Melbourne Furniture Removalists
Once you have made the decision to move, there’s a lot to organise before the removalists arrive on moving day. It’s best to start early so you don’t get caught short for time on the big day. But before making any enquiries, figure out exactly what services you need from your removalists. Sort out your budget and keep it in mind when receiving moving quotes.
Finding a Furniture Removalist in Melbourne
Relocating can be a challenging experience, but hiring a professional removalist company to do the work can take a load of stress off you, and give you the peace of mind that your belongings will arrive safely and well organized at your new home.
Here are some tips on what to look for when the time has come to choose a moving company in Melbourne:
Industry related associations – Some of the best moving companies are part of an industry association. In Australia, that association is AFRA - The Australian Furniture Removers Association.
Positive reviews – The Internet is a great place to get the real scoop on the moving companies you're considering. There are many consumer review sites where people have shared their experiences with certain moving companies. Chances are, the moving company you're considering has also been reviewed on one of these sites.
No cash deposits – These days, few reputable removalists require a cash deposit. Ask the moving companies you are considering if they need a cash deposit before the move begins. If the answer to this question is yes, then this should be a red flag that the moving company may engage in unscrupulous activity and should prompt you to find another moving company.
A physical address – In this day and age, many consumers have grown accustomed to major businesses listing only a post office box. But, when it comes to the moving industry, most reputable companies will actually list their physical address. This is because some fly-by-night operations use only a post office box so they can move around more easily. If the moving company you're considering doesn't have a physical address on their website, ask for that address. If they still don't provide one, then you should consider finding another mover.
Insurance and terms - Any reputable moving company will carry insurance to cover your property for damage, and some of the bigger companies will even carry insurance to cover your goods. Ask what types of insurance they have, and what is covered. Although they might be boring to read through, ask the company for their terms and conditions. This document should be readily available and comprehensive in listing what they are responsible for.
The first thing you should do is start sorting and getting rid of things that you don't want or don't need to take to your new place. Consider having a garage sale, giving furniture to charity, or giving it away to family and friends.
Sort through paper and shred anything that has personal information on it. Books that you have read and don't want to read again can be given to your local library or charity. Likewise with any CDs or music you might have. Get rid of any old clothes or shoes that you don't wear anymore or that don't fit you.
Sorting yourself out before the move will save you money on moving unwanted items to your new place. By downsizing anything that you don't absolutely need, you’ll have time to focus on setting yourself up at your new place.
Packing is a huge undertaking. Some moving companies offer packing and unpacking as an add on service, and you can also hire a company that specialises in packing and unpacking. If you are only moving locally, you will most likely want to do it yourself.
Don't pack boxes heavier than you can lift and make sure that you are using boxes that are strong enough for heavy items. Try and use the appropriate packing materials. If you don't know what to use ask your removalists for a moving guide.
Write fragile on boxes that need extra care so that the removalists involved in the move are aware of how the boxes should be handled. If you are concerned about the care that may be given to your fragile items by your removalists, then verify that they have insurance to cover your items from damage.
Get up nice and early to make sure there is a parking spot available outside your house for your removalists. Keep in mind that if they are in a big truck, you might need to reserve 2 - 3 car spaces.
Moving from one room to the other, make sure there is a clear path to all of your furniture for the furniture removalists to get to. To make things easy for your removalists, label all of your furniture with stickers stating which room they have to be placed in at your new residence. This way all involved in the move will know where things belong.
Try to keep similar items such as boxes of a particular size grouped together so they can be packed into the moving truck as efficiently as possible. And lastly make sure all of the paths - indoor and outdoor - are clear for your movers.
By starting early and planning and preparing wisely, you can get through a move with as little trouble as possible!