Moving Do’s & Don’ts

The earlier the better. The removal industry is seasoned, and the busiest months are December and January. If you’re looking to move at this time of year, we suggest getting a booking at least 4 weeks in advance.

There are a number of things that we cannot move. These items are often dangerous and/or illegal to be transported. In some cases, insurance companies refuse any settlement if these types of goods have found to be moved. Below is a list including the most common items that cannot be transported.

As a broad guideline, it’s generally recommended to commence packing approximately one month prior to the moving day. You can follow this approach:

1. Begin this process by packing items that are not frequently used. These could include off-season clothing, decorative items, books and kitchenware not used on a daily basis.
2. In the second week, consider packing items used occasionally.
3. By the final week, you should be left with just the daily necessities.

This methodical, tiered approach not only minimises disruption to your daily life but also simplifies the task of packing. Be mindful that the pace of packing should match the volume of items you have. Larger households might need to start earlier.

For safety, legal and practical reasons, there are several types of items that should not be packed into a moving truck. These include:

• Hazardous materials such as fuel, aerosol cans, paints and certain cleaning chemicals are generally prohibited.
• Perishable foods and plants are not suitable for moving trucks due to the risk of spoilage and infestation.
• Valuable personal documents and items like jewellery should be carried with you personally for security reasons.

Lastly, keep in mind that moving companies may have their own specific list of items. Always check with your moving company to ensure you’re compliant with their rules.

People often make the following mistakes when moving:

• Poor Time Management: One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the amount of time and work that moving requires. Packing tends to be a larger task than most anticipate. This can often result in a last-minute rush, which can be stressful and lead to poorly packed items and accidental damage.
• Not Paying Attention to Decluttering: Another common oversight is failing to declutter before packing. Moving home presents a great opportunity to get rid of items that you no longer need or use. By not decluttering, you end up packing and moving items unnecessarily, which is a waste of time, effort and moving space.
• Improper Labelling: Additionally, poorly labelled or unlabelled boxes can create chaos when it comes to unpacking and organising your new home.
• Forgetting to Update the New Address: Finally, forgetting to notify the necessary parties, such as banks, utility providers and government agencies, of your change of address can lead to all sorts of complications.

Ensuring the safety of your valuables during a move begins with proper packing. Use high-quality, durable boxes and protective materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper and sturdy tape. Fragile items should be wrapped individually and placed in a box with enough cushioning material to prevent movement during transit.

For items of extraordinary value or sentimental importance, you might want to consider transporting them yourself if possible. This reduces the risk of damage and theft. Further protection can be ensured through insurance. While many moving companies provide basic coverage, you might want to consider purchasing additional insurance, especially for high-value items. Always discuss insurance options with your moving company before the move.

On the day of the move, try to avoid:

• Last-minute packing: This can lead to unorganised boxes, misplacement of items and increased stress levels.
• Moving heavy items: Trying to handle heavy objects without proper equipment or assistance could lead to personal injury or damage to the item.
• Micromanaging the removalist: Once you’ve given them the necessary instructions and information, allow them to do their job. They are professionals and know how to handle different types of items and situations.

There are several strategies to ensure a smoother moving day:

• Create a clear plan for the moving day, outlining key tasks and times. Share this plan with everyone involved in the move to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
• Consider setting up a box or suitcase that contains essentials like bedding, important documents, medication and perhaps non-perishable snacks. This way, you won’t have to search through multiple boxes at the end of a tiring day.
• If you have children or pets, consider arranging care for them on the day of the move to keep them safe and reduce your stress.

To make your packing process hassle-free, use the following approach:

• Start by unpacking the essential items that you need for the first few days in your new home. This could include kitchenware, bedding and clothing. If you’ve labelled your boxes correctly, this should be simple.
• Next, take the time to clean each room before you unpack. It’s much easier to do a thorough clean when rooms are empty.
• After this, consider unpacking room by room, starting with frequently used spaces like the kitchen and bathroom.

Remember to pace yourself. Unpacking can be just as time-consuming as packing, so break the task into manageable steps.