Relocating – Initial Tips To Consider

By MyVine | July 10, 2011

When choosing international removalists or an interstate removalist company, you should understand the factors that differentiate removalist companies. Certainly local knowledge is important but having a removalist that can cover all aspects of your move and provides you with a “one company” relocation gives you the confidence you need that your belongings will be secure and arrive at your new home safely.

Some of the factors that you should consider at your point of origin are:

Prior To Your  Move:
For most people, relocating can be a new experience, particularly if it is an interstate or international move. To successfully manage their move, most people need help with all the things they must consider. Making certain that you don’t forget anything will help make your move as stress free as possible. Removalists that have experienced consultants that will come to your home and advise you is the first important step you can take. They will provide you with a checklist of things  that you need to do. They will discuss and identify any special packaging and transportation requirements tailored to your situation. They will discuss with you other services that may be of real value to you. These will include packaging needs, transit options, transit insurance, storage of your goods both at you origin and destination, vehicle transport, pet transport, house cleaning, assistance with finding homes, schools and other relocation services.

Packing Services:
Some people want to pack their belongings themselves. Your removalists should be able to give you the option to have your belongings packed professionally or “owner packed”. Be aware however that in some cases, transit insurance may not be available for “owner packed” belongings.

When you choose to have your belongings professionally packed, a team leader should be assigned to manage your move. It is important that packaging be completed at your home , not removed and repacked. This will help ensure that nothing is lost and you be certain of the way your goods have been packed. Some key points to note are that your removalist has fully trained teams and that the wrapping techniques provide maximum care for all items. For example:

• Fragile items require innovative techniques such as tube wrapping in tissue paper, craft paper and corrugated cardboard.
• Paintings should be individually wrapped then packed into flat picture packs.
• Smaller cartons should be used for books, CDs and DVDs to minimise handling weights .
• Bed linen and general clothing are protected in flat linen cartons.
• Suits and gowns are packed in custom designed hanging cartons.
• Items such as plasma TVs require specialist care and purpose made packaging.
• Heavy duty plastic is used to protect lounges and mattresses from damage and dust .
• Furniture covers, custom made will protect household furniture such as lounges.
• Rugs should be rolled, secured and wrapped to avoid creasing.
• For high value items, special crates can be built for purpose for maximum safety.
• On completion, all your packaged items are labelled and numbered so that they can be cross checked at your destination.

Transit Options:
The goal of reputable removalists is to move your belongings quickly, safely and with the least amount of inconvenience to you. The transit options to consider are:

• Containerised transport by road, rail or sea. Having a container eliminates the unnecessary double handling of goods and is safe and cost effective. Custom built containers too can be specially built and tie rails are used to secure loads and stop any movement.
• Purpose built furniture vans are specially equipped for the sole purpose of transporting household goods.
• It is best to directly load your belongings at your home. This minimises the number of times your goods are handled which in turn, reduces the chance of accidental damage.
• You may even need some goods to be air freighted if you need them at your destination quickly.

Storage Solutions:
Sometimes it may be necessary to store your belongings before you relocate or they may remain at your origin if you have a corporate relocation. It might be short or long term, but storing your goods at a purpose built facility with the right equipment provides you maximum safety and security. If you need storage, consider the following:

• Are the storage modules custom built?
• Does the facility have kiln-dried storage modules to prevent condensation?
• Is each consignment isolated from other people’s belongings?
• Is there 24 hour security and is the facility alarmed and electronically monitored by external security specialists?

Whether you have a local, interstate or international move, having specialist removalists gives you a full range of service options to meet your needs. The confidence you have in your removalist starts from your first meeting with your relocation consultant and having a plan in place that helps you manage your move as easily and comfortably as possible.

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