A House Mover Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
A removalist shares three important things he wishes every client knew before moving homes
Georgia Madden
28 June 2019
Moving house can be a huge drain mentally and physically, not to mention financially. Professional removalist Damian Ryan of John Ryan Removals gives an insider’s view on what you can do to minimise the pain of moving and keep costs in check.
1. Moving takes more time and energy than you think
Many people think moving house involves little more than putting a few things into boxes – and that can’t possibly take very long. When you do a quick scan of the house, you’ll generally only see the large items, such as sofas, beds and fridges. But it’s the smaller ones that you don’t see – all those little items inside cupboards and drawers – that take time to organise.
Take it from me, if you leave your packing and organising to the last minute, your stress levels are likely to sky rocket.
Many people think moving house involves little more than putting a few things into boxes – and that can’t possibly take very long. When you do a quick scan of the house, you’ll generally only see the large items, such as sofas, beds and fridges. But it’s the smaller ones that you don’t see – all those little items inside cupboards and drawers – that take time to organise.
Take it from me, if you leave your packing and organising to the last minute, your stress levels are likely to sky rocket.
Give yourself plenty of time to get organised and packed before a move. Allow at least a couple of hours per room to go through drawers and cupboards.
Doing a deep dive into every room in the home in this way is also a great opportunity to declutter. The last thing you want is to be paying to transport items that you no longer require.
Use this time to go through all your belongings and recycle, donate or dispose of those you no longer use or need (and be aware that this also takes time, which you’ll need to factor into your moving schedule).
Doing a deep dive into every room in the home in this way is also a great opportunity to declutter. The last thing you want is to be paying to transport items that you no longer require.
Use this time to go through all your belongings and recycle, donate or dispose of those you no longer use or need (and be aware that this also takes time, which you’ll need to factor into your moving schedule).
Beach Vintage
2. Fragile means fragile – so pack carefully
A good example here is crockery and glassware. Placing them inside a box without appropriate padding is sure to end in disaster. If you want your fragile items to survive a house move, it’s crucial to invest in appropriate packing materials and take the time to wrap each piece individually and with care.
Regular paper is not enough to protect delicate items. Bubble wrap, newspaper or cloth are all far better options, and will provide a layer of cushioning to protect your fragile items during a move.
Find a local removalist on Houzz to help you relocate to your new home
A good example here is crockery and glassware. Placing them inside a box without appropriate padding is sure to end in disaster. If you want your fragile items to survive a house move, it’s crucial to invest in appropriate packing materials and take the time to wrap each piece individually and with care.
Regular paper is not enough to protect delicate items. Bubble wrap, newspaper or cloth are all far better options, and will provide a layer of cushioning to protect your fragile items during a move.
Find a local removalist on Houzz to help you relocate to your new home
It’s also important to choose decent-quality packing boxes. Boxes come in a range of shapes and sizes, but for most items in a house move, heavy-duty with a 30-kilogram weight rating will be more than enough.
If you’re choosing second-hand boxes, take a close look at them to make sure they are structurally sound and in good condition.
You might also consider pre-divided boxes that are specially designed to accommodate certain items, such as dinnerware. The compartments will help keep fragile pieces safe by limiting how much they can move during transportation.
And make sure that boxes are adequately taped when you’ve finished filling them. Sometimes clients will just cross-fold the top of their boxes and, if there’s a decent amount of weight inside, the bottom will just fall out.
Start with quality tape. Clear, wide tape is my preference as it allows you to see the labels and markings written on boxes beneath it telling you what goes where. A tape gun will help you speed through the taping process – just be sure to get a quality one that works properly.
If you’re choosing second-hand boxes, take a close look at them to make sure they are structurally sound and in good condition.
You might also consider pre-divided boxes that are specially designed to accommodate certain items, such as dinnerware. The compartments will help keep fragile pieces safe by limiting how much they can move during transportation.
And make sure that boxes are adequately taped when you’ve finished filling them. Sometimes clients will just cross-fold the top of their boxes and, if there’s a decent amount of weight inside, the bottom will just fall out.
Start with quality tape. Clear, wide tape is my preference as it allows you to see the labels and markings written on boxes beneath it telling you what goes where. A tape gun will help you speed through the taping process – just be sure to get a quality one that works properly.
3. Preparation is everything
Being fully ready to move when the removalists arrive will speed up the process, which will ultimately save you money.
Having most boxes packed but scattered throughout the house, with several items to go with you in the car – and others not yet packed – can take far more time to get organised than you realise. Items scattered throughout the house may seem small but often, when combined, they simply won’t fit into the car.
Being fully ready to move when the removalists arrive will speed up the process, which will ultimately save you money.
Having most boxes packed but scattered throughout the house, with several items to go with you in the car – and others not yet packed – can take far more time to get organised than you realise. Items scattered throughout the house may seem small but often, when combined, they simply won’t fit into the car.
It’s a good idea to place all of your boxes in one designated area that is out of the removalists’ way. This helps movers do their job more efficiently and allows you to assess what will and will not fit in your car.
8 Gloom-Busting Winter Chores to Tick Off the List
8 Gloom-Busting Winter Chores to Tick Off the List
My golden nuggets of wisdom:
- Write a to-do list and plan everything several weeks ahead of your move.
- Wrap plates individually and pack them vertically – they’ll be less likely to break.
- Keep pets and kids out of the house when the movers are working.
- Use a retractable knife to open boxes at the other end – it’s easier and faster than using scissors.
- On the morning of the move, try to reserve two or three parking spots as near as possible to your house for the movers’ truck.
- If you live in an apartment, try to book the service lift before the move, or use protective padding inside the regular lift to prevent scratches.
The one thing I always get asked is…
What happens if something breaks? We take the customer through our process of minimising the risk and also advise on the benefits of insurance.
What happens if something breaks? We take the customer through our process of minimising the risk and also advise on the benefits of insurance.
What’s the best thing about helping people move house?
Our clients are often starting a new chapter in their life. They might be moving to a new city, starting a new job or moving into their first home. It’s great to be able to help them with this transition and it brings a sense of excitement to the job.
And the toughest thing?
Stairs!
Our clients are often starting a new chapter in their life. They might be moving to a new city, starting a new job or moving into their first home. It’s great to be able to help them with this transition and it brings a sense of excitement to the job.
And the toughest thing?
Stairs!
Your turn
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More
Want more practical advice? Don’t miss How Do I… Ensure My Doors and Windows Are Safe?
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After several moves on my own, I developed a 1,2 or 3 numbering system. Get a very thick texta (red is good), and start packing up things you don't need everyday (photo albums, camping gear, books etc.) These are labeled 3. Then pack your number 2 items (more often used, but not daily eg linen, glassware etc.) Then pack your number 1's (toaster, kettle, toiletries, pillows, knives, utensils etc.) That way you know what to unpack first and the 2's and 3's can wait. Also I pack a 'starter' box or two with one set of cutlery, crockery, a couple of glasses, coffee cup's, set of sheets, towels etc to make it easier when I collapse on the first night! I also write on the box, in large letters the room or shed I want the box to go to - 'kitchen,' 'laundry,' 'bedroom 1' etc., this helps the removalists know where to put your boxes. They move fast and you can't be everywhere. I always have a couple of cold drinks and cake or sandwiches which I give to the guys. They really appreciate the gesture and also often don't mind helping putting your bed back together or making sure the washing machine is set up right for you. In SA, Farmer's Union Ice Coffee will get you worshiped haha.
My biggest tip is find a removalist that is actually happy to do the job. Ours was super grumpy and just added to the stress of moving day! When we got to our new house there was a big funeral over the road at the church, with absolutely no where to park. He was not happy having to wait! He was grumpy before then even as we were settling on both houses (sold and brought) on the same day, and he was convinced it would not happen! (It all went smoothly).
The house move before that also involved a not so good removalist. He knocked over a section of our brick front fence trying to back into the driveway. Despite us telling him not to come in the drive way as he wouldn’t fit. So we were left trying to repair fence that day (as we were settling on our sold house that day), and to top it off he refused to pay for the damage! Hopefully if we move again we can find a good removal company...
Great story and tips - especially labelling; - if you are moving to a place with stairs make sure you have decided what needs to go upstairs so you don’t have to cart things up yourself - consider changing the locks, getting a plumber to install/check dishwasher and washing machine connections, as insurance may not cover a mishap - and buy and install new toilet seats.