Helpful Tips

Anyone that can still remember their last move will also remember pledging ‘never again’ simply because of the stress that is involved in getting everything organised and completed on time. Meeting deadlines, signing papers and organising the family around a hectic day is no easy feet. We have put together a few tips to try to help you prepare for the move day;

PLANNING AHEAD
In our experience the customers that are shocked at the price of a move are usually the one’s that are not prepared and are not properly packed and ready to go by the time the removalists arrive on the door step. It stands to reason that the more organised and the more of your belongings that you have packed and in boxes will make it easier and quicker for our removalists to empty the house and pack the truck.

Once you have finalised the possession of you new home and you know what time scale you are working too then this is undoubtedly the time to get started on the dreaded packing. Make a list of items that you know you will not use until you arrive at the new property and this is generally the best area to start. As the day draws closer you will find more and more things that will not be required. If you continue this method then you will find that a few days before the move there will be very little left to pack. Along the way ensure you label and seal the boxes so that the removalists know which boxes go to which rooms and which are fragile and not to be stacked on.

LIFT ACCESS
If you live in a High Rise building or any building that relies on Lift Access then, more often than not, it is essential with Body Corporate that you book the time slot and the keys for the duration of the move. Many building Managers will not allow Removalists to use lifts between certain hours of the day so this may encumber or delay the move. Also ask the property Manager if the lift requires padding internally to prevent damage to walls and mirrors. Most will carry purpose made lift padding. This is important and can prove very disappointing if they refuse to allow the Removalists to continue with the move.

PACKING BOXES
The way in which you pack your own boxes can mean the difference between your belongings arriving safely at there final destination or not. We advise that you use removals boxes wherever possible due to the added strength and support they provide. Once again they also make it considerably easier to pack and stack. We can provide all the necessary packing equipment to your doorstep at any point prior to the move.

When packing boxes one of the most important things to remember is that the less movement within the carton the less chance of internal damage. Packing crockery, glass or china wear always use plenty of packing around and between the objects, we advise butchers paper as newspapers can easily stain or discolour crockery. Scrunched up paper in the bottom of the carton provide extra padding and is strongly advised as is at least one sheet of paper between each item.

Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box with lighter items toward the top. Once items are wrapped in paper, pack plates on their edge and stand glasses and cups upright with the rim facing the bottom of the box. This is the strongest point. Use bedding and linen as extra padding for lamps and ornaments once they have been wrapped in paper.

Always pack your items in the order they taken from the cupboards and label each box accordingly stating what the box contains and which room in the house they are from. This makes the job of unpacking much easier.

Remember, if you think this all sounds too difficult or you simply do not have the time then we can do the pre-packing and the unpacking for you.

OLD OR UNWANTED ITEMS
Moving house is often the only excuse we find to get rid of clutter that has sat, untouched, for years. Use this opportunity to lighten your load and start fresh in your new home. So often we move customers belongings from one garage to the next and never open a box. When packing, take the opportunity, ask yourself if it is worth it. If you have items to get rid of then charity shops will take all unwanted furniture and clothing that is in reasonable condition and that can be used again. Think about the space and layout of your new home and then decide what is needed.

MONEY SAVING TIPS
While we are more than happy to complete the move without you lifting a finger that does not fit in with everyone’s budget. If you would like to save money on the move then here are a few tips to help along the way.

Dismantling beds; Remove the mattress and stand against the nearest wall. Remove bed slats and stack them tight together fastening with packing tape around the bundle. Put screws and washer into a small bag, label and put them somewhere safe.

Chests of Draws; Clothing and soft items can remain in the draws as long as the item of furniture is strong enough to support the weight when moved. Always remove breakables.

Your furniture and Boxes; If you are feeling fit and able or have friends that are then here is the best tip of all for saving money. If you have a large Garage then bring all your pre-packed boxes down and stacked them to one side. Any items of furniture that you can handle safely can also be moved to the garage. If you do want to go along this route please do not over do it and leave the large, heavy items where they are and let us take care of them for you and do not block pathways and hallways.

UTILTIES
It is always worth enquiring with your service providers about the correct and best way to change your gas, electric and telephone to the new property prior to the move. They will tell you exactly what needs to be done and when.

TELEPHONE
If you want to keep your existing number ask your telephone provider if this is possible and how much notice you will need to give them. If you are unable to keep your existing number then ask for a number diversion to your new telephone number for 3-4 weeks. This not only redirects calls to your old number but also informs callers of your new number before connecting them automatically.

MAIL
As with the telephone this also applies to your mail. Telephone Australia Post and have your mail redirected to your new address in order for to stop any unwanted suprises arriving in the mail , months later. Remember to phone all your service providers, banks and State Transport office to inform them of your change of address.

PETS
We must not forget our beloved pets. If at all possible, we strongly advise, that you organise for a friend or relative to look after your pets for the duration of the move. Animals, especially Cats and Dogs, can always sense when something out of the ordinary is happening and can quite often hide or run away if there is some disruption in their lives. We have always find that it is better not to introduce them to your new home until all of your furniture is moved into the new home so they then have some sense of recognition and recognize the familiar scent of your belongings.