Removalists

Furniture removalists move your furniture and belongings from one location to another — be it in the same building, or from one property to another. They can move you locally, interstate, or to another country.

Wikipedia describes a moving company as:

A moving company, removalist or van line is a company that helps people and businesses move their goods from one place to another. It offers all inclusive services for relocations like packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking, arranging of items to be shifted. Additional services may include cleaning services for houses, offices or warehousing facilities.

Some removalist companies are part of an industry association. These companies must meet standards created by the industry body, and offer a guaranteed level of service, and have business systems and processes in place. As an example, the industry body for moving companies in Australia is AFRA — Australian Furniture Removers Association.

Moving Insurance

Removalists may or may not carry insurance. Reputable moving companies will not only carry insurance, but make their policies available to the consumer, and clearly outline what is covered, and what course of action is taken if something is damaged. Less reputable movers may not carry insurance, and offer the consumer no recourse in the event that they damage something.

At a minimum, your moving company should carry Public Liability Insurance which covers your property in the case of an accident. Loading and Unloading Insurance and Goods in Transit Insurance are two other types of insurance carried by removalists.

Loading and Unloading Insurance covers damage to your goods while they are being loaded from your property to the moving vehicle at the pickup point, and from the moving vehicle to your property during unload. Goods in Transit Insurance covers damage to your items while they are in transit, but some Goods in Transit Insurance only covers brand new goods, so be sure to check.

Even though a moving company may carry insurance to cover themselves, they may have separate insurance terms for your items. Make sure to check and read the fine print. If your moving company only offers basic cover, companies such as CARTS offer removals insurance for your peace of mind.

What Type of Moving Company You Need?

The two factors that influence the type of moving service you need are the distance of your move, and the size of your move. Some companies offer local, insterstate and international moves. Other companies specialise. Some removalists specialise in local moves at the smaller end of the market, moving anything from a studio apartment up to a 2 bedroom home, whereas other companies can move the largest of homes, locally and interstate. It’s best to try and find a company that specialises in the type of move your require as they are expert at performing those tasks.

Find a Moving Company

The best way to find a removalist is to ask your circle of friends who they have used and been happy with in the past. Failing any good recommendations, you will find several moving companies online. Try find a company that specialises in the type of move you require. Read reviews, and read the fine print in their terms and conditions. Once you have narrowed a list down to a few companies you like, it’s time to get some quotes!

Get a Moving Quote

Get a few moving quotes that you can compare against each other, so you know you are getting good value for money, and are engaging the services of a professional moving company. The cheapest moving company isn’t always the best, but sometimes you don’t need the most expensive company either! Check how they calculate their charges, and find the one that suits you the best. Do they charge by the hour, or a fixed price? Both methods have their pros and cons, but one may suit you better than the other.

Book a Move

Once you have selected a quote you are happy with, it’s time to book a move! Book your move well in advance of the day you have to move, so you have plenty of time to prepare. Ask the removalist company you have chosen what steps you should take from here on in. You may have moved several times and know what to do, but it’s always best to ask and work in with the company you have chosen.

Prepare For Your Move

Once everything is locked in, it’s time to start preparing for your move. Before you do anything ask your moving company for advice. They generally have a moving guide and will advise you on how to go about preparing for your move. In addition, this moving guide offers great tips and tricks.

Additional Services Provided by Removalists

Some moving companies provide additional services, such as packing and unpacking, cleaning, and storage. If they do not, and they only specialise in moving, they generally have partnerships with companies who do, so if you require additional services, you can ask them for a recommendation.

Packing and Unpacking

Packing and unpacking is the most common add-on service removalist companies provide. Packers generally come to your property to pack one-to-two days before your move, and supply all the boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and any other supplies needed. On moving day, a team then unpacks your items where you have requested as the your goods are unloaded by the removalists. At the end of your move, the packing supplies are removed from your property leaving you free of having to remove any rubbish!

Dismantling and Reassembling Furniture

Most removalists also offer disassembly and reassembly of your furniture. For a house move, this is generally done by the removalists themselves unless an item requires specialist labour such as with electronics or gym equipment. In the case that you are moving an office, the removalist company may have a separate team disassemble the furniture ahead of the removalist crew, and reassemble the furniture once it has been unloaded.

Self Storage

Some furniture removalists offer self storage for you items. Depending on the company, they may only offer short term storage, but others offer long term storage. If your furniture removalist doesn’t offer self storage, you can find a storage company on the Self Storage Association of Australia website.

Cleaning

Some moving companies also offer end of lease or move out cleaning. Though related to moving, cleaning requires very different knowledge and skills to packing, unpacking, dismantling, reassembling, storing and moving furniture. If your moving company does not provide this service, they generally partner with a company that specialises in cleaning. If you are leasing, most cleaning companies also provide a bond back guarantee.