Moving tips and helpful information

How to Pack Professionally:

Careful packing is one of the most important aspects of your move. Well-packed household goods stand little chance of being damaged. Also, packing room by room can help to make the unpacking and storage much less of a chore. Whether you have packers to do the packing or you do it yourself depends on your circumstances. Some people do not have the time to devote to what can be an intimidating task. For families on a budget, self- packing can mean considerable savings. Even if you choose to do the packing yourself, you might still consider having professional packers to pack the more delicate or fragile items, such as dishes, crystal, lamps, etc. It is the best of both worlds: you'll enjoy the security of having these more costly items professionally packed while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the job yourself.

Tips on Self Packing-Cushioning:

Many people use newspapers to pack their belongings, but keep in mind that newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on everything it touches and can be almost impossible to remove from items like fine china. Professional packers use "butcher paper" as cushioning material. The amount of butcher paper you use depends on the items being packed. Obviously, towels or sheets in a carton require no packing material at all. For dishes or fragile items, a layer of crumpled paper should be used to line the bottom of the carton to a depth of approximately four inches. Each item should be individually wrapped with crushed paper between items as needed.

Labelling:

Use a heavy marking pen for easy reading. On carton top, list major items such as "CHINA" or "CRYSTAL." On carton side near the top, mark which room cartons goes into. If carton contains fragile items, mark "FRAGILE" on all four sides. On cartons containing fragile items or liquids, mark "THIS END UP" on carton top and put arrows pointing up on all four sides.

Renting storage units seems like a pretty open and shut job: you open the door to your self-storage unit, you shove your stuff in, you shut the door. But public storage isn't quite that simple. Even though it's just sitting there, there's a lot that could happen to your stuff in self-storage. It's important that you pick the right self-storage facility and once you do, it's even more important you pack your storage unit correctly.

When Selecting a Self Storage Facility

Think about location. Are you going to need to access your storage building frequently? If so, aim for someplace nearby.

Consider how much space you really need. Self-storage facilities rent units in all different sizes. It's best to opt for a smaller storage unit and pack it to the ceiling rather than pay for space you're not using. If even the smallest storage units are too much, look into mini-storage facilities: self-storage facilities that specialize in small loads.

Be sure to ask facility representatives how and when you can access your unit. Most self-storage and mini-storage facilities allow for free access 24 hours a day, but some facilities have restrictions and others charge fees for access.

Also ask about climate controlled units. If you're storing anything valuable or delicate - like antique furniture or important documents - it could be warped by being stored in space that's too hot, too cold or too humid. For an extra cost, most public storage facilities can set you up with a unit where temperature and humidity are restricted.

When Packing Up Your Self-Storage Unit

Try to use boxes that are a uniform size, they're easier to stack (remember; keep the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top).

Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything around.

If you're storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top, even if it's just with padding and old, crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything's placed on them.

If you're putting any metal objects into storage - like lawnmowers or file cabinets - it's best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.

Most public storage facilities have ample security. However, it's still wise to take a few precautions of your own against theft. Pack your storage unit so that your most valuable items are at the back, and purchase a high quality padlock to put on the door.

The humidity in your self-storage unit can cause your furniture to warp and your appliances to mildew. Leaving a space between your stuff and the unit's wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation damage. So can using old linens or other fabrics, instead of plastic, to protect your stuff from dust.

If you're storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will prevent mold from growing inside.

Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible in your storage building. This means no gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids or paint thinner. If you're storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you store it.

There are dozens of things to remember when organising a house move - let me help with my detailed home moving checklist.

6 weeks before you move, have you...

Chosen your furniture removalist?

Sorted through basement, loft and garage?

Made proper provision for pets?

5 weeks before you move, have you...

Disposed of the things you don't want to take?

4 weeks before you move, have you...

Started to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address?

Notified banks, savings account/s, credit card companies, hire or purchase and rental companies?

Started to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documents?

Checked that electrical goods will work in your new home?

3 weeks before you move, have you...

Made sure your pets vaccinations are up to date?

Arrange for mail to be forwarded?

Decided whether or not to buy any new household goods?

2 weeks before you move, have you...

Started to dismantle garden furniture?

Made arrangements for connection of services at your new home?

Found new homes for your plants?

Packed and labelled all your boxes?

7 days before you move, have you...

Defrosted the refrigerator/freezer?

Planned simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances?

Separated luggage items you need for personal travel?

Cleaned garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment?

Emptied the tanks of powered tools such as mowers?

Arranged for someone to look after children on moving day?

Movng day...

Relax and watch your furniture removalists do the rest...

Click here to download your own moving checklist

Many people have questions about finding or hiring a furniture removalist. Here we've tried to cover questions people most often ask when arranging a home or office relocation.

"How much does a furniture removalist cost"

That depends on how far you're moving and the level of service you need. Some furniture removalists charge by the hour and some also give a set price.

"How long before should I book a furniture removalist"?

As soon as you know you'll be moving. The earlier you book, the better your chances of moving on the day you prefer.

"How long will my furniture take to get there"?

Local moves usually happen on one day. If you're moving interstate or moving overseas, transit times depend on your destination, freight method, volume and availability.

"How much space in a furniture removal truck"?

Most furniture removalists use a number of different vehicles to be sure you get the right furniture van for your job.

"When is the best time to move"?

Furniture removalists are busiest over the warmer months. If you can avoid moving over the peak, there's a better chance of getting movers on a date you prefer.

"Is it ok if I pack my own boxes"?

You can pack your own boxes but that might mean you aren't covered for breakages. Check with your furniture removalist and insurance before you begin.

"Will my furniture get dirty"?

It shouldn't. A quality furniture removalist will cover your furniture and use a special wrap to protect your furniture to keep it clean.

"What happens with my home appliances"?

Your furniture removalist will treat modern appliances with special care and attention. To maximise protection, lock doors and remove or secure moving parts.

"Do I need to empty my drawers and wardrobe"?

Clothing and other items should be removed and packed separately to your furniture, crockery etc.

"Where can I get packing materials from"?

There are a few ways you can get all your packing materials. You can get them from your local self-storage or online or your furniture removalist can provide them for you.

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