Main Aspects of the Moving Service

Our main goal with this post is to be informative and clear about the main aspects of the moving service and the main charges involved. I believe that by doing so you will be more prepared next time when hiring a furniture removalist.

Most people get a bit wary and have doubts about the charges incurred in the removal service. Most of the times they are not familiar with them, or they were not made aware of until the bill is finalised. The majority of the removalists in Australia don’t offer a locked price for their removal and furniture delivery services, and the service is usually charged per hour. This operational charging system is put in doubt because you don’t exactly know how much you will end up paying until the last minute, so the best way to protect yourself and your pocket is the knowledge about the main charges involved in the transport service.

Each business has a different way to operate and it is not uncommon to hear customers complaining about extra charges that they were not made aware of.

Here are the six main aspects of the removal service you should know next time you are looking for a home mover in your area:

1.    Charge System

Some companies charge a full hourly rate and all inclusive door to door, which I believe it is the most adequate for both removalist and customer. The rates vary from business to business with some charging per half hour, others every 15 minutes. The latter may sound cheaper, but most of the time they require a minimum of 1-2 hour, or they may add extras such as fuel levy, distance charge, or insurance coverage to balance the lower rate.

2.    Extra charge for difficult access

     Some companies charge an extra fee that ranges from $50 to $100 depending on how difficult or narrow is the entrance to your home. This is usually subject to the mover’s personal judgment on the day, making it hard to contest at the spot. 
     A client came to me complaining about a $100 charged extra because his house was located around 100 metres from where the movers had parked the truck, plus 2 steps into his house. He wanted to contest the charge, but he ended up paying $50 and not happy with that.

3.    Stairs/ Lift

Some companies charge extra depending on how many flight of stairs your house has. Some charge per flight of stairs and others a flat fee. Most companies have a clear rate for stairs, adding certain amount on the top of the usual charges. Make sure you get this information from the company you are hiring beforehand in order to avoid an unpleasant surprise in the end.

4.    Time on transit

It is part of the furniture delivery or home removal service to spend time on transit and in traffic to get from point A to point B. There is no doubt that there will be times where the traffic is more intense than others. It is paramount you trust the business and take its word. The movers on the road represent the business, and their attitude and professionalism is the reflexion of the business ethical values.

5.    Additional pickups and drop-offs

Some companies charge additional for extra pickups and drop-offs. This extra service usually incurs a flat fee of $100 or more, and this fee would still be subject being in a regional area or urban area. Again, please make sure you get this information before booking the service.

6.    Distance

Most removalist companies need to charge extra when distance is outside certain radius. Some charge after 10km, and others after 20km from a specific point. Some offer a flat fee and some would charge per kilometre. Make sure you ask about distance charges before going ahead with the service. A flat fee is better than charging per kilometre as you never know which way the driver will be heading back or forth.  

We will be talking about those points in more detail on our subsequent posts.

Good moving!!

The Leader Transport Team

6 Key Skills of a Good Furniture Removalist

The transport of household items, large furniture or bunch of boxes is a trick business. You may need to take into consideration the physical accesses and entrances, location and the proper tools to do the job. Having an experienced and professional house mover takes the burden off your back.

On the contrary, having a cheap and inexperienced mover is a hassle. They usually take longer to do the job, they are most likely to break items or scratch walls, they are not aware of the industry and property legislation, and not to mention that the incidence of items being broken in transit is much higher because of the lack of skills and caring to protect the cargo safely inside the truck.

Below are some basic characteristics you may want to look for in a good furniture mover:

1. Punctuality
2. Full care of your belongings
3. Confidence and attention to detail 
4. Excellent loading and unloading skills
5. Experienced with narrow entrances and stairs
6. Honesty and courteous nature

Passionate in sharing knowledge and experience with others

The Leader Transport Team

Delivery and Removal Transport in a Glance

The transport of big or small furniture, few boxes, or large households requires a certain level of structure and preparation in order to have the load arriving at the destination within the timeframe, physically intact, and with the minimum cost possible for the customer. The managerial and physical components need to be fully coordinated so you can consider the transport a success.

The removal and delivery business is essentially about the transport of tangible goods. Overall the backbone of such business involves the active role of a competent operational manager, a skilled mover and some sort of software to coordinate the communication between both parties.

The operations manager logistically plan the transport destinations, time expected for the loading and unloading, estimated transit time, and physical barriers that may delay the process. Coordinating inbound calls and evaluating the nature of service requested and its aspects is essential when putting information together. Failing to do so might be catastrophic to the client and the business reputation.

In addition, a fully trained and skilled mover with good customer service, experience, punctuality and a real sense of responsibility is a plus for the business. Knowing how to proceed in an unexpected situation is also a skill most wanted. Mechanical problems with the truck, heavy traffic, a damaged piece of furniture, customers complain or payment denial are not rare situations in the transport industry.

Always rely on a transport business that pose the clearest strategies to the client and have the services and conditions terms available whenever requested. It is advisable to count on a fully insured company as well as one with a good reputation and reviews.

A happy and satisfied customer will be pleased in spreading the word, and that is what counts the most.

Please follow us on Facebook for more updates.

The Leader Transport team

 

Donate or Recycle? An interesting question when you are about to move house

Time has come for you to move and you need to act. All sorts of questions come to your mind even before making such decision. You may get tired by only thinking about it. People take on the moving process differently: some are easy-going and embrace it with a positive attitude, and a few take it as a daunting and stressful process. Time is critical and it will affect the level of stress and outcome of your moving, that is why we strongly recommend you planning ahead.

Basic tasks should include packing objects into suitcases or boxes, empting drawers and cabinets, throwing away unnecessary stuff, managing what is going where and labelling them, among others.

An interesting aspect about moving or relocating is that you can have much of your old or unused belongings recycled or donated.

Recycling has become part of our daily routines and should be encouraged even more so we can set the example to the new generations to come. Recycling is the process of making or manufacturing new products from a product that has originally served its purpose*, this way contributing to a more sustainable environment.
* http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/whatisrecycling/

In addition, the link below is from Sustainability Victoria. You will find interesting aspects of how we can contribute to facilitate and promote environmental sustainability in the use of resources. They offer the delivery of an integrated waste management and resource efficient programs which can benefit us all as a community.

           http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1517-homepage.as &www.sita.com.au

We also encourage the donation initiative. You can make people in need happy with clothes or toys you and your kids are no longer using, even some kitchen utensils tucked away in your kitchen drawer. You will be surprised by some stuff you couldn't even remember you still have, and the good memories that those will bring up to you. They are guarantee to put a smile on your face.

 

Here are a few tips on the packing process:

·        Kitchen utensils such as plates, mugs, cutlery and all glass or porcelain items are advisable to be wrapped in paper or bubble wrap; Newspaper would do the job as well.

·         Delicate items should be put aside and labelled so the movers can carry it carefully;

·         Small boxes should be heavy in weight because it makes them easier to carry around and to fit into the truck;

·         Big boxes should be light in weight;

·         Cabinets or fridge should be emptied in order to avoid any possible damage of items inside units;

·         If possible, remove the drawers so they can be transported separately;

·         Label items and boxes. This will save you time and effort when unpacking, and it will serve as a guideline to your movers.

Hope this article has inspired you towards a more sharing attitude.

The Leader Transport team

Different People's Reaction to Moving Houses

Moving to a new house is most always an exciting journey. You feel like all the painful long working hours, decisions and sacrifices have paid off, especially when the house in discussion is your new buy. Isn't always rewarding when we feel we have accomplished that dream, like a climber going up Mount Everest. The trekking route is as important as reaching the summit, and it is usually the pathway that leads us to the top the most insightful in teaching us the best lessons in life.

The first buyers, the newlyweds, the business man, and families with kids are all very particular in their own way. Some removalists feel very lucky to be part of this moment in people's life.

Removalists deal with different scenarios every day.  People take on the moving process differently. There are some really stressed people, short in time and running around to have all prepared before the arrival of the movers. On the other hand, there are those calm and confident with their preparation, who manage to have things running smoothly and on time. The perfect strategy of a good removalist is to have both scenarios in control by being courteous, attentive and efficient.

One thing is for sure: the whole moving process is made easier when the customer's peace of mind lays on the professional capability right from the start. This little aspect called confidence makes a praised and outstanding professional differs from the rest. Doing a respectful and efficient job is surely the way to lead this market.

We have always in mind that positive feedback and happy customers are our goal. We have these two words on our mission statement sticked on our wall.

The Leader Transport team

10 reasons why you should have an experienced removalist doing the hard work for you

Deciding between having a professional furniture removalist doing the job for you and having you sorting it all out may take a while. Most people weigh towards saving some money and the self-confidence in having a fun experience out of it.

Please do not take me wrong, but it turns out that the transport of heavy furniture and household utensils can be quite daunting with potential serious consequences to your body when it is done wrongly. Not to mention the fact that unexpected things do happen, and we are not always prepared for it. 

Mark my words: “It is gold when you can have an experienced professional doing the hard work for you, preferably one with moving experience with all sorts of physical barriers and situations, right equipment, physical strength, guidance and skills for the job.”

I believe at this point I have made you thinking: is it really hard?

Here are ten points to consider before making your decision:

1.    When doing it yourself you may neglect the real costs of the whole process, such as truck rental, insurance and petrol. Sometimes you even have to pay for tolls and extra kilometre back to your rental company. You may have an unpleasant surprise in the end. 

2.    Will you be able to move a heavy fridge, your couch or a kitchen cabinet? What about dissembling your TV unit or bed and then assembling it all back together into the right position? Have you thought about that?

3.    A basic knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety can prevent potential back injuries, strains or even the aggravation of existing physical conditions you might have.

4.    The experience of strutting boxes and heavy items in a safe manner will not only protect your belongings from suffering any damage in transit, but it will also save your joints and muscles from any possible injury. Furthermore, wrapping your stuff in blankets and tying them up nicely will make the most of the truck physical space, saving you some extra trip;

5.    Let’s face it, you don’t have this activity everyday (that is a relief, isn’t it?!), so trying to do your moving out of the blue and after a long packing process can be quite stressful.

6.    Knowledge of the best routes can help you avoid tolls or heavy traffic ,and it can potentially save you time and money.

7.    Insurance can come in handy when an accident happens. Knowing that you have a backup plan by hiring a moving company that provides insurance can be a tremendous advantage.

8.    Some people require help packing. There are some precious tips about packing that will definitely assist you, such as allocating heavy items into small boxes, light items into big boxes, removing drawers, etc. Find out more on our blog.

9.    Right tools and protective equipment at your disposal are some of the advantages of hiring a good removalist company. Blankets, bubble wrap, ties and a trolley are helpful tools for protection of your belongings.

10. The peace of mind after so much done, and the guidance of an experienced professional will alleviate unnecessary stress and headaches, and money can't pay this enough.

One tip: You can start moving light items, small boxes and suitcases yourself. In addition, you may leave the heavy items, such as those ones you can even budge for later. If then you rather contract a professional removalist, you are already saving money. Leaving the physical and stress components of such intense activity to an experienced professional is something to consider.

Do you want to know more about packing or available insurance for your moving? Please follow us here and feel free to share your experiences with us.

Motivation is the key to success!

Leader Transport team

Is stress a normal reaction to the moving house process?

Time to move? Stressed packing up your stuff? Boxes everywhere? Feeling unsettled? I believe you might be suffering of moving distress. Having plenty to do, juggling around with your personal life, job and house duties are some of the tasks most people have to do. Stress is a normal reaction to the moving process and you are not alone here.

Stress is a body reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, and problems sleeping are common symptoms of a body under pressure.

Keep in mind that moving or relocating is not only about the physical part of shifting things from one place to the other, but it is also about adjusting your emotions to this new life.

New house and neighbourhood,  discovering the best routes to go to work or school, finding out the location of the shops around, leisure spots and more can be exciting, but at the same time is part of your adjustment to this brand new routine.

Don’t feel bad if you are running out of time or if you think you are not going to make it. You are not the first or the last person feeling stressed closer to moving to a new place.

One thing is for sure: time is critical and it will affect the level of stress and outcome of your moving. That is why we strongly recommend you planning ahead, business manager advice here. Don’t panic! We sympathize with you and we are here to help you from the time you make the decision to move out until you settle down at your new home.

We are here to encourage you into this journey, not only physically carrying your stuff but also emotionally based on our experience and knowledge.

You will find in the next posts how you can achieve a successful moving experience, so please follow us and I am sure you will identify yourself with the examples here presented.

We also encourage people to interact and share their experiences so we can learn from one another. Leave a comment!

Motivation is the key to success!

             Leader Transport team

  

          http://www.leadertransport.com.au/