Proper preparation is the key to having a smooth, stress-free removal. By planning ahead and getting organized, you are sure to have fewer worries to deal with on your moving day.
But with plenty of things to do, you might not know where to start. So international removalists in Australia are sharing this guide to help you go through the removal process in an organized manner.
Step 1: Sort Your Things
Before you begin packing, you must sort all your things so you only move the essentials. This will save you both time and money in packing, unpacking, and moving your items, whether you are moving to another city, state or country.
Create a list and take inventory
Go through each room and write down the things that you need to keep and those that you have to let go.
An inventory is a more detailed task than just creating a list of items you need to bring. This is a great way to figure out how many things you will be moving and their potential cost.
Take out all the items from the space
When sorting out a closet, remove everything from it. When sorting out rooms, make sure you take everything out of storage containers and boxes. Placing all the items at the center of the room when possible is also a great idea. Taking out everything from the space will give you an idea of the number of things you currently have.
Keep. Donate. Sell.
Decide which of your things will be kept and tossed. For things that are still in great condition, you can either donate or sell them.
Go through your “keep” pile
To make sure that all the items you put on the “keep” box are essential, take time to go through them again. If you are hesitant about certain items, you should add them to either the sell or donate boxes.
Step 2: Acquire Packing Supplies
To guarantee that your items are packed securely, start with buying the right packing supplies. In addition to ordering enough moving boxes, also make sure that you don’t run out of packing tapes. Ideally, you need to purchase more tape than you expect, just in case. You must also grab packing paper, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, furniture covers, frame protectors, a pair of scissors, and markers.
Step 3: Start Packing
Once you have determined what items to move and bought the right packing supplies, start packing your items! Here are some smart packing tips to ensure the safety of your items.
Use the appropriate boxes
Heavy items must be placed in small boxes while the lighter items go in bigger ones. Take note that huge, heavy boxes are harder to move and have an increased chance of breaking.
Always put heavy items at the bottom
Heavier items must be placed at the bottom of the boxes while the lighter things should go on top. This ensures that the lighter items won’t be crushed by the heavy ones.
Fill all the empty spaces inside the box
If you see any empty spaces in the box, fill them with packing paper, towels or clothing. This minimizes the possibility of movement, which can lead to damage.
Have an essentials box
Every family member must prepare an essentials box. This is a box or bag of items that you will use for the last few nights before your move and/or the first couple of days in your new house. Ideally, this contains sets of clothes, beddings, and hygiene essentials.
Label everything
Labeling all the boxes is one of the most neglected (but also one of the most important) tasks related to packing. This is essential because this will inform you which box contains which items. Labels indicate which box goes in each room, making unpacking a lot easier.
The label should contain all the items in the box. Also, label all the sides of the box so you don’t have to reposition it whenever you need to check its contents. Keeping an inventory list is also a great way to monitor what you have packed and make sure that everything is moved to your new house.
Step 4: Hire a Removalist
Professional removalists will help you throughout the removal process – from start to finish. After sorting out your items, you can hire their services. With their packing and unpacking services, you don’t have to purchase packing supplies or even lift a finger to pack your items. You can let them pack all your items so you will have enough time to do more important tasks or spend quality time with your loved ones.
However, if you choose to pack some of your items, they can provide you with high-quality packing materials and tips to ensure the safety and security of your belongings. All you have to do is be finished packing by your agreed removal date.
Still, letting the experts pack and move everything is a sure-fire way of ensuring that all your items will arrive at your new home safely and on time. They can unpack everything as well if you want to. Most importantly, they can help transport your pet and/or vehicle if you need those services.
As you can see, moving starts even before you pack your things. You must first make sure that you have acquired all the necessary packing supplies for the things you must pack. Getting help from pros is a huge help as well. With their knowledge and expertise when it comes to packing and moving, they are your best partner in ensuring a safe, successful relocation.
With moving professionals helping with your relocation, you can have time to look for a reputable plumber and other service providers you will need in your new location, as well as settle into your new home faster.
AUTHOR BIO
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia, and around the world.
