When you're getting ready to move, it's essential to have the best practices on hand. Wise Move asked our top removal companies to share some secrets on how Professional Movers prepare your home for a move.
In this blog, we'll show you the tools, tricks and best practices to make sure your belongings don't get damaged along the way.
Even if you book a professional mover, you might opt to lower moving expenses by packing a few boxes yourself. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t waste space and get things packaged and labelled in the best possible way:
Start early: Packing always takes longer than you think, so it’s best to start early. Begin by packing items that you don’t use very often, such as seasonal clothing or items in storage.
Get the right supplies: Make sure you have enough boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape to get the job done. You can often find free boxes at grocery stores or liquor stores, or you can purchase them from a moving supply store.
Use small boxes for heavy items: It’s better to use several smaller boxes for heavy items like books rather than one large box. This will make the boxes easier to lift and prevent them from breaking.
Pack tightly: Make sure you pack your boxes tightly to prevent items from shifting during transit. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any gaps and prevent items from moving around.
Label boxes clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it should go in at your new home. This will help you and your movers unpack more efficiently and ensure that everything ends up in the right place.
Pack similar items together: Grouping similar items together in the same box will make it easier to unpack and organise when you arrive at your new home.
Don’t overpack boxes: Be careful not to overpack boxes, as this can cause them to break or become too heavy to lift. As a general rule, boxes should not weigh more than 22,6kg.
Use soft items as padding: Use soft items like towels or clothing to pad fragile items like dishes or glassware. This will help protect them during transit.
By following these tips, you can pack efficiently and effectively, ensuring that your items arrive at your new home safely and in the same condition.
Before you start packing for your move, gathering all the necessary documents you'll need during and after the move is essential. Here are some important documents to take out and keep with you:
Identification documents: Make sure to keep your passport, driver's license, and any other forms of identification with you. These documents are essential when travelling and may be required when you arrive at your new home. If you are moving abroad do not forget your driver's paperwork as you may required to take on a new driving test at a local driving school due to different regulations being in your new country.
Medical records: It's essential to have your medical records on hand in case of an emergency. This includes your medical history, prescriptions, and any other relevant documents.
Financial documents: Keep any important financial documents with you, such as bank statements, investment records, and tax documents.
Legal documents: Make sure to keep all essential legal documents with you, such as your will, insurance policies, and property deeds.
Employment documents: Keep any vital employment documents with you, such as your resume, references, and job offer letter.
School records: If you have children, make sure to keep their school records with you, including transcripts and immunisation records.
Moving-related documents: Keep all documents related to your move, such as your moving contract, inventory list, and insurance paperwork, with you in case you need to refer to them during the move.
It's a good idea to keep these documents in a safe and easily accessible place, such as a folder or small bag that you can carry with you. By keeping these documents with you, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need during and after the move.
Also, it’s near impossible to find things once they’ve gone into the pile of boxes ready to be moved.
The first question a mover will ask is how large is the load you need to be moved? This helps them better understand the logistics and vehicles required for your move.
When a professional mover is called about a potential job, they start to crunch specific numbers, namely, how many cubic meters of space they’ll require for the job ahead.
Depending on your estimates, the mover must book a particular vehicle for the job to ensure that there is enough space so items don’t need to be stacked too densely or on top of each other.
But with moving many items, it’s essential to highlight items that will usually cause an issue. Professional movers will want to know if there are any major problem items.
“We once moved a double-door fridge from Dubai that wouldn’t fit through standard-sized South African doors”, says Clinton Phillips, Owner of Malakhi Movers .
It’s always important to take stock of the items you need to move and share red-flag items, as items that will be difficult to move will require additional equipment.
Every trade has its set of tools, and professional movers have their selection of packaging supplies and equipement - as every job has its own set of unique challenges.
All movers will have a set of sturdy straps on the back of their trucks. Nothing worse than having items move around in the loading bay as it ruins the centre of gravity of the vehicle and will definitely damage them.
Certain movers will use furniture lifting and moving strap belts, which give the wearer extra support - it is a ‘must-have’ gadget to move heavy furniture. Most of these moving straps have been designed to ensure there is less strain on the back and encourage a proper lifting technique.
A furniture trolley is an item that no mover would leave home without when they know they are moving things like fridges or freezers. Utilising a trolley is safer and removes excessive strain on the back.
Moving companies will also pull out their selection of tie-down straps with a ratchet mechanism to secure the item.
“The most essential tool in our arsenal has to be our heavy-duty moving straps. Once strapped into place, our client's items cannot fall over. Also, nothing is allowed to fall over,” says Phillips.
Most movers will also ensure that there are furniture moving blankets to wrap items when lifted into the loading bay and also when packed into place. When strapping a client’s possessions together tightly, it’s essential to ensure that they don’t touch or rub against each other.
Another item that professional movers use or wear is a workperson’s overhaul. No matter how clean a home is, there’s always room for dust and dirt. Ensuring that the additional help can get into those dusty corners of the home is part and parcel of the job.
In certain circumstances, you will need a mover to transport an item that is simply too large to fit into a vehicle with an enclosed space. Make sure, no matter what the weather conditions are like, that they have furniture covers for moving your loved possessions.
Finally, many movers will claim to be hardened individuals, but eventually, they will reach for a pair of industrial gloves, and they’ll probably arrive with a pair of heavy-duty shoes with steel caps.
There’s nothing worse than getting nicks and scraps when handling furniture, and safety is always a good idea. Second, guessing the shoes? Just imagine something big like a fridge slipping from your partner’s hands… right onto your… ok, I think you’ve got the picture.
Preparing for unloading at your new place can help make the process smoother and more efficient. Here are some things you can do to prepare:
Measure doorways and hallways: Before your items arrive, measure the doorways and hallways in your new home to make sure that your larger furniture items will fit through them. This will help you avoid any damage to your items or your home.
Decide on room layouts: Plan where your furniture will go in each room before the movers arrive. This will help you direct the movers to the correct location and make the unloading process faster.
Prepare the space: Make sure that the areas where the movers will be unloading your items are clear and free of obstacles. This will help the movers move your items more easily and reduce the risk of damage.
Unpack essentials first: Plan to unpack essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen items. This will allow you to settle in more quickly and comfortably.
Label rooms: Label each room in your new home with a sign or piece of paper, so the movers know where to place your items. This will help ensure that everything ends up in the right place and make the unpacking process easier.
Direct the movers: Be available to direct the movers where to place items, especially larger items like furniture. This will help prevent any confusion and ensure that everything is placed in the correct location.
Keep track of inventory: As the movers unload your items, make sure to check off each item on your inventory list. This will help you ensure that everything arrives and make the unpacking process more organised.
Moving can be a stressful process, but there are things you can do to make it easier. Packing and loading your belongings properly will help ensure that they arrive safely at your new home.
And preparing the space for unloading will help make the process more efficient. Follow our Wise Move tips to make your move a little less stressful and a lot more successful.
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