MOVING house is said to be a stressful experience. That is why it’s a good idea to seek professional help and find a removalist who is sympathetic to your needs and knows how to safely transport your goods.
However, finding a good removalist can be daunting. Start by asking for recommendations from family and friends, suggests All the Right Moves chief executive Danny Duggan.
“A good removalist needs to be sympathetic and understanding of the stress the customers are under during a move,” he said.
“They need to listen to the customers’ instructions, be respectful of their belongings and treat them accordingly. “Make sure proper pads / blankets and even bubble wrap are used where necessary.’’
Mr Duggan said removalists should have some in-house training and work under an experienced mover until they have gained enough experience and knowledge to work unsupervised.
“It seems to be one of those jobs that you are either good at or not. You have to be a little methodical and mechanically minded.
“Quite often we have to dismantle furniture, treadmills, even remove fridge doors, to get things in and out of houses. “If you are not experienced or careful it is very easy to damage things.’’
As for service rates, he said they can vary greatly. “Smaller companies like mine generally charge by the hour, from $90 to $129 per hour for two men and a small truck. Weekend rates are usually a little higher.’’
Mr Duggan warns people to beware when the quoted rates are very low as you can end up hiring someone with limited or no insurance cover or lack training.