Moving is one of those things that looks easy on paper. Pack some boxes, hire a truck, done. Then you’re standing in the kitchen at 11pm, surrounded by tape and half-empty drawers, wondering how one household owns this many mugs.
If you’re moving in or around Melbourne, getting some help from packing and removalists is usually worth it. Not for everyone, and not for every part of the job, but more often that people.
Do you really need professionals?
Depends on the move. A small flat with a couple of bags and a bed? Probably not. A two bedroom house with a fridge, a dining table etc. Yes, please.
The real value isn’t just muscle. It’s that a good crew has done this a few thousand times. They know a wardrobe won’t fit round that tight staircase corner until the doors come off. They know how to load a truck so your TV doesn’t end up under the washing machine. You can’t learn that period.
A lot of people split the job. They pack their own clothes and books, which is easy enough, and leave the fragile stuff, the furniture and the heavy lifting to the team. Most companies are fine with that, so just ask.
Choosing a removalist
Don’t book the first one you find. Spend thirty minutes on it, because a bad mover wrinkles a bad day.
Ask what they usually move. A company that mostly does one-bedroom units might struggle with a big family home, and the other way round too. Get the quote in writing and check what’s actually in it. Some include packing and removalists melbourne materials, some don’t. Some have a minimum number of hours. Stairs and long walks from the truck can add cost, so mention them upfront.
Reviews help, but skip the star rating and look for people talking about turning up on time and looking after their stuff. That tells you more.
Then ring them. If they listen and answer properly, it is a good sign. If they rush you off the phone, you learn more freely.
Packing, without losing your mind
Start sooner than you think you need to. Begin with things you won’t miss this month: spare sheets, books, ornaments, the summer clothes and winter.
A few things people only learn the hard way. Put heavy stuff in small boxes. A big box full of books is a bad idea for everyone’s back. Write the room name on the side of the box, not just the mid, because once boxes are stacked nobody can see the mid. Wrap glasses and plates one by one. And keep your important things (documents, medication, a change of clothes) in a bag that stays with you, not on the truck.
Also, pack one “first night” box. Kettle, mugs, toilet paper, sheets, phone charger. At 9pm in an empty house, you’ll be very glad you did.
Before you unplug the TV and computer, take a quick photo of the cables. Sounds silly, but it saves a lot of swearing later.
Melbourne-specific stuff
Apartments in the CBD, Southbank or Docklands often need a lift booked and have set times for moving in and out. Call the building manager early, not the week before, because slots fill up.
In older inner suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton or Richmond, the streets are narrow and parking can be a nightmare. If the truck has to park far from your parking, the move takes longer and costs a lot. Check parking rules at both ends and tell your removalist about it.
And sort through your things before packing. Anything you haven’t used in two years is just something you’re paying to carry. Sell it on the Marketplace or donate it.
Offices
Office moves are a different animal. It’s not only desks and chairs. It’s computers, cabling, filing cabinets and that cupboard full of random things nobody dares to throw out.
Label everything by desk or team, and ask each person to pack their own small items. If you can, move on a weekend so people walk in Monday morning and just start working. Let your busy person deal with the computers and network gear.
Furniture
Empty the drawers and wardrobes first. It makes something matter and nothing smashes inside. Take off whatever comes off, like table legs and bed rails, and tape the screws in a labelled bag to the piece they belong to. Cove sofa matters are very important. If something big looks tight for a doorway, measure it before moving day, not during.
Mirrors, glass tops and framed pictures should go upright and wrapped, with “fragile” written clearly on the box.
On the day
Keep your phone, keys, purse and many more important things.. Get someone to look after kids and pets, because open doors and heavy boxes are not mixed either.
Before you leave, walk to your room and check it. Like Garbage, and no more usage things, the top shelf in the laundry. Someone led someone behind.
At the new place,point each room to the right place, and make the bedroom is first. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
