Moving to a new house is a major change that requires thorough planning and preparation. It entails a long to-do list and requires even longer patience to get the job done.

From the change in environment to the necessary paperwork that needs to be accomplished, a move can be quite exhausting. Sometimes, just thinking about it can overwhelm you. This is the very reason why people choose to hire professional interstate removalists to deal with the complicated and physically demanding tasks in the relocation process. To choose an expert you can trust with your relocation needs, it is important that you follow these five steps to ensure that the company you hire can—and will—deliver as promised:

Step #1: Know the right questions to ask

Sometimes, it can be difficult to begin your inquiries with removal companies because you have no idea what questions to ask. To solve this dilemma, you should start by thinking about what services you need and how you want them done. The time and date of your move should also be included in your main considerations. Once you’ve covered all these, you should also ask prospective removalists the following important questions:

• How long have you been in the moving industry?
• Are your quotes based on an hourly rate or a fixed rate for the entire move? If hourly, what is the hourly rate and the estimated time required to complete the move?
• Will there be expected increases or changes in the quote after it has been prepared??
• Is it possible to get an obligation-free onsite quote/inspection?
• How many removalists should I expect to see at my house on the day of the move?
• What are your payment methods? Do you accept cash, card, or cheque?
• Do you offer other services like packing and storage? If so, what are the additional fees and charges?

Aside from these, you should also ask about the potential cost of the removal service, insurance coverage, accreditation and licences to vouch for their legitimacy as a company.

Step #2: Compare prices and services

The cost of services is another important thing you need to consider. After asking around, it is good to have a list of candidates, so you can easily compare their rates based on the services they offer. Among the main considerations for calculating costs include the number of items to be transported, higher rates during peak moving season (varies depending on your place), and if you’re booking for a last-minute move. You should also keep in mind that special requests and additional services like packing and storage may involve added costs. If you’re on a tight budget, you should follow these removal cost-saving tips:

• Reduce your load by purging and decluttering before your move.
• If your circumstances will allow, don’t schedule your move during the peak season. In most places, movers are quite busy during summertime.
• Early booking can also help you save as removalists are more likely to charge more for last-minute moves.

Also, make sure to watch out for other potential fees for added services. A professional removalist will outline all options and costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Step #3: Consider insurance (yours and theirs)

Insurance is a major consideration when deciding which local removalist to hire since it serves as a protection for you and your belongings. Ask the prospective removalists on your list about their liability coverage to determine what you should expect from them should there be any lost or damaged items during the move. Only AFRA certified removal companies are authorised to provide transit insurance. For added protection, you should consider shopping around for removal insurance policies but be sure to read the fine print, especially the part about inclusions and exclusions (like packing your own boxes).

Step #4: Verify their licence and certificates

Trust is built on integrity, so be sure to determine if the removalists you are considering for your move have a genuine licence and verifiable certificates and are operating legally. Check if they are accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), a body that maintains the standards and quality of service provided by furniture movers in Australia. This way, you are ensured that they have the necessary vehicles and equipment and employ professionals who are trained to handle relocations efficiently.

Step #5: Read reviews

After verifying their legal documents and documentary proof of service standards, it is time for you to ask around about the removalists you are looking to hire. One way of doing this is to ask friends and family who have moved in your area. You can also ask for references from the company itself. You can find out what our customers think about Aussiemove by reading some of our removal reviews here.

Ready to sign a contract?

Choosing a trustworthy removal company can be easy if you know the right questions to ask and how to proceed with your own screening process. Let this article serve as your guide for your relocation to make it stress-free. In need of assistance for your upcoming move? Send us a line to get a free quote. Aussiemove is always ready to serve you.