It is said that, together with death and divorce, moving is one of the most stressful experiences one can go through. On the other hand, it can also be a time of renewal, excitement and adventure. People move for many reasons, whether because of personal circumstances, or because they are relocating for work. Temporary moves caused by major home renovations (those that require a complete rebuild of large areas), complete roof replacements, extensive fire or other natural disasters (call in the tree feller before it falls on the house, Jack!) will also entail vacating the premises for a period.
But getting to the point of actually moving involves packing what you want to take with you, selling or donating those items you don’t want, transporting the goods and then unpacking in the new location. Unpacking and repositioning your possessions can be fun – and a voyage of rediscovery, if some months have elapsed between packing and unpacking – but in itself packing is extremely stressful and worrisome. This is why we employ removalist professionals to assist and remove some of the initial pressure. Packing is also a very time-consuming process, requiring dedication, patience, careful planning and a lot of back-breaking effort if done properly. Time is our biggest enemy when packing up a complete household, as normal life (work, schooling, household routines and often looking for alternative accommodation) continues throughout the process, so employing the services of a reputable and experienced removalist will take a lot of this burden off your shoulders.
What Exactly Do Removalists Do?
Removalists are experienced and skilled professionals who specialise in packing and moving household or office items from one location to another. Their expertise enables them to identify potential risks and safely transport a wide range of personal or business goods from delicate breakables and sensitive electronics to bulky items like grand pianos and boardroom tables – and everything in between. Whilst your goods are in transit or stored at the removalist’s warehouse, you also have the option of taking out insurance offered by larger removalist professionals, thus giving you peace of mind during this period. However, goods and boxes which are self-packed – i.e. not packed by these experts – may not be covered, which is an important factor to consider.
Removalists tackle tasks such as:
- Packing and unpacking: They’ll bring the packing materials and expertly pack your goods – from dishes to furniture – so nothing gets damaged. They use padding materials such as bubble wrap, blankets, and cardboard for bigger items, and also supply and pack heavy double-walled boxes of varying sizes for smaller, more delicate items. They will pack on-site, taking care of everything from glassware, dishes, ornaments and fragile antiques to more robust pieces of furniture. A huge advantage here is that you can observe how they handle your goods, whilst still giving you the time and space to carry on with your own arrangements. A removalist sales representative will already have visited you before quoting on the job, so you will be able to point out any items of particular concern during this visit.
- Assessing the size of the consignment, and planning the space required in the removal van/s to maximise the available area when loading. They pack carefully, ensuring that heavier items are positioned below more delicate goods to avoid damage. If you have ever watched them packing their vans, you will see how they maximise space to cater for all shapes and sizes in the load.
- The actual loading and unloading of the trucks and transporting the goods safely out of – and into – the different locations. If you assist by keeping a note of what each box contains, you will know which boxes go where at their intended destination, so you can be sure that the boxes are deposited in the correct rooms at the new location, thus saving you the effort of having to find and carry heavy boxes from one room to another when unpacking.
- If you are still looking for accommodation at your new location and want to delay transportation to the new premises for a certain period, many removalists will offer storage facilities in secure areas at their warehouses until you are ready to have your goods transported or delivered. Some removalists offer plant nurseries at their warehouses where your treasured container plants can be cared for and watered in the meantime. Bear in mind, though, that such facilities will incur additional costs.
Choosing the Right Removalist
From experience, I would suggest doing the following before deciding on the removalist you are going to use:
- Carry Out Research: Look for removalist companies with positive reviews and testimonials. Visit their websites to learn more about their services and relevant experience.
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: Request estimates from several companies to compare their pricing and offerings. Be cautious of quotes that appear unusually low, or if the removalist is too freely available.
- Verify Their Credentials: Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured. This provides peace of mind that your belongings are in safe hands.
- Ask About Extra Services: If you are looking for packing, unpacking, or storage solutions, make sure the company provides those additional services.
- Check the Fine Print: Carefully read through the contract to understand all terms, conditions, and any potential extra charges.
To sum up:
You want to be sure that all your possessions/goods arrive safely at their intended destination, so you need to be very careful about choosing a reputable removalist, preferably one who has a high standing in the market, or who has been recommended to you personally by satisfied clients or friends. Above all, take responsibility for your part in the process and try to be on-site during the packing, removal and off-loading of your goods. To be sure that nothing disappears en route, be sure to keep an inventory of what has been packed and loaded. This inventory will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure everything arrives at your new location. At the end of the day, it is important to choose the right removalist for a successful and stress-free moving experience.
