Modular Storage:

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Modular storage

Modular storage or ‘mod’ storage is one of the types of storage we offer.

Your belongings are securely placed inside purpose built, 10 cubic metre wooden storage modules.  Your items are wrapped with padded blankets and are strategically placed to make the most of the space.

Over the years of experience gained through operating a removal and storage company we opted for modular storage. We identified it as the most economical way for customers to store their items. We buy purpose built flat pack kits that we assemble on site, all materials are of the highest grade and made of plywood, which ensures the items being stored can breathe which reduces the chance of mould. (However, as when storing any items, you must ensure that nothing damp is placed into storage).

From time to time we hear that other storage companies are offering cheaper rates on storage based on the size. The main point of writing this article is to point out the difference and savings you make when using this system.

When loading and unloading the mods, the truck can park next to the mod making it faster to load which in turn reduces the time taken and in turn reduces the cost of your removal when being charged at the hourly rate. So when another removal or storage company offers a cheaper rate make sure you’re comparing apples with apples.  A lot of the time the assumed cheaper rates are based on a hard to get to storage unit, meaning the removalists have to walk along corridors and use lifts which substantially increase the load or unload time – hence an excessive removal bill when being charged by the hour.  With a removal hourly rate sometimes 4 times higher than the weekly storage rate you can see why this is such a false economy…

Modular storage is also a safe and secure way of storing your belongings as there is no general public access and your items are shut securely behind closed doors at all times.

Our customers use our modular storage for all kinds of reasons.  Here are a few:

  • Customers who are de-cluttering before a home style pre house sale
  • Customers who simply have run out of space in their current home.
  • The contents of deceased estates and the family want to deal with it later on.
  • In-between homes
  • Down-sizers
  • Gone travelling!
  • Placed overseas with work for a while
  • Renovating current homes are very common
  • Businesses who have down sized temporarily and want to store furniture for the inevitable expanding at a later point.
  • Offices that move into new premises who have fit outs as an incentive and don’t want to sell their current furniture.
Suitable for:

Domestic furniture

Commercial furniture

Long term storage

Short term storage

Modular Storage Pros:

Very fast to load – massive savings on the removal bill

Furniture can breathe (wooden modules) reducing chance of mould

10m3 modules so you don’t pay for empty space

Dust free

Secure as there is no general public access

Cheaper

Modular Storage Cons:

If you need to retrieve an item/items from your module prior to moving out then you may have to empty out the module to get to it unless items are identified pre loading and placed at the front of the module.  Although this would also apply to any enclosed storage facility.

Restricted access, by appointment only.

MODS delivered to your door:

Some companies offer to bring the modules to your door.  This isn’t a procedure we operate or recommend, please see the cons below…

Pros:

Saves double handling

Cons:

The likeliness of your items getting damaged inside the module whilst in transit increases dramatically as there are no tie points inside the modules.  Hence your furniture can’t be secured in place; greatly increasing the risk of damage.

This is why we don’t operate this procedure.

Our recommendation of using a removal truck to transport your furniture and belongings into storage ensures your belongings are securely positioned to reduce the movement which potentially causes damage whilst in transit.

 

 

 

 

Cheatsheet for Moving Day. What To Pack In Your Car

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Cheatsheet for Moving Day. What To Pack In Your Car

Cheat Sheet

 

There are some items which you should consider packing in your car instead of the removal van on moving day. This includes things which you might need on your journey, items you’d rather pack yourself and anything that will help make your move more comfortable.

Below is a list of items you might want to consider keeping close at hand on the big day.

Personal items

1: Day Bag
Pack a bag with items such as daily medication, mobile phone (and charger), glasses, wallets, identification, crucial documents and anything that you might need on hand or that will make your day more comfortable. Once you’ve packed it, be sure to put it in your car or out of sight so as to avoid having it loaded into the van by accident.

2: Car Keys
Remember to keep your car keys safely in your pocket on moving day because, even if you’ve planned your move like a military operation, things are bound to get a bit chaotic at some stage. The last thing you need is to have to search high and low for that elusive bunch of keys.

Survival kit

1: Cutlery and snacks
Pack a plastic container with a few knives, forks and spoons, plates and cups, a kettle and basics like tea bags, sugar, milk, bread, breakfast cereal and some snacks. This way you won’t have to root through boxes when you get to your new home and are desperate for a cup of tea.

2: Toiletries
Pack a bag with essentials for the family – toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and towels, shampoo and other toiletries, as well as pyjamas and changes of clothes.

3: Linnen
Pack your pillows and linen for each bed, because nothing beats climbing into a freshly made-up bed after a long day.

Taking care of your little people

1: Toys and blankets
If you have small children and they’re going to be around on moving day, their favourite toys will need to make the trip to your new house with you. A move is stressful for youngsters and there will be heartache and tears if they don’t have that much-loved teddy bear or blanket close at hand.

2: Entertainment
Keeping your children busy and out of your hair will also go a long way to saving your sanity on moving day. A portable DVD player or electronic games can be a life-saver.

Your four-legged friends

1: Pet essentials
Your pets are as much a part of your family as anyone else so don’t forget their baskets, bowls, water and food on your list of things to be packed in your car. Also make sure you have pet-carriers for cats and other small animals.

Flammables

Removalists can’t transport potentially dangerous substances such as petrol, gas or paint in their truck as it automatically voids the insurance.

It’s probably best to get rid of them before you move, but if you are planning to take any of these substances to your new home you should transport them yourself.

Valuables

If you’re using the right removal company your valuables shouldn’t be a concern, however many people find that it gives them peace of mind to transport items like valuable artwork, antiques or collectables themselves.

Should you decide you’d like to keep these items with you in your car ensure they’re well padded with bubble wrap and place blankets between them to prevent any bumps or breakages.

When transporting items which are particularly large and fragile you may want to consult an art or antique removal service about the best way to pack and move them.

Final notes:

You may find you have to do two or three trips in your car. If so, plan what you’re going to pack for each run. For instance, take all your clothes and bedding in one trip and fragile goods in another.
Your last trip should include your survival kit and smaller valuables, and of course your kids and pets.

Finally, don’t over-pack your car. Remember that you still have to drive safely and your car is going to be more loaded than usual. So make sure your view, especially through the back window, isn’t obstructed and nothing can shake loose and cause an accident or injury.
Forward planning is the key to a happy moving day, if you have it all sorted out beforehand you should be absolutely fine.

Have a safe move.

Image courtesy of zirconicusso at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Moving Into Storage: All You Need To Know

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Moving Into Storage: All You Need To Know

 

Storage

Whether you have a gap between moving from your old house to your new one, your children have flown the nest, but left their stuff behind or simply want more room, storing furniture and other belongings is a very viable option when it comes to decluttering your home for whatever reason.

Make sure all of your storage items are clearly labelled or point them out to the removal team.

Bear in mind there are a couple of important points to remember when you’re moving your possessions into storage.

  • White goods – like your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher which work with water – should all be disconnected, thoroughly cleaned with a good-quality detergent and then dried out completely a good while before it goes into storage. This is to prevent mould and mildew from forming, but you don’t want your freezer defrosting inside the container surrounded by your furniture and clothing also having dry white goods will reduce the chances of mould forming.
  • You may want to retrieve items from your storage unit from time to time, so bear that in mind when you’re packing it. Mark items you will most likely need with a “load by the door” so the removalists can ensure they are easy to retrieve if necessary.
  • Clearly mark all your boxes with what’s in them. Again, you may need to find something and you don’t want to have to unpack 20 boxes to find it. Also it’s best not to put documents or important papers in storage for the same reason.
  • Don’t use the drawers of cabinets and side tables and other containers like laundry hampers and suitcases to pack things in as transporting the items will be difficult. The chances of a draw falling out with your valuables causing damage are high. Instead use removal boxes to pack your items into them. and the chances are a draw
  • It’s common sense, but worth the reminder that storing perishable foods are a no-no. You should even think twice about dry goods such as rice and flour, because even if they are well-sealed they may attract weevils or other nasties.
  • It goes without saying that anything flammable or toxic (e.g paint, gas cylinders, pool chemicals, turpentine or paint thinners, or petrol) must not be stored at all these void all insurance policies.
  • When storing mattresses, sofas and armchairs you should ask your removalist for protective plastic covers these will protect from dust and dirt.
  • Make sure clothes have been thoroughly cleaned or dry-cleaned before they go into storage. Packing them into vacuum-sealed bags will not only stop the air from getting to them and causing odours, but save you space. Just keep in mind the weight of the items you pack into the sealed bags. It is a common problem to overpack vacuum-sealed bags into boxes and then realise that the boxes are too heavy to lift!
  • Take apart furniture that can be disassembled and clean with a gentle soap. Place all the screws and bolts into zip-lock bags and tape them to the furniture.
  • Lampshades are great dust collectors, so give them a good wipe down and wrap them in plastic before you store them. Remember to remove the bulbs. If you can remove the electrical cords or wrap them securely around the base of the lamp and tape them so they don’t come loose.
  • Mattresses act as good padding between other items.
  • Use table tops and other flat surfaces for stacking boxes and other goods. Be sure, though that the surface can take the weight and place a blanket or other form of covering on the table top to prevent scratching.
  • Don’t place computers, TVs or other electronic equipment on surfaces where they may topple over. Also ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic or bubble wrap to keep the dust and moisture out.
  • If you would like to store any unusual items, check with your storage company first to see if they’re allowed. Most companies will have a list of items not allowed to be stored is also in their terms and conditions.

Finally, storage is an efficient and effective way of keeping your furniture and other household goods safe while you’re not using them. With good planning and clever packing, you can ensure that your possessions stay in the best possible condition until you need them again.

 

Packing Your Breakables To Keep Them Safe During Your Move

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Packing Your Breakables To Keep Them Safe During Your Move

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Probably the most challenging task when you’re moving house is getting all your fragile goods to your new home in one piece. It’s not just your crystal glasses and family-heirloom china you have to worry about, but mirrors, pictures and lamps also have to be handled with care.

It’s pretty obvious, that you can’t just shove your fragile things into a moving box and hope for the best. You need some time and the right packaging materials to pack up your breakable goods.

Moving Supplies for Fragile Items
  • Purpose made moving boxes in different sizes
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Scissors
  • Packing tape
  • A large flat work surface

Don’t use old towels (they can’t be secured with tape), newsprint (smudges or marks your china) and paper towel (tears easily) as packaging material.

Pictures and Mirrors

When you’re packing anything with a glass surface – like framed photos and pieces of art – even if it’s going into a moving box – wrap with packing paper, write which side is the glass and mark “fragile glass”. Even if the glass does break, the paper will hold the big pieces together. The same applies to mirrors.

Get a good supply of purpose made double walled moving boxes in just two sizes. Your removalists will have specially designed boxes, which you can buy for moving all your items.

STEP 1: Try to sort and pack your frames according to size.
STEP 2: Line the box with paper.
STEP 3: Wrap each frame in packing paper, and stack them as you would dishes in a dish rack.
STEP 4: Place a good layer of screwed up packing paper (known as crush in the removalist trade) or bubble wrap between each frame.
STEP 5: Pack in more paper on top of the picture frames so that they don’t shift around in the moving box when they’re being moved.
STEP 6: Seal the boxes with tape.

If you have any over-sized pictures or mirrors, wrap these items generously in bubble wrap and make sure that all the corners are well protected. Indicate on the bubble wrap by marking what the painting is (for your own reference) and which side is the glass on. Indicate clearly “Fragile glass this side” so your removalists can extra care on the moving day.

We advise wrapping canvas paintings in paper lined bubble wrap to provide additional protection for the item. Once again it’s really important to clearly indicate “Fragile canvas” as well as indicating what painting it is and which sire the front is on.

Glasses and Cups

Glasses and cups are the biggest headache to pack, because they’re probably the items you have the most of.

STEP 1: Fill and wrap each glass/cup/bowl etc with packing paper, before wrapping with tape.
STEP 2: Place a good layer of crushed up removal paper in the bottom of the removal box for your fragile items to be placed on. This provides great cushioning for the goods and prevents things from moving around on the moving day.
STEP 3: Pack one layer of glasses or cups into the box, then cover them with more crushed removal paper. You should also ensure that you use some of the crushed paper on the inner edges of the box to provide additional and maximum protection. Then proceed with adding your second layer of items. The common belief is to use bubble wrap for this process however it is less effective and the cost of it is also considerably higher.
STEP 4: Repeat until the moving box is almost full and then add a final layer of crushed paper to the top of the box.

Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box, with lighter pieces on top.

Crockery and China
The same principles apply when packing plates and dishes as when you’re packing your glassware.

STEP 1: Generously wrap each one with packing paper, wrap with tape.
STEP 2: Place a layer of crushed removal packing paper at the bottom of the box
STEP 3: Pack like-sized plates and dishes vertically in your box and pack with a good amount of crush or bubble wrap in between and on the edges of the box.
STEP 4: Top off with another layer crush and seal the moving box.

Wine

Whether it’s your everyday supply or a valuable collection, prepping wine for your move also takes some thought.

First of all, take stock. Decide whether you want to keep everything.

Removalists will have purpose made wine boxes that can transport your wine in top condition. The wine boxes can carry 12 bottles at a time and are stored horizontally.

Antiques and Collectibles

Antiques and collectibles, by their very nature, are irregularly shaped. So invest in a lot of tape and packing paper.

Be especially careful when packing objects with handles, as the handles are often the most vulnerable part of the object and the most likely to break.

STEP 1: Make use of a lot of crushed paper to line the bottom the removal box.
STEP 2: Smother the item in packing paper. Ensuring the paper is scrunched slightly to a better layer of protection.
STEP 3: Sandwich it between more crushed paper and then place the piece in a snug-fit packing paper lined box that’s roughly the same size, filling the gaps with crush.
STEP 4: Seal up the box with tape and use a permanent marker to label as fragile.

TVs/Sound systems/Dvd players

The original packaging is usually the best to use, as they have moulded polystyrene for protection. If you threw it out ages ago, pack your sound system / digital box / dvd player in the smallest removal box possible with plenty of padding. Bubble wrap the TV with a double layer to ensure that no scratches occur on the screen. The removalists will blanket wrap the items on the day of the move and handle appropriately. There are TV boxes on the market but they aren’t good value for money and don’t offer very good protection.
Point out your fragile and precious items to the removal team on the day of your move. They won’t have any issues with this and will ensure the right items are being looked after.

You know your furniture best. Point out broken hinges, or a chair that has a wobbly leg, so the removalists take more care when moving it to potentially avoid further damage.

If it’s a super fragile item, write “top load” or “nothing on top” and again point it out. Your removals team will ensure nothing is loaded on top of it in the truck.

The same goes for large pictures and paintings.

Removalists never mind people pointing out items needing special care, in fact they prefer it.

A lot of your fragile goods are impossible or costly to replace if they are broken in your move. But if you take care in how you pack them from the start, you minimise the risk of any serious damage. You can then savour the pleasure of arranging your possessions in your new home. Enjoy.

Image courtesy of Hey Paul, Flickr.

Moving Made Easy

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Moving Made Easy

Moving

When it comes to packing up your house for the big move, there are some really simple packing tips that you probably never thought of. Following this advice will not only make your move, but your life a whole lot easier.

1. Take a photo of how your entertainment system is wired
It’s amazing how quickly the back of your entertainment centre becomes a tangle of wires connecting TV to DVD player to Xbox and all your other electronic gadgets.

To save yourself hours of frustration when you’re putting everything together again at your new home (unless you’ve got a tech-savvy teenager), take a photo of where all the wires go. Use it to guide you when you’re reconnecting.

2. Place screws for self-assembly furniture back into the furniture or in sandwich bags
Some furniture will need to be taken apart before it can be transported. Your removalists will usually carry the tools to disassemble/reassemble beds and other items on the day.

But if you’re going to dismantle and reassemble furniture yourself, follow these packing tips:

  • Get a piece of sticky tape and dab it on your shirt, this takes the harsh stickiness off the tape and stop it from damaging the finish of your furniture.
  • Label all the joints and corresponding pieces (eg. A­A / B­B and so on), to save time and headaches when you’re putting it all together again.
  • Place numbered tape on the inside of the furniture so you don’t see it when assembled.
  • Dismantle and put all the bolts back into the holes with the nuts to keep them in place – this way you don’t have to search for the correct nuts and bolts when assembling them.
  • If you have units/bookshelves that use pegs to hold the shelf up, remove the shelves, put all the pegs into a zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the unit – this makes it easy to assemble at the other end.

3. Pack an overnight bag
Make sure you pack a bag with pyjamas, a change of clothing for each member of the family for your first night in your new home.

Don’t forget the toiletries. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and some towels should also go into your overnight bag. You’re probably going to be in desperate need of a long, hot soak at the end of your moving day, so include some bubble bath in your toiletry bag for a little luxury.

4. Pack a survival kit
If you really want to think smart, pack some essentials into a clear plastic box that you’re probably going to need straightaway for the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms.

The kettle, of course, is a must for those much needed cups of coffee or tea to sustain you through your moving day. Don’t forget some cutlery, as well as plates and cups. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar and the makings of breakfast are also must-haves.

A set of linen and pillows for each bed will go a long way to making your first night in your first home more comfortable and enjoyable.

5. Pack plates upright
Packing your plates vertically into the box with a layer of bubble wrap or other padding between each one is a great space saver.

6. Use everyday storage containers for things going in the car
Use baskets, bags and other containers around your house for goods you’re transporting yourself in your car, as boxes may be too big and awkward to fit in your boot or back seat.

Pack clothing and soft furnishings you’re taking with you in garbage bags or vacuum bags. You’ll be able to get more into your car.

7. Room name your boxes
It might seem obvious, but labelling and room naming your boxes according to where they belong will help you keep track that everything is where it should be. It will also help your removalists to put things in the right room.

8. Write what’s in the box on the tape
It takes the mystery out of what’s in the boxes and where they belong when they’re stacked.

9. Getting your kids sorted on moving day
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about your children getting underfoot.

Remember a move is upsetting to them too. They may be leaving the only home they’ve ever known. Ask Granny or another trusted carer to take them for the day. It will also give you peace of mind that they’re safe. When you send your children off for the day, or even if they’re staying with you, pack a bag with their favourite toys and other items like games, crayons, stickers and books to keep them entertained.

10. Stop leaks
There is nothing worse than opening a box to find that a bottle of oil, dishwasher or shampoo has leaked over everything. Cover the necks of open bottles with packing paper and tightly screw the lid back on.

11. Get professional advice on moving your plants
A move can also stress out your indoor and potted plants. Contact your local garden centre or a plant expert for advice on how to transport them with minimal impact. Smaller plants will probably need to go in the car with you.

Analysis paralysis can often bog you down when it comes to big life changes like moving. Whether its rewiring your entertainment centre or ensuring you’ve got everything need on your first night – keep it simple with a good plan for a smooth transition to your new home.

Image courtesy of Katy Stoddard, Flickr.

Insure Your Move. Making Sure You Have The Right Cover

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Insure Your Move. Making Sure You Have The Right Cover

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There’s a commonly held fallacy that your furniture and possessions are automatically covered by your removalist’s insurance when you move. Unfortunately if that’s what you believe and your moving company should make this clear from the outset what is covered and what is not otherwise, you’re in for a nasty shock if something goes wrong.

Removals operate like airlines with regards to insurance. You are not covered by insurance as a standard, so you need to take insurance out in advance in case anything should go wrong.

In addition, Australian law doesn’t require removalist companies to carry insurance other than transit insurance. What’s more they would have to be a licensed broker to offer full insurance. Other removal companies might say they are insured, but check, they are probably referring to their transit insurance that kicks in during your move.

Transit Insurance
Should the truck be involved in a crash, overturn or catch fire during transit, the insurance will cover all of your belongings. There will be customer excess on this insurance, so check with your moving company what the amount is.

House & Content Insurance
If you have home/contents insurance, check your policy as it may cover removals. If a move isn’t covered find out whether a premium could be added, or your coverage extended during the time of your move.

Insuring Your Move
Another option is to speak to your moving company if you require full insurance for your move. They can probably recommend a broker who they work with regularly, who can give you advice and a quote.
What your removalists can and can’t insure during your move in terms of transit and storage cover is governed by the Financial Services Reform Act, which came into effect on 11 March 2004, and is aimed at protecting the consumer from unscrupulous brokers.

Removalists can’t for instance “offer to arrange insurance, sell insurance or in any way provide insurance unless they have an insurance licence or being an authorised representative of a licensed Insurer”, according to the Act.
Any company (including removalists) that offers you any sort of insurance or financial product must be an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence holder.

There are three categories in which a broker can be licensed: Personally, as an AFS licence holder’s director or employee, or otherwise as an authorised representative of an AFS licence holder.
That AFS licence is what’s going to give you some sort of recourse, if things go pear-shaped and there’s a dispute about your insurance claim.

If they are licensed brokers and you take them up on their insurance services, they must provide:

  • A Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide – explaining all aspects of the policy and your rights and obligations before they arrange any insurance for your move.
  • An insurance certificate before your move starts
  • Their company’s authorised representative number before entering into a contract with you

So it’s up to you to ensure that you have proper insurance for your move. The bottom line is if you want your goods to be safe and to prevent a financial loss if things do go wrong.

  • Firstly find out if your removalists do carry an insurance licence and what sort of coverage they offer.
  • Check whether you’re covered under your existing household insurance. If that’s not an option and you have to source insurance for your move yourself, use common sense.
  • Shop around and find out what’s on offer.
  • Find the best money can buy within your budget.

Let’s face it, insurance is very much a grudge purchase. We’re forking out money based on something that is unlikely to happen. But Murphy is always lurking just around the corner. Should you choose not to insure your possessions and something does go wrong you could face devastating material and financial losses.

Image courtesy of Alan Clever on Flickr.

Moving House Checklist

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Moving House Checklist

Checklist and Pen

 

Tips From A Professional For A Smart & Stress-free Move

As the Boy Scouts say: “Be Prepared.” And never was a truer word spoken than on moving day. You need to be well organised for a smooth, effortless transition to your new home. Otherwise it’s going to be a very, very, very long day.

To avoid unnecessary stress, start a moving house checklist well in advance of your move, bearing in mind that there are lots of little things to remember that will need to be ticked off your list.

Before you started packing

Your moving journey starts with 3 basic but critical logistical steps, which can be broken down into: Arranging your physical move, making plans for your kids and pets and notifying people and organisations of your change of address.

 

1. Your physical move

Book your removalist as soon as you know when you can move into your new home. It seems obvious, but once you’ve got a date pinned down, it is far easier to work towards a deadline.

Sort out your insurance. Most removal companies don’t provide full insurance for your move as they have to be licensed brokers to do so. Removal companies will provide transit insurance, which covers any damage to your furniture if their truck is involved in an accident or rolls while they are transporting your goods. You’ll need to check whether your house and contents insurance covers your furniture and belongings, or whether you need to extend your cover to include your move.

 

2. Getting your kids and pets ready for the move

Your children and fur family are also impacted by the stress and disruption of a move. It might be worth your while to make arrangements for them on the day of the move.

Arrange a playdate for your kids with a friend, or ask granny and granddad to take them for the day. It will keep them from getting under your feet, and everyone will be happier all round.

The same goes for your pets. It’s better for your dogs and cats to be out of the house on moving day. There will be a lot of people walking in and out and they may become anxious and get out of your property. Find someone to dog- or cat-sit them for the day.

Start preparing your pets in advance for the big move. If you’ve got a bit of a drive ahead of you to your new house, make sure you’ve got the right travelling containers for them. Animals are prone to travel sickness, so if your animals are not used to going in the car, take them for a few drives around the neighbourhood before your move.

 

3. Taking care of the details

Moving house means a new address.

Make sure you inform everyone who needs to know. Send out a change of address card or email to all your friends and family, giving them your new address and contact details.

Get your utilities moved over to the new house, as well as your online services and networks.

Inform banks, insurance companies, schools and any other institutions that correspond with you.

 

Packing up

This can be the most daunting task of the whole exercise. But plan it properly and you’ll do fine.

The most common reason for a removal running over time is because the customer isn’t ready when the removal guys arrive. You should aim to have your packing finished the night before your move.

Have a good supply of packing materials, including:

  •     Boxes – get strong, well-structured boxes from your removalist. Supermarket boxes are often flimsy and will break and damage your goods.
  •     Plenty of masking tape – again your removal company will provide this
  •     Good, hardy scissors
  •     Permanent markers to label your boxes – other pens rub off
  •     Reams and reams of packing paper and bubble wrap
  •     Garbage bags

Dangerous goods (Gas, Petrol, Flammables) Removalists are not allowed to transport them, so drain the fuel out of your lawnmower, make sure gas cylinders are empty, and tighten the lids on all containers holding liquid.

Disconnect and dismantle your white goods and self-assembly furniture and anchor your washing machine’s drum. Most removalists carry the right tools to do this on the day

Use the right size boxes and don’t overload them, otherwise your boxes will be too heavy for the removalists to pick up. Heavy items such as books should be packed into smaller boxes.

Glassware, crockery and other breakables should be well wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap and packed snugly into boxes so they don’t move around.

 Painting and art work, these should be wrapped in paper backed bubble wrap for extra protection. Don’t forget to state if the artwork is framed and which side the glass is on. It is also advisable to write in big letters on the packaging “This side up” and/or “Super Fragile”, when wrapping the items for moving. The removalists won’t have an issue with you also pointing this out on the day so that extra care is taken.

Mark your boxes. Don’t forget to write the room name on tape stuck on the top of your sealed moving boxes This will speed things along as the removalists won’t have to ask you every 5 minutes where they go when you arrive at your new home.

Pack a survival kit. Pack a box with bedding, the kettle, a few items of crockery and cutlery and some basic ingredients for a quick meal to take with you in the car. You don’t want to rummage through boxes on your first night to find the basics.

 

On moving day

When you get to your new house, there are a few clever ideas to make the whole exercise easier.

Have a floor plan. This way the removalist team will know to put the boxes in a place away from where your furniture is going. This will avoid the unproductive task of double handling (moving boxes twice).

If space allows, your removal team can bundle your boxes into one area. Then when the larger items of furniture are in position they can distribute the boxes to the relevant rooms.

Protect your floors. If you’ve had new floors laid prior to moving house, ask the moving team to lay down blankets to protect them from scuffing and other marks. They’ll be more than happy to do it.

Let your removalists know in advance. If you have a sofa, mattress or other large item that won’t fit through your door which will require lowering over a balcony or to be walked down the stairwell, so they can come prepared.

You may have a precious family heirloom, or a treasured memento that needs special handling. Let your moving company know beforehand of any unusual items that require extra care.

In conclusion, by creating a checklist of all the things you need to do when you move to your new home is vital. Communicating with your removalists before and during your move, ensuring you have all the right equipment to pack properly and packing well in advance will save a lot of time and headaches. While getting utilities switched on or notifying people of your new address are all things that can easily slip your mind.

 

 

Image courtesy of Crispy,Flickr,CC BY 2.0

Pet-Friendly Moves

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Pet-Friendly Moves

Cat in a moving box

We’ve all heard the stories and read the books about pets that have disappeared from their new homes and travelled literally thousands of kilometres to their old familiar stomping grounds.

Moving is a very emotional and traumatic time for everyone. Your four-legged, feathered and fishy friends are just as likely to be upset by a move than any human members of the family.

If you’re planning a move, don’t forget to prepare your pets for the change.

 

Make it easy to identify your pets

Hopefully you’ve done it anyway, but have your pets micro-chipped and have a name tag on their collar, If they do wander off from your new home , it’ll make it much easier for you to trace them, or for anyone who picks them up to return them to you.

Take photos of your pets. If the worst happens and they do disappear, you may have to make posters. A picture of your 12-year-old senior citizen as a puppy or kitten is not going to help you find him.

Visit your vet to discuss the move and to get their immunisation and health certificates up-to-date. He or she knows your pet and may prescribe a tranquiliser if your pet doesn’t take well to disruption to their routine.

Update their collar disc with your new address and contact details.

 

On moving day

There’s no doubt that your dog or cat is going to be very unhappy with strangers trooping in and out of your house on moving day. Your front door is also probably going to be open for most of the day, making it easy for them to slip out unnoticed.

Ideally, ask someone your pet is familiar with to take them on moving day.

If that’s not an option, it’s best to set aside a room where you can confine them with their bedding a good supply of food and water and their favourite toys.

But don’t make the mistake of plying them with food treats. The change in diet and the stress can result in a bad tummy, which is just going to add to your anxiety levels.

Cats are curious creatures, and are likely to find boxes a source of interest, and you certainly don’t want them boxed up with your frying pan or lounge cushions.

 

Transporting your pets

If your pets aren’t used to the car, start taking them on short trips a few weeks before your move to acclimatise them.

Also get them used to be transported in a pet carrier. Start with confining them for a few minutes and gradually build up the time, especially if the drive to your new home is a long one.

A lot of dogs and cats suffer from motion sickness, so have a chat to your vet on how you can keep them calm or to prescribe something.

If you’ve got a bird or two, you can transport them in their regular cage if your new house is only a short distance away. Remember to remove any hanging toys like mirrors or swings from the cage. The motion during the journey could literally knock your bird off their perch.

Don’t travel with food and water in the cage, again the movement of car will spill them and create a mess.

If your journey is going to be longer, invest in or hire a special bird carrier.

If you own fish, some planning is needed to get them to their new home. First of all, you can’t transport them in their tank for practical reasons – the water is likely to make it too heavy to move and it could break in transit.

The best option is to buy special plastic bags from a pet or aquarium supply shop. These bags are stronger than your average sandwich bag and are elongated to allow an air pocket at the top.

Use the tank water to fill the bags to ⅓ (anymore and there won’t be enough air for the fish). Also try to save about 80% of your existing tank water so they have mature tank water when you refill the tank.

Once the fish are in the bag, fill the remainder with air. Don’t breathe directly into the bag as you’ll fill it with carbon dioxide. Breathe out with your mouth about 25-30cm away from the opening. This will move air into the bag. Then tie off the top with two strong elastic bands. Doubling bagging the fish will stop leakage.

Fish can go for a few days without eating, but won’t survive the trip in a bag that is full of their waste. So don’t feed them for a day or two before your move.

Place the bags in a cooler to keep the temperature of the water regular. Pack the bags tightly into the cooler so they don’t fall over. When you’ve set up the tank at your new house, float the plastic bags in the tank to equalise the water temperature, before releasing the fish.

 

Getting your pets ready for their new home

Unpack some of your furniture in your new home before you introduce your dog or cat, so they are greeted by familiar sights and smells.

Let your dog explore your new garden, but make sure the fencing is secure. Take them for regular walks around the neighbourhood so they get used to the new space.

In the case of cats, keep them indoors for a few weeks, making sure that the windows and doors are kept closed so they can’t escape. Once you’re comfortable that they won’t take off, let them outside for a short time. If they are reluctant to come back in, entice them with a treat.

Although you’re going to be very preoccupied during your move, spare some time to plan for your pets. No move is completely stress-free, but happy, contented pets are going to contribute making it less so, and make the adjustment to a new home easier.

 

Image courtesy of Alan,Flickr,CC BY-ND 2.0