There are always plenty of things to organise when relocating a home such as utilities, schools, vehicle registration, electoral role, real estate agents…the list goes on, often while juggling work commitments at the same time! All of that is before you even think about moving the physical contents of your home.

That said, hiring a trusted local removalist to safely and efficiently move your precious possessions will always be my recommendation. Of course I understand that this option is rarely the most cost effective in the short term.

So whether you are using the service of a professional removalist or attempting to undertake the task yourself, preparation is the key to a successful overall move. Hence, this blog series with a step by step guide to preparing for a stress and hassle free (or at least minimised) removal will be helpful to anyone facing relocation.

Stress free moving can be a reality...

PACKING

Probably one of the more tedious tasks in the whole moving process, if not done correctly and with thought, can result in damages or missing items. Breakable items like china, glassware and ornaments must be wrapped in protective packing paper or bubble wrap and packed securely into strong, cardboard cartons. Try to avoid bags and plastic crates wherever possible. Remove all cords from electrical items to avoid damage and keep packed with the item it is for. Clearly mark on each carton your name, the contents of the cartons and the room it came from.

If you are using a professional removalist, ask them about their pre-packing service. In this case, make sure you clearly instruct the removalist’s what you would like them to pack, or if it is easier, remove anything that you not want packed and let the pro’s do their job! They may even be able to assist with the un-packing.

The best removal companies train their staff extensively to make sure they are up to date with all industry recognised best packing practices. What will take you a week, a pro could do in day.

DISMANTLING FURNITURE

If you have hired the service of a removalist, make sure it is clearly understood what, if any, they are willing to dismantle and what is expected of you. Standard practice for a good removal service is, beds, tables (If required) and basic, standard furniture items. Whatever the removalists dismantle, they should reassemble upon delivery. But double check this with your movers.

Items that need to be dismantled by the owner are trampolines, swing-sets, other flatpack furniture items or that “one of a kind” bed that your not so crafty, but enthusiastic, husband knocked up out of recycled pallets that’s held together by whatever he found on the garage floor. Make sure electrical items have been disconnected and kept with the appliance they came from.

Keep all of the small screws, bolts and parts in zip lock bags and clearly labelled. The removalist should use a priority carton for all of the bed-bolts, remotes, cords, and the other essentials items that you will need as soon as you arrive at your new home.

WHAT SHOULDN'T BE MOVED

As most furniture removalists do not carry a dangerous goods licence, all hazardous, corrosive or flammable items must be transported by you. Other things to consider, make sure liquid containers are securely sealed prior to packing and marked with an arrow on the carton so that the loaders know to keep the carton the right way up.

Make sure fuel has been drained from garden tools such as mowers and whipper snipper’s. Remove old cooking oil from BBQs and fat fryers. If you have furniture items in your home that, for one reason or another, are not to be removed, or are going to a different location, use coloured stickers so that the movers know what stays and what goes.



A good idea is to clear a room in the house, usually the second bathroom or similar, to put all of the small items that you need left aside for whatever reason. Like your suitcases, school bags, bathroom items, laptops, tablets, phones and their chargers. It is also important if you are using a moving service to put aside any currency (Australian or foreign) and high value jewellery.

OTHER PREPARATIONS

Furniture removalists will do a lot of pre-preparation before they start loading the truck on uplift day. But there are still a few things that you could do to streamline the process. If you are moving a long distance, interstate or regional, It is good idea to make sure the fridge is cleaned and dried thoroughly at least 12 hours prior to uplift. This is to prevent mould forming inside the fridge and keep if smelling fresh when it arrives at your new home.

Install transit bolts at the rear of the washing machine (front-loader) to secure the drum. Remove lamp shades and light globes from lamps and put them in safe place to avoid breakages. Make sure the microwave plate has been removed and packed away safely.

Preparing for a move is also the perfect opportunity to give your furniture a good clean and wax for the special wooden pieces. Furniture wax adds an additional protective coat that will actually protect the piece from surface scratches.

CLEAR THE WAY

Safety for everyone involved in the move, whether it is family, friends, or hired Removalist’s, is often overlooked. One thing we can all agree on, a trip to emergency is the last thing anyone needs on moving day.

There are a few steps you can take to minimise the risk. Try to keep everything as neat and tidy in the premises as possible. Stack boxes neatly together in the room they were packed in. Clear walkways and paths through out the house. If possible, remove clutter and rubbish before the move day, so that the only things left in the house are items to be removed.

Try to organise a babysitter for the day, although moving can be exciting for children, kid’s playing around a move site can be very dangerous. Keep pets tied up in a shady spot or taken out for the day.

WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED

If you have organised help from friends or family members, there might be equipment that you will need on the day. A well equiped removalist will have plenty of professional moving blankets, plastic mattress covers, appliance trolleys, desk dolly, straps or webbing, tools, floor and wall protectors, ramps and a well stocked toolbox.

If you are using ute’s or trailers for the move, check the wether forecast. Truck hire companies are a popular choice for families moving on a budget, but they won’t come with any of the before mentioned equipment. Make sure you are familiar with the vehicles height, width and weight restrictions, and be positive that you are licensed to operate it.

IN SUMMARY

As I said at the start of this blog, you are far more likely to have a successful removal if you enlist the help of a professional local moving service like the guys at TSF to complete every aspect of the move. From pre-packing, dismantling, loading and unloading, reassembly, unpacking and everything in between. 

It is hard to convey the value of a good removal service, until you have experienced how bad a move can go! Toowoomba Sensitive Freight offer in-house inspections conducted by a highly experienced moving consultant, for no additional charge, to establish exactly what is involved with your removal.

This service also provides you wth financial protection as we can be confident that we understand the scope of work involved and not just relying on a phone conversation or online forms. 

So, to avoid extra stress, headaches and hidden or un-thought of costs, call our friendly staff at TSF today on 07 4549 6790 to book your inspection, or visit our website to find out how to get a customised quote today.