Hiring a removalist and trusting them with your belongings is a big deal. Understandably, you don’t want to trust your belongings to just anyone. Here are the top ten questions you should ask your removalist before agreeing to hire them.
1. What kind of experience do you have?
This question is especially important if you’re hiring a removalist to move valuable or unique items that many removalists may not have dealt with. This includes antiques and priceless items such as fine art.
2. What’s included in the quote?
Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the quote before you agree to it. Have you been quoted for storage and insurance or is this an added price you need your removalist to take into account? Make sure you check whether packing is included or not.
Don’t forget to also ask what extras are included in the quote. A moving consultant may mention many things at the time of the quote and you can be forgiven for thinking they’re all automatically included. Be clear on what you are paying for.
3. Do you offer packing?
For many people, they simply do not have the time to pack their belongings into boxes. Find out if your removals company provides a packing service so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.
4. Will my valuables be protected?
Ask your removalist if they will protect your valuables and if so, how. Your valuables can in many cases be priceless and it can help put you at ease if you understand how they are going to be protected throughout their journey.
5. How will you protect my home?
Another important question to ask is how the removalists will protect your home from any damages that may occur during pickup and delivery of furniture. They may pack furniture within the house before they move it to protect your items and walls.
6. How long is transit time?
This question isn’t crucial for every move but many people plan their arrival around the time of delivery, especially when moving interstate and overseas.
7. Am I insured?
You might want to consider insuring your belongings during the move. Some risks to your belongings fall outside of your removalists control and the only way to safeguard your belongings is with insurance. If your removalist does insure, be sure to ask them about their cover, and whether or not this is part of the quote.
8. How do you handle complaints?
In the unlikely and unfortunate event that something happens during your move, you may want to lodge a complaint. Ask the removalist or moving consultant how the complaint will be handled. If you get the impression that they’re not going to deal with any issues or follow through, you might want to move on. A reliable removalist will welcome any feedback, good or bad, and deal with issues in a timely manner.
9. What do you need me to do before the move?
Find out what the removalists are expecting you to do before they show up. Removalists in Australia adhere to the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and they may ask that you dispose of these goods before removalists arrive to pack and load your things. The removalists might also ask you to save them a parking space so they can access your property easily.
10. What advice can you give me?
Ask your removalist or moving consultant for advice before the move. If you’re packing the house yourself, they will be able to offer valuable insight into packing property and protecting your belongings.
Need to ask us a question? Contact Grace today with any removals questions you have.
