Long-Distance Moving Tips
TCM Interstate removalists are specialists in long-distance removals. A long-distance move is quite a large job, with many things to consider before booking. To ensure that the moving process can flow as smoothly as possible, it is best to allow plenty of time to organise the move to avoid any speed bumps. If you are planning your first long-distance move, it can be more complicated than a local move, with many things to be considered. Below are some of our experienced tips for arranging a long-distance move.
Pre-Pack Insure Your Belongings Properly
When moving long distances, multiple removal crews will likely handle your goods after travelling thousands of kilometres in a truck or train to get to your new residence. At TCM, we pride ourselves on our expert experience in the removal industry, though some things are beyond our control. When moving long distances, it is important to consider insurance and whether full-value or basic coverage will suit your move. If you are unsure, contact one of our sales representatives, who can outline the differences and assist you in making the right choice.
Doing so can help prevent your expensive long-distance move from becoming a financial disaster. Inspect outdoor furniture and items. Depending on where you are moving from and to, there are some regulations in place in certain states and territories to prevent transporting contaminants across borders. Once you know any restrictions at your destination, check your outdoor furniture and tools for any dirt, insects, larvae, or anything else that may cause contamination. It would be best to check with your removalist about this or find government information online regarding these regulations.
Save your Money by Decluttering Unnecessary Items
Particularly when moving long distances, the amount of furniture you take with you will broadly impact the removal's final price. You can make your move cheaper by removing items you no longer use or need. A good way of doing this is by creating three categories: donate, sell, and toss. Once you have decided which items you will bring into your new home, donate any unwanted items to a family in need or the Salvos, Red Cross, or similar organization—you may be able to help someone in need!
Create an Inventory (better yet, book an in-home survey!)
Knowing exactly what is being moved when moving long distances is important for many reasons. The removal company you book with will provide the tools and materials necessary to pack and protect your goods. If, on move day, the removalists arrive, there is more furniture than expected, and they have travelled a long way, they may not have the necessary equipment to protect your furniture. By creating an inventory, you can easily let your removalists know what you have and keep track of your table during removal. If unsure how to create an inventory, allow a sales representative to complete a free in-house survey. Further, our experienced sales team can help you calculate the number of packed boxes you will have with any special items, allowing us to provide a more accurate removal quotation.
Pack your Belongings for a Long Trip (or better—let us do it!)
When packing into boxes for a long-distance move, remember that numerous teams will likely be handling your goods and riding in the back of a truck for a long-distance trip. Consider that your boxes may not be able to stay upright 100% of the time, so ensure they contain enough cushioning for your things. Try to pack the boxes tightly and pack them to the top. It would be best to pack for a long-distance move as you would pack for long-term storage. If this concerns you, allow us to provide a packing quote. We can supply all the necessary packing materials, such as cartons, tape, paper, furniture, blankets, and any speciality packing items required, and pack them for you.
Organise Your Belongings While You Pack.
When packing, put all similar items together so you can easily keep track of where everything is. Also, start filling in the least-used room, working your way through to ensure you do not pack something away you will need. In saying this, keeping all essential items out and packing them last for easy access upon arrival is beneficial. Important things such as cookware and food for your first night, TV remotes, toiletries, sleepwear, and a change of clothes should be put into a box and packed at the back of the truck to ensure it can be the first one out.
Pack your Essential Items into One Box
When packing, we suggest keeping all essential items together. Critical items are things you may need quick access to during your move. Personal documents such as driver's licences, birth certificates, house settlements, or any paperwork related to your activity can be packed into this box. Furthermore, keeping anything you know you will need on the first night inside this carton can be a good idea. You can also pack your TV remotes, bed bolts, and anything else you need on your first night—don't forget your kettle and coffee!
Avoid Packing Food or Liquids
We suggest you avoid packing foods and liquids, particularly perishable items, when packing for a long-distance move. Beverages without the original seal, such as harsh chemicals, paint, etc., are better avoided. Household cleaning products are okay if packed in a lined box. When packing perishable foods and liquids, you risk staining or soiling your furniture or attracting vermin. Though, in many cases, no issues arise from packing food and drink, it is not always worth the risk.
Label Each Box With Your Name
When moving people long distances, removal companies sometimes collect more than one job in one trip. This means that your goods are also travelling with other families' furniture. Even if you have hired all the space in the truck, it is suggested to label each box to avoid your things being misplaced.
During the Move
Keep your Pets and Children Occupied
If you have moved houses before, you may be aware of just how hectic a move day can become. This highly stressful situation can be very confusing for young children and pets, resulting in them unintentionally interfering with the removalists or your efforts to move quickly and efficiently. Organising a sitter for your little ones (human or not) on move day could be something you consider for your move.
Keep in Mind the "Delivery Window."
As previously mentioned, when moving long distances, it is not uncommon for your goods to be handled by multiple removal companies. In saying this, providing an exact delivery date can be difficult, as many logistical factors must be considered. You may sometimes receive a "delivery window" rather than a date. It is a good idea to pack adequate clothes and shoes to use once you arrive in case your consignment is delivered later than you.
Make Arrangements for Delivery
When moving long distances, you may not always be able to see the house you're moving into until move day. Things like stairs, long, steep driveways, and low-hanging trees out the front of the home can become an obstacle for removalists. Furthermore, some properties have limited parking (such as a 2-hour limit), requiring a permit to park the truck, which must be organised before delivery. Ensure that before the removalists deliver your goods, you make any necessary arrangements for move day.
