PACKING HINTS

COMMON ERRORS TO AVOID WHEN PACKING YOURSELF

• Packing large cartons too heavy causes the carton to distort or break when lifted or contents to crush themselves.
• Using masking tape instead of plastic packaging tape. Masking tape is paper and will rip causing cartons to open when being carried.
• Under filling cartons causing them to crush down when stacked.
• Using large cupboards to pack goods causing failure of furniture when lifted. By all means put in light large things such as pillows.
• Using fridges/freezers to pack goods causes lining damage
• Using newspaper for wrapping creates unnecessary cleaning after unpacking
• Forgetting to pack the microwave plate
• Packing foodstuffs as part load in several cartons then finding out storage is required

REMOVALIST ACCESS

ACCESS CAN BE A CRITICAL FACTOR, PARTICULARLY FOR QUOTES OBTAINED BY TELEPHONE.

For your own protection, inform the removalist fully about access at both ends of your removal. If you neglect to mention that although you are going from a low-set home, it is at the bottom of a steep slope with fifty steps – then not only are you going to be charged more, but you may find yourself liable for paying waiting time if the incoming removalist has been delayed due to the extra time required to move you out.

Most homes are on streets with driveways. Removal vans are large, tall and heavy – they do not preform well as off-road vehicles, particularly after rain.

Removalist do not consider it reasonable to pay to have their vehicles towed out of soft ground because the customer wanted to save money on having the furniture manually handled 200 metres. They are not going to pay to repair the drains or septic systems that the customer has not pointed out and/or provided access.

Particular points to consider are – low wires, overhanging branches, ranch style gateways, a sandy area that could affect your carpet and location of underground drainage. Make sure you have a firm area for the van to gain access to reasonable position and inform the removalist about it when he arrives.

In addition, moves to and from inner city locations and tower blocks in landscaped grounds should be carefully examined in advance. It is possible that you may end up with a huge bill because the truck is not permitted, or able to stand close by.

Check that long workbenches / bars / wall units and large wardrobes will go around sharp corners at the new house. Make extra checks if you are moving from a house with sliding doors to one with conventional doors, particularly if you have a large side by side fridge.

Removalist must assume normal access unless otherwise stated by the customer. Removalist can not be reasonably expected to pay the time and costs of carrying furniture abnormal distances, towing their trucks out, repairing hidden drains or dismantling and reassembling your home to get your furniture in or out all for the price of the removal.

WATER BEDS

If you have never moved your waterbed before start early. Most are assembled with power tools and require some effort. Check with a screwdriver the week before the move.

These beds take a long time to drain and must be empty before removal. Bladders will not be lifted with water in them. Take care with the “waveless” models – if you try to speed draining by lifting the bladder corners, the internal baffles will slide together and lock. They then dry solid and render the bladder useless. Give such beds time to drain and roll them – do not fold them head to foot. Refilling is as a normal bladder.

PLANTS

Check if your removalist will carry plants. There is not normally a problem for local and mid-state removal unless a lot of plants are involved. Interstate requirements may be different and this should be checked in advance.

Removalist will normally reserve the right not to carry plants if the furniture wrapping materials are going to become soiled.

DANGEROUS GOODS

There are certain goods that removalist will not carry or are not permitted by LAW to carry. These include paints, fuels, oils, explosives, gas and even the humble domestic aerosol can. These can become a small bomb.

You must make prior arrangements to transport or dispose of such items. They will not be carried by removalist. Nor are they permitted in formal stores and most self-storage.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS

NO FOODSTUFFS OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTTED IN FORMAL STORAGE OR SELF-STORAGE.

Customers should take some pest control measures themselves when preparing for storage, particularly in the areas that removalist’s pest control procedures can not reach. Particular areas of concern are any sealed cartons, carpets, rugs or fabric wall hangings that will be rolled up.

Before storing, think ahead of what you may need in a few months eg: after a season change. Give your removalist advance notice and these things can be left at the front of your load for easy access.

If you intend storing at a friend’s or relative’s place, it is wise to obtain competent advice on how both parties stand regarding insurance should there be a fire etc. company insurance clauses could leave either or both parties liable for the financial loss.

TIMES & DAYS

Most removalists operate on a 7 days a week basis. However customers are advised to check this in advance, particularly if their arrangements have not been finalised. Also check if there are excess charges for weekend or holiday work.

Customers are well advised to book ahead if possible in holiday times and at Christmas. For customers who have to move at short notice, usually something can be arranged to help them.

Removalists should be able to advise you on estimated loading and travelling times to enable you to coordinate your removal with the persons moving into your present house or the persons moving out of your new house. This important as waiting times may be charged.

HOUSE CONTRACT PROBLEMS

In most circumstances the seller of the house has to provide vacant possession at the time of settlement. This usually means that settlement day is moving day.

To enable firm arrangements to be made for moving people should make certain that they obtain the date of settlement from their solicitors as soon as possible after the exchange of contracts.

Vacant possession means all goods have to be out of the house. This, plus the other things that have to be done – power, telephone, etc. involve expense.

Ask your solicitor to ensure that you will not suffer financial loss if settlement is postponed at the last minute through no fault of your own and all your possessions are on a furniture van, plus your power and telephone have been disconnected.

With all the good will in the world, unexpected problems may still arise. The experienced staff at Bay Removals may be able to assist you in such circumstances. It is well worth a telephone call to find out what options are available and hopefully relieve some of the pressure you are experiencing.