Stanley’s Storage Tips

Posted on: 3 January 2018

Moving house can be expensive. Given this, you might feel tempted to hire a truck and transport your belongings by yourself, to avoid incurring expenses of a removal company. However, when transporting furniture, a DIY house move is not advisable, as this could turn disastrous for your valuable pieces of furniture. Moreover, lifting sofas, wardrobes, piano etc. when lacking the proper equipment, skill or physical strength, could not only cause accidental damage to your furniture but could also leave your neck or back seriously injured. Professional furniture removalists have all of the training and experience required to handle your furniture. Furthermore, they have the necessary equipment, like wheeled dollies, ramps, hoisting straps, needed to transport these bulky items. Read on for more tips.

1. Go With an AFRA Certified Removalist

Australian Furniture Removers Association is a member organisation that inspects removalist by checking their safety records, procedures, state of their moving trucks, and the general furniture-moving acumen. In addition, AFRA offers a free moving guide kit that can help make your move trouble-free. Hiring an AFRA certified removalist gives you additional confidence that you are contracting with reputable professionals who are well recognised within the industry.

2. Opt for a company that has replacement value insurance

Many home removalists are required by law only to carry liability insurance. Look for one that also has replacement value insurance. Your home insurance policy may offer limited cover for your furniture during a move. Unless you hire a company that has replacement value insurance, you may be forced to top up what your insurance company compensates you to get to the actual costs of replacing your lost or damaged items.

This form of insurance pays for lost items or those damaged beyond repair, using the present-day value of the items, differing from the actual value insurance that minuses depreciation. Even though you may pay a little more for a furniture removalist with a replacement value insurance, it could be worthwhile in case of any misfortune.

3. Invest in protective packaging

Using the right packaging will ensure your furniture arrives at your new residence in pristine condition. It is important not to skimp on good packing materials.

For example, with wooden furniture prone to scratches, avoid using a thin bed, as it might not be robust enough to offer adequate protection. Some of the materials to use instead include:

• Heavy-Duty removalist blankets - these blankets are made of thick, cross-stitched wool fabric that hardly tear or fall apart, making them ideal during moving, especially furniture with glass components
• Strong bubble wraps -  prevent scuff marks, scratches and other damages.
• Foam corner protectors - for the edges of your chairs and tables. Your furniture edges are likely to be knocked into or scraped against a wall.

• Corrugated cardboard boxes and plastic stretch wrap – will help your furniture from sustaining scratches, breakages and splinters during transportation to the new property.