When it comes to hiring a removal company, you’re likely looking for a reliable team of experts, who show up when they say they’ll show up, get the job done in a timely and professional manner, and don’t break the bank in the process. But finding such a removalist can feel like you’re searching for a unicorn—something mythical that sounds amazing but probably doesn’t exist.
Good news, friends. Hiring the removalist of your dreams is much easier than tracking down a unicorn, but it does require a bit of effort on your part to properly vet prospective teams. Luckily, we’ve gathered our top tips for making sure the Sydney removalist you hire is the one you’ve been dreaming of.
1. Get Referrals from Friends and Family
There’s no better source for honest reviews than the people you know and trust. Put the names of companies your friends and family have used and LOVED at the top of your must-call list. Conversely, if they had a terrible experience with a local removalist, you’ll want to know that, too…so you can avoid them like the plague.
If you don’t have family in the area or friends who have moved recently, check out Google reviews for local companies. You can also visit their social media pages and see what others are saying about them.
2. Ask for In-Person Estimates in Writing
Steer clear of companies who offer to give you an estimate over the phone without seeing your home in person or providing you with a physical copy of the estimate. Such behavior is a huge red flag, and many customers have been burned by hiring unscrupulous removalists based on a verbal estimate, only to have them increase the price on moving day.
Any team worth their salt will send a removalist to your home to conduct a walk through and provide you with a detailed written estimate.
3. Discuss All Service Options During Your Walk Through
Removalists offer services beyond moving your belongings from one location to another. Many offer packing and unpacking services as well. If you have unusually large pieces of furniture (think grand pianos) that will require specialised transport or would like them to pack up delicate antiques or artwork, the time to discuss such options is during your walk through. This will allow your removalist to give an accurate estimate for all the services you want.
4. Ask About Additional Fees
When the removalist provides the estimate be sure to ask if it includes all additional fees. Ask if they add long carry charges, appliance service charges, assembling/disassembling fees, or special handling charges for items like that piano we mentioned, or other specialised items like hot tubs or pool tables.
5. Ask About Insurance Coverage
Call your insurance agency to see what, if any, coverage your current homeowner’s policy provides to your belongings while moving.
It’s important to know that removalists are not required by law to carry insurance for your belongings during a move. However, if your removal company is a member of the Accreditation with Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), they can offer you Comprehensive Transit or removal insurance.
AFRA is an organisation that requires rigorous and ongoing training of its members and is a strong indicator that you are dealing with a high-quality removal company.
6. Ask for References…and Check Them
Any quality removalist will expect you to ask for referrals and will have them at the ready. Take the time to call and verify the referrals, even if you got the name of the removalist when talking to friends or family. It’s important to verify the references they provided are legitimate.
7. Weigh Cost with Experience
There’s a reason you’ve opted to hire a professional team instead of enlisting the help of your college buddies—you know that experience matters.
Keep this in mind as you move through the vetting process. There are removalists out there who will try to gain your business with bottom-of-the-barrel prices. The age-old saying “you get what you pay for” comes to mind here. Will you pay more for a well-reviewed, experienced team? Yes. Will you enjoy a stress-free moving experience that results in few, if any, damages? Also, yes.
Once again, ask about AFRA accreditation. Not everyone has it, and there’s a reason for that.
And so…
We know what a big decision you’re making when choosing a removalist team, and we would love to earn your business. Our AFRA-accredited team is professional, friendly, and committed to providing you with outstanding service.
Contact us today for a detailed quote for all the services you need and nothing you don’t.
After all, it’s your move.
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