Moving a fridge isn’t as simple as it may seem, special precautions need to be taken to ensure the move is made safely and securely. If possible, we recommend hiring a professional moving company to avoid potential damages. However, this isn’t always an option, so here are our tips on how to move a fridge safely.
If you’re determined to move with a hired truck, follow this easy step-by-step guide for you to overcome the following common problems:
Before the heavy lifting begins, the refrigerator needs to be ready. The day before you’ll need to empty, defrost and clean the fridge in preparation to be moved. Take an ice scraper and a spray to clean the fridge freezer and ensure it is completely dry before proceeding, this will prevent any avoidable damages during the move. The fridge will need to be switched off the night before.
Avoiding food waste
In the weeks leading up to your move, take a quick inventory of your refrigerator’s contents. Organise your meals to use up everything in the fridge to avoid throwing anything away. Note that some non-perishable food can be kept for a few days at room temperature (mustard, jam, etc.) You can safely store them in cupboards.
Moving a fridge downstairs
Moving the refrigerator downstairs can be very tricky, so knowing how to move without hurting your back is essential. Here are some critical tools to assist you with the move:
A dolly
Ropes and/or ratchet straps
Packing material
Duct tape
Make the fridge as light as possible before trying to move it. Clean the inside and remove the shelves. Wrap the shelves in bubble wrap or packing paper and store them safely. Another option is to leave the shelves in the refrigerator and tape them. Be sure that the tape you use does not leave marks to save on extra cleaning at your final destination.
Secure the doors with straps so that they don’t open up during transport. Tape the power cord so that it doesn’t get caught up during transportation.
Many hands make light work, so recruit friends to help – it’s at least 3-person job to move a fridge downstairs. Tip the refrigerator away from the wall then slide the dolly underneath. Go downstairs slowly, moving the fridge taking it one step at a time bottom first.
It’s essential to keep the fridge standing upright. The refrigerator has a cooling element in the back that is designed to work standing upright. If the fridge is laid flat, the fluid in the element can travel against the grain, causing permanent damage to the fridge.
Transporting your fridge onto the moving truck
After securing the doors, wrap the fridge with two layers of bubble wrap and tape it from top to bottom like you are taping a cardboard box. Safe taping is essential to keep the bubble wrap on the fridge during the transportation. Your fridge is now ready to be moved!
Prepare a dolly or hand-truck; we recommend you to move your fridge using these two handy tools. Place the dolly underneath the fridge and fasten it to the fridge using a rope or ratchet strap with a width of 6-8cm. It is ideal to have someone supporting the dolly and someone else pushing from the back side of the fridge to get it on safely.
Bear in mind that you should keep the fridge vertical while carrying and moving it. The question has been debated for a long time. Is it better to carry your fridge horizontally or vertically? It is difficult to definitively decide without studying the specific design of the fridge and without information on the refrigerant used during the cooling cycle. One thing is sure: the risk of damaging your fridge will be lower by transporting it vertically or at an angle greater than 45°.
Be very careful while carrying the fridge up or down the stairs, communicate well with each other and don’t rush.
Should you hire professional fridge removal services
Just like moving a washing machine, keep in mind that a fridge is a heavy household appliance that can weigh up to 120kg. Fridges do not have handles for you to get a grip on while lifting and moving.
To avoid all the difficulties of moving your fridge on your own, you can hire professional removal services to help you out. Oneflare professional removalists are covered by insurances and experienced enough to know what to do from the get-go.
Others safety tips on moving a fridge
Take care to keep the refrigerator as vertical as possible during transport. Do not tilt the refrigerator on its side as this can cause permanent damage to the cooling mechanisms. Wait 2-3 hours before restarting your fridge to allow the liquid to flow back into the compressor.
Read the refrigerator’s manual for important safety tips and warnings before moving to avoid potential problems – remember every fridge is different.
All fridges have moving instruction visuals on their cardboard packages. These explain the do’s and don’ts very well so pay attention to those instructions.
Putting your home on the market isn’t just as simple as packing up your things and letting the real estate agents take over. You also don’t have to go to extremes and spend tens of thousands in renovations either.
There’s a lot of little to-dos around the home and garden that can be ticked off, so you not only attract potential buyers but have them pay the best price for your property as well.
1. Professional cleaning
We don’t mean a good once-over with a dusting cloth, we mean getting in there and cleaning it from top to toe. Oven cleaners will remove all the grime that you’d never be able to remove yourself, while house cleaners will have all other areas of the property sparkling clean.
Get professional carpet cleaning, and let a grout cleaner take care of the tiled areas. Don’t forget the window cleaner for glass and sills. If you’ve got a pool, that’ll need cleaning too. It sounds like a lot, but if there’s ever a time to get the professionals in, it’s now. The return on investment could be well worth your while.
2. Gardens and outdoor areas
Start at the bottom and work your way up. Get a pressure cleaner for the tiles and pavers to clear off any mould or discolouration that’s built up on them. Polish and waterproof any wooden areas like decks or pergolas. Next, remove weeds and dead plants. Add more mulch to the garden beds and trim the hedges and bushes.
If you have overhanging branches or dead trees, now is the time to have a tree lopper come in. We’ve got all the gardening help you need, and if you have the budget to really do up your outdoor area, we’ve got landscapers and decking specialists as well.
3. Address maintenance issues
Address any small issues that you’ve been ignoring, such as having a painter come in to cover chipped paint and marks on the walls. Stained carpets and cracked tiles will need addressing as well. If you have loose or rusty fences, have them replaced by a fencing expert. If your gutters are in a state of disrepair, get a guttering professional to clean and repaint them.
Contact local real estate experts
4. Banish pet smells
We know you love your pets but potential buyers might not love the smell of them that lingers in the carpets and curtains. Even more smells will come from your furniture like couches if you choose to leave it inside the property. It’s a good idea to air the house well before inspections and to use smell-absorbing products like room sprays. If you decide to remove your furniture and leave the property empty for inspections, we’ve got removalists near you to help.
5. Furnishings
When selling, your home should feel cosy, but neutral / Source: Mo Mo Concepts
Furnish your home in an appealing way, but make sure it isn’t cluttered or overly personal. Neutral décor with the basic furnishings will work best. Potential buyers want to see as much of the floors as possible and they want to be able to image how their furniture will look in the room, so keep things simple but stylish. It’s worthwhile getting home staging to come in with props and expert interiors knowledge to have your home looking its best during showings.
There are a lot of photographers who specialise in taking professional photos of your property. Usually, the real estate agent you work with will organise this for you or will at least recommend someone to you. Agent In A Box recommends getting professional photos taken to maximise your chances of getting attention from potential buyers.
Wrap up
Once you’ve completed all of these, you’ll be ready to put your property on the market. We’ve got top real estate agents to help you throughout the whole selling process.
Are you moving into your first home or apartment? Firstly, congratulations. You are officially entering the most exciting phase of your independent life. But as you may already know, moving into your first place isn’t all rosy and merry. It involves lots of planning and hard work. It is a time when you start thinking about new furniture and accessories, lighting, kitchen essentials, and many things that you’ve never really cared about before.
Owning a new home or apartment means involves making the living space comfortable and welcoming for you. But don’t freak out. We understand that pulling that off isn’t the easiest thing to do and for that, we have prepared a shortlist of your first-home needs. This list will help you inject some class and functionality to your new home. Be our guest:
1. Bedding
Home is where you lay your head. That is why a bed, a mattress, a pillow, and some bedsheets should be the first items you acquire for your new apartment. You will also need a mattress topper and any other bedding that will make your place feel like home. Just don’t entertain the thought of sleeping on the floor even for a day.
Stock up on cleaning essentials in advance. These include:
Cleaning products
Of course, you do have your preferred cleaning products. Purchasing your cleaning products before moving in will take another thing off your list. Ensure that you buy enough paper towels, disinfectants, glass cleaner, and a multi-surface cleaner of your choice.
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is essential, but don’t buy one before you know the type of flooring in your new home. Choose the vacuum cleaner that is suitable for your new floor, and that is efficient for the size of your home. A robotic cleaner, for example, would be more ideal for a big house than a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Broom and dustpan
You will be sweeping around the compound, in the backyard, and sometimes indoors. A vacuum cleaner might not be very ideal for the job. Get a handheld broom and a dustpan for that. The size of either of these tools will depend on the size of your new home.
Mop
You will need to polish your new home occasionally, so ensure that you have a sponge or string mop for this.
3. Kitchen essentials
If your kitchen isn’t as modern as you would want it to be, you may have to invest in kitchen remodelling. Kitchen renovations can improve the functionality or feel of your kitchen. Remember that the kitchen is the heart of every home, regardless of its size. This is the place where you will be making your meals, where your family will be gathering at least twice every day, and where most of your fond memories will be made. You need this particular space within your home to function smoothly and operate with ease. Inclusive to kitchen renovations, it’s recommended that you also look for other kitchen essentials during your move. Some of these include the kitchen’s use, design and feel, including a coffee maker, a stove, a toaster, a microwave, some pots, a blender, a mixer, among other cookware. A fridge and some dishes will be important as well.
If your budget allows, it will be best to purchase a complete kitchen tools set. All the items you need for the kitchen will be included in the set so you will not have to worry about forgetting anything essential. While at it, ensure that your dishes are stylish and beautiful. The last thing you want is to serve guests with horrible-looking dinner plates or cups during the home warming party.
4. Living room essentials
If you are tight on budget, you can leave the living room for later. You will survive comfortably with nothing in the living room, or even without a living room all together. But if you have the money, or if you have a dream of one day living in a cozy and welcoming space, then you will need to budget for a few items. Some wall décor, a couple of couches, a TV, a small TV cabinet, a coasters table, some table lamps, a few tables, and a carpet will be great for a start.
5. Bathroom essentials
A shower curtain is a must if you don’t want to damage the new home’s floor. Self-care items such as toiletries and oral hygiene products are also essential. Other bathroom items include soap, a bath mat, a showerhead, and rings. Believe it or not, the bathroom could be the first room you use as soon as you move in.
Wrap up
There are many new home essentials that we could not cover in a single article. The important thing is that with the items we have discussed, you will be good to go. You will later need to shop for lesser essential items such as house plants, décor items, and a home theatre system, among others.
Key takeaways: • Check with people you know, online marketplaces, and within your community for moving boxes you could use and get for free. • Inspect your moving boxes and reinforce the seams and the base for sturdier hold. • Look into plastic crates you could rent if you want solid boxes or containers for your belongings.
Moving house is stressful enough without adding extra costs to the process. Between removalist fees, storage, and packing supplies, expenses pile up quickly. The good news is that you don’t always need to buy them. You can find plenty of options for inexpensive moving boxes as long as you know where to look and ask.
This guide walks you through where to find free moving boxes, how to judge box quality, and the best ways to prepare them for moving day. By the end, you’ll know how to save money while still keeping your belongings secure.
What makes a good quality moving box?
Tranporting moving boxes. | Source: iStock
Before you start collecting boxes, it helps to know what makes one reliable. A free box that collapses under weight is no bargain at all. Here are the four key considerations for choosing reliable moving boxes:
Durability and strength
Double-walled vs. Single-walled: Choose double-walled cartons for heavy items like books and tools. Reserve single-wall options for lighter belongings.
The feel test: A sturdy box should feel rigid when you run your hand along the sides. Avoid those that bend or crumple under light pressure.
Size and weight distribution
Small boxes: Best for dense, heavy items like books, tinned goods, or tools. This prevents the box from being overloaded.
Medium boxes: Ideal for everyday household goods, kitchenware, pantry supplies, or shoes.
Large boxes: Reserve these only for lightweight, bulky items such as bedding, cushions, or lampshades. Never fill large boxes with heavy goods, as this risks injury and breakage.
Condition
Damaged boxes: Don’t use any boxes that are water-stained, torn, or have sagging seams.
Odour: Avoid boxes that smell musty, as moisture weakens the cardboard structure, making them unreliable when stacked.
Specialty boxes: Look for specialty cartons for fragile items, like flat boxes, which are designed for moving large, flat items like televisions, mirrors, or artwork.
In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, retailers often stock commercial-grade cartons; asking about moving boxes from Adelaide suppliers can lead you to higher-quality options than generic alternatives.
Types of free moving boxes to look out for
A stack of labeled boxes. | Source: iStock
Not all cartons are made equal! When you’re wondering where to find boxes for moving for free, remember that some are designed for fragile items, others for bulky loads, and some for heavy everyday goods.
These are the most common types and how to use them effectively:
Television box – Made to fit flat-screen TVs securely, usually with foam inserts or rigid side panels. Choose a box close to your TV’s screen size to stop movement inside. Always use corner protectors and keep the original packaging if possible. Many retailers or appliance stores will give away spare TV cartons if you ask soon after deliveries.
Glassware box – Designed with cardboard dividers or cells that separate each glass. They’re excellent for wine glasses, beer steins, or fragile mugs. Use tissue or butchers’ paper to wrap stems before placing them in the cells for extra padding. Liquor stores often discard sturdy cartons with dividers, which can substitute for glassware boxes if you reinforce them with tape.
Dishware box – Strong cartons with sections that hold plates vertically rather than stacked flat. This positioning reduces pressure and makes chipping less likely.
Box for pictures and mirrors – Flat, elongated boxes that keep frames, mirrors, and canvases upright. Choose a box slightly larger than the item so you can pad the sides with bubble wrap or foam. Never place multiple frames in one box unless separated with firm padding. Many framing shops will supply flat boxes or cardboard sheets if you ask.
Large boxes (45 x 45 x 60 cm) – Ideal for lightweight, bulky goods like bedding, doonas, pillows, lamps, or kitchen appliances. Avoid overfilling with heavy items, as these cartons can split or be unsafe to lift. Storage suppliers sell these in multi-packs, but some furniture or bedding stores may give them away after stock deliveries.
Medium-sized boxes (45 x 45 x 40 cm) – Often called the “workhorse” of moving boxes, medium cartons are sturdy and versatile. They work well for books, pantry items, clothing, or shoes. These are the most common size you can get in bundles.
Small boxes – Compact cartons that stay strong even when filled with dense goods. Use them for cutlery, utensils, chargers, cables, small appliances, or decorative ornaments. They’re also useful for toiletries or cleaning products, as leaks are contained. Liquor cartons, shoe boxes, and fruit boxes from supermarkets are excellent free substitutes.
Where to get free moving boxes in Australia
Packing for relocation. | Source: iStock
Finding cartons at no cost can save you hundreds of dollars. The key is knowing where to find cardboard boxes for free and how to ask. Here are the most reliable places to start:
Friends, family, neighbourhood
One of the easiest ways to collect moving boxes for cheap is by asking people you already know. Friends or neighbours may have leftover boxes from online deliveries or past moves. A quick message in a group chat or local noticeboard often produces results, especially if you make it easy by offering to pick them up at a convenient time.
Online marketplaces
Social platforms are full of people giving away moving boxes. Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle, and Gumtree’s free listings often feature cartons in cheap boxes for moving in excellent condition.
Set up alerts for your suburb so you can respond quickly; these posts are often claimed within hours. Metropolitan areas see particularly high turnover on these platforms, so searching for cheap moving boxes in Melbourne groups can yield results within the same day. And when asking, keep your request short and specific, such as “Looking for 10–15 medium moving boxes; can collect after 6 pm.”
Local retailers and supermarkets
Shops receive large quantities of stock daily and often discard strong cartons. A supermarket is usually the best place to get moving boxes for free; they typically have banana boxes, which are sturdy and easy to stack, while liquor stores regularly recycle wine cartons with built-in dividers that are perfect for glasses.
The best time to ask is just after deliveries, either early morning or late evening. Speak to the staff politely and see if they can set some aside for you.
Garage sales and community markets
Here’s where to get free packing boxes: markets and garage sales often leave sellers with piles of empty boxes once the day ends. Arriving near closing time and offering to take cartons off their hands is an easy way to collect a variety of sizes.
Many stallholders would be willing to give them away, saving them the effort of disposal. Make sure to bring tape and a trolley to reinforce and transport them on the spot.
Recycling centres
Wondering how to get moving boxes for cheap? Some recycling centres allow residents to collect intact cartons before they’re compacted. Always call ahead to check local policies, as rules vary between councils. Be selective; only take boxes that are dry, firm, and free from stains. It’s also wise to reinforce these with tape before using them for fragile items.
Local removalist service providers
Removalist companies often have leftover boxes from previous jobs. Many will sell them at a discount or even give them away if they’re still in good condition. Calling around to local companies can save money while also letting you compare removalist costs if you’re planning to book help.
Schools, libraries, offices
Institutions like schools and libraries discard cartons during term breaks or when new stock arrives. Offices also throw out large quantities during cleanouts. Contacting admin staff ahead of these times can secure strong, uniform cartons. Some facilities may even let you use loading docks to make collection easier.
Where to get cheap moving boxes
Sealing the moving box securely. | Source: iStock
If free boxes don’t cover all your needs, there are plenty of inexpensive moving boxes you could look into.
Renting
Renting plastic crates is increasingly popular, with many companies providing sturdy, reusable crates delivered to your door. Some companies charge by individual crate per week—delivery and pickup included—but many bundle their packages based on how big the move is.
Bulk suppliers and wholesalers
For those wondering where they can buy cheap moving boxes, bulk suppliers are a cost-effective choice. Carton suppliers sell various sizes of cartons in packs and might even buy them back if returned in good condition. These wholesalers often provide discounted bundles or moving packs, which can bring down the average cost per box.
Retail stores and storage centres
Even storage centres and hardware chains stock moving cartons. Some charge delivery fees for online orders, so compare costs with local pickup. When buying in bulk, the difference of a few cents per box can add up quickly. Major suppliers of moving boxes in Sydney typically maintain larger inventories, making it easier to find bulk deals.
Checking and preparing your boxes for moving
Folding a large cardboard moving box. | Source: iStock
Even sturdy cartons need a quick check before you fill them. Taking a few minutes to prepare boxes properly reduces the chance of collapse and keeps your belongings secure during transit. A well-prepared box also makes moving easier for you and your removalists, especially if you’re moving interstate.
Inspect for strength – Look for water stains, soft spots, or sagging walls. A musty smell often signals damp damage. Reject boxes with mould, pests, or crushed corners.
Reinforce weak boxes – Use strong packing tape to secure seams, especially along the base. Replace bottom flaps if they don’t close tightly, or overlap them for extra support.
Test weight limits – Keep small cartons under 12 kg, medium cartons under 20 kg, and use large boxes only for light goods like linen or cushions. Overloaded boxes are difficult to carry and may split in transit.
Stack-test before moving – Load a box with a few items, place another on top for 30 seconds, and check for bowing. If the base gives way, use that box only for light items.
Line fragile cartons – Add a layer of butchers’ paper, bubble wrap, or foam along the sides and bottom before packing crockery, glassware, or electronics. This protects against shocks during loading.
Seal properly – Use the “H” method. Place two strips of tape along the seam and one across the flaps. For heavy cartons, add a third strip for extra strength.
Label clearly – Mark cartons with the destination room and handling notes like “Fragile” or “This Side Up” on at least two sides. It helps removalists stack correctly and speeds up unpacking.
Do a mid-pack safety check – Once you’ve filled and sealed a box, gently press or nudge it while stacked. If there’s give, redistribute the weight or add reinforcement before moving day.
Get ready to pack
You don’t need to overspend on packing supplies. By simply asking here and there, you can collect sturdy free cartons from community groups, retailers, and neighbours, or choose cheap options from bulk suppliers and crate hire services. By preparing and reinforcing boxes properly, you’ll keep your belongings safe and avoid stress on moving day.
When you’re ready to take the next step, compare quotes from trusted professionals. You can find qualified and expert removalists on Oneflare who can handle the packing and transport for you, allowing you to focus on other important moving tasks.
FAQs on moving boxes
Can I reuse cardboard boxes safely when moving house?
Yes, provided they are dry, structurally sound, and free of pests. Avoid reusing food cartons for fragile items unless reinforced. Always check for water damage, soft seams, or signs of wear before trusting them with valuable belongings.
What’s cheaper: buying cardboard boxes or hiring reusable crates?
For short moves, crate hire is usually more economical. For example, crate rental companies charge roughly $130+ for twenty-five crates for one week, while buying the same number of new cartons at, say, $3.50 each would cost about $88.
Add in the time and cost of disposing of cardboard afterwards, and crates often come out ahead for short timelines. If you need boxes for longer than three months, buying is generally cheaper.
How many moving boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom house in Australia?
On average, about thirty-five cartons are enough: twenty medium, ten small, and five large. Add specialty cartons as needed for wardrobes and electronics.
When is the best time to ask shops for free cardboard boxes?
Early morning and late evening, right after stock deliveries, are the most reliable times. Staff often have surplus cartons they’re happy to set aside if you ask politely.
What should I check before reusing old moving boxes?
Make sure they are dry, free of mould, and smell neutral. Check seams and corners for strength. Avoid anything with water stains, rodent damage, or sagging panels.
Moving house can be a highly stressful experience, and it’s not easy to keep track of who to notify of your move. You need to arrange the packing of your possessions, find a removalist, manage your expenses, and many other things.
Changing your address is probably low on your list of priorities, but it’s an essential aspect of moving house and will help you settle into your new home. You need to contact several people and organisations about the change in address. To help, we’ve done the heavy lifting. Here’s our checklist of who to notify and when.
It’s a good idea to inform your personal connections well before the move. You can simply send out an email or text message with your new address and the date of the move to all your contacts including:
Parents
Siblings
Aunties, uncles and cousins
Distant relatives
Neighbours (they can forward mail if needed)
Friends
Friends of your children
Any business associates and connections
A time effective way of doing this is to create a list of names, add the email addresses to the list and send a bulk email to all your personal connections.
Subscriptions
The next step is to either cancel or change the address on any subscriptions you may have. They can include:
Magazines
Store memberships
Airline loyalty programs
Newspapers
Catalogues
Any postal subscription services like DVDs, health boxes, beauty boxes, etc.
Vehicle
If you intend to take your car with you to your new location or even new state, all changes to vehicle-related documentation should occur a few weeks before you’re moving house. You’ll need to update your driver’s license, even if you don’t intend to take your vehicle with you.
Driver’s license
Car insurance
Car registration
Maintenance service contracts
Car companies if your vehicle is still under warranty
E-tag or toll membership
Healthcare
Your doctors and related medical practitioners will need to update your personal information and possibly transfer your medical records, so you’ll need to give them a head’s up about your move. Ensure you inform the following medical practitioners, where applicable, about your change of address:
Dentist
General practitioner
Paediatrician
Optometrist
Specialist healthcare providers
Vet
Utilities
You will need to cancel subscriptions to utilities, change your address, and transfer the services to the new owner. Make sure you settle all bills before you change the address.
Subscription television, e.g. Foxtel
Gas
Electricity
Phone (both landline and mobile)
Internet
Water
Australia Post office (so they can redirect post if needed)
Finance
The next step is to contact all financial institutions and inform them about the change of address. Different institutions will have different requirements.
Banks
Bonds, stocks, and shares
Pension
Loan organisations and lenders
Credit card companies
Brokerage firms
Superannuation funds
Accountants, and anyone who helps you manage your finances
Education
If you or anyone in your family attends an educational institution, you need to inform the school/college/university about the change of address as well.
Your child’s school so they can forward any paperwork or communication as needed
College and universities
Afterschool programs or early learning programs
Extracurricular classes like art, music, dance, drama, etc.
Employment
Even if you resign from your job, it’s a good idea to give your previous employer a way to communicate with you. You should also think about informing these people about your change of address:
You need to inform the government about your change of address as well. You will need to download forms from relevant government websites and make the changes.
Australian Taxation Office
Australian Electoral Commission
Concession cards
Department of Human Services, including Child Support, Medicare, Centrelink, etc.
Seniors cards
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Local councils
DonateLife
Local library
Insurance
Most people have several insurance policies in their name, including the vehicle insurance policy previously mentioned. You need to update your address on all of them, including:
Health insurance
Life insurance
Home and contents insurance
Social
If you are a part of different institutions and organisations in a social capacity, you need to contact them and either cancel your membership, transfer it to a different branch, or change your address. These organisations include:
Gyms or health clubs
Charities
Churches
State Volunteer organisations
Local clubs
Sports club
Unions and professional organisations
Legal service providers
Your legal representatives should be able to contact you, even if you are no longer using their services.
Personal lawyer
Business or corporate lawyer related to work
Property lawyer or conveyancer, who handled the sale and purchase of your homes
Miscellaneous
There are several other people and organisations that might need to contact you based on your lifestyle and responsibilities. They can include:
Tenants or property managers of any rental properties
Home maintenance services like lawn or garden maintenance
Store loyalty cards from Coles, Woolworths, Qantas, David Jones, etc.
Security systems like home alarms
It’s a good idea to start ticking items off the list a few weeks before you start moving house, as it can be stressful to change the address in so many places at once. Start with who to notify first, such as friends and family before you move on to organisations, government departments, schools, and other such institutions. You can add items to the list and print it out to make the process easier. Most private and state government institutions have the change of address instructions on their websites and provide appropriate forms for you to complete.
A removalist, or moving company, will help store and transport your household furniture and goods. They can help save you time and effort, turning a stressful house move into a smooth process. Check out this cost guide to see the average price of a removalist.
Here, we’ll show you the steps to take when hiring a removalist, how to choose the right one for move.
Kinds of removalist services
Depending on your budget and the level of service you require, you can select from:
Back-loading
In this option, your possessions will share space with other people’s in the removalist’s truck or van. You only pay for the square metre area you use during the transport which can help you save a significant amount of money, particularly when moving long distances.
Moving only
Most moving companies will pack your possessions for you at an additional cost. If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip this service and pack your belongings yourself. You can source free packing materials from either your moving company, your local school or shops, or friends who have recently moved.
A full move
If you’re on a tight schedule and need to carry out the move as quickly as possible, you should consider hiring the complete service. The movers will handle everything – packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. Some movers will also disassemble large furniture and reassemble it if required.
Moving your home can be a stressful experience but with the help of a reliable business, your move can be easier and stress-free. Hiring a reliable removalist will ensure your household items are well looked after and guarantee a smooth and efficient move.
Know your requirements
Removalists can be involved in everything from the packing to the unloading, so knowing what services you require will help you choose the right business. Common services offered by a removalist company include:
Packing items
Storing items
Transporting items locally or interstate
Supplying furniture covers
Providing packing supplies
Disassembling and reassembling furniture
Unpacking items at the new destination
Choosing a business that provides the services you most require will save time, money and effort, especially if you are comfortable taking care of the majority of your home.
With large, heavy or fragile items, a professional removalist can make the move easier. Qualified removalists will have specialised tools and packing materials such as bubble wraps, loading equipment, lifting straps and trolleys to unload and transport safely. The potential risk of damaged goods should be enough to convince you to check a removalist’s insurance policy. Prior to hiring a removalist, ask the business what kind of coverage they offer and always keep a record of the insurance policy.
Check reviews & rates
With the wide range of removalists available, getting a free quote from your local professionals on Oneflare can help you choose a removalist that is the best value for your money. The cheapest quote isn’t always the most reliable, so aim to hire a business that is not only within your budget but one that you also can trust.
Look for previous testimonials and reviews that will give you an indication of the business’ past work and reliability.
If you’re planning a move, post a removalist job on Oneflare to connect with qualifiied professionals near you.
