Top 15 tips to make moving a breeze
I have seen people make many moving mistakes over the years in my role as founder of one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing removal and relocation services, Two Men and a Truck. Here are my top tips to make your next move a breeze.
1. Charge your mobile phone the night before and put the charger in the glove box of your car.
2. Make sure you have all relevant papers and numbers handy (and not packed in one of the boxes). For example, your removalist firm and truck driver’s numbers, real estate agent contact, inspection reports, utility customer numbers, etc.
3. Confirm arrangements with the real estate agent to gain timely access to your new house – or even better, try and pick up the keys the day before.
4. Label all boxes clearly with content and room. This makes it easy for the removalist to place them in the right room and saves you having to move them around later. Number each box and keep a list.
5. Keep a box or bag with scissors, tape, zip bags, labels, marker, screwdriver, pliers, etc handy.
6. Stick fragile stickers on all boxes containing breakables such as glass, china, art works, etc.
7. Keep screws, bolts, clips and other furniture bits together in zip bags and label these clearly – this is definitely worth it, as one missing screw can create stress when the bed simply won’t go back together.
8. As you clear out each room, clean up as much as reasonably possible – this can save you time and money in the end as the clean-up will be much less.
9. Turn off the hot water, gas and electricity, read all meters and note the readings down.
10. After the house is cleared do a detailed inspection all round, take notes and photos of any wear and tear, scratches and damages.
11. Remove all rubbish and take to the tip or collection point (you can be charged if you don’t).
12. Leave keys (labelled) where they can be found but are safe, or drop them to the real estate office.
13. Leave the old house secure – meaning lock all windows/doors/garage when you leave – usually you are still liable at this stage.
14. Inspect the new house, without furniture or boxes in it, take notes and photos of any wear and tear, scratches, marks or damages you may not have noticed before.
15. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydrated and calm the moving nerves.
Richard Kuipers is a moving expert and founder of one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing removal and relocation services, Two Men and a Truck. Two Men and a Truck has over 20 years of experience moving people across five states.
