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Moving in steps
You've done all the research, compared different options, and consulted your trusted advisors.
You’ve made the decision about making a move and now you've got the final stretch ahead of you: Moving day.
Moving can be the start of an exciting new chapter, but it can also be an emotional time for many. There's a lot to plan for - particularly if you are leaving a larger family home - and this may sometimes feel overwhelming.
We’ve spoken with many retirement village residents about what helped them with their move, and have put together some steps to help you get started.
Step 1: Hire removalists or enlist family to help
You'll need to shift large furniture, heavy boxes, and bags of clothes into your new home. That's a lot of work for anyone.
You can enlist the help of family and friends, or you can reach out to professional removalists.
Research removalists in your area, contact them for quotes and once you have several to compare, you’ll be well-placed to decide how you want to move and who with.
If you’re moving into a retirement village, speak with the community manager about removalists they know and trust, they will likely be able to help you with a referral.
Step 2: Create an inventory of your belongings
It's easy to lose track of your things once they’re getting packed away into boxes and bags getting ready for your move.
Professional removalists recommend creating an inventory of all your belongings. Create a list for each room, and then you can label your boxes accordingly.
Step 3: Update your address and get connected
There are always going to be a few last-minute details to keep on top of before you make your move.
Since you're moving into a new address, remember to prepare change of address notifications for all your relevant organisations. This could include banking and finance details, your driver's licence, your health insurance and government services.
You can also organise to redirect your mail to your new address with Australia Post.
Removalists say it’s important to remember to transfer or set up any utilities such as telephone, electricity, gas, internet and pay TV so that they are ready for moving day.
If you’re moving into a retirement village, ask the community manager if the team can assist you with these tasks if needed.
Step 4: Get to know your new home
If you’re moving in with family and friends or into a smaller space in a new area, be sure to take a look around to get familiar with your new community and the location of nearby shops and services.
If you’re moving into a retirement village, you can get to know your new home and community before you move in by:
- Asking about upcoming community events that you can attend
- Joining the email list to receive the community newsletter
- Stopping by the community to meet the staff and residents
- Arranging a suitable time to enjoy a community orientation tour.
Step 5: Go on a community orientation tour
If you’re moving into a retirement village, you will likely be offered a community orientation tour. During your tour, you’ll be taken around the village, meet residents and staff and become more familiar with your new home.
The information provided is current as at April 2024 and is subject to change. It is general in nature and is not personalised for your unique needs, objectives or financial situation. Some information may be provided by a third party. Aveo encourages you to seek independent legal and financial advice about your particular circumstances before moving to an Aveo retirement village. Any external service provider you engage may charge a fee for services.