connection available at the property you’re moving in to. Relocating internet connections may attract a fee so it’s a good idea to compare broadband plans under your new address.

Our customers can benefit from bundling their internet and energy plans with us. Meaning you can get $10 off your internet bill each month. Over the year, that’s $120 of savings that you get right back in your pocket.  

Bundling your internet also helps with life admin tasks, as you’ll only have to deal with the one provider for your energy and internet. And who doesn’t love a little extra time back in their day?

Moving House FAQs

Do I need to close my account when I move?

Yes, we recommend closing your account with us when you move, to ensure you’re not financially responsible for the next tenants’ usage. Simply let us know you’re moving via My Account. It’s super quick – we’ll just need your new address and move in date, and you can select the date for your current property’s disconnection.

Will I have the same account number?

No, when you open a new account for the property you’re moving into you’ll receive a new account number. Be sure to update your payment details.

How do I prepare for the connection?

To prepare for your utility connections, make sure there is safe and clear access to the electricity meter. If you live in Queensland or New South Wales, you may need to be at the property to have electricity connected to your house.

What if I have a concession card?

You may be eligible for a concession or rebate on your bill if you’re the primary account holder on your Origin account and you hold a valid concession card.

Valid concession cards include:

  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Cards
  • Pensioner
  • State Health Care
  • Queensland Senior

See our concessions and rebates page to find out which rebates you may be eligible for in your state.

How much notice do I have to give to get connected?

Energy connections are quick and easy. Simply book your move online using the form for either new or existing customers before 1pm Monday to Friday and we’ll connect your electricity the next business day. Gas connections can take up to three business days and public holidays are excluded.

Have another question? Find more moving house FAQ’s here or call 13 MOVE (13 66 83).

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

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5 things we often forget when moving house https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/5-things-we-often-forget-when-moving-house/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:49:31 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=21184 Here are five obvious things we can often overlook when moving house.

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Have you ever moved to a new place and realised you’d forgotten something vital – probably something glaringly obvious? Don’t stress, it happens to the best of us. To prove it, we spoke to a cross-section of different folk – including professional declutterer, Chelsea Smith of The Organising Platform – and asked them which vital items they’d forgotten when they moved to a new home. Here’s what they said.

Electricity

Research from realestate.com.au shows that 30% of all movers still forget about connecting their electricity when they move.* 

“A friend moved house recently and didn’t tell her provider she was moving,” Chelsea shares. “She arrived, didn’t have electricity and couldn’t open her [electrical] garage door.” D’oh. “She spent almost half of her moving day without electricity. It was one of those really hot days and she couldn’t put on fans or aircon.” Save yourself any hassle by contacting your provider before you move.

Moving with us is easy, and it only takes a few minutes online – just enter your address and select the services you want to connect at your new address to see our best available plans, and choose the one that’s right for you. And, with our move promise, if you book your move before 1pm Monday to Friday, we’ll make sure your electricity, and NBN, are connected the next business day. 

Professional organise Chelsea Smith shares some of the things we can forget when moving. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Relevant keys

“When we moved house, we left a key to our safe hidden in the felt under a billiard table,” Deanna Nott from the Gold Coast begins. “The safe came with us, but we were never able to get the key back because the new tenants refused to let us in to get it and claimed they could not find it! We had to get a locksmith to crack the safe.”

We all have little things that require keys, not least of all are safes containing precious items! Remember where you’ve hidden keys so you don’t get locked out of anything vital.

The bed (wait, what?)

Hear us out! Jessica, a former Sydney resident who now lives overseas, once signed the lease on a new rental property before ordering a mattress, only to then face a rather lengthy delivery time. “I was leaving a furnished property and I knew I was going to need a mattress; I just didn’t realise how long it would take,” she says. “I then spent the first month in my house sleeping on a single air bed.”

This is a good reminder for anyone buying new furniture suites, or items that need to be delivered, to ensure you shop around in advance and check delivery windows to ensure they align with your moving plans. And, with Origin Rewards, you can unlock great deals, and get online shopping discounts and deals from a stack of brands including Temple & Webster. 

To cash in, just sign up with us for an eligible electricity or natural gas plan either online or over the phone.

If ordering new furniture, make sure the delivery times align with your moving needs. Picture: Pexels

The assembly order

You’re unlikely to forget the fridge itself (right?) but Chelsea warns against forgetting to organise your move so that your fridge is in your house and ready to go when you need it.

“For me, one of the hardest things to get right moving homes is timing,” Chelsea says.

“You’ll probably get rid of a lot of your fridge and freezer items, but there will be some things that can survive the transit. You still want to time moving your fridge or freezer so it’s one of the last things you take out and one of the first you move in to the new place.”

Organise your move so the fridge is the last thing out and the first thing in. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Essential supplies

Don’t forget to keep some essential supplies separate and have them at the house when you need them. Consider things like cleaning equipment, a vacuum and toilet paper. “Having to run out and buy toilet paper while you’re busting and in the middle of moving isn’t the kind of race against time anyone enjoys,” says Rebecca from Sydney.

“It happened to me once and I won’t forget it again!”

At Origin, we make moving house easy. And, with our Move Promise, we’ll make sure your power’s on the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday).

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

This article was originally published as 5 obvious things we’re still forgetting when we move.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

*Source: REA Movers Study 2019

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5 things to give up before you move house https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/5-things-to-give-up-before-you-move-house/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:38:23 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=21161 Unless you're a ruthless de-clutterer chances are you've got a few too many knick knacks lying around. Here are five things to ditch before moving house.

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Unless you’re a ruthless de-clutterer, there’s a reasonable chance you share your home with a bunch of not-entirely-necessary items. Here are five things to ditch before moving day arrives.

Moving to a new home is the perfect time to get rid of things you don’t need, but make sure you get it done before moving day arrives. Home organising and de-cluttering expert Chelsea Smith reveals which items you should definitely sort through and leave behind before moving into your fresh new home.

1. Old linen

“Linen is one of those things that is easy to accumulate over the years,” Chelsea explains.

“Over time it does get quite tatty and wears a bit thin, towels become less absorbent and tea towels can become quite stained. Do a stock take of what you’ve got and only keep the pieces you need.

“For instance, if you have four people under your roof, you may only need eight towels and that would probably do you for guests as well.” Chelsea adds that you might be able to donate old sheets or towels to vet clinics and animal shelters, where they are often looking for rags or towels.

Professional organiser Chelsea Smith says clean out your linen closet and keep only what you use. Picture: Eugene Hyland

2. Unnecessary furniture

We often buy furniture for the house we’re currently in, so when we move we find some pieces no longer suit the style of the new home — or may not even serve a purpose. “For instance, if you have more built-in storage in the new place, a free-standing chest of drawers might not be necessary,” Chelsea says.

“The goal is to move as few bulky furniture items as possible. So, rather than working it out once you get there, have a clear vision of where the furniture is going to go in the new home and what its function will be.”

On the flip side, if you’re getting rid of old furniture – you may want to replace it with new and more suitable items. 

With Origin Rewards you can unlock great deals, and get online shopping discounts and deals from a stack of brands including Temple & Webster. To cash in, just sign up with Origin on an eligible electricity or natural gas plan either online or over the phone.

And what to do with all your old items? Consider donating the furniture you no longer need to charities or shelters, or try to sell them or give them away on Facebook Marketplace.

Does your old furniture fit in your new floor plan? Picture: Pexels

3. Household chemicals

Flammable household chemicals can be a hazard to transport, Chelsea points out. For this reason, they are also refused by many movers who won’t take on the associated risks.

“Even open pots of paint or harsh chemical cleaning products, [movers] will just say no,” Chelsea says. “Your best bet is to dispose of them responsibly before the big day.

“They’re not supposed to go into your regular (rubbish bin), but there are ways to recycle or get rid of them mindfully through household chemical clean-ups or designated chemical drop-off points.”

Household chemicals can’t be thrown out in the regular trash. Dispose of them correctly. Picture: Eugene Hyland

4. Hoarded toiletries

As with the kitchen pantry, the bathroom cabinet can become a product-hoarding ground. Make some time to go through your medicines and First Aid, cosmetics and skincare, and throw out any items that are out of date or unwanted.

“Toiletries are something you can accumulate quite easily and then forget about — only keep the things you use,” Chelsea says.

“When it comes to organising your new bathroom cupboard, reserve the most accessible space for essential items. Group like items together in clear containers, separating into categories like hair items, make-up, medicines and so on.”

Clean out your toiletries and then reorganise in your new home to cull the junk. Picture: Eugene Hyland

5. An outdated utility plan

“It’s always worth checking in with your electricity, insurance and gas providers to make sure you’re getting the best deals according to your needs,” Chelsea notes.

A change of address is the perfect time to review your current energy plan and ensure it still fits the needs of your new abode.

Moving with Origin is easy, and it only takes a few minutes online – just enter your address and select the services you want to connect at your new address to see our plans, and choose the one that’s right for you. And, with our move promise, we’ll make sure your power, and NBN, are connected the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday).

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

This article was originally published as 5 things to give up before you move.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

The post 5 things to give up before you move house appeared first on The Origin Blog.

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How to minimise stress when moving house https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/how-to-minimise-stress-when-moving-house/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 04:42:36 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=18154 There's no sugar coating it, moving house is stressful. These tips will help minimise the moving headaches so you can settle in and enjoy your new place.

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There’s no sugar-coating it, moving house is a big job – and one that many of us are often overwhelmed by. The good news is by incorporating some simple tricks, you can minimise the headaches that come with moving house.

Organisation is key

Planning before you pack will make things run more smoothly. The first step is to do a good declutter. Take a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book and start decluttering by item (clothes, books, miscellaneous, etc) and if you can, start the process in the month leading up to your move.

By donating and discarding what you don’t need in your new place, you’ll save precious packing time – and space! Decluttering doesn’t mean you need to just give everything the heave ho, there are also plenty of sustainable hacks you can incorporate during this process.

Decluttering can also include eating everything in your fridge – no not like Joey on that episode of Friends – if you plan your meals for the weeks ahead of your move you can often find a way to use up all those bits and pieces in your pantry too. The less you have to move the better, and moving with a full fridge can be annoying to juggle (who wants to deal with eskies and ice on top of hauling furniture?).

Once you’ve had a good clean out, plan out what is most important for when you first move in. By organising your necessary items such as kitchen items, cutlery, crockery and clothes, you can set aside their boxes to ensure they are easy to find when you need them. There’s nothing worse than rummaging through box after box to find one small item, so keep all the important things together! Better yet, pack yourself a ‘first night’ box that includes all the essentials in one box.

Pack a box of ‘first night essentials’

Many hands make light work

You don’t have to move by yourself. Try and rally some friends and family members to give you a hand – maybe you can bribe them with the promise of pizza and a few drinks after a day’s work. As an added bonus, it might mean you’ll have access to more vehicles, making transporting your boxes more efficient. If you’re on the fence about DIYing your move, it might be worthwhile looking into hiring some professional movers. While there will be an added cost, they can help make sure your move runs smoothly – and it frees up your time to set up the new place. There are pros and cons to both, so make sure you weigh up which option’s right for you before committing.

Map out where your furniture will go

Big items such as furniture, TV’s, beds are big and heavy to carry. Map out where all your items are going in your new home before your move to ensure you are not making decisions on the fly. If you’re dealing with narrow hallways or doorways, it might be a good idea to grab the measurements of your chunkier items ahead of attempting to shimmy them through. This will save you time and energy and potentially prevent dings in the walls too.

Have the end in mind

Life keeps going even after you move. It’s easy to overlook simple life necessities when you have been so focused on the move itself. So nothing is missed, envision your first couple of days in your new home. Arrange to get some groceries delivered to your place to ensure you don’t wake up with an empty fridge or pantry.

Why you should move with Origin

At Origin, we make moving house easy. With our Move Promise we’ll make sure your power’s on the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday).

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

The post How to minimise stress when moving house appeared first on The Origin Blog.

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7 tips for a seamless move https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/7-real-life-hacks-for-a-seamless-home-move/ Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:22:43 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=12908 Moving house is stressful. We asked everyday Aussies for their tried and tested moving day tips to help make your next move a breeze.

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Moving doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you do your research and planning. From getting organised to moving pets and taking care of kids, we asked some everyday people for their best tried-and-tested tips for moving house.

1. De-clutter and make some coin 

‘Marie Kondo’ your house before moving and get rid of everything you no longer need. Not only will it save you packing and moving unnecessary things, but you might even turn a small profit. “[My husband] and I sold some of our things on Facebook Marketplace and put the money in a cash jar,” Emily from Bowral notes. “We built a little stockpile of savings that went towards buying new furniture and items for our new house.”

2. Set the kids up first

Publicist, Aisling moved from Melbourne to the Macedon Ranges with her two kids and was, like most parents, concerned with how her kids would transition to the change.

“I have a one-year-old and a four-and-a-half-year-old, and we involved the four-year-old in the move. So we brought him along to look at houses and we came down to [the Macedon Ranges] for a lot of community events and festivals, so he was very excited about the move rather than scared,” Aisling shares.

Logistically, she said the best thing she did was set up the kids before moving day. “We also made a point to have the kid’s rooms set up first. So my husband actually came to the house the night before and set up the cot and bed,” Aisling adds. “That way we brought them home [from day care], and everything was fairly familiar, and then they could have dinner and go to bed, and then we set up the rest of the house.”

3. Take care of pet logistics

Moving pets can be tricky, whether it’s putting your goldfish in those little baggies or trying to keep your cat calm in its carrier. “We just moved from NSW to Queensland. I drove up with our dog, Monty, and I made sure on the drive up to have lots of stops, drinks and walks along the way,” dog owner Katrina says. 

“When we got to the new house, I had his usual food and water bowls, bed and a few of his favourite toys so that he had familiar things around him.” Also, don’t forget there are state quarantine laws to consider. For instance, your dog might need a check-up and some shots before you take it to Tasmania, or your pet rabbit may not be welcome in Queensland.

Be sure to check the interstate quarantine rules of your destination before loading the family into the car and facing a rude shock down the track.

Finally, Katrina says to remember to register your dog and check the state and council regulations, which can include different rules around microchipping, de-sexing and name tags. “You need to change the [pet’s] registration to the local council and then make sure it’s registered with an Australian Register,” Katrina says.

4. Don’t leave it to the last minute

Start packing early by putting away the things you don’t really need. For Emily, she vacuum packed all her winter clothes because she moved in summer.

Aisling started planning and packing months in advance, eventually weeding her wares down to a few plates and cups. “I started packing six weeks before the move,” Aisling notes. “Start packing things you don’t use, like your Christmas decorations, the ‘good’ dinner plates or wine glasses. In the last week, we were down to the bare minimum – four plates, four bowls, four glasses and four sets of cutlery.”

Also, if you have access to your new property before you leave your current dwelling, try and move in as much as you can before your official move-in date.

5. A few notes about removalists…

Picking a removalist can be overwhelming when relying on a Google search! There are so many, and as Aisling found, the quotes can be dramatically different.

“You can get really cheap removalists and then you can get really expensive ones. The temptation is to go with the really cheap ones, which we did the first time we moved and they damaged so much of our stuff,” she warns.

“I think if you’re looking at a cheap one, just ask if they’re professional removalists or if they’re casual labour hire. Professional removalists really know what they’re doing.”

Also bear in mind that things usually do get bumped and knocked around during a move, so if you’re packing the boxes yourself, be sure to protectively wrap and package your items correctly.

Finally, Aisling recommends having multiple copies of the floor plan printed to help the removalists know where each box goes. “Give the removalists a copy of the floor plan and have one stuck to the hallway in the new home so they know which room is which. Mark or label every box accordingly and they can put them in the appropriate room,” she says. “Otherwise you might end up with the boxes just dumped in one area and you have to figure out what goes where!”

6. Get connected

“Don’t forget you can set up your utilities before you arrive,” Ollie from central west NSW notes. “It makes it so much easier if you can just get there [to the new property] and not have to worry about it. Also, it helps to be able unwind with a bit of Netflix later that night!” You can register your new address with your energy and internet providers before you move, and have your account transferred to the new address on the day of your arrival.

At Origin, you can take care of the entire process online, as far in advance as you like. With our Move Promise we’ll make sure your power’s on the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday). We’re with you every step of the way.

7. Treat yourself

Don’t bury your wine glasses in your moving boxes! Keep a couple separate so you can treat yourself to a celebratory glass of vino at your new digs. “On our first night in our new house we put the unpacking out of our minds, ordered-in a pizza and had a relaxing night,” Emily says.

“We also set ‘unpacking milestones’ and treated ourselves to a rest and some wine whenever we reached those.”

Learn more about the 2024 Finder Awards and methodology via Finder’s site

Originally published as 7 real life hacks for a seamless move

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

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A guide to connecting internet for renters https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/renters-guide-to-connecting-internet/ Sun, 28 May 2023 23:01:16 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=18114 Moving house is a big task and if you're renting you'll also need to arrange your internet connection. This guide steps you through how to connect.

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Moving house is a mammoth task as is, but if you’re renting, you’ll also need to remember to organise your internet along with your other utilities ahead of moving into your new place. With so many of us now working from home, and Netflix binges becoming second nature on weekends, a working internet connection as soon as you move-in is now a necessity.

Our handy guide will help step you through the process of setting up the internet at your new digs.

Choosing an internet plan for your rental

The first step is to choose which Origin internet plan is right for you. You can choose from a variety of speeds to suit the way you use the world wide web. When setting up your internet connection for your rental, you’ll need all the necessary hardware, including a modem. The modem type you’ll need will depend on whether you’re connecting to the nbn™ or Opticomm fibre. Setting up your modem can feel overwhelming if you’re not especially tech savvy, but don’t sweat it, our modem set up guide will help make it a breeze.   

Connecting to the nbn™ as a renter

Good news, if the nbn™ connection is already installed at your property, and you’re renting, you won’t need landlord approval to connect! You’ll just need to go through the process of selecting your provider. However, if this isn’t the case, as you don’t own the property, you’ll need consent from the owner to have an nbn™ connection installed. If you’re not in direct contact with your landlord, it’s recommended to get in touch with your property manager or real estate agent to get the go ahead for organising the installation.

While the majority of Australian addresses are now ready to connect to the nbn™, you’ll need to check your address to make sure it’s available. The nbn™ address search tool might be able to help you understand the type of connection your new home will have. Not familiar with all the connection types? We’ve got a guide for that! Our Internet Jargon 101 will arm you with the basics (and have you speaking the lingo in no time).

Bundle your utilities

Everyone loves to save some coin on their bills. If you’re looking to make the full switch to Origin, or you’re already an electricity, natural gas or hot water customer, you can bundle your internet and energy together and get $10 a month off your internet bill. Easy peasy.

Need for speed?

If you need to switch up your speed, or your plan, you can change your Origin internet plan to one that suits your needs at any time – there’s no fee. Keep in mind that if you’re upgrading your plan before the end of your monthly billing cycle, you’ll need to pay the difference between your current plan and the new plan.

We’ve got a range of internet plans available to suit whatever your household’s needs may be. Ready to make the switch to award-winning internet?

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How to set up internet at home https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/a-guide-to-setting-up-internet-at-your-place/ Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:35:16 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=17870 Connecting the internet can be a daunting task. From connections and speeds, to plans and equipment – our handy guide makes setting up internet at your place easy.

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From the connection type to plans and equipment, setting up the internet can sometimes feel like a daunting task. So, we’ve put together a handy guide to walk you through the process of setting up internet at home – so you can go back to streaming your fave shows.

Understanding which internet connection you have

Your broadband connection speed depends on where you live and the wiring on your property and street. Internet jargon such as “FTTP” “FTTC” or “HFC” can be confusing and feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve broken these down so you know what your homes’ internet capabilities are.

Fibre to the Building (FTTB)

FTTB connection is generally used when we are connecting an apartment block or similar types of buildings. In these cases, the fibre-optic cables go to a point where the node connects all the apartments to the nbn™ network. The fibre node is typically a secure cabinet in your building’s communications room.

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

FTTC connection is used in circumstances where the optical fibre is extended to the curb on your street, connecting to a small Distribution Point Unit. From here, the existing copper network connected to your home will link the last part of your nbn™ connection.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

An FTTN connection is used where the existing copper phone and internet network between your home and street’s fibre node is used to make the final part of the connection for your nbn™ access. The fibre node generally takes the form of a street cabinet.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

FTTP is where fibre-optic cables are run directly onto your premises providing some of the fastest speeds in the country. 

Fixed Wireless (FW)

An nbn™ Fixed Wireless connection utilises data transmitted over radio signals to connect your home to the nbn™ network. This type of connection is typically used where there is distance between premises such as in rural areas. Your data will travel from a transmission tower located as far as 14 kilometres, to an outdoor antenna that’s been fitted to your home.

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection is used in circumstances where the existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network can be used to make the final part of the nbn™ network connection. In this circumstance, a HFC line will be run from the nearest available fibre node to your premises.

What’s your need (for speed)?

The speed of the internet plan you need will depend on how you use your internet. For example, if you love bingeing loads of shows on Netflix, you’re going to need a decent connection for streaming. But if you’re an avid gamer, you’re going to need a much faster connection.

At Origin, our internet plans are designed so you can match them to the way you use the internet. We’ve got plans that cater to streamers, gamers and basic users so that you get what you expect from your internet connection.

What equipment are you working with?

To set up the internet in your place, you’ll need a modem/router that supports the right speed for your household. A modem is your key to getting online as it connects you to a wide area network (WAN) or the internet. The router will connect your devices to your local area network (LAN) or WiFi network. It’s important to ensure that your modem/router can support the connection you need.

The Origin Home Gateway Modem will get you connected and nbn™ (or Opticomm Fibre) ready! To connect you’ll need a power cable (12V/2A) and a connection from the wall to the modem. From there, you can operate via wifi or ethernet (bearing in mind you’ll need an additional cable for this). If you’re looking for a complete list of equipment you need, or looking to learn how to set up your Origin modem, we’ve got you covered.

Choose your Origin internet plan

You can be confident choosing Origin as your internet provider, thanks to our award-winning network. We offer energy and internet bundles to help you save and, for added peace of mind, there’s also our Origin next day promise.

If you sign up to one of our nbn™ plans and you have your own compatible modem, we guarantee that we’ll connect your service the next business day, or you can claim up to $100 (inc GST) credit every day until you’re connected – to cover related expenses. It’s important to note you must sign up before 1pm for the next business day connection*.

Ready to connect to our award-winning network?

*Not available all areas or for new properties. Read the full details, eligibility criteria and T&Cs here.

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