The big move, for most families is an exciting start to
the day and an exhausting hell at the finish. With that
in mind you should balance the pain against your
budget and get as much help as possible.
Doing it yourself may be the cheapest moving option
but you shouldn’t underestimate the stamina it will
require to pack everything, load the hired truck and
unload in one day. Stairs and steep driveways are hard
yakka even for the professionals!
Removalists can do as much or as little as you want,
from lugging just the heavy furniture like the washing
machine and fridge, to managing the whole move which
means unpacking all your bits and pieces at the other
end. Whichever way, always get at least three quotes.
Catastrophe money
Budget for some extra costs after you move into your
new place. Inevitably, some type of minor catastrophe
occurs: the hot water system dies after a decade of
faithful service, the oven refuses to work, or the
plumbing backs up. Whatever form the unwanted
disaster takes, you will need some extra cash to cover
such emergencies - which are sometimes inevitable, no
matter how carefully you check the new place.
Things to be done
• Be aware that if you are doing the packing, the
company’s transit insurance may not cover any
damage.
• When the estimator arrives to quote, be sure to
show them everything that has to be moved and advise
them of potential difficulties at the other end: access
problems, winding staircases, narrow streets. The more
information you provide, the less chance of having
additional charges levied: e.g. the hire of another van
because the truck was too wide for the street.
• Be sure you understand the terms of the contract,
such as the hourly rate, when the charge commences
and finishes, how you will be charged, how you will
pay, and the exact definition of “subject to increase”
clauses.
• Give the removalist as much notice as possible,
especially for peak moving times such as summer and
the last week of the month. Confirm dates once the sale
is finalised.
• Commence the clearing out process as soon as
possible to make it less of a torture test. Get rid of as
much as you can before you move. Clean items as you
go: for example washing all the dusty, rarely used
items in the china cabinet before packing. The last
thing you need when you are settling into a new place
is to have to wash and polish everything as you
unpack.
• Arrange for the disposal of old paint, garden
chemicals, fuel etc. Drain fuel from the mower, remove
batteries from battery-powered devices, empty gas
cylinders and bottles. The AFRA site gives a list of
items like these that removalists cannot take on their
trucks.
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• Pack a survival kit containing cups, kettle, tea,
coffee, sugar, milk, snacks, toilet paper, light bulbs,
bin liners, cleaning materials, tools, a torch and, in
case you don’t get unpacked by bedtime, a change of
clothes and sheets and blankets.
• Obtain packing cartons in a variety of sizes from the
removalist, or a company selling packaging materials.
You’ll also need packaging tape and dispenser,
marking pens and bubble wrap or tissue paper for
delicate items. Use butchers white paper for a cleaner
pack.
• Pack by the room - it’s quicker and more rewarding.
Move boxes away from doorways and beds and tape
closed at the last minute.
• Clearly label cartons on the top and at least one
side with the room they are to go in. Add other
information for your own benefit about the contents.
• Fill cartons only to within three to five centimetres
of the top to provide cushioning. Don’t let items
protrude above the top of the carton, or bulge out at
the sides, because they won’t stack properly and may
split.
• Don’t make cartons too heavy, especially when
packing items like books. Leave the piano, mirrors and
valuable paintings to the experts!
• Slap fragile stickers or write “fragile” over cartons
containing anything breakable and use more packing
paper between items just in case.
• Check the insurance cover offered by the
removalist. It may not be “new for old” cover, but
instead reimbursement based on market value. Seek
the removalist’s advice about additional insurance you
may need such as transit insurance, which bridges the
gap between your household contents cover in the
home you are leaving, and the one to which you are
moving, providing uninterrupted security. If you are
putting anything into storage, you will need additional
insurance to cover your goods during the storage
period. Get quotes and organise your policy as soon as
possible.
• Have an unpacking plan listing boxes in order of
practical importance - don’t exhaust yourself unpacking
non-essential items first.
• To keep your children occupied on arrival have their
toys or the television ready, leaving you free to unpack
in peace.
• Get a good night’s sleep and plan to get up as early
as possible on moving day so that you are ready for
when the truck arrives.
• When the last box has been loaded onto the truck,
secure the property and leave the keys at a prearranged
location.
• Before the removal van arrives - inspect the
property closely to ensure that everything has been
left as agreed. Refer any omissions to your solicitor.
• Organise electricity, gas and phone to be turned on
in your name for the day you arrive.
• Buy a bottle of champers and soft drink for the kids
to celebrate - you deserve it!
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