Here's a few tips to help you through the Furniture Moving process!

• Selling and Buying on same day - as well as moving house?
  • This is not uncommon and can be the source of much stress.  Unless you're in a position to obtain access to your new residence prior to settlement of your old residence, then a date for settlement will be set but the time of settlement on that day is unlikely to be available until closer to the settlement day itself.   Put simply, you are required to have vacated your old residence, but generally will be unable to enter your new residence until you have received confirmation that the "settlement" process is complete.  Assuming all goes to plan, this information can usually be confirmed by the people handling your Conveyancing approximately 30 minutes after the allocated settlement time.
• What if the properties fail to settle as planned or settlement is set back to a late afternoon? 
  • This is not common but it does happen for a variety of reasons.   If you have a very large consignment we sometimes suggest that the Uplift of your consignment take place on or prior to Settlement Day with delivery to occur on the next business day (or other days by prior arrangement).  This means that if any delay occurs, it's just a simple matter to store your consignment until the problem has been rectified.   Additional costs can be associated with this solution but it can be money well spent to relieve stress knowing that a back-up solution is in place. Sometimes these extra costs can be recovered by you from the party who caused the problem,  but rest assured that we wont walk away without ensuring a mutually suitable solution is in place. 
• Safety of our Staff - Some items we cannot or it's just smarter that we don't move for you!
  • Safety for all on your job is paramount for us.  Certainly all work entails a level of risk so we follow the safety strategies set down by Worksafe - i.e.  "we either control the risk or remove it".  In the interests of staff safety we ask that you work with us to consider this before your move.     
  • Think about the items in your consignment because some things we cannot move and they're not always obvious - so ask yourself;  Will it leak and cause damage to my goods or a person?  Could it explode?  Could it poison or harm someone? Is it legal for us to carry the item?   If pre-packing your own boxes, think about what you're about to pack and hand to us for Removal!  If we are moving garage equipment or light machines, ensure all moving parts are secure.  It's an important issue that you need be aware of - we want our people to return home safe and uninjured after moving you and at same time your goods to arrive in good shape.    
  • Remember to care for your goods we need to physically handle them and in some cases we may use manual hand equipment to assist.  Whilst we consider our staff to be "supermen" in reality there is limitations in what they can comfortably lift and physically manage.  To this end, ask yourself;  Do I have any larger items I assembled in-situ, (this could be a large workbench, table, cupboards, exercise machine etc.) and now it's assembled weight may mean it needs to be disassembled for it to be moved safely.    
  • Consider if you want to move in on settlement day, is it safely achievable?   Some larger moves with many items and with longer carries and / or difficult access can take some time to complete.  If your new residence has a late settlement time and in the Winter months, darkness may fall before the delivery can be safely completed. This can quickly become an unsafe work environment.
  • Is the path between your home and the kerb-side clear of overhanging foliage? - is the pathway clear and free of slippery moss or slime?
• Using correct Removal Cartons and Packaging for your move is as important as putting the correct fuel in your car!
  • We can provide a quote for full Preliminary Packing services.  Our professional staff know not only what type of carton will be required - but also how to pack it!  From Chandeliers and Long Stem Glassware to Wine, Books, Artwork and Soft Toys.  The Carton (or Box) is only part of the solution, how to pack the carton is critical to the safe delivery of the contents. It should be noted that in most cases unless the Removalist supplies, packs an unpacks your boxes they have no way of knowing if your cartons are suitable for what you have packed and in fact if the technique you have used will adequately protect the contents during the inevitable "shocks" associated with moving and handling process!
  • If you choose to carry out your own Preliminary Packing - we recommend that you ensure the Boxes you use are suitable for the items you intend to pack.  Ensure boxes (once packed) are manageable in terms of weight.  Professional Furniture Removalists use four main carton types and whilst there are many carton variations available these will, in the majority of cases meet your Pre-packing needs.  We can supply and deliver boxes and packing materials for you - just visit our online BOX SHOP for all these needs and no nonsense information.
  • Beware of "cheap" packing materials.  Some advertise "Removal Boxes" when in fact they couldn't be further from suitable for this purpose.  Forget what is written on the outside of box! Look for inappropriate sizes, (one customer we visited had been supplied with boxes that once packed, wouldn't fit through the doors!), look for soft or weak carton walls - the carton once packed appropriately should easily be able to support 2-3 boxes of similar weight packed on top without collapsing.
  • Be aware before using plastic tubs for Removals!  These are fantastic for static storage within your cupboards but due to their inflexible walls and lids, they are prone to cracking and splitting when being moved!    
• Remember the 5 "P's!" - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!
  • If taking advantage of our on-site quote service, think about any items which you definitely will not be moving from each room. Start the discussion with other family members and identify any items which may be in contention for disposal - make sure you're all on the same path so we can be too!  We will use this advice to prepare your quote. 
  • Proper preparation is the key to success with most tasks we perform in life and Moving is no different!   In the weeks leading up to Removal Day, dispose of unwanted paints, clothing, furniture, foodstuffs (it is wise not to transport liquids without the manufacturers seal in place - they tend to leak and if they do, it will be on to your goods!).  If Prep-packing your own cartons and boxes, makes sure it's all completed with boxes sealed ready to go.
  • It is safe?  Sometimes it's just unwise and in other cases it is unsafe and in some cases illegal for our staff to transport the following:
    • Caustic Cleaners, Poisons
    • Paint, Oil, Fuels, Turpentine an alike
    • Pressure Pack Cans,  Opened liquid foodstuffs (Soy Sauce and alike)
    • Gas Bottles (unless empty - DO NOT empty LPG into atmosphere - the gas travels at ground level and it's highly explosive!)
    • Guns, Ammunition, Black Powder, Fire Works, Explosives, Flares
    • Pressurised Scuba tanks 
    • Some other items not listed here may also be rejected if identified as a safety concern.
• Some items may need special prior preparation.
  • It is important that items you allocate for removal are clean and dry. Fuels and/or oils must be emptied from mowers and like items.
  • Are you moving interstate?  Did you know that Quarantine Laws exist in some states?  Tasmania and Western Australia require you to sign a Quarantine Declaration regarding your consignment.  As such it is important that you familiarize yourself with the requirements of that state. Make sure bins, mowers, "whip-trimmers", vacuums and alike items are empty and clean, interstate transport of plants may be rejected.  Quarantine Officers may direct us to dispose or clean any items identified as a Quarantine risk, this is an additional cost to you, so best to prepare or dispose of any items prior!
  • Some "pre-fab" furniture items may need special preparation.  Did you buy the items and need to assemble it in house sometimes these items are not designed to be moved once erected and it is much safer to dismantle them for the trip.
  • Moving Washing Machines - refer to your manufacturers transport instructions. Some "Front Loader" Washers need special preparation prior to being moved,  please ensure this is carried out prior to the arrival of the Removalists. 
  • Do you have high value works of Art?  Extraordinarily fragile items?  Consideration should be given to special packaging or crating - we can provide guidance and options for this.
  • Make sure your Fridge and Freezer are empty, cleaned and importantly; dry!  This is particularly important if your goods are being moved into storage, dampness can encourage mould.
  • Large Flat Screen TV's must be packed.  Packing into their original carton (if you retained it) is best, otherwise we can provide a quote to supply a Generic Flat Screen TV Carton. 
• Insurance and Moving (Note this is company opinion and not Insurance Advice!)
  
  • Ask yourself if you have home contents insurance?  Does this cover your goods once they leave the house?
  • Have you been told "Transit Insurance is included" or "Free Insurance" as part of your removal?  It's a common sales technique, but not always accurate or the supposed Insurance policy (if any) only covers the removal company not you for remote damage risk causes resulting from  flood or fire.  If you have been told "it's included", ask for a copy of the Policy which shows that you are the "insured" and the relevant "Product Disclosure Statement" - so you can see exactly what risks are covered.  At  E W Hogan honesty and clarity is always our aim, we are very clear that Transit Insurance is not included unless you specifically direct us otherwise in writing.  Why you ask, because in some cases your own contents policy may already provide coverage for the moving process - a saving for you if coverage is already in place with your own insurer.
  • Shouldn't the Removalist cover my goods automatically?  We can cover your goods, but you need to advise us of the risk in dollars so we can include this in your quote.  Whilst we pride ourselves in our professionalism and old fashioned care when carrying out your removal, we are human and very clear that our quotes exclude Transit Insurance unless advised otherwise when quoting.  Like Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Life Insurance etc..."Transit Insurance" for your goods is not free!  
• What if my service requirements have changed or the quantity of goods has increased or decreased after I have been quoted?
  • This is important, as resources are allocated based on what you have told us about.  Imagine booking 4 seats with an Airline and arriving with 8 people or conversely 2 people - I'm sure the Airline would charge you for extra seats or the extra people would simply be left behind and in other example most likely not refund you if they are unable to fill the remaining seats!  We're more than happy to alter your quote, just advise us prior to your moving day so we can ensure appropriate time and resources are allocated and at same time provide you with the cost variation information.
• Got Other Questions About Moving?
  • Call us on (03) 9580 7366 - Talk direct to the company who employs your Furniture Removalists!  Remember, if moving house from Melbourne Metro area, we will be happy to come to you and provide an on-site inspection and quote. 

 KIDS NEED TO MOVE TOO!

• Contact your child's Present School and notify them your child is leaving. At the same time :
  • obtain a Transfer Certificate where relevant;
  • collect Samples of Work - either a Portfolio or a range of work samples in different subject areas;
  • talk to the class teacher[s] and see if they can give you any Additional Information
  • make or obtain notes on any Special Programs in which your child is involved and need to be continued. Some detail of where they are in a program would be useful.
• Make sure you Return Equipment which belongs to the school, e.g. library books, readers, etc.
• If you have Uniforms no longer of use to you, consider donating them to the Clothing Pool, or to another family.
• Consider a Thank-You to the school for what it has done. It is surprising how often people who are happy with their child's school never do this.
• Contact your child's New School and let them know your child is enrolling. Do this as soon as possible. Have the following information available :
  • name, age and birthday;
  • the year/class they have been in and the state/territory/country they are coming from;
  • any special programs they have been in and indicate you wish to discuss these when you visit the school for child's enrolment. This includes things such as acceleration as well as programs like Reading Recovery, English as a Second Language, etc..
• When you visit the school for the first time to Enrol your child :
  • take all Documentation and give it to the school during the initial meeting. You may wish to keep a photocopy for yourself;
  • discuss Special Programs and your desires in regard to them. Find out whether the programs will continue or what options exist either at this school or another school;
  • as well as meeting the Principal or designated enrolment staff, ensure you meet your child's Class Teacher/Year Advisor, so you know who they are for future reference;
  • ensure you are aware of what Equipment [stationery, calculator, instruments, special clothing, etc.] your child must have. Most schools will provide a list, either separately or as part of a booklet of information;
  • arrange a Tour of the school for yourself and your child [if not offered] so you know where things are;
  • make sure you know, if your child is Not Starting Immediately:
    • what day/date/time they commence;
    • what things they need to bring;
    • where they are to go when they arrive;
    • whether they will be able to purchase Food, and what sort, during the day;
    • where they have to go for Transport Options [bus/train/bicycle/car pickup/etc.] at the beginning and end of the day;
    • what time they finish so you have an indication of the time they should be home following the end of the school day OR what time to pick them up;
    • whether After School Care is available and its details;
    • details regarding Fees and/or contributions and their payment; the dress code/Uniform requirements. I
  • f they are starting Immediately, check those items listed above which still apply.
  • If you wish to become involved in school activities this could be the time to ask [e.g. helping in classrooms, in the Canteen, Reading. You may wish to leave this until you have settled into your new home and your child has settled into the school.
• Check to see who you should Contact if you have further questions. This may not be the Principal or even the class teacher, depending on the circumstances. It is far better to contact the school, if you are not happy or not clear about something. 
• Once you have done the above, place your child in the school's capable hands and leave as soon as you have said a brief farewell.
• If a Problem that requires your attention occurs, they will be the first to contact you regarding this.

Aussie Educator  www.teachers.ash.org.au

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