Moving home can be a daunting task especially when you consider you are entrusting all your worldly goods to strangers. So what do you have to consider when choosing the right people to move your goods?
The first thing to remember is that it’s not all about the price, you pay for the service you get so if you take the cheapest quote that is likely to be the service you receive. The removals industry is not heavily regulated so there is plenty of scope for fly by night operators who are happy to take your money,your TV etc. and leave you with a bad experience. A reputable removalist will be a member of a registered industry body such as the Australian Furniture Removalist Association (AFRA). These companies have met stringent guidelines to become members and you have AFRA to fall back on should anything to wrong with your move.
- Always look for a professional company with staff that are able to answer your questions. Check out the trucks and equipment, do they appear organised and competent?
- Does the company have an office / depot and are the men in uniforms, in other words is the company legitimate.
- How long has the company been in operation? A company that has been in the removal business for a long time is likely to be trustworthy because they have stood the test of time.
- Ask around and get recommendations from friends and ask the company for testimonials that you can check out. Make sure you are getting the best service for your money.
- Get it in writing , get a quote stating what will be done and the cost involved before you proceed. Be sure to check that everything is included in the quote so that you don’t get stuck with unexpected costs at the end of the move. Make sure you have a signed contract before you move.
- Does the removalist offer extra service such as pre pack and unpack, packing materials, cleaning and pet transport? A good removalist will have highly trained staff that take great care with your goods. Good removalists know the most appropriate way to pack and transport your furniture to minimise the risk of damages.
- If you take out insurance check that your removalist is a registered insurance agent and that the terms of your insurance state clearly what is and is not covered. Remember if there is no insurance policy documentation there is no insurance.
At the end of your move you want to be able to sit back and be happy that the service you paid for is what you got. A small investment of your time in research before you move will pay off in the long run.
