Ask any property or logistics professional – or even a property journalist – and they will be able to impart a wealth of funny, horrific and downright bizarre stories relating to moving house.
From piano-moving disasters to problems with the removalist truck (such as one story of the parking brake being left off, allowing the truck to roll down the driveway and through a fence), there isn’t much that hasn’t already been seen and done.
Thankfully there is a lot that can be done before the big day to mitigate the risk of a disaster, as well as prepare for the worst in the unlikely event that disaster strikes. It all comes down to planning.
Whether you’re among the growing tide of Sydney families moving north in search of cheaper housing, heading interstate for a change of job or lifestyle, or simply upsizing or downsizing nearby, you’ll need to be well prepared ahead of moving day.
Not sure what to do before the big day arrives? A spokeswoman for Joe Lopino, executive director of the Australian Furniture Removers Association, says the AFRA website is a great place to start. It provides plenty of useful tips, links to relevant organisations, a directory of member removalist companies and a six-week plan to implement ahead of your move.
Most removalist companies also have useful tips, reminders and information on planning and managing a move, as well as links to other related service providers including storage, insurance, foreign exchange, utilities or postal redirection services.
Sadly the removalist industry is one which has experienced its fair share of reckless traders, and it is in order to stamp out these operators and ensure industry standards are maintained that organisations like AFRA exist.
Using a professional removalist company, even if it costs a bit more, offers you a number of benefits and safeguards, including the following.
Insurance can seem like one of those extra charges designed to fleece off more cash during an already expensive process. But do consider the impact of loss or damage to your bottom line before deciding not to go with any moving insurance.
As AFRA’s Viv Hanley has previously explained to Domain, “Many Australians are under the impression that their property is covered by their home and contents insurance policy when they are moving, or that the removalist’s own insurance should cover any damage. This is not the case in each instance.”
Transit insurance is offered by most removalist companies, although you can arrange for your own insurance instead if you are happy to shop around. In most instances, you can choose which items to insure and at what price, which will determine how much the policy costs.
Be aware though that most travel insurers require a professional, registered removalist company to pack the goods for you to maintain coverage, otherwise your policy may be invalidated should you need to make a claim.
Like most major events in life, planning ahead goes a long way towards making things run smoothly. Always choose a reliable removalist company to transport your goods and follow their advice for safely getting your goods to your new home. You can find removalist companies operating in your area on the Domain directory.