Tips & Tricks When it’s Come to Moving Task In Gold Coast

Tips & Tricks: When it’s Come to Moving Task In
Gold Coast
By
Adam Allan
Gold Coast University
June 2018-06-11
Abstract - Moving house is not a mission that most people look forward to. There's so much to
organise and pack, the whole exercise can seem overwhelming. The good news is that there is a lot
of advice online if you get the time to search for it.
Things to Remember When Moving House
I'm not going to lie to you: moving is always stressful. But you can minimise the stress with
organisation and planning. Here are 10 tried and true tips for making the process easier.
1. Start chucking out unwanted stuff early
If you don't start packing until the day before you move, you'll end up panicking and just throwing
everything into boxes without consideration. As soon as you know a move is on the cards, start the
spring cleaning process. It's much easier to throw stuff away than shift it, but if you're trying to get
rid of a lot of stuff, you'll want time — whether that's to sell it, free cycle it, give it away, or (in the
worst case scenario) dump it.

2. Get measurements for the new place
Few things are more stressful than realising your cherished family heirloom won't fit in your new
living room. Try and schedule a pre-move visit to get accurate measurements of the main rooms.
Also measure the width of the entrance doors, so you know what will (and won't) fit through them.
3. Weigh up using a removalist
If you've got lots of massive furniture, a bad back or an interstate move planned, then using a
professional makes sense. If you have a lot fewer possessions or are only moving a short distance,
then hiring a truck and doing it yourself can make sense. There's no absolute rule; just consider
your circumstances. Make sure you get quotes from multiple removalists if you do go down that
path. If you hire a truck to drive yourself, take photos with your camera before you use it to avoid
insurance arguments over any pre-existing dings.
4. Tell your neighbours your moving date
As well as providing them with advance warning that there'll be large trucks about, there can be
other benefits: they might volunteer to help, or offer to let you make coffee at their place while the
moving is happening.
5. Box everything you can up
Using boxes makes life much simpler and means you can carry more on each trip. You can buy
packs of 10 archive boxes for about $20 at chain stores, or hit up bookstores for particularly tough
boxes. When in doubt, use extra packing tape on the base of boxes to avoid unwanted splitting
incidents. For really heavy items (like old-school vinyl LPs), plastic crates can be a better bet.
6. Don't use boxes or bags that are too large
Sure, it can be tempting to throw the entire contents of your wardrobe into a jute bag and lug it to
the new place. But if the bag is too large, it will weigh too much, you'll struggle to move it and it
will probably tear in the process. Better to have two small bags than one large one.
7. Label boxes with their destination, not just their contents
With luck, you'll have friends and family helping out with the move. That will work much more
smoothly if each box is tagged with its destination in the new home. This is especially important if
the new place is larger than the old one.

8. Keep cables and devices together
You don't want to have your DVD player in one box and the cables to connect it up somewhere else
entirely. Electronic gear often goes in the "I'll move it myself in the back of the car" category; in
that case, bag up the cables together after labelling them with masking tape or bread tags, so you
can easily reconnect them at your destination.
9. Have a disposal plan for your boxes
At the end of the process, you're going to have a lot of leftover boxes, so make sure you've got a
plan for them. If you've got storage space, you can keep them and offer them to the next friend that
moves. If not, a quick drive to the nearest recycling centre may be indicated.
10. Something will always go wrong
No matter how much planning you do, something will stuff up. Despite scheduling everything in
advance and only moving 600 metres away, Telstra spectacularly failed in connecting any services
whatsoever for my friends over the weekend and had no idea of when anything would actually
happen. (Telstra likes making noise about taking customer service seriously but this experience
suggests it has a long way to go in that department.) Similarly, a promised delivery of new furniture
shifted from "definitely on Saturday" to "we have no idea when". These irritations will happen.
Don't let them ruin the whole experience.
21 TIPS FOR AN EASY MOVE
Let's face it: Unless you're a minimalist, moving is one of the biggest household tasks there is and it
can be extremely overwhelming. But if you can get a head start and stay organized, you should
make it through this mammoth process unscathed and ready to enjoy your new abode. Here are 21
tips to help you avoid moving day chaos.

1 Get organized early
Avoid leaving anything until the last minute. Unless you have to pack up and leave in a hurry,
chances are you have between 30 and 60 days to make a plan and ensure that moving day runs
smoothly. Create a countdown list and itemize everything you need to accomplish week by week.
2 Figure out your move strategy
How are you going to get from point A to point B on moving day? For shorter moves, you'll either
need to assemble some very nice friends with trucks or consider renting a truck for the day. If you
have a big family to move or you'll be moving a long distance, you'll want to price out moving
companies.
3 Keep your movers in the loop
Boxes are one thing, but when you get to the big, heavy stuff, it's important to let your movers
know what to expect. "Communicate with your moving company and explain all the requirements
and expectations prior to booking," advises Andrew Ludzeneks, founder and current president
of iMove Canada Ltd. "Your mover has to be aware of all those minor details in order to estimate
your total move time and cost, and have proper equipment available." That includes informing the
company about any overweight items (i.e. a piano or fridge), access restrictions (small elevator,
walk-up only, narrow driveway) and whether you’ll need help with disassembly or assembly of
furniture.
4 Pick the right transportation
If you're moving a short distance, you may be able to get away with making more than one trip. But
if you don't have that luxury, you'll need to make sure you have the right size of truck to cart your
belongings in one go. "Choosing the right size is particularly important when moving farther away,
as making several trips could be a problem," says Andrew, who recommends using the following
guidelines when determining the size of your truck:

• In general, the contents of bachelor and one-bedroom apartments will fit in a 16' cube truck
available at your local rental company.
• Two to three fully furnished bedrooms will require a 24'-26' truck to ensure your move is
completed in one load.
• The contents of most houses can be moved in the same 24' truck with one or two trips.
5 Seize the opportunity to purge
Moving is a great chance to organize your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use. If the
time of year permits, hold a yard sale. Or, take the time to sort and donate gently worn clothing to
Goodwill, put furniture up for sale on a site like craigslist.org, recycle old magazines and
catalogues and shred old documents.
6 Put together a packing kit
If more than one person is packing, stay organized by establishing a system. Have blank inventory
sheets prepared so one person can tackle each area or room. Arm each packer with a pen, black
marker, and packing materials, like newspaper, a packing tape dispenser and boxes.
7 Green your move
Moving day can generate a great deal of waste like cardboard, bubble wrap and newspaper. For
items you’ll be storing even once you’ve moved in, opt for the reusable plastic bins you can
purchase at stores like Home Depot or Solutions. These can be labelled to go directly into closets
until you’re ready to deal with the contents. You can avoid cardboard for the rest of your
belongings, too, by renting plastic bins from a company like Blue Bins Unlimited. You might also
consider using older linens to wrap breakables.
8 Reuse boxes
You may still need a few cardboard boxes to round out your moving kit. A few weeks before you
start packing, grab a few each time you visit the grocery store. Keep in mind that smaller boxes are
easier to carry when facing stairs and narrow pathways, says Andrew.
9 Take inventory
This is especially necessary if you’re hiring a moving company. Having a record of your household
items is useful if something goes missing. Consider keeping a spreadsheet of the contents of each
box. Then, assign each box a number and all you have to do is write that number on each side
(maybe with the appropriate room listed, as well).
10 Label everything!
Label all sides of the box (avoid the top). Whoever is carrying in your boxes might not make sure

all labels are facing one way for your easy retrieval. Try labelling each side in marker so you can
easily find what you need in a stack.
11 Find out your condo rules
Moving into a condo isn’t as easy as pulling up to the front door and loading your boxes onto an
elevator. Be sure to check the moving policy before scheduling your moving day. For example,
some condos don’t allow move-ins on Sunday. According to Andrew, you may need to book a
service elevator and a time frame for moving in. “On most occasions, your condo will ask for a
security deposit in order to book a service elevator. That can range from $100 to $500 depending on
your condo rules.”
12 Pack in things you need to pack
You need to take your luggage with you. Why not use it as a box? The same goes for dresser
drawers. You may need to remove them for transport, but if you don’t have too far to go, they can
be helpful for light items. “For delicate apparel that you don't want to fold, using a portable
wardrobe box is the way to go,” recommends Andrew.
13 Prepare a moving day kit
Keep one box aside of “essentials” that you’ll need on moving day: cleaning supplies, light bulbs,
toilet paper, garbage bags, a change of clothes, your toiletry bag, etc.
14 Be ready for your movers, whether hired or friends
Whether you have family or professional movers showing up at your door, be ready for them when
they arrive. With a moving company, unless you hire packers, be ready and packed before the crew
arrives, advises Andrew. “Scrambling for boxes will delay your move and increase your cost.”
15 Protect your valuables
Find a safe place to store your valuables on moving day. Insure anything that’s valuable or
breakable if you’re using a moving company. And if you’re moving a computer, do a quick backup
of important files just in case something happens in transit.
16 Delay deliveries
If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite, schedule the delivery
after moving day. That will help you focus your attention on moving day itself and will avoid any
congestion between delivery people and the movers.
17 Don’t mistake belongings for trash
Try to avoid packing things in garbage bags. Well-meaning friends or family could accidentally

throw them out on moving day.
18 Hook up essential services
Make sure you understand how utility bills (gas, water, electricity) will be transferred over to you
from a previous owner. Also, arrange to have your phone line, cable and Internet working if
necessary.
19 Find a pet sitter for the day
If you have a pet that could be traumatized by a move, arrange to have them stay somewhere during
moving day. If you’re hiring movers for a long-distance move, be sure to arrange your pet’s safe
transport to your new home.
20 Make nice with your new neighbours
Start off on the right foot by informing your immediate neighbours that you’ll be moving in and
what kind of moving vehicles you’re using. If you’re moving on a weekday, make sure your truck
isn’t blocking anyone’s exit. If it’s wintertime, clear your driveway of snow and ice, says Andrew.
“Make sure there’s plenty of room to park the moving truck. That’s essential on busy streets
otherwise you could slow down your move … increasing your total cost.”
21 Treat your movers
Whether hired movers or friends and family, be sure to have food and drinks readily available for
everyone. “On a hot summer day, your crew will appreciate a cold drink,” says Andrew.
How to Choose a Removalist
Moving your home can be a stressful experience but with the help of a reliable business, your move
can be easier and stress free. Hiring a reliable removalist will ensure your household items are well
looked after and guarantee a smooth and efficient move. With access to a wide network of trusted
removalists on Oneflare, hiring a reliable business does not have to be a challenge. Find out how to
choose a removalist here:

Know what you Require
Removalists can be involved in everything from the packing to the unloading and knowing what
services you require will help you choose the right business. Common services offered by a
removalist company can include packing, moving to storage locations, transporting items locally or
interstate, supplying furniture covers, providing packing supplies, disassembling and reassembling
furniture or unpacking items at the new destination. Choosing a business that provides the services
you most require will save time, money and effort, especially if you are comfortable taking care of
the majority of your home.
Do they have Insurance?
With large, heavy or fragile items, a professional removalist can make the move easier. Qualified
removalists can utilise specialised tools and packing materials such as bubble wraps, loading
equipment, lifting straps and trolleys to unload and transport safely. The potential risk of damaged
goods should be enough to convince you to check a removalist’s insurance policy. Prior to hiring a
removalist, ask the business what kind of coverage they offer and always keep a record of the
insurance policy.
Check Reviews and Rates
With the wide range of removalists available, getting a free quote from your local professionals on
Oneflare can help you choose a removalist that is the best value for your money. The cheapest
quote isn’t always the most reliable so hire a business that is not only within your budget but one
that you also can trust.

Look for previous testimonials and reviews that will give you an indication of the business’ past
work and reliability by checking the business’ Oneflare profile or asking for previous client details.
TIP: Look out for the Oneflare verification badge that highlights a company that is insured and has
provided their ABN. This is a great way to find a reliable and trustworthy business.
Ways to Have a Stress-free Moving Experience
While most people agree that moving is stressful, there are ways to ensure you have a much less
stressful move than you thought possible. There are lots of ways to reduce the stress of moving so
you can actually enjoy the moment, look forward to the change and know that this move can be a
positive and rewarding experience - a chance to start over.
Give Yourself Time
Time is not always in your control. Sometimes a move sneaks up on us, forcing us to move last
minute, and we have to act fast. If you can plan ahead, try to allow yourself at least eight weeks. I
highly recommend twelve, especially if you need to hire movers and/or if you're planning a summer
move. But everything can be done without too much stress within eight weeks.
Get Organized
To stay organized during your move, make a list of all the tasks you need to do, then divide them
into weeks, allowing yourself enough days to complete everything on that week's list. If you're
unsure where to start, check out an eight-week plan that will ensure you stay on track.

Clear Out the Clutter
I recommend you tackle this one first: getting rid of the clutter will help you be, and feel, more
organized. It will also ensure that when you begin packing, you'll only be packing the things that
you need to. There's nothing more frustrating than packing items you're going to get rid of after the
move.
Ask for Help
Sometimes it's difficult to ask for help. But remember, most people have been through at least one
move in their lives and understand how hard it can be. Reach out. Ask friends and family if they
can spare a couple of hours to help you sort, pack or move. If you're moving far away, this could be
one of the last opportunities you have to spend time together.
Say Goodbye
Allow yourself the time to say goodbye. Throw a party. Invite friends out for dinner. Take an hour
everyday to walk through your neighbourhood. Visit one favourite spot every day. Feel the
memories and allow yourself to relive them one more time. This will also help with the transition
from the old to the new and give yourself some much needed time to enjoy the moment.
Treat Yourself
During a stressful time like a move, we often don't feel that there's enough time to get all the tasks
done, and as such, we often neglect our own needs and health. I know that I often go without
enough sleep, spend long days packing without taking breaks and end up eating junk food just to
save myself cooking time. While it may seem like you're be efficient with your time, you're also
neglecting the most important moving tool that you have: yourself.
If you have children, treat them as well. Plan special evenings out to visit their favorite ice cream
shop or restaurant or playground. Kids require special handling during a move; they'll need time
from you and patience, too.
Get Enough Sleep and Eat Well
I'm adding this in since these two items are the first on my list to be ignored, yet, they are the most
important factors in keeping us healthy and happy. So make sure you're getting enough sleep and
that you're eating a balanced diet. Don't skip meals and try not to live on coffee (although that can
be difficult not to!).
Go With the Flow
Even if you're the most organized mover ever, things will still go wrong. Unplanned events will
happen, so you need to be flexible and allow yourself some extra breathing room to deal with these

problems. Maybe return to your task list and timeline and work in some extra days if you can.
Allowing for some wiggle room will ensure that you can adjust and feel calm even when chaos
abounds.
Have a Back-up Plan
Now, I'm not talking about creating a full back-up plan, but rather that you have a list of options
should some of the major pieces of your move fall out of place. For instance, I always keep a short
list of back up movers and rental agencies, just in case. I also allow a few days on either end of our
move out/move in day should our moving company cancel or not show up. This can happen even
though it's rare. Plan for alternatives. You'll feel better knowing that your uncle and his two-ton
truck is available should you need it.
Be Prepared to Feel Uprooted
You're going to be living in chaos for a while, with boxes everywhere and things feeling out of
control. It's normal to be upset when you can't find the spatula or the crock pot; just remember to
consult your lists and know that you're organized and on track for this move. You've done the work,
and even though there's still more to go, it will get done.
And when you move into your new home, also remember that it'll take a while for this new space to
feel like your own - for you and your family to settle in. Give it time.
And remember to breathe.
Moving Checklist
You may not be able to move mountains, but you can plan an organized move with a little help
from this step-by-step timeline.

Two Months Before
Sort and purge
Go through every room of your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid
of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
Research
Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an onsite
estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S.
Department of Transportation) number on it if you are moving to a different state. If you're moving
within a state, some states require a USDOT number, check here to see if your state does. You can
also check with your state's public utilities commission, moving association, or Better Business
Bureau.
Create a moving binder
Use this binder to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of
all the items you’re moving.
Organize school records
Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school
district.
Six Weeks Before
Order supplies
Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to
order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
Use it or lose it
Start using up things that you don’t want to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning
supplies.
Take measurements
Check room dimensions at your new home, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will
fit through the door.
One Month Before
Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements

Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Begin packing
Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set.
While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your
moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as
a computer.
Label
Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help
you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need
right away.
Separate valuables
Add items such as jewellery and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to
your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on
moving day.
Do a change of address
Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in
case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after you’ve
moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.
Notify important parties
Alert the following of your move: banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources
department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility
companies.
Forward medical records
Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them
yourself. Ask for referrals.
Two Weeks Before
Arrange to be off from work on moving day
Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.
Tune up

Take your car to a garage, and ask the mechanic to consider what services might be needed if
you’re moving to a new climate.
Clean out your safe-deposit box
If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe
box that you’ll take with you on moving day.
Contact the moving company
Reconfirm the arrangements.
One Week Before
Refill prescriptions
Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.
Pack your suitcases
Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for
everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.
A Few Days Before
Defrost the freezer
If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours
before moving day.
Double-check the details
Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared
exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your
cell phone number.
Plan for the payment
If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s
check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee
is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t
forget that refreshments are always appreciated.
Moving Day
Verify

Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired: The USDOT
number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given. Additionally,
you can check if the moving truck has the company's branding, or vehicle number that was listed in
your confirmation. Scams are not unheard-of.
Take inventory
Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
9 Clever Ways to Make a New House Feel Like
Home
No matter how excited you are to move into your new place in Gold Coast, your first few weeks
will probably feel foreign and, well, a little weird. Celebrating a birthday, planting a garden, or
decorating for the holidays will help that "new-house feeling" fade, but waiting for a milestone
requires a little too much patience. Here's how you can feel settled and happy — even while you're
living among boxes.
1. Start with the closet.
"I believe in living well from the moment you move in," says interior designer Nate Berks. "Most
people start unpacking the common spaces first, but I focus my efforts on my closet because
Monday's are hard enough without having to search for your favorite sweater."
2. Prioritize the kids' rooms.
"My son is a collector of previously owned things and especially loves his large assortment of snow
globes," says Nicole Curtis, host of Rehab Addict on HGTV. "I always hand-carry the box of
globes with us and then ask the movers to focus on his room first. He will spend the afternoon
unpacking his collections and even though the rest of house is in shambles, he'll be happy and that's
all that matters."

3. Recreate familiar sounds and sights.
"I've had a cuckoo clock for years that sings every 30 minutes," says Maxwell Ryan, founder
of Apartment Therapy. "To me the sound of the clock is home, and having it running right away
always does the trick."
4. Wait to hang art.
"I've spent many years gathering artwork when I travel and each piece is treasured because it
reminds me of a specific place and time," says Holly Becker, author and founder of the
blog Decor8. "I unpack each piece right away and lean them against walls, sideboards, and
nightstands so I can still enjoy them until I've decided where to install everything."
5. Mimic your regular routine.
"My husband Bob seems to always lose his wallet and keys in the same spaces," says designer and
author Courtney Novogratz, who recently moved from New York City to Los Angeles with her
husband and seven children. "As soon as we moved in, I created a space where everyone could drop
their keys, bags, and coats. I even used the same hooks and bins that we used in Manhattan because
they work for us. Your routine shouldn't have to change just because your location does."
6. Bring out all your favorites.
"For instant coziness, I light candles and play music I love," says Becker, who always packs iPod
speakers, candles, and a lighter in an easy-to-find 'favorites' box. "I listen to Lord, Oh Land, John
Mayer and Zaz, and some of my favorite scents are Jo Malone's Grapefruit candle and Feu de Bois
by Diptyque, which smells like a burning fire."
7. Get comfy.
For blogger Joy Cho, everyday comforts help her feel settled: "The first things I do when I move in
is pull out all my clean bedding," she says. "Pillows, duvets, sheets, and throws — the works. There
is nothing more comforting than sleeping in your old, cozy bed."
8. Make it smell nice.
"I need my house to have good new smells to make it feel like home," says Ryan. "Like a cast iron
pan that needs seasoning, I break in the space with an expensive steak on the stovetop and favorite
bottle of wine. I love the way the heat and the smells 'season' my home."
9. Don't order pizza.
To Leah Bergman, author of the food blog Fruitcake, home is a homemade meal: "I always unpack
the kitchen first so I can cook a meal for my husband and I to enjoy," she says. "Even if we're living
among boxes, eating a simple recipe on the floor; it's worth it."
Conclusion
Moving to a new place is one of the costliest affairs in our lives. However, it’s better to hire
professionals to escape unnecessary expenses of buying packing material, boxes and other things to
move. When you hire affordable removalist in Gold Coast like Better Removalists Gold Coast, they

take care of everything from packing your household items to loading and unloading. It will help
you in keeping your move budget friendly and will allow you time to do other significant tasks.
References
Angus Kidman (2011) | Top 10 Things To Remember When Moving House | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/11/top-10-things-to-remember-when-moving-house/
Tara Nolan (2009) | 21 TIPS FOR AN EASY MOVE | Retrieve 13-06-2018
http://www.styleathome.com/how-to/real-estate/article/21-tips-for-an-easy-move
How to Choose a Removalist | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.oneflare.com.au/removalists/blog/how-to-choose-a-removalist
DIANE SCHMIDT (2017) | Ways to Have a Stress-free Moving Experience | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.thespruce.com/stress-free-move-2436680
Moving Checklist | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/moving/moving-checklist
Ashley Niedringhaus | Clever Ways to Make a New House Feel Like Home | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a26284/make-new-house-feel-likehome/
Better Removalists Gold Coast (2018) | Things to Expect from a Good Removalist on the Gold
Coast | Retrieve 13-06-2018
https://www.betterremovalistsgoldcoast.com.au/things-expect-good-removalist-gold-coast/