Moving house can be a stressful time. Be prepared and ensure your furniture and personal belongings are packed and moved securely so you don’t end up spending more than you bargained for.
Get the right quote for you
There are many options when choosing a furniture removalist. Everyone’s needs are different, so it is important to choose a furniture removalist for your specific needs.
Know your needs
Consider the amount of furniture and boxes that will be moved, the distance, if the removalist will have to use stairs and what other services you require, eg packing or unpacking. Understanding what your needs are will enable you to get a quote that is specific to your needs and won’t leave you with any surprises at the end.
Shop around
Shop around and compare quotes with a number of furniture removalists. Get quotes in writing, that way if you decide to move forward with a quote, you are clear about the price and what is included.
It is also a good idea to ask friends or family for recommendations about removalists. Check independent reviews online to find out if other customers have been happy or otherwise with the service they received.
Protect your belongings
A removalist business must take care to avoid damage or loss of your items.
Take photos
Taking photos of your furniture and items, in particular the expensive items, is a good precaution. If you need to seek compensation for issues that the removalist has caused, then having images of your belongings before and after the move will help provide evidence to support your claim.
Insurance
Most removalists will have insurance to protect their own vehicles, however it’s a good idea to take out your own insurance in case your goods are damaged or lost. Consumer guarantees do not apply to things beyond the removalist’s control – e.g. tree branch falling onto the moving truck and damaging the contents. Check whether your current home and contents insurance includes moving to another location, if not consider taking out insurance in case something were to happen to your items when moving.
What are my rights if something goes wrong?
Your removalist service will automatically come with consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. This means that the service must:
- Be delivered using due care and skill to avoid loss or damage to your goods
- Be reasonably fit for any purpose specified by you to the removalist
- If no time is agreed, be provided within a reasonable time.
You are entitled to a remedy if a consumer guarantee has not been met. For example, receiving compensation for the difference in value between the service delivered and what you paid for.
Speak to the removalist business in the first instance about the problem. If the issue isn’t resolved then put your complaint to them in writing. Outline the problem and what you would like them to do, and give them a reasonable time to respond (e.g. 7 days). If you still have concerns then contact Consumer and Business Services for advice.
