Did you know that we’re now officially in ‘moving season’? Typically, about two-thirds of all moves in Australia occur between October and March and with rising costs of living there’s expected to be even more people moving houses over this summer. Luckily, if you’re one of the many planning a move soon, moving ambassador Alana Lowes has shared her top tips to save money when doing so.
Alana Loves
1. Time is money
Removalists usually charge between $60 and $90 per half-hour so if there is something you can do to save the removalists’ time, it will also save you money. You can save hundreds by disassembling beds yourself, bundling loose items together to save multiple trips, bringing items to the front of the house or out to the truck, having things clearly labelled so removalists know exactly where everything should go, leaving a clear space for removalists to park, opting for a morning move when removalists are likely to have more energy, and even offering them a cool drink and turning the aircon on so they stay refreshed.
2. Slash bills
Take advantage of a move to implement some simple cost-cutting hacks such as lowering the temperature of your hot water for instant savings on your electricity or gas bill, installing ceiling fans which are more economical than air conditioning, and changing to energy efficient light bulbs (the NSW Government even has an initiative that can help with this).
3. Go secondhand
Sell or donate unwanted goods so nothing unnecessary is going in the removalist truck and you might even make some money to help with the move. You can also opt for secondhand items in your new home – it’s better for the environment and your hip pocket.
4. Be savvy
The removalist industry has moved with the times so it’s easy to get quotes and compare prices on platforms like Muval, which can also help you save hundreds or even thousands on small moves by finding spare space in bigger trucks or tapping into discounted last-minute space in freight travelling interstate.
They say moving house is one of life’s most stressful events… up there with the death of a loved one and divorce. But, it doesn’t have to be. With thorough preparation and planning moving can be relatively easy, even cathartic, there’s something so liberating about starting anew! So to take out the guesswork we asked our favourite design gurus to share their top tips for moving house.
Stylist and author Jason Grant: Make a schedule
When it comes to moving break down tasks and make a schedule: a month before, a week before and a day before. Keep to task and book movers based on recommendations. Great removalists are everything! Also moving house is the perfect to time edit what you have – don’t move stuff that you don’t need.
Jason Grant
Interior and event stylist Steve Cordony: Spring clean
I just moved house two week ago and used it as an opportunity to spring clean. Packing every single thing you own gives you the chance to edit and cleanse – from your objects and accessories to your bed linen and wardrobe. If you get stuck on items make two piles: keep and maybe. Once you have finished, go through the maybe pile and you will have a clearer idea of what can go.
Steve Cordony
Stylist and hotelier Lynda Gardener: Have your new home in tip top shape
I think making sure your new space at the other end is in perfect readiness for your arrival is so important. Have it painted, perfectly clean and ready to go. That way you can un-pack your boxes with excitement and anticipation of decorating your new space.
Lynda Gardener
Interiors Addict founder Jen Bishop: Check out mobile self storage options
Super Easy Storage are a flexible mobile self storage company. It’s the new way to store your things. You no longer need to drive to a storage facility and rent an expensive storage unit; they can complete the process from start to finish. Their storage specialists help assess exactly the right amount of space you need, bringing the storage unit to your house or business, packing and stacking your module in order to maximise every square inch. They come to you, load you up, then store everything away, a one-stop solution! Or you can choose to fill your storage unit yourself and store it secure and dry on your own premises until you’re ready to move. Also great for storing things temporarily while you’re having renos done! Keep reading to find out how you can win a $500 Super Easy Storage voucher!
Jen Bishop
Incy Interiors founder Kristy Withers: Pack ‘like’ products together
Moving house is my most hated thing on earth, probably because I have done it so many times! Make sure when packing that you are packing all ‘like’ products together. There is nothing worse than getting to the other end and finding some things for the kitchen, others for the bathroom and random things for a bedroom all in the one box, it just adds to the pain!
Kristy Withers
Interior designer and presenter James Treble: Label, label, label
Clearly label all boxes with a black Artline pen, especially the fragile ones. That may sound straight forward but so many people don’t do it, or they write in really small print! I go big and bold, as that way, you can easily put things in the right place room by room, and nothing gets broken by your poor removalists!
James Treble
Artist Kerrie Hess: Hire professionals
Invest in professional packers. Even if it’s just for the kitchen and bathrooms. Having all of your plates, glasses and cutlery packed professionally will save so much time and protect your breakables. I would also have art professionally packed; consider using an art transporter if your art is valuable and the move is local.
Kerrie Hess
Stylist and designer Juliet Love: Cull your belongings
Don’t pack everything into boxes thinking you will organise them at the other end. It’s much easier if you clear out cupboards with a mission to let go of as much as possible. Be ruthless, use large bags or boxes plus clear labels to help you sort through everything then and there. The beauty of tackling your move in this way is that you’ll be left with a fresh canvas to decorate your new home, with only your best pieces making the cut.
Juliet Love
Three Birds Renovations director Lana Taylor: Get the gear
Use the right packaging materials. In my opinion boxes from Bunnings won’t cut it. You need proper moving boxes and zip up bags (like the ones you get from Storage King) of all different shapes and sizes. Proper packing tape is also crucial. A roll from Woolies will come unstuck before you can say: “Noooooo!”
Lana Taylor
Interior designer Greg Natale: Invest in packers
When it comes to moving I thoroughly recommend paying someone to pack for you. Also make sure you label your boxes and use moving as an opportunity to de-clutter!
Greg Natale
For more information on Super Easy Storage visit their website.
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WIN A $500 SUPER EASY STORAGE VOUCHER FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a $500 voucher to spend with Super Easy Storage and make their next move or reno that much easier! To enter and to read full terms and conditions, go here. Competition closes 13 May 2018.
GRACE Australia provide these top tips to help minimise stress and disruption during your next relocation.
Make a list and check it twice
Make a list of things to do on moving day and gather supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, sticky tape and a permanent marker a few weeks in advance. Make a list and running sheet of all the tasks to complete on the day.
Declutter and donate
Create a STAY and GO list, and purge items that aren’t wanted. GRACE’s ‘Move house, make a Difference’ cartons will collect and deliver unwanted items direclty to St Vincent de Paul Society so you don’t have to!
Involve the children
If you have children, spend time explaining the changes and get them excited about the move. Bonding time will help capture the memories and an opportunity to talk about the next home and all the exciting sights to see.
Storage solutions
Consider self-storage options so you don’t have to rush the move. This will help you to move in progressively.
Don’t forget your furry friends
The four-legged members of the family also need more attention when it comes to relocating. Before you move, speak to your veterinarian about what’s best for your pet when it comes to both moving and settling in to their new home.
Overnight bag Pack an overnight bag for each member of the family with the essentials which means that you don’t have to unpack and sort through moving boxes on the day. Your first night survival pack should include the toilet paper, pyjamas, toiletries and phone chargers. Not to mention coffee and breakfast supplies!
Spring clean
Allow enough time to clean or book a cleaner. A removalist company will be able to remove any packaging materials following the delivery of your household goods. GRACE offers a valet cleaning service, so you don’t have to source and book a cleaner during this busy time.
Rely on the professionals for the rest
Did you know it takes an average of two-to-five days to pack up the average four-bedroom family home? Consider using a professional removalist to pack and transport your household goods so you don’t have to take time off work.
When it comes to relocating your family, GRACE is the name you can trust. From preparing and transporting the pets to packing, transporting and cleaning your house, they cover all bases. For more information on their comprehensive removal services, visit the GRACE website.
Win a $2,000 GRACE voucher! Got a move in the New Year? For your chance to win $2,000 to spend with GRACE, simply complete the form by 5pm AEST on Friday 22 December 2017.
Terms and conditions:
$2,000 credit applies to moves with moving and packing services (ex GST) in our Australian service areas.
Applies to moving and packing services for private household moves only.
Insurance, valet, and other ancillary services are excluded from this offer.
Offer valid until 30 September 2018, and is subject to availability.
Summer is the prime time of the year for moving to a new home as typically the weather is good and public holidays mean you need to take less time off from work. Once you have made arrangements for your current home, chosen a new place to live, and you have a moving date ready… it’s time to choose a moving company!
You already know that getting quotes from several companies is always smart so that you don’t end up paying too much, and you know you are getting the best deal. But what else should you ask your moving company before hiring them? The following questions can help you interview moving companies and make a decision, so that you can get into your new home.
Image: Flickr
HOW will my belongings be moved?
Depending on what you own, how far you are moving, and the company you choose to hire, there are several options for getting your property from your old home to your new home. Will the moving company hire contractors, or do they have employees to move it? Do they have trucks, rentals, vans, helicopters, or airplanes, or are you required to provide transportation while they only provide movers? Do you need to pack your own property into boxes, or do they provide those and pack for you?
Are you insured?
Verify the company’s license number and insurance, and do not use an uninsured company. A company who is serious about what they do will take the appropriate precautions, and that means having quality insurance. Ask if your personal belongings are covered by the insurance policy, or if you need to get your own insurance for your property while it is in transit.
What is included when I hire this moving company?
Does the moving company pack your belongings, or do you need to do that beforehand? Do they provide packing materials? Do they help you unpack at your new home? Will your property be labelled and placed in specific rooms in your new home? Knowing what you are paying for can help you find the best deal, and help you understand how to prepare for moving day.
If you’re looking to save money and pack your own belongings our recent article on 24 DIY packing tips for moving house can help.
Will you protect my fragile items?
Even if you pack your belongings prior to the arrival of your moving company, large furniture will need protection to keep it from breaking during the move. Check to make sure the moving company will provide protection for furniture and other large items during the move.
How much experience does the company have?
Make sure that both the company, and the moving crew and drivers that will be moving your belongings have experience doing so. You wouldn’t hire a teen driver to move your property, so why would you hire a moving crew with an inexperienced team?
Will my belongings be transferred?
Sometimes, when you move long distances, a moving company will transfer your belongings from one vehicle to another, and you will move into your new home with a different crew than the one who moved you out of your old home.
How are the fees calculated?
Some moving companies charge by the hour, some by distance, some by the volume of property they are moving, and some by the necessary manpower. Ask how your quote was calculated so you have a better understanding of what you are paying for.
Can the company provide references?
Ask the company if they can provide you with references, or if they are active in the community. A company who cares about their clients will also care about their image, and you will likely find happy former clients. Check the internet for further references.
What makes this company stand out from the rest?
Sometimes you’ll find a company that offers extra services for an extra charge. Sometimes, you will find that you are already being charged for extra services that you don’t need. Extra services can include additional men, expedited service, or the newest moving truck.
Does the moving company have any questions for me?
If they are offering you an estimate without asking anything about the details of your move or your property, this company cares more about your money, and less about you.
Now you’re equipped with the right questions to determine your moving company, you can start further preparation for your move. The team at Budget Self Pack Containers has put together a handy Moving Checklist to help you out.
–Clive Smith is the interstate removals general manager for Budget Self Pack Containers, Australia’s expert long-distance and interstate container removalists.
Whether you’re moving or clearing a home, packing up household items is a time-consuming and tedious task that everyone is familiar with. Supercheap Storage share their expert insider tips to ensure your belongings endure their journey.
Add bi-carb soda to clothing, books and linen. Before stowing clothes and books away, add a sprinkle of bi-carb soda to prevent that stale scent from occurring. Including a fragrance bag of dried lavender will add a pleasant, fragrant touch.
Recycle cartons for packing Christmas decorations. Egg cartons, shoe boxes and iPhone cartons are perfect for separating items and making them easy to find. Winding fairy lights around a flat piece of cardboard is an easy way to avoid them getting tangled.
Pack mirrors and picture frames upright. Logically, many people pack these items horizontally, but by packing them in vertically and tucked in tight, they are less likely to break. Blankets are best to protect these fragile pieces.
Pack linen within its own pillow case. Just like socks, pillows and sheets of a set easily go missing. To avoid this and to keep linen tidy, fold everything and place inside one of its own pillow cases.
Match up item shapes. To maximise space when packing items, match up similar shapes. For instance, if packing away kitchen trays, put all the rectangular trays together and all the circle trays together.
Tape screws, bolts and allen keys to matching furniture items or toys. In the rush of a clean or a move, it’s easy to misplace these essential parts. It’s the same with electrical items — ensure the cord is attached or taped to the item to make it easier when unpacking.
Remove batteries from toys, gadgets and appliances. This will prevent items from accidentally being switched on while also protecting these items from battery corrosion.
Teabags are useful for fridges. After cleaning the fridge, it needs to stay ajar. Placing teabags on each corner is a handy way to do this before wrapping.
Prevent damage using mobile storage options. If external storage is needed, opt for mobile storage. This prevents double handling of loading and unloading items, which helps ensure belongings remain intact.
– Supercheap Storage are Australia’s premier mobile storage company with warehouses across Australia and internationally. For more information visit their website here.
