When deciding how you're going to move, you have several options:
Self move - You move with the help of family and friends
Hire a truck - You manage your own move
Part-service move - You do the packing but use the professionals to move you from A to B
Full Service Move - The professionals manage the whole move
To assess the best method for your circumstance, it is best to start planning eight to ten weeks before your move.
Self move
The self move may appear to be the least expensive option, however, consider the potential hidden costs:
Inexperienced or inappropriate helpers
- Do you have enough helpers to move you in the timeframe you have?
- Are you confident that your volunteer workforce will be reliable?
- Are you happy that your volunteers will take appropriate care of your belongings?
- What awkward or large items do you have - are your volunteers strong enough to move them safely?
- Is your vehicle adequate for the volume of belongings? How many trips do you think will be required?
- Will extra trips be required to transport large or awkward shaped items safely?
- What are the hidden costs involved such as time and cost of petrol?
- Are your volunteers aware of safety techniques for moving and carrying heavy or awkward objects so as not to injure vulnerable areas such as the back?
- Be prepared for minor injuries such as cuts and grazes - ensure you have a basic first aid kit to hand, just in case.
- What can you do prior to the move to prevent breakages?
- It is probable that something will get broken during a move - how will you react if an item gets broken by one of your helpers? How will your reaction affect your volunteer team?
- Carefully consider the emotional strain of doing your own move. Is the extra stress and hassle worth the dollars you'll save?
- How much time will you need to recover after you've moved? What commitments do you have in the days following your move?
- Moving house is a stressful experience and the hard work involved can result in short tempers and frayed emotions. Be mindful of the personalities you are putting together in your volunteer team to help the day go as smoothly as possible.
- This can often be a hidden cost, both financially and time wise - choose your refreshments carefully. Ensure you have refreshments that are adequate for your volunteers and avoid alcoholic refreshments until the move is complete!
- Does your insurance cover you for breakages of precious items during a self-move?
- Are you covered for theft during the move, whilst items are in the vehicle or in the new property?
Hiring a truck is a reasonably inexpensive option, but consider the following:
Is the designated driver appropriately licensed and experienced?
- With a standard vehicle license you can legally drive a truck up to 3 tonne carrying capacity, but anything larger will require a truck license.
- Is the truck big enough for your furniture and cartons?
- Are the streets narrow or entry-points tricky at either your current or new location?
- Are you confident about driving a heavy truck - visibility, braking & manoeuvres?
Discuss the truck size with your truck hiring company:
- 3 metre truck for 1 to 2 furnished rooms
- 5m truck for 3 furnished rooms
- 6m truck for up to 5 furnished rooms
- 8m truck for up to 8 furnished rooms
Part-service move
This is the most popular option, where you pack and the removalist moves you. Issues to consider are:
- Give yourself plenty of time to explore the specific terms of each company's part-move service. Do they expect everything to be at the door ready to go? Will they charge extra for carrying heavy items that you have been unable to budge?
- Does the move company have specific requirements for types of packing boxes? Costs can creep up if you find you have to use their packing boxes rather than your own.
- Ensure you are very clear about the terms of your insurance coverage under the part-service move arrangement. What are the terms of cover, for instance, if a breakage happens at either end of the move, how is responsibility determined?
Full-service move:
This is the most expensive option, but also the most stress-free option. Professionals handle all the packing and the moving. Issues to consider:
- Most companies will give a free quote. Some may send out a consultant so they can assess the scope of your move to give you an accurate quote.
- Ensure you are very clear about any hidden costs. For instance, do your costs reduce if you pack up one end? Will they charge extra for unplugging and reinstalling major appliances? Expect additional costs if you have staircases.
- Are you using a professional company? Check that the removalist is a member of Australian Furniture Remover's Association, contact tel: 1800 671 806
- Remember to get a quote for moving your garage, tool shed, attic and garden furniture. Do you have items that require special moving skills such as piano, fine art, a grandfather clock?
- Explore the insurance options. Your moving company will probably have their own provider but you will need to get a valuation of goods first. Coverage can range from all risk or a cost per $1000 of valuation.
- Be clear about what your current house and contents insurance policies may or may not cover so you don't double up.
- There are some items moving companies will not transport such as plants, aerosol cans and valuable items such as jewellery. You will need to have a contingency plan for these.
Check out our Services Directory for truck hire, insurance and other moving services.
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