Nuss Blog: Relocation Tips & More

How to Hire the Right Removalists

October 14, 2019 by Nuss Removals

Moving is a major milestone in anyone’s life. Aside from adjusting to an entirely new environment, you will also be facing a lot of extra tasks — from the planning to the execution of the move.

To make the process less daunting, you need patience, the right knowledge and expert help from professional removalists. Removalists are specialists with years of experience in moving and transporting items safely. Most of the time, they offer a range of services, giving you control on how much or how little you have to do — all while maintaining the safety of your belongings.

Like any other task, hiring removalists doesn’t need to be difficult, as long as you know the proper way to do it. Read on to learn more about the important steps you should take to ensure that you hire the right people for the job.

6 Steps in Hiring a Removalist

Before closing a deal with a removalist, you must first consider all your options to ensure that you get the most value for money. To assist you in this process, here are six steps in choosing the right removal service provider for your move:

Step #1: Get recommendations

Getting recommendations is a great starting point in your search for the perfect removal company for your specific moving needs. People who have recently moved, as well as real estate agents, can provide you with viable prospects and candidates with whom they have worked in the past. You can also browse the internet for removal companies with offices near you.

One word of caution: You should be wary of websites that offer to get you 3 removal quotes, as they will often recommend the cheapest option and they will not actually do the removal themselves. Take on the task yourself to ensure the safety and security of your belongings.

Step #2: Do research for the initial screening

After preparing a list of potential removalists to hire, it is time for you to do some homework. Gather the basic information on your prospects. Some of the details you must verify are their company name, physical address and contact information. Take note of their website as well.

Since this also serves as the initial screening, you should try to look for reviews from previous clients to understand how well the candidates performed their jobs. At this point, you should also check the removal associations they partner with and you should only move with an Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) member.

Step # 3: Get written quotes from at least three companies

Once you’ve researched the removal companies, narrow down your list to three or four candidates. This will reduce the time you need for asking questions and minimise the number of quotes you need to compare.

When getting written quotes, make sure to provide the removalists with enough information to calculate costs accurately. The trick is to count how many boxes you would need for the move and to inform the removalists of any obstacles (like stairs, elevators, narrow doorways, etc.) they may face when loading and unloading the moving truck. The distance between your house and the assigned parking area is also a major factor to consider.

Or better yet, ask if the company can have someone visit your place to calculate the costs of the move more accurately. Make sure to show the estimator everything you plan to bring to your new home to ensure that the removal costs are as close as possible to the actual fees they will charge you on the day of your move.

Step #4: Talk to them

Once you have the estimates on-hand, it is time to talk to the removalists. This is a good time to ask for clarifications if you have any. Some of the most important questions you can ask them are:

● Which services do you offer and at what rate?

When faced with a huge gap in pricing, it is important that you consider which services come with the set price. By understanding what is included, you may get more value out of the higher bid, since they offer more extensive services than the cheaper ones.

● Are you insured? What is your insurance coverage?

Insurance is very important when it comes to removals because it protects the clients and their belongingsshould there be any accidental incidents during the move.

● What is the estimated transit time?

As experienced movers, the companies you talk to should be able to provide you with an estimate of how long it would take to load, unload, and transport your goods.

● Can you provide references of your previous work?

A removal company’s previous clients should be able to provide you with reviews of the quality of the services they were able to receive. This will also help you make sure that the information you got from the removalists is accurate and true.

Step #5: Compare prices, experience, and services

After you’re done with verifying information, getting quotes, and reviewing the experiences of previous clients, it is time to compare the different removalists on your list. Make sure to consider all the factors, including the companies’ experience, reputation, services included and lastly, their rates.

Remember that while it is well and good to keep your expenses to a minimum, you must consider that there’s always something that makes the price rise or fall. If you find that a mover has excellent reviews and verifiable credentials, you may have to pay slightly more for their quality of service.

Step #6: Finalise your decision

Once you’ve selected a specific removal company, it is time to finalise your decision by confirming the date of your move, verifying the estimated cost (you can’t be too sure), and signing the contract.

Ready to Get Moving?

You can reduce the stress of relocation if you hire the right removalists for the job. Take this article as a guide (and modify it as you see fit) to ensure that the people you hire are best suited for the job. Get a quick quote from Nuss Removals here.

Your After-Move To-Dos: 8 Tasks For Settling in Your New Home

October 7, 2019 by Nuss Removals

After moving interstate to Sydney, working on more tasks may be the last thing you want to be doing. All you want to do is to relax, reward yourself with some good food and get plenty of sleep at night.

Although you may have more time to do these things after moving, you can’t do them right away. You need to complete some critical tasks that will enable you to settle into your new home faster. Accomplishing these items will also help you enjoy a more comfortable, stress-free life in your new residence.

Below is a list of tasks you have to prioritise post-move:

1. Change the front and back door locks

For some people, the first step to achieving peace of mind in their new home is to replace all the door locks.

Whether you moved into a newly-built house or a pre-owned one, there is at least one other person that holds a set of keys to your new home.

To feel completely safe and secure in your new abode, you may decide to change the locks of both your front and back doors as soon as possible. By doing so, you will be sure you are the only one who has access to your home’s main exit/entry points. Additionally, make sure you choose good-quality locks and install a deadlock for extra security.

2. Check if the smoke alarm is functioning

As tedious as this sounds, for quality sleep on your first night in your new home, check this important safety device and make sure they are working.

Having a functional smoke alarm will ensure your safety even when you are asleep. As such, spend a few minutes of your first day in your new home testing these devices and replacing the batteries, if necessary.

3. Locate the circuit breaker and shutoff valves

Ensure you are prepared to deal with any electricity, gas (where applicable) and water-related emergencies in your new home. Look for your electricity meter box or panel which contains your circuit breakers and find your water and gas shutoff valves a day or two after your move.

Many new homeowners find themselves hunting for the circuit breaker at night during an emergency with only a torch, which can make the task excessively hard and potentially unsafe. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, place finding the circuit breakers high on your to-do list.

While finding the circuit breaker, locate your main water shutoff and gas shutoff valves as well. It would be better for you to find the water shutoff valve now than to be frantically looking for it as a burst pipe floods your bathroom in the future.

4. Clean your new home

Ensuring your home is clean before you start unpacking and arranging your furniture and appliances is one of the best tips you can follow post-move.

This is because the absence of your heavy, bulky furniture and appliances will make it easier for you to clean your home from top to bottom. You won’t have to move these items to vacuum or sweep underneath them. You will be able to give the walls a thorough scrubbing and other hard-to-reach places as well.

When cleaning your new home, start with the kitchen and bathrooms first. Next, tackle the bedrooms and then the rest of the house.

5. Start unpacking

Unpacking is one of the chores you can’t get out of after moving (unless you take advantage of our valet unpacking service!). As such, the earlier you start doing this, the faster you will be done with it. And the more boxes you unpack, the more you will feel comfortable in your new home. Additionally, you will have less clutter to deal with.

The upside to unpacking is you don’t have a strict timetable to work with. This means you don’t have to rush doing this. However, the faster you complete this chore, the better it will be for you.

6. Arrange your furniture and set up the appliances

Your new house or apartment will never feel like home until you have arranged all your furniture, electronics or appliances.

One of the great things about having a new home is that you get the opportunity to create a unique space that works well for you and showcases your personality. With some research and using the right online tools, you will have an easier time coming up with the perfect layout.

Arranging your furniture is also the perfect time to organise any appliances you haven’t set up yet. Setting up your kitchen appliances and other electronic devices is often one of the most difficult post-move chores. If this was part of your relocation package, you should be thankful, since you have been able to skip a time-consuming, tiring task.

7. Have a home security system installed

Boost the security in your new house or apartment by having a home security system installed.

Select a good home security system to increase your sense of comfort and safety in your new place. Make sure you choose a trusted brand and supplier that can install it properly in your home.

Once your home security system is up and running, you will be more at ease exploring your new environment.

8. Set up all essential utilities and services

Moving to a new city or state often means setting up utilities or facilities and services in another area, where your past suppliers may not provide the service. If this is the case, you will have to disconnect and apply for new connections.

If you can transfer your lines or connections, you have to do this as soon as possible (preferably pre-move) since reconnecting utilities can take some time.

If you already made a list of all utilities and services you had at your previous home, you will have an easier time keeping track of services you still need to sign up for.

As a final tip, don’t forget to squeeze in an hour or two to explore your new neighbourhood each day. Take a walk and find the nearest park, supermarkets, shopping centre, and other places of interest. Take note of the bus and train stations or stops as well.

When you know the lay of the land, you will be able to settle into your new home faster as well.

To experience a less tedious and stressful post-move in Australia, ask about our additional services during your free in-home survey and quotation at Nuss Removals.

3 Tips for Packing Items That Require Extra Care

September 17, 2019 by Nuss Removals

Patience is a virtue, especially when packing fragile items for a move. Taking some extra care during packing will ensure you arrive at your destination with your furniture and possessions in the same condition as they are now.

With enough preparation and these tips from a professional removalist in Sydney, you can prevent your fragile items from getting damaged during transit.

1. Get the right packing materials

Since you’re dealing with fragile items, don’t use old cartons to try and save money on packing materials. Old cartons may be too weak and already compromised from previous use to be able to handle the weight. You may be able to save by using makeshift packing and wrapping materials but those may not provide sufficient protection for your delicate items.

It’s a smarter choice to spend more on packing materials than repairing or replacing your damaged belongings later on. It’s too great a risk and simply not worth it. Below are the appropriate materials that you should be using.

Thick wrapping material – The thicker the wrapping is, the lower the risk of damage to your items. Thick wrapping gives better overall protection, especially when items bump or brush against each other during transport. You can create several layers of wrapping around a fragile item for extra protection, using bubble wrap, foam padding and moving blankets.
Sturdy cushioning – Crumpled paper isn’t enough as a cushion for heavy items in a box. It will eventually get flattened under the weight of the item and won’t provide enough protection. Instead, use large-sized bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, foam padding and packing peanuts.
Sturdy boxes – Use heavy duty shipping boxes or double-ply cardboard cartons that are strong enough to withstand heavy items and protect fragile pieces. Consider getting specialty boxes such as wine boxes, picture boxes and book boxes.

2. Prepare items for packing

If possible, clean and empty the items to prepare them for packing. Doing so helps prevent damage during shipment and, at the same time, make the items lighter to carry and ready for easy unpacking. You will also need to disassemble furniture pieces, appliances, equipment, and musical instruments to pack them properly.

After you contact a removalist and finalise your move date, start packing as early as possible. Unlike other items, delicate things like artwork, dishware, and musical instruments require time to pack efficiently.

3. Consider the type of item you’re packing

Different fragile items need different methods of packing. Once you’ve prepared the items you intend to pack, these steps may help:

Select a sturdy, padded box that is somewhat larger than the item you plan on packing.
Place the item at the centre of the box so that there’s space between the item and the sides of the box.
Fill the empty spaces at the sides using cardboard, foam sheets, large-sized bubble wrap, or packing peanuts.
Fill the extra space at the top of the box with cushioning material. Make sure that the box has a firm top once sealed with packing tape, as it may cave in once another box gets stacked over it.
Place labels on cartons indicating their contents. Also, write “HANDLE WITH CARE”, “FRAGILE ITEMS”, and “THIS SIDE UP” so that the removalists will know that they have to be cautious when loading and unloading these boxes.

Packing methods depending on the type of item:

Glasses

Place crumpled paper inside each glass to eliminate any empty space, then wrap glasses separately using packing paper. Line boxes at the top and bottom with an ample amount of packing paper.

Lamps

Box your lamps separately with the flat side down using plenty of packing paper. You can place the bases in a large box, and use bubble wrap wherever possible.

Piano

Packing a piano will require tight and thorough packing to safeguard the intricate parts of the instrument. We only recommend letting professionals dismantle and pack your piano to ensure safe transport. A piano is expensive; one wrong move during packing may damage the instrument.

Picture Frames

Place picture frames inside small to medium boxes lined with packing paper. Add crumpled paper between each frame to ensure that they remain in place inside the box. Remember, there are special cartons available for packing pictures.

Plates

Using small to medium cartons, pack plates vertically and line them with crumpled packing paper on top and at the bottom. Take the time to wrap each plate using bubble wrap and place paper in between them.

Properly packing for a move is crucial to ensure your items arrive in the state they were packed. But if you’re someone who doesn’t have the luxury of time to spend on packing, especially fragile items, Nuss Removals can handle the job well for you.

At Nuss Removals, we make it our goal to provide each of our clients a stress-free moving experience.

Need help with packing, or want a moving quote? Get in touch with Nuss Removals today.

6 Tips for Fuss-Free Furniture Removal & Storage

September 9, 2019 by Nuss Removals

Moving your furniture is a risky endeavour, especially if you don’t know how to do it. You could damage your items, your house or end up getting injured when it is not done properly. So before attempting to move your furniture, you must be familiar with the techniques and tools to use for fuss-free furniture removal.

Still, the best and easiest way to move your furniture is to let professional removalists do this task on your behalf. Here at Nuss Removals, our Sydney removalists can expertly handle local, interstate and international removals. No matter how far you want to relocate and how many items you wish to move, we can help you relocate everything to your new home. We can also provide you with reliable storage solutions for some of your furniture in case you need it and for as long as you want.

To ensure a fuss-free furniture removal and storage, here are six tried-and-tested tips.

1. Take the necessary measurements

Before moving any furniture, you must measure the hallways and doorways to determine if everything will fit through them. Otherwise, you might need to remove the doors first.

2. Disassemble wherever possible

Huge furniture pieces like dressers, cabinets, tables, chairs, beds, and sectional sofas are probably the hardest things to move. They are not just oversized, but heavy and potentially fragile as well. A single error in handling them can lead to injuries and item damage. It is for this reason that you must turn to furniture removalists who know what exactly to do. If there are complex items, then you may need a handyman service, too.

Prepare the furniture by disassembling any removable parts. For instance, take off the table legs, disassemble bed frames and remove shelves, drawers and glass tops. Remove one piece at a time by hand or using the right tools, and place the bolts, nuts, and screws in a sealable plastic bag. Don’t forget to label which piece it belongs to.

3. Eliminate moving dangers

Safety is of utmost importance when moving your furniture. By creating a wide, unobstructed space for ease of movement, you can be assured that you will enjoy a safe and hassle-free removal of your furniture. There are a couple of ways you can guarantee this.

Identify danger zones. Before your moving day, you must take a walk along the path of the furniture. Determine which spots can be hazardous and take all the necessary precautions and steps to make these areas safe.
Remove clutter. Random obstacles and any clutter in your home can compromise the safety of the people moving the furniture. Make sure to keep the floor and walkways free of any clutter, such as your kid’s toys. This applies also to the outdoor paths – remove any gardening equipment, debris, mud or puddles of water.

4. Get help

Furniture removal is not a one-man job, considering the size and weight of the items to be moved. Instead, it requires a team effort. You need to have enough manpower to move everything safely.

But this does not mean that you get anyone, perhaps from your family and friends, who may be free during your moving day. You have to consider their fitness level, strength, knowledge and experience when it comes to moving furniture. Otherwise, you must hire professional furniture removalists to help you with your move. After all, nothing beats the expertise of these professionals in ensuring the safety of everything that should be moved.

5. Use the right equipment

Using the right moving equipment will guarantee the safety of your items and everyone involved with the removal. These include:

● A furniture dolly

This is an L-shaped handcart with two wheels used mainly for lifting and moving heavy objects. It may appear simple, but this is a valuable tool during a furniture removal.

● Lifting straps

Choose adjustable lifting straps that can be used for objects with different lengths and by movers of different heights and sizes.

● Furniture blankets and plastic

Moving blankets and bubble or plastic wrap are important to protect your items and your house during a move. Wrap your tables, dressers, and other furniture completely with plastic or blankets and secure them with sturdy tape.

● Furniture slider

This is a piece of hard rubber on one side and a durable plastic on the other that will assist you in moving heavy items. Some movers use these. It allows you to slide the furniture across a room without needing to lift it off the ground.

6. Employ the right lifting and moving techniques

Moving furniture requires you and the removalists to make movements such as bending, pushing, pulling, lifting and twisting. Employing the wrong technique can result in injuries. So if you don’t know the proper lifting and moving techniques, leave this task to the pros. Note that removalists are well-trained when it comes to lifting and moving anything. And in the event that the removalist is injured, you won’t be liable for their medical costs, provided that the company’s insurance is in effect.

An interstate or international removal is not an easy task, especially if you have oversized or heavy furniture. It is important that all your furnishings will arrive at their intended destination safely and on time, ensuring that no one gets injured while moving your items.

But this does not mean that you have to deal with these tasks all by yourself. We are here to help you – from packing and moving your furniture to finding safe, secure storage in Sydney. So don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Moving Overseas Checklist: The Final Month Before The Big Day

September 2, 2019 by Nuss Removals

Most of Earth’s wonders have already been discovered, and anyone can learn about them with a quick search through the internet. For some people, however, merely seeing pictures, watching videos or reading about all the beautiful places in the world isn’t enough. They want to experience the culture and the people, so they relocate abroad.

Aside from experiencing a new culture, however, people have other reasons for moving overseas. Some go on an epic journey to find true happiness, while others move for better job opportunities.

Whatever the reason, moving to a foreign land can be quite an undertaking. Use the checklist below as a guide for getting things done during the last month before your departure, to make the transition smoother.

4 Weeks Until the Move: Vital Responsibilities

1. Gather Proof of Identity and Frequently Requested Documents

You will need specific documents, certificates, and other official papers to apply for services abroad. Make sure to prepare the documents listed below before your move.

a. Passports

In the beginning, your passport will be your main proof of identity. You’ll find that it will be of use when you apply for other government IDs while abroad.

b. Birth Certificates

Banks or schools may request your birth certificate when processing applications and new accounts. If you’re planning on staying in the new country for an undetermined amount of time, you will also need it to renew your passport.

c. School Diplomas and Transcripts

If you are planning on studying abroad or will be moving with your kids, you’ll need diplomas and past school transcripts during the application.

d. Marriage Certificates

Sometimes you will need proof of your marriage. For instance, a bank may ask for a marriage certificate if you and your significant other want to open a joint bank account.

2. Prepare Prescription Medication

Some countries may not allow you to bring specific medications with you. You’ll have to do research on which prescription medication you can bring on your journey. You may also want to talk to your doctor about alternative medications (just in case your current ones aren’t available where you’re going).

However, if you are allowed to bring all your prescribed medicines, then start stocking up on them at least a month in advance. Make sure you have enough to use until you can find a new doctor abroad.

3. Search for International Movers

Look for international removal companies that offer the services you might need, such as:

a. Packing Services

You may want some professional help packing fragile items and large items like furniture or electronics if you’re planning on taking them overseas.

b. Relocation Packages

Some removalists in Sydney can help you with other aspects of your move, in the form of relocation service packages. For instance, at Nuss Removals, we go above and beyond to make sure you are settled in comfortably at your new home. We can help our clients find the best city or town for their needs, we can recommend good schools, and we can also offer our assistance with finding suitable housing as well as your visa applications.

c. Storage Units

Sometimes there are things you’ll need to leave behind. Storage units are a great option if you can’t bring some of your possessions with you abroad. The items will be protected and kept in great condition until your return. Learn more about our flexible, affordable storage solutions here.

4. Turn in Last Notices

If you haven’t already, it’s time to hand in your resignation at work (unless you are relocating because of it). Also, by this time, you should give your landlord your 30-day notice (or whatever timing is written in your lease) if you are renting, and listing all of your general subscriptions that need cancelling.

3 Weeks Until the Move: Service Disconnections and Inventory Lists

1. Disconnect Utilities

If you own a house, it’s time to call service providers to set a date for the cancellation of your gas, water, electricity, garbage collection, and other services.

2. Cancel or Transfer Internet and Phone Services

You will need to cancel home internet services after you go abroad unless someone will be left behind at home to use it.

As for your mobile phone, contact your network provider. Ask them about international plans (if they have any). Also, take the time to search for smartphone companies abroad and check your options.

3. Take Inventory of Your Possessions

Cataloguing all your possessions will help you with the packing phase. As you go through your things, sort them into several groups, as seen below:

What I will be taking with me
What I will be donating
What I will be gifting to family and close friends
What I will keep in storage until my return

2 Weeks Until the Flight: Packing, Packing, and More Packing

When you reach the two-week mark, everything will go by fast. Every day, you should be putting things away for your trip abroad.

Make sure most of the packing is done by the end of this week. You’ll want to have some free time as your departure date nears.

1 Week Until the Move: Say Your Goodbyes

This will be your final week at your current home, so it’s best to spend the entire week with family and close friends. Take the time to say goodbye properly and exchange contact information.

Moving overseas is impossible to do on a whim. Plenty of preparation and planning must be done before it can be successfully executed. Use the checklist provided above as your guide, get in touch with our expert team at Nuss Removals, and fly off to your new home with satisfaction and peace of mind. Request your Free quotation here.

9 Costs to Consider When Moving House

February 24, 2019 by Nuss Removals

A relocation is a major milestone that marks the beginning of your new life. It is an opportunity to get a fresh start in almost every aspect, including school, work, and socialising, which is why it is imperative that you aren’t burdened with the stress that goes with it.

One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary physical and mental strain from the move is to hire the best removalists in Sydney. Aside from providing the professional help to move your furniture and possessions safely, they can provide advice and a range of services to make your relocation smoother and easier.

With the planning, coordination, and execution out of the way, what you need to consider now are the potential costs that you may incur along the way. Understanding the basic and additional fees and charges when moving to your new home will save you the headache of getting billed for something you didn’t even know can cost a lot of money.

4 Basic Relocation Expenses

If it’s your first move, it can be difficult to assess whether something is needed or a cost that can be avoided. Below are four basic relocation expenses that are either highly recommended or absolutely necessary for your move:

Transport Costs

As one of the main services offered by moving companies, transportation comprises the bulk of their fees. After all, bringing your entire home — figuratively, of course — from point A to point B is the main objective of the move.

There are several factors that affect this particular relocation expense, including:

Distance — The further your old home is from the new one, the higher the transport cost.
Route — The route also plays a critical role in the calculation of transport expenses as it may change the actual distance to be traveled between the origin and destination.
Method — Removalists offer various methods of transport which also vary in price. Generally, for an international move, transport by sea is the cheapest while shipping by air is the most expensive. Rail is generally used for interstate moves. Either way, trucks and manual labour will be used in the process too.
Move Size — This refers to the amount and bulk of the items to be moved from your old place to the new one.

Packing Costs

Packing of your furniture and goods is another cost that is absolutely necessary when you’re moving. While you may take on this responsibility yourself, some moving companies offer professional assistance for an added cost.

Packing can be a bit tricky for fragile items, large furniture, electronics, and other items that come in odd forms, so expect a higher quote if you have many belongings that fall under these categories.

Insurance

While Nuss has an unrivalled reputation for care and quality, with so many external factors involved in a house move, occasional damage can occur. Taking insurance is therefore highly recommended for your piece of mind.

Storage

If you have things that you don’t use often but you need or would like to keep, or your new home is not quite ready to move into, you can acquire storage services by your trusted moving company. This is a cost added on top of your moving quotation and often needs to be requested prior to the move.

3 Additional Charges You Should Watch Out For

Aside from the basic costs mentioned above, there are also five kinds of additional expenses you may incur, depending on the specific conditions of your move. These are:

Access-Related Fees

Elevator carry and other access-related conditions may apply if you are moving to or from a unit located in a high-rise building. Since these situations require extra effort on the part of the removalists, they may charge extra for the extended period they spend hauling items to and from the truck or extra labour required, as well as the additional logistics that need to be planned beforehand.

For overseas or interstate transfer, there are also other necessary costs that you should keep in mind, including:

Customs Taxes and Other Fees

If you are moving to another country, it is imperative that you do some research on potential taxes and charges you may face with your destination’s customs department. Talk to the company handling international removals about this so you can prepare.

Visa Costs

Visas are often required for people relocating to another country, be it temporary or permanent. If you are moving for work or school, prepare yourself for potential costs for this. Remember to be patient too as most visa applications require a huge amount of paperwork and may take some time to be processed.

A Final Word

When relocating locally or interstate, it is important to know the necessary expenses as well as potential additional ones, so you can prepare for these before the move. At Nuss Removals, we are ready to help you get the information you need and the service you deserve. Contact us for a quote now.