- Local: Look for a removals service familiar with local streets and traffic, who also has storage options in the area in case they can't unload at your destination due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Interstate: Choose a removalist who has knowledge of both the area you are moving from and the state or territory you are moving to, as well as conveniently located storage options.
- International: When moving to another country, you need a removalist who is familiar with the specific requirements of your destination country regarding your shipment.
- Commercial: If you are moving a business, you'll have an additional, different set of concerns, including the need to minimise downtime as much as possible during your move.
Scheduling
If you book a removalist through a broker instead of a reputable company, you don't have a lot of recourse if they show up late or not at all. Choose a reputable removalist that is reliable and provides excellent service. A good way to check this is by looking at customer reviews and testimonials.Tip: Ask around and see if you can find a friend, acquaintance, or coworker who has had a good experience with a removalist. Then follow up with the highest level of management to discuss your needs further.
Removalist Inspection
Watch out for scammy removals companies that offer you a too good to be true "flat price" without bothering to look at your items or ask you to fill out an inventory. Failure to inspect before signing a contract is a red flag. This should be a warning sign that you could end up with your belongings held hostage until additional fees are paid.Tip: Research your top choices online and read reviews, then go on their website and check for fine print. Make sure that they provide a disclaimer for liability. Look at their pricing structure and ensure it makes sense. A realistic cost will be based on the total weight of your items and the amount of physical space they take up.
Damages During a Move
There’s nothing worse than starting to unpack in your new location and realising that valuable items are broken or missing entirely. This can lead to disputes with your removalist over who was responsible. To avoid damages, ensure that items are packed properly from the start. Also, have someone present to watch and make sure cleaners don't accidentally throw items out, or passersby take off with boxes.Tip: Make certain you are fully insured for the replacement value of all of your items for the move. Label each box clearly with a list of the items it contains. You can check against your lists as you unpack, and match missing or damaged items to the list in order to make a claim against your insurance cover.
Pet Transport
If you need to transport family pets, your move can become much more complicated. Moving locally or even between two adjacent states or territories might not be too difficult, but an international move could mean extra layers of complexity. Many removalists can't or won't handle animals, but may not tell you so up front. This could become a point of contention.Tip: Research ahead of time and find a removals company that is experienced in pet transportation. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you choose a company that understands local quarantine requirements, and can comply with all government regulations associated with pet transportation.
Storage Options Throughout The Move
Sometimes things happen that are out of anyone's control. You could arrive at your destination late and be unable to access your new home because you missed the window for meeting with a property manager. The wrong keys could have been left for you. The elevator could be out of service. In any case, there needs to be a back up plan in place, including a place to store your items that isn't on the removalist's truck.Tip: Ask your removals company what their own backup plan is in case something were to go wrong and they couldn't unload on schedule. If they have access to a storage facility, you can avoid having your belongings simply unloaded on the street.
Commercial Moves
If you are moving an entire office or business, you will need to be even more careful to avoid common problems with movers. If paperwork or computers go missing, data could be compromised. If movers are late or flake out, your downtime could cause significant financial impact.Tip: Choose a removalist that specifically details how they manage end to end corporate moves. They can provide a higher level of support, making your move fast, easy, and quickly forgotten as you get back to work in your new location.
Do you require the services of a removals company? Allied has been moving both homes and corporations locally, interstate, and internationally for over half a century. With knowledge, experience, and end to end removals capability, we're perfectly positioned to help you with your move wherever you are or want to go. Give us a call today on 13 25 54 to organise a free quote.