When selecting international removalists or an interstate removalist company, there are a number of factors that differentiate one company from another. 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:
Before You Move:
Relocating your home, particularly if you are moving internationally or interstate can be a new experience. To successfully manage their move, most people need help with all the things they must consider. For your move to be as stress free as possible, you need to cover all your bases so that nothing is forgotten. Removalists that have experienced consultants that will come to your home and advise you is the first important step you can take. They will give you with a list of items to check 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 own goods. Your removalists should be able to give you the option to have your belongings professionally packed or “owner packed”. Be aware however that in some cases, transit insurance may not be available for “owner packed” belongings.
If you choose to have your belongings professionally packed, a team leader should be assigned to manage your relocation. It is important that packaging be completed at your home , not removed and repacked. This will help make sure 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 wrapped individually 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.
- Some items such as plasma TVs require specialist care and purpose made packaging.
- Heavy duty plastic is used to protect lounges and mattresses from dust and damage .
- 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 interstate or international removalists is to relocate 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 your load and prevent any movement.
- Purpose built furniture vans are specially equipped for the sole purpose of transporting household goods.
- It is best to directly load your goods at your residence. This minimises the number of times your belongings 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 your relocation 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 moving internationally, local or interstate, 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.
