With the exception of the few people who spend their entire lives in the same home, almost everyone eventually needs a removalist. For those whose moment of need has yet to pass, here's a refresher: removalists transport your furniture and other belongings to your new home. A removalist is as indispensable to moving a home as a carpenter is to building it.
Though the stress of moving may lead you to be hasty, it's important not to rush your removalist choice; after all, you're trusting them with all your belongings. To avoid disaster, make sure to follow these four steps before letting a removalist into your home.
Almost every tradesperson is represented by a licensing association in Australia, from the neighbourhood carpenter (Carpentry Australia) to elite electricians (NECA). Removalists are no exception. They have the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), which vets members and requires them to adhere to a strict code of conduct. To find AFRA removalists in your neighbourhood, log on to the AFRA website and click on "Find a Removalist."
Because almost everyone has a need for removalists eventually, you probably know someone who has dealt with one. Talk to your friends and family about the removalists they've used, whether their experiences were positive or terrible. In the latter case, you'll at least know what companies to avoid.
If you've used our website recently, you've probably noticed that it's not just for jobs anymore; you can use the website to find everything from a carpenter to a team of electricians. Try entering "removalist" in the search bar and seeing what options come up. You can also use Google Maps or our specialist website www.workitjobs.com.
After you have taken advantage of the above steps to find a list of highly-rated, accredited removalists, talk to each of them to figure out which is the best fit for your budget and needs. First, take stock of your belongings so that you know exactly what has to be transported, then ask the removalists for quotes for the cost of removal. Don't forget to ask a variety of questions to uncover any hidden fees that might not be included in the quote. For example, do they charge by hour or by job? Can the removalists transport and reconnect electrical appliances such as dishwashers, or will you have to hire additional electricians? Do they have insurance, and does this extend to your belongings?
After going through these four steps, you can hand over your fridge and armoire to your well-vetted removalists with confidence that they will be treated with professionalism and care. All you have to do is unpack, kick back, and enjoy your new home.
