Preparing for a move requires copious amounts of time, energy, and planning, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right removalist for your needs. After all, with so many to choose from in the Sydney area, how can you be certain the company you’re considering is really the best of the bunch?
Not to worry as we’ve gathered 5 insider tips that will help you properly vet removalists, avoid the unscrupulous companies, and select a team that will treat you and your property with the utmost respect.
1. Recommendations are Key
Before you hire a team, talk to friends and family in the area who have recently moved and find out: 1) who they used as their removalists, and 2) how they felt about the service they received. Having a personal recommendation from someone you know and trust is one of your strongest tools in properly vetting removalists.
Don’t know anyone who has moved lately? No problem! Ask any removalists you are considering for a list of referrals from recent clients and contact those on the list to confirm they are legitimate. Any moving company that hesitates to provide referrals or tries to tell you they are unnecessary should be marked off your list.
2. Read Online Reviews
Another way to check a removalist’s customer service record is to scour the internet for online reviews. If the company has a Google listing, this is a great place to start. Reading reviews can provide valuable insight on how other customers felt about the accuracy of their estimate, whether the team was punctual and efficient on moving day, and overall satisfaction with their work.
3. Use an AFRA-Certified Removalist
Ask any team you are considering whether they are an accredited member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). AFRA is an official body that regulates the removal industry and ensures members are using best practices within their business.
AFRA-certified removalists have undergone rigorous and regular training, so you can rest easy knowing the team you hire has the expertise and experience necessary to safely pack and transport your belongings.
Many removalists only carry insurance to cover their vehicles in the event of an accident, but AFRA-accredited removalists carry public liability insurance and can provide transit insurance for all goods being moved.
4. Make Sure Your Removalist Provides an Accurate Quote
When it comes to figuring out how much your move will cost you, it is important to request a written, in-home estimate, as this will provide you with the most accurate information. This allows your removalist to see exactly how much “stuff” you have and whether you have any specialty items that could increase the cost of your move.
Estimates should always be written down and include pertinent information like pick-up and delivery dates, any additional fees, and the estimated total. Make sure a copy is left with you and the removalist has one for his or her records. If someone tries to convince you to make do with a verbal quote over the phone, tell them to take a hike. Many an unsuspecting mover has been burned by a verbal quote that suddenly doubles on the day of the move.
5. Experience Matters
You will, no doubt, find young, hungry removalists out there who are determined to make a name for themselves by offering incredibly low prices to land you as a customer. There is a reason people say, “You get what you pay for”, and this is certainly the case when it comes to removalists.
Ask any company you’re considering using how long they’ve been in business. Trust us when we say, it’s worth it to pay a little more in exchange for an experienced team.
Red Flag Alerts to Watch Out For
Now that you know five things that indicate you’re dealing with a good removalist, let’s look at 5 red flag warning signs that signal a removalist could be bad news. Avoid removal companies that:
- Offer absurdly cheap discount prices compared to their competitors. Keep in mind the adage if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Ask for money up front or demand you pay in cash. Legitimate moving companies should have no problem accepting credit card payments for your moving costs.
- Hesitate to provide proof of licensing.
- Do not have a physical address.
- Contract out removalists instead of keeping their own team on staff.
Moving is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a big inconvenience. Hiring the right team is the secret to making your move a stress-free process.
If you find yourself in the Sydney area and in need of an exceptional removal team, contact us at Holloway Removals & Storage. Our team of experts offers the best removal services in Sydney for both local and interstate moves.
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