Moving house can be a stressful and time-consuming experience, and one of the best ways to make the process smoother is by hiring a removal company. Professional movers can help with the heavy lifting, packing, and transport, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. However, before hiring a removal company, there are several important factors to consider. In this article, we will explore what you need to know before hiring a removal company to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
- Research and Compare before Hiring a Removal Company
Before hiring a removal company, it’s essential to do your homework and research different companies. Not all removal companies offer the same services, and prices can vary significantly depending on the company, the distance of your move, and the complexity of the items being transported.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Customer reviews and testimonials are an excellent way to gauge the reliability and quality of a removal company. Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, or specialised moving review websites to get an idea of the company’s track record. Positive feedback on punctuality, professionalism, and care with belongings are good indicators that you’re dealing with a reputable company.
Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from different removal companies so you can compare prices and services. This will give you a better understanding of the going rate for your move and help you avoid being overcharged.
2. Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
One of the most crucial things to check before hiring a removal company is whether they are properly licensed and insured. A legitimate removal company will have the necessary certifications and insurance coverage to protect your belongings during the move.
Licensing: In Australia, removal companies are often required to hold proper licensing depending on the state or territory they operate in. Checking that a company is licensed ensures that they are a legitimate business following industry standards.
Insurance Coverage: Insurance is a must when hiring a removal company. Ask the company about their insurance options and what is covered in case of damage or loss during the move. Basic coverage may be included in the quote, but you can often opt for additional insurance to cover high-value items or fragile belongings. Knowing that your items are protected can provide significant peace of mind.
3. Understand the Services They Offer
Before hiring a removal company, it’s essential to understand the range of services they offer. Different companies provide different levels of service, and some may offer specialised services that others don’t.
Full-Service Moving: Some removal companies offer full-service options, which include packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your belongings. This is a great option for those who want a hands-off approach and need extra help with the entire moving process.
Packing Services: If you prefer to do some parts of the move yourself but need help with packing fragile or bulky items, many companies offer packing services as an add-on. This ensures your valuables are packed securely using professional-grade materials.
Storage Solutions: If you’re not ready to move everything into your new home right away, ask about storage options. Many removal companies offer short- or long-term storage solutions, which can be helpful if your move is staggered over several weeks or if you need to downsize temporarily.
4. Ask About Their Experience and Specialisation
Experience matters when it comes to hiring a removal company, especially for complex moves. A well-established company will have the expertise to handle your belongings with care, navigate tight spaces, and transport items over long distances.
Years of Experience: Ask how long the company has been in business. While newer companies may still provide excellent service, those with years of experience often have a better understanding of how to handle challenges that can arise during a move.
Specialisation in Certain Types of Moves: If you have specific needs, such as moving a piano, antiques, or fragile artwork, it’s important to hire a company that specialises in these areas. Specialised moves require extra care and experience, and not all removal companies are equipped to handle them.
5. Availability and Flexibility
Timing is everything when it comes to moving. Before hiring a removal company, make sure they are available on your preferred moving date and are flexible enough to accommodate any changes.
Book in Advance: Removal companies often get booked up weeks or even months in advance, particularly during peak moving seasons (such as summer or the end of the year). It’s important to book your removal company as early as possible to secure your desired date.
Cancellation Policies: Sometimes, plans change, and you may need to adjust your moving date. Be sure to ask the company about their cancellation or rescheduling policies. Some companies may charge fees for changes made within a certain time frame, so it’s essential to know these terms upfront.
6. Consider the Cost: What’s Included in the Quote?
When hiring a removal company, the cost is always a significant factor. It’s crucial to understand exactly what’s included in the quote and whether there are any additional charges that could arise during the move.
Breakdown of Costs: Ensure the quote provided includes a detailed breakdown of all costs, including labour, transport, packing materials, and any potential additional fees, such as charges for stairs, long carry distances, or special handling of fragile items.
Ask About Hidden Fees: Some removal companies may have hidden fees that are not disclosed upfront. Ask whether there are additional costs for things like packing materials, disassembling furniture, or if they charge extra for moving items to a second location.
Fixed vs. Hourly Rates: Some companies offer fixed rates for a move, while others charge by the hour. Depending on the complexity and distance of your move, one option may be more cost-effective than the other. If you choose an hourly rate, make sure to ask how long they expect the move to take, so you can estimate the final cost.
7. Check for Customer Support and Communication
Good communication is key when working with a removal company. You want to be sure that your removalists are easy to contact and responsive to your questions or concerns.
Responsive Customer Service: Test their customer service by calling or emailing with a few initial questions. If they’re quick to respond and provide clear, helpful information, it’s a good sign that they’ll be reliable throughout the moving process.
Clear Communication on Moving Day: Moving day can be stressful, so it’s essential that the removalists provide clear communication. Ensure you have a contact person and phone number on the day of the move in case any issues arise or if there are any last-minute changes to the schedule.
8. What is the Company’s Reputation?
A company’s reputation speaks volumes about its quality of service. Before hiring a removal company, take the time to check their reputation online and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
Accreditations and Industry Memberships: Look for removal companies that are part of professional associations, such as the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). AFRA members are held to high standards and must adhere to strict guidelines for quality, safety, and customer service.
Recommendations from Others: Word of mouth can be one of the most reliable ways to find a reputable removal company. Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently moved if they had a positive experience with a particular company and whether they would recommend them.
9. Ensure They Offer a Pre-Move Survey
A pre-move survey is an important step in the process of hiring a removal company. This survey involves a representative from the company visiting your home to assess the volume and type of items that need to be moved, as well as any special requirements.
Accurate Quote: The pre-move survey allows the removal company to provide you with a more accurate quote based on the actual contents of your home. It also ensures that the movers are aware of any large or fragile items that may need extra care.
Discuss Specific Needs: During the survey, you can discuss any specific needs you may have, such as moving a piano, handling antiques, or storing items temporarily. This gives the company a clearer picture of what to expect on moving day and helps avoid any surprises or additional charges.
10. Understand the Company’s Insurance Policy
Accidents can happen during a move, and it’s important to understand what kind of protection you have in case something goes wrong. Before hiring a removal company, ask them to explain their insurance policy in detail.
Types of Insurance Coverage: Removal companies typically offer two types of insurance: transit insurance, which covers your belongings while they are in transit, and comprehensive insurance, which covers items during the entire moving process, including packing and unpacking. Ensure you know which type of coverage is included in your quote.
Check Exclusions: It’s also important to understand any exclusions or limits on the insurance policy. Some items, such as valuable artwork, jewellery, or electronics, may require additional insurance coverage beyond what is provided by the removal company.
Conclusion: Hiring a Removal Company
Hiring a removal company can make your move much easier, but it’s essential to do your research and understand the services being offered. By considering factors such as experience, services, cost, insurance, and reputation, you can choose the right removal company to handle your move efficiently and safely. Taking the time to compare companies and ask the right questions will help ensure your move is a success, with minimal stress and maximum peace of mind.
Check these Frequently asked questions about what you need to know before hiring a removal company:
1. How far in advance should I book a removal company?
It’s best to book a removal company as early as possible, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your moving date. This ensures availability, especially during peak moving seasons like summer or the end of the year. Last-minute bookings can lead to limited options or higher prices, so planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps secure the best deal.
2. What should I look for in a removal company’s insurance policy?
Before hiring a removal company, make sure they offer insurance that covers your belongings during the move. Check whether the policy includes transit insurance (covering items during transportation) or comprehensive insurance (covering packing, loading, and unloading). Ask about any exclusions or limits, particularly for high-value or fragile items, and consider additional insurance if necessary.
3. What factors can affect the cost of hiring a removal company?
The cost of hiring a removal company depends on several factors, including the distance of the move, the volume of belongings, the type of service (e.g., full-service packing or just transportation), and any special requirements like moving large items or using storage facilities. Additional charges can apply for stairs, narrow access, or if you’re moving during peak times, so be sure to ask for a detailed quote and inquire about potential extra fees.