How To Avoid Shady Removalists When Relocating

Moving from one state or territory to another in Australia or anywhere else for that matter is already draining.  Just imagine how devastating it would be to find out that the company you have contracted to help you with moving within the county is a completely shady business.  You therefore have to avoid companies known for their shady dealings like the plague if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible.

One way to learn which interstate removalists are good ones, you can ask around.  Ask your friend if they or someone they know has an idea which relocation service provider in the country are safe bets. If going this route draws you a blank, then you can do your research online.

When doing your research online though, there are several things to consider before signing up with a company.  First off, it is important that they have a physical address for their office.  Make sure that the listed address though is really the right one.  They should also have a local telephone number which you can contact whenever a problem arises or just to follow up on what they are doing regarding the services you secured.

A physical address and a telephone number should be present as they are two of the biggest signs that a company is legitimate.  If the company is legitimate, they would be wary of undertaking any shady dealings because they would earn a bad reputation thus less business for them.   Even if their site is displayed in a very good manner, it does not necessarily mean that their service is equally appealing.

It is best to look for a review of the company before signing up with them or agreeing to work with them.  Do not be afraid to ask questions especially regarding how they would handle the transfer of your belongings across state and territory boundaries.

Another way to find good furniture removalists if you are going to move residence is to check if they are a registered company meaning that they have all the necessary papers showing that they are licensed to provide relocation services.  If they are registered, the chances are, they would not pull any shady stuff which could result to their license being cancelled and having to be fined.

Moving residence or place of business is already physically draining and it would be great if you do not have to worry about getting the short end of the deal when it comes to working with  a relocation service provider which makes finding a good company a  very important task.

Your Handy Home Removal Checklist

The day of moving house is often the culmination of careful preparation and planning - certainly if a seamless transition to your new home is your goal.  Contracting a specialist removals company to help manage your move is wise, as they will be able to provide the trained staff, vehicles, equipment and storage facilities that you may require.

Preparations

If your timeline permits, preparations for moving should begin at least 6 weeks prior to your moving date, especially if you are in a major city, and for removals Melbourne-focused, this is especially so.

Once the decision to move is made:

1.  Start a brightly coloured file for all of your relocation documents, and keep it in a handy place for easy reference.

2.  Obtain quotes from several professional interstate removal companies, and ensure that they are all quoting on the same items. Book the one that best fits your needs.

3.  Check if your home insurance covers your items in transit. If not, obtain insurance coverage for moving.

4.  Sketch a floor plan of your new home (or use one provided by your real estate agent) and plan the placement of your furniture.  You can give this to your removalist on moving day.

5.  Sort through your possessions and dispose of what you no longer need. Copy your removalist’s inventory list to check items to be packed and those for sale, charity donation, or disposal.

6.     Create a room by room packing plan, beginning with the items you know you won’t be needing until well after you are in your new home.

7.    For DIY packing, arrange for the delivery of packing containers like cartons, wooden crates, book boxes, wine cartons, bubble wrap and fill, tape, labels, and marking pens.
2 weeks before moving, you should:

8.  Check the garden, attic, garage, basement, shed and under the house for items you may have overlooked - think: wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, ladders, heilooms, plants.

9. Dispose of any remaining unwanted items - trash, donate or sell,

10.    Give your freezer some attention - start eating your way through its contents!

11.    Responsibly dispose of garden chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items according to
supplier instructions

12.    Gas cylinders are often unable to be transported by your removalist - check. If required, have a certified gas cylinder test station purge BBQ cylinders

13.    If necessary, book transportation for pets or arrange for pet care at least 2 days before the move

14.    Arrange cancellation and reconnection of utilities - electricity, gas, phone

15.    Start packing if you’re doing it yourself. Label each box according to the room each goes into and keep a separate list of their contents

16.    Inform family, friends and businesses of your new address and arrange mail redirection through Australia Post. Start a new contacts list for your new location.

17.    Have your car serviced

18.    Return library books and borrowed items

Day prior:

19.    If it is part of your agreement with your removalist, dismantle furniture and put all bolts and screws and other attachments in a small resealable bag and tape it to the base of the item or label and place in a box containing similar parts.

20.    Pack a basic kit with toiletries, tea, coffee, milk and other drinks, personal items, first aid kit, spare clothing, tea towels and dish cleaning devices.

21.    Collect all house keys.

On moving day:

22.    Lead your removalist  Sydney around the house to show them what you want done, including items you will need as soon as you arrive at the new house. These items will be packed last.

23.    Keep pets and children out of the mover’s way, preferably in another location

24.    Place self transported items in your car and lock car doors.

25.    Check all areas, cupboards, cabinets and storage areas to ensure nothing is left behind.

26.    Check and sign inventory.

27.    Switch off power to the house.

If you have special requirements or dates for removals Melbourne relocation specialists will be able to advise on the best course of action, particularly if your household is moving overseas.