Preparing for the Big Move

So - the “big move” is fast approaching. You want to keep the day as stress free as possible but where do you start?

The biggest thing to consider will be moving all your items from place A to place B. But it’s important to remember that when you’re choosing a removalist you choose one that is going to suit your needs and your budget. Before you decide on a company, make sure you consider:


Is the removal company a member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association?

All members of the AFRA must satisfy strict standards to become a member. If you’d like to know more about the removalist companies you’re looking into visit www.afra.com.au.

Does the removal company appear professional in all aspects in appearance of staff, vehicles, commitment and service?

It’s a good idea to ask friends or family if they have used or know someone who has used a good removalist that they would recommend.

How much will it cost?

Make sure you use a removal company that is going to fit within your budget. We recommend you ask the following questions when pricing your move.

• Do I pay on a per hour basis or is it a fixed cost?
• Is there a minimum amount of hours I have to pay for?
• Do they charge me on kilometres travelled?
• How many removalists personal do I get with the truck?
• If I help, will this reduce the overall cost?

We recommended you ring at least three different companies and get a quote for your move. This way you can compare prices and choose the best one for your budget.

What size truck do I need to fit all my furniture?

If you plan on moving things yourself, consider the size of your house. A 26 foot truck should allow for furniture and belongings from a four bedroom house where as a 10 foot mini truck would be ideal for a small apartment move. If you’re moving with a removal company, they will be able to give you a guide on your individual requirements.

What insurance do I need?

Most removal companies will take the utmost care of your furniture and belongings but it is important to remember that accidents do happen.

It’s important that you confirm the company who are moving your goods has motor vehicle insurance, public liability insurance, over turning, flood, fire and collision insurance on all their trucks and vehicles before you book your move with them. In the instance that one of the above circumstances happens your possessions will be covered.

The removal company you choose to move your belongings should be able to arrange insurance that is designed specifically to cover household goods being moved from one house to another, including any periods of storage.

Who’s going to do the packing?

Most removal companies will offer a packing service but you can also do it yourself. If you DIY it, it’s worth considering the following points:

• Before putting anything into a box tape the bottom of the box to prevent anything falling through. Once the box is full tape up the top of the box to prevent anything from falling out.
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items. Lighter boxes are ideal for lighter and bulkier items.
• Fragile items should be wrapped in either bubble wrap, newspaper or a similar wrap. It’s important to remember that newspaper may leave a mark on certain items so choose your material wisely.
• Mark the box “fragile” so removalists know not to stack heavy items on top of it.
• Label all boxes clearly with the room name on it and a brief description of the items inside.
• If packing electrical equipment label the wires so you know where each wire goes for when you are setting the equipment up again in the new location.

Don’t leave the packing to last minute! Packing up a house takes time. Plan ahead and start packing up items that you know you won’t need during the time of the move.

When you get to your new location, make sure all your items are accounted for and that no damage has occurred before your final payment is made to your removalist.

July 2010