Moving Tips

Important

Book your removalist well in advance.
Check that the company you are making arrangements with will be the company moving you.
Remember that moving is a big event, and cheaper is not always better.
We recommend using professional packers, however if you choose to do your own packing seek some professional advice from your removalist.
Standard size removalist cartons are the most suitable for packing. They are made of heavy durable cardboard, and are of a manageable size. Specialised cartons are available from your removalist. Packing in small supermarket boxes is risky business, it makes the unpacking harder and the task for the removalist more time consuming and difficult.
You may save some money by doing your own packing but there is a risk! Usually there is no insurance cover on owner packed items, so therefore you may want to limit your packing to clothing, linens and non-breakables.
Discuss your insurance requirements well in advance of your moving day and make sure you clearly understand the TYPE and the VALUE of the cover you have. Whilst you are planning your insurance requirements be sure to arrange for adequate cover at your new address.
Articles of value such as money, jewellery, legal documents, taxation papers, insurance policies, etc should be kept aside for personal handling.
Be sure to leave your forwarding address for the new owners, and have farewell drink with the neighbours, "YOU'VE EARNED IT!"

Don't have furniture french polished or painted just before moving. It takes weeks for it to harden properly.
Don't pack breakables in drawers, such as bottle or china ornaments.
Don't overload drawers with linen or clothes, too much weight will damage drawers.
Don't pack cartons to a weight that cannot be comfortably lifted.
Don't pack DANGEROUS or FLAMMABLE goods or paint.
ALWAYS SECURE YOUR CARTONS WITH PACKING TAPE, NOT MASKING TAPE.
REMEMBER TO: Empty your lawn mower of petrol and gas out of bottles, also any other appliances containing flammable liquids.

Tour your house from top to bottom including garage and yard, and gather together everything you don't really need (no point paying to move them).
Plan a garage sale or a trip to trash & treasure, or ring the Salvation Army (or similar organisation) to collect items that may be suitable for donation.
Start to use up your freezer and pantry supply.
Start to notify services (phone, gas, Powercor, etc) for readings and disconnection.

If you are packing yourself start NOW. It can take some time on your own.
Return all those borrowed items (eg. library books, videos, friend's equipment, and any school belongings).
If you are buying and/or selling, re-check with your solicitors and banks that all is running to schedule.

Collect all your belongings from the cleaners.
Finalise any outstanding accounts.
Cancel any home deliveries.
Confirm disconnection and readings for gas, Powercor, Telstra, etc.
Check your check-list that you have notified all the relevant people. Make a list of all the things your family will need on moving day, and start to put them aside.
Drain the fuel from the lawn mower and similar equipment.
Collect any medical and school records.
Contact your removalist and confirm again the times of pick-up and delivery.

Defrost the refrigerator and freezer, and remove all the food.
Make sure everything is packed and ready to go.
Place the items you are taking with you in a separate and secure place.
Check, check and check again around the house for anything you may have overlooked.
Confirm your forwarding bookings eg. travel, accommodation, employment, etc.

Rise early and be prepared for the arrival of the removalist.
Drop young children and pets off with a friend or babysitter. (It's easier for all parties concerned if they're not around.)
Pack a small box with some snack food, tea, coffee, sugar, mugs, soap and towel.
Put bed legs and cupboard door keys in a place you will REMEMBER and find again.
Double check that all appliances are turned OFF before you go. Gas, Powercor, taps, etc.
Make sure the removalist has the correct address!