Moving house is a significant life event that often comes with stress, planning, and a long to-do list. While hiring a professional moving company can take much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders, there are several important steps you should take before securing a removalist. Being well-prepared will ensure that your move is smooth, cost-effective, and stress-free. In this article, we’ll explore the ten essential things you need to do before getting a moving company.
- Declutter and Organise Your Belongings
Before contacting a moving company, take the time to declutter your home. Moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide what you no longer need. By eliminating unnecessary items, you’ll not only reduce the volume of goods that need to be packed and moved, but you’ll also save on moving costs.
Tips for Decluttering:
- Go room by room, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard.
- If you haven’t used something in over a year, consider whether it’s worth moving.
- Sell items of value online or at a garage sale to make some extra cash.
- Donate gently used goods to local charities or shelters.
- Create a Moving Budget
One of the most important steps before hiring a moving company is establishing a budget for your move. Moving can be expensive, especially if you’re relocating long distances or require additional services such as packing or storage. A well-planned budget will help you avoid any financial surprises and give you a clear understanding of what you can afford.
Considerations for Your Moving Budget:
- The cost of hiring professional movers (get quotes from multiple companies).
- Packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
- Potential storage fees if you need temporary storage for your belongings.
- Travel expenses if moving a long distance (fuel, accommodation, etc.).
- Insurance coverage for your belongings during the move.
Research and Compare Moving Companies
Not all moving companies are the same, and it’s essential to do your homework before making a decision. Researching different moving companies ensures you find one that’s reliable, affordable, and offers the services you need.
What to Look for When Comparing Moving Companies:
- Check for reviews and testimonials on Google or social media.
- Verify the company’s credentials, such as being licensed and insured.
- Ask for a detailed quote that includes all potential fees.
- Compare the services offered by each company (packing, transport, storage, etc.).
Pro Tip: Request quotes from at least three different moving companies to compare prices and services. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best; reliability and professionalism are key.
- Take an Inventory of Your Belongings
Before you hire a moving company, create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of everything during the move and ensure nothing is lost or damaged.
How to Create a Moving Inventory:
- List each item room by room, noting any particularly valuable or fragile items.
- Take photos of expensive or delicate items, such as electronics or artwork, for insurance purposes.
- Include furniture measurements to ensure everything fits into the new space and can be moved easily through doorways or staircases.
This inventory will also come in handy when requesting quotes from moving companies, as it gives them a clear understanding of how much needs to be moved.
- Decide on the Level of Service You Need
Before contacting a moving company, decide what level of service you require. Moving companies offer a range of services, from basic transport to full-service moves where they pack, move, and even unpack your belongings.
Different Levels of Service to Consider:
- Self-Pack: You pack your belongings yourself, and the movers handle loading, transport, and unloading.
- Partial Packing Services: The movers assist with packing certain items, such as fragile or valuable items.
- Full-Service Moving: The moving company takes care of everything, from packing to unpacking at your new home.
- Additional Services: Some companies offer extra services such as furniture assembly, storage, or rubbish removal.
By determining your needs ahead of time, you can narrow down your options and choose a company that provides the right level of assistance.
- Check for Insurance and Liability Coverage
Accidents can happen during a move, no matter how careful the movers are. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your belongings are properly insured before you hire a moving company. Many companies offer basic insurance coverage, but you may want to purchase additional coverage for high-value or irreplaceable items.
Questions to Ask About Insurance:
- What level of liability coverage does the company provide?
- Does the insurance cover the full value of your items, or is it limited?
- Are there any exclusions (e.g., certain types of items not covered)?
- Can you purchase additional insurance for more valuable or fragile belongings?
Having clear information about insurance will give you peace of mind, knowing that your possessions are protected in case of damage or loss.
- Schedule Your Move Well in Advance
Moving companies tend to book up quickly, especially during peak times like the summer months, weekends, or at the end of the year. It’s a good idea to schedule your move as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
Consider the Timing of Your Move:
- Avoid moving during peak times if possible, as this can increase costs and reduce availability.
- If you’re flexible, consider moving on a weekday, when rates may be lower.
- Keep in mind any deadlines for vacating your current property or moving into your new home.
Booking in advance ensures you have time to plan and prepare, and it also gives the moving company ample notice to accommodate your needs.
- Gather Packing Supplies Early
Before the moving day arrives, make sure you have all the packing supplies you need. Having your materials on hand will allow you to start packing in advance, reducing last-minute stress.
Essential Packing Supplies to Have:
- Sturdy moving boxes in various sizes.
- Packing tape and a tape dispenser.
- Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items.
- Markers or labels to clearly mark the contents of each box.
- Furniture blankets or padding to protect large items.
Start packing non-essential items early, and leave everyday necessities for the final few days before the move.
- Label Your Boxes Clearly
Labelling your boxes may seem like a small detail, but it makes a significant difference when it comes to unpacking. Before you hire a moving company, make sure you have a clear labelling system in place to help the movers know where each box should go in your new home.
How to Label Effectively:
- Use a colour-coding system by room (e.g., blue for the kitchen, green for the living room).
- Clearly label boxes with the contents and room they belong to.
- Mark boxes with fragile items so the movers handle them with extra care.
- For items you’ll need immediately, label those boxes “Open First” so they can be easily accessed.
Good labelling will save you time and effort during unpacking and help the movers place everything in the correct location.
- Prepare Your Home for Moving Day
Before the movers arrive, make sure your home is ready. Clear pathways to ensure the movers can easily access all rooms and remove any obstacles that could cause delays or damage.
Preparing Your Home Checklist:
- Disconnect and defrost your fridge/freezer if moving them.
- Take apart large furniture, such as bed frames, if the movers won’t do it.
- Secure doors and windows, and check the weather forecast for the moving day.
- Protect floors and walls in both your old and new homes to prevent scratches or damage during the move.
By preparing your home in advance, you’ll help ensure the move goes smoothly and prevent any unnecessary delays or complications.
Conclusion
Hiring a moving company is a great way to reduce the stress and physical strain of moving house, but there’s plenty to do before you get to that stage. From decluttering and budgeting to gathering packing supplies and scheduling your move early, these ten steps will ensure that you’re well-prepared and ready to make the most of professional movers’ services. With some careful planning and organisation, your move can be a smooth and stress-free experience.