Moving your Gear to Australia

Selecting a reputable removalist company to help with your move is one of your first decisions. What criteria must you evaluate to ensure you have chosen your ideal company?

Cost

Everyone is limited to a budget. However, you should also be aware of intangibles which could cost you more in the long run, including convenience, peace of mind, time constraints, knowledge and risk reduction. The cost is likely to be reflective of these considerations.

Reputation

How long have the removalist companies you’re looking at been in business? Ask whether they have any referrals or testimonials. What types of vehicles do they use for transportation and are they well-maintained?

Service delivery

A removalist company should be able to offer you an obligation free quote. It’s a good idea to look for the little things, such as whether their staff wears uniforms when they appear at your place – aspects like this add to their overall professional image.

Services offered

Look closely at the services provided by your prospective removalists. Some services you are likely to require include:

1. Packing: You may be happy to pack some household items yourself – other items might require expert assistance, however. Ensure that the removalist firms you’re evaluating offer a packing service and ask for a quote.
2. Cleaning: After the packing is done and everything moved out, be assured there is cleaning to do. Removalist companies may offer cleaning services as well. Think about: vacuuming, dusting, floor-washing, kitchen and bathroom detailing
3. Cleaning your property will be mandatory if you’ve been renting and you’re expecting to get your bond back!
4. Storage: It’s possible you may need to store some or all of your items for a period. Think about what things you possess which may require storage and whether the removalists you’re looking at offer this service at a competitive price.
5. Motor vehicle moving: If you’re moving long distances – particularly interstate – you’ll need to consider what you do with the car and motorbike. Moving companies often offer vehicle moving services – ensure you check them out.
6. Insurance: This is strongly recommended for any furniture moving. Remember that furniture’s not designed to be moved – even the best packed furniture might get damaged during transportation.

There are always special considerations to attend to when moving house, especially when this involves moving country.

Never forget the impact that the move will have on your family members - in particular, your children. While some families find moving an exciting experience, many also find it daunting.

There's likely to be a considerable wrench if children see themselves being pulled away from their school friends and possibly other family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don't just think physical when it comes to moving, there are likely to be major emotional ramifications as well. The first step with children and other family members is to explain the move carefully with them. Tell them what the new house and location will be like and what to expect.

Let children join with you in visiting your potential new homes and their geographic location. Tell your children why you’re moving. Explain how they can help to make the move a successful one.

Encourage open communication about the move and tell them not to feel afraid about discussing anything with you.

1. Don’t force family members to accept your point of view – chances are you will have at least some mixed feelings about moving as well. Accentuating the positive is a worthwhile measure, though.
2. Honesty is the best policy – there’s no point in glossing too heavily over things that probably shouldn’t be glossed over.
3. Children who are old enough to remember earlier moves may remember unpleasant experiences – these must not be ignored.
4. Opinion is divided on whether to leave younger children with carers on moving day – it may seem like hassle reduction to you, but the children may prefer to be with their parents.
5. Encourage your children to become part of the moving process, thereby increasing their involvement.

Use a removalist company for your move - your personal worries are likely to be minimised and you can devote more time to the children.

Encourage children to exchange their new addresses and phone numbers with all their school friends.  Allowing children to call their friends after you've arrived at your new address is a positive step towards maintaining contact.

After you've arrived at your new address, spend time with the family after the major unpacking's done - don't worry about every last detail.

During the move itself, different age groups will respond differently. Ensure each group is accommodated for.

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