How to pick a removalist

Hiring a removalist is a great way to help reduce the stress and physical work that usually comes with moving home. But how do you pick a great removalist when there are so many people out there offering similar services?

Here are our tips on how to pick a removalist.

Pick your services

Think about what services you’re going to need. 

• Do you just want someone to turn up on the day and move your packed boxes from your old house to your new one?
• Or are you thinking about getting the removalist to pack your belongings up for you and also unpack on the other side?

What services you pick will determine who makes it onto your shortlist for moving quotes.

Arrange multiple quotes

Once you know what services you need, get a few quotes from different removalists. Don’t just find one and hire them.

Getting different quotes allows you to compare services and prices so you can ensure you’re hiring the right company for the job and at the right price.

Ask for a home visit

Many removalists offer home visits these days to do a pre-move survey. This helps them to see exactly what furniture you have, and how much stuff you have to move.

It’s easy to estimate over the phone or online, but seeing the goods in person means they can accurately quote you on what size truck you’ll need, how many people they will send on the day, and how long it will take them to move you.

All of this can save you time and money so it’s definitely worth doing.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re getting quotes from removalists.

Some important questions could be:

• Are your rates hourly or for the whole job?
• Does the quote include GST?
• Do you provide boxes?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Does the quote include your travel time at the start and end of the day?
• What happens if anything is damaged?
• Do you offer insurance?

Check their insurance and credentials

Removalists can belong to an association which means they are held accountable to an industry body. One such body is the Australian Furniture Removers Association. Ask if your removalist is registered with them or any other official relevant bodies.

Also find out if they have the necessary insurances such as public liability insurance, and ask if they offer you any removals insurance. Your home insurance policy may also cover goods in transit so it’s worth checking with them as well.

Get personal recommendations

There’s nothing better than a personal recommendation from a friend or family member. Ask if they would recommend anyone to you that they’ve used before.

If they’ve had a positive experience it can help you decide whether to use a particular removalist or not.

Online reviews

Lastly, don’t forget to check out your potential removalists online. There are so many places consumers can independently review and rate businesses online – Facebook and Google being the most popular but others like Trustpilot, Choice, and Which? can also be worth checking.

Remember that sometimes it’s not about the review but the way the business responds as well. If there is a negative review, check how the removalists have responded to it before you decide whether to use their services.

 

Alinta Energy has partnered with Adlam Transport to help customers in WA when they move. Adlam Transport are a leading removalists in perth. Providing a wide variety of services such as storage, pre pack services, office removals and local furniture removals across Perth, WA and interstate for over 25 years.