Overwhelmed by the seemingly endless things you need to do before moving day?
To make the process as stress-free as possible, planning well to avoid chaos should be your top priority. Beyond hiring a trusted professional removalist, there are also other factors to consider to ensure that the removal is done right.
Below are tips that will help keep your moving day well within your control:
1. Get organised as early as possible
Don’t leave anything to the last minute unless you have no choice but to move in a hurry.
Ideally, you need to allocate at least 30 to 60 days to plan and ensure that your moving day goes smoothly. Start by creating a list and a schedule, then itemise everything you need to get done per week.
2. Grab the opportunity to clear out items
Moving is a good opportunity to organise your belongings, declutter and dispose of items you are no longer using. If you have enough time, sort out your belongings and donate those you don’t use or put them up for sale.
While you have the chance, get rid of any unnecessary items. The moving process is also a cleanup opportunity so you don’t take clutter along with you to your new home.
3. Gather packing supplies ahead of time
When moving, there’s no such thing as too many boxes.
Gathering together the right supplies is a vital aspect of keeping your move as systematic as possible. To save, consider asking your family and friends for scrap boxes in good condition and which you can reuse. A good quality removal box will be strong though, with less chance of your goods being damaged.
Make sure you have these items on hand:
- Boxes in different sizes
- Rolls of packing tape
- Differently-coloured markers
- Packing tissue, bubble wrap, newsprint, linen, etc.
- Scissors and box cutters
Moving is difficult enough, even when everything is neatly taped, packed and labelled. Don’t make it harder by being short on supplies and moving loose items which can make your moving experience a nightmare.
4. Pack fragile items properly
Take extra care when packing fragile items as they are more delicate and break easily.
You can make use of old newspapers to wrap vases, photo frames and dishware. For better protection, use at least two or more layers of paper.
When placing your wrapped fragile items inside their boxes, add some packaging foam or padding in between to reduce shock and prevent damage.
6. Label all boxes
When you label your boxes, make sure to do it on each side so you can easily find what you’re looking for in a stack.
Use a bold marker and/or label stickers to indicate what is inside each box. Make sure your labels are clearly written so that removalists will know which box goes where, and they can take extra care when moving delicate items.
7. Take an inventory of everything
By keeping a record of your belongings, you can have a handy reference in case something goes missing after the move.
Consider creating a spreadsheet that includes lists of the contents of every box. Then, assign a number to each box and write it as a reference code in your spreadsheet.
8. Don’t place valuables in boxes
Luxurious watches and jewellery shouldn’t be placed in boxes together with your other possessions and household items.
Pack your valuables inside a pouch or vanity bag, and keep it with you at all times during the move.
9. Hire a professional removalist
You can streamline the daunting process of moving by hiring the right relocation service.
Professional removalists will take care of everything concerning the move, and all you need to worry about is your items arriving at the right place and on time.
Depending on the services offered by your chosen removalist, they can also do the packing on your behalf. You can focus more on other important things by letting professionals handle the move.
10. Keep your removalist in the loop
Without proper communication, your removalist won’t know what to expect.
For instance, your removalist has to be aware of all minor details to be able to give you the right total estimate of your move time and cost. This also includes informing your removalist about any heavy or overweight items, access restrictions, and whether you need help with dismantling furniture and putting it back together in your new place.
Planning ahead is key
Avoiding a dreadful moving disaster depends greatly on your ability to plan your move well, and way ahead of time.
Although it may seem like a frustrating task at first, you will thank yourself later for staying organised and keeping to a proper schedule.
Implement the tips above to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can actually look forward to moving day.
AUTHOR BIO
Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.