Category: Moving Tips

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Declutter Help in Auckland

Are you about to move and need a hand to declutter? Are you finding it hard to make a decision of what to keep, what to discard and what to donate?

We have all, to some extent become the ultimate consumer… far too many of the same items floating around our homes – do we really need them?

Lisa has been in the home-staging industry for 9 years and has seen a real need for clients to declutter prior to moving.

“Too often I see people packing up items, only to discard them in their new homes because of lack of storage – or realise through their moving experience they just don’t have any purpose anymore. We have all witnessed the boxes in the garage a year later – still not attended to!”

By making the hard decisions of what you really need to keep, and downsizing before you move, you can save time and money and stress.

With good, practical, kind advice – and either advisory or a hands on “get stuck in approach” – whether it be furniture/homewares or personal items, Lisa at The Final Touch can help you through the process.

I have had many clients tell me how liberating it feels to finally down-size, let go and start afresh!

Buy Less, choose well – make it last! (Dame Vivienne Westwood) 

Contact:  Lisa – Final Touch 

ginod@xtra.co.nz

Ph: 021 275 5860 

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Moving House During NZ Winter

Moving House During NZ Winter

Moving house during New Zealand winter.  It can be a lot of people’s worst nightmare… apart from the packing and organising needed.  Actually moving house in winter time is a thought many people would dread. Wind, rain, limited daylight and cold weather conditions make the moving process more difficult, and sometimes dangerous. But by following certain strategies, problems can be averted.

Book a professional removals company

Employing professional movers will not only take some of the work off your already busy plate, but will also help reduce the impact of bad weather. The Smooth Mover staff are trained to handle bad weather situations and will come well prepared for your move. They are trained to lift and carry things properly in slippery or wet conditions. They will take practical steps to ensure your belongings are protected from the elements as best as able.  They will (where appropriate and safe to do so) put floor protectors down to minimise mess at both properties. They will pack and load the moving truck quickly and professionally, saving you the discomfort and work of yourself traipsing to and fro in the cold.

Book Early

The Smooth Mover is busy, so it pays to book early to avoid disappointment. Fridays and Saturdays tend to fill particularly early (Fridays being the most common day for settlement transactions). Extra demand on these days means that we can get booked up very early. But regardless of day of the week, we advise booking your carrier as early as able. Providing as much information as possible about your move requirements (quantity, access and timings) ensures correct scheduling and estimates of time needed to complete your move safely.

Be ready for the weather

Bad weather has the potential to delay your move, through extra traffic on the roads (and the inevitable accidents that slow Auckland to a grind).  Moves scheduled prior to your own taking longer than they otherwise would in dry conditions. If the weather does delay your move, communication is key – The Smooth Mover will keep you fully informed.  You can in turn do the same with the other parties involved. Do make sure you have correct contact details of important people at hand, such as your solicitor and estate agent. Check your weather for today with the Metservice

Get extra help

If you’re really pushed for time and want to get settled as quickly as possible then you might want to consider using the extra services on offer – getting help with both packing & unpacking will ease your work and stress levels (see www.movingnz.co.nz). Also ask friends and family to assist if able to get you settled quickly.

Boxes and labelling

It is especially important in winter to use quality boxes which will withstand a few spots of rain, without collapsing, or damaging the contents. And don’t forget to label your boxes carefully before the move, especially mark those essential items that you will need first. Make sure the ‘room of destination’ (eg. Kitchen or Master Bedroom) is clearly labelled on each box. Speak to your carrier about supplying quality boxes. The Smooth Mover sells both new and used boxes, with a buy-back system in place.

Talk to your vendors about heating

Consider speaking to the previous occupants of your new home about the heating and how to operate it.  This will let you quickly get your new home warm for comfort and safety. Surely nothing is worse than spending the first night in your new home freezing cold!

More information below

Moving House During NZ Winter

Pack an Essentials Box

Always pack an essentials box with the weather in mind… in winter, a kettle, tea, coffee, soup and mugs are top of the list.  Don’t forget some snacks to keep your energy up too. And make sure you keep warm clothes accessible. If you can’t get someone to watch the children for the day, then remember to pack toys and books in your essentials box to keep them entertained. Keep a bag packed ready in your car with a fresh, warm change of clothes, some towels and toiletries.

Think about your floors

Moving furniture and boxes out and back in at your new property in winter brings a risk of dirtying your flooring. Winter weather means wet and dirtied shoes coming repeatedly into your home. Make sure you inform your carrier on the type of floors you have at your new home. This will enable us to create an appropriate plan, including floor protection where practical. Wet laminate, tiled or polished floors can be a real health and safety risk. Extreme caution needs to be taken to avoid slips and falls that could hurt people or damage your furniture.

Driveway access

The Smooth Mover will always endeavour to supply the most appropriate sized truck(s) for your move requirements.  Contemplating both the quantity to be moved, but also ability to get into driveways and park in close proximity to entrance points. It is sometimes inevitable for the moving men to walk up wet, slippery paths, and sometimes across wet grass. If your driveway is mossy and slippery, consider having it water-blasted prior to moving.  This will make it safer for everyone to get in and out, but also enhance the look of your home prior to selling and/or moving out.

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Moving Boxes

Don’t underestimate the humble cardboard moving boxes.

Suitable packing into sturdy moving boxes will not only help ensure your household effects reach their new location undamaged, but will also help ensure your move is completed efficiently – thus saving time completing the move, and ultimately saving you money!

moving boxes

Cardboard moving boxes can be sourced from lots of places. Do be mindful though of using single walled boxes (which have only a single layer of corrugation). These are flimsy, and will not withstand being stacked without crushing. Boxes should have a double wall (a twin layer of corrugation) for strength. Boxes from the supermarket are generally not suitable – they do not have strength, and are of mixed and varying sizes, making the job of loading into the truck more difficult. With the exception of banana boxes… these are great, with good strength and carry handles. Just ensure they have a lid, and have nothing protruding through the top.

When packing standard removal boxes, ensure you tape both the bottom and top closed. Don’t overfill boxes to bulging – this weakens the box and will lead to damage of the contents.

The Smooth Mover sells either new or used quality boxes (plus wrapping paper, tape & transit/bubble wrap), and we offer to buy boxes back for a 30% refund once you’ve moved and unpacked! This means you get some money back, and we’re able to put them to reuse.

You’re very welcome to collect from us in Albany. Or we may be able to deliver to you for no extra charge (subject to minimum order quantity and location).

Feel free to drop into our storage facility at 11 Tarndale Grove, Albany at any time during our normal opening hours of 8.30am till 5pm Monday to Friday, or 8.30am till 1pm on Saturday. We have EFTPOS available onsite, or can simply add boxes and other materials to your moving bill (if you’re booked to move with us).

To make it more efficient you are welcome to call and place an order so we can have the moving boxes ready and waiting when you arrive.

moving boxes

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When to Book your Furniture Removal

Below are some useful tips for when to book your furniture removal with The Smooth Mover.

BOOKING YOUR FURNITURE REMOVAL

Contact us, as soon as you have a settlement, rental move or new build completion date.  You are welcome to contact us before this for our rates.

If you are planning a move around a public holiday make sure you get in quick! as the week prior to or following a long weekend tend to get booked up pretty fast.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are high demand days for the moving industry, so book well in advance if you require one of these days.

If you do have a choice of moving dates, or you haven’t yet set a date for your settlement move, opt for a Monday to Wednesday.  The Smooth Mover offers discounted rates for these days.  It will also be easier to get your move booked.

If you have a last minute move, please check with us, on occasion we do have clients postpone their moves so spaces do come available at short notice.

ESTIMATING THE QUANTITY OF YOUR FURNITURE REMOVAL

In most cases your move will be before or after another move (unless your move requires a whole day).  When booking please tell us as much about your move as you can, such as

  • Indicative quantity of goods to be moved (if you are moving house, the number of bedrooms, lounges, study, rumpus is a good indicator). Don’t forget garage, extra storage areas and outdoor items.
  • Any special/difficult items (eg. piano, side-by-side fridge, trampoline, antiques, spa, lots of pot plants).
  • Access difficulties at either property (are there are lots of stairs involved, a lengthy walk from the property to the truck parking space, or is there a particularly steep, narrow or winding driveway?)

Informing us of these things in advance will ensure we are fully prepared for your move, and schedule sufficient time to complete your move without delaying our subsequent customers.

Special items that require movingDURATION OF A FURNITURE REMOVAL

There are many variables that can affect the time it takes to move your home.

  • Level of preparedness – the more prepared you the are the faster the whole move will be.
  • Weather – wet weather can slow a move, care of your items and our staff are paramount.
  • Access conditions – difficult access can add time to the move especially if the items need to be walked a distance to the truck.
  • Number of Men – different sized homes require different number of men.  Read more about our Third Man.

 

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Moving in Winter

Moving in Winter

Now that we are moving toward winter, high winds and rain are becoming the norm, we thought it was a good idea to run through some tips for moving in winter.

moving_in_the_rain

Have a read of the tips below, if you have some useful ideas that have worked for you in the past please feel free to pass them on, email us office@thesmoothmover.co.nz

Keep Track of Weather Reports

Be sure to check out the weather forecast for your up coming move.  The Metservice provides great information on rain levels, wind and temperate.  You are also able to check out the weather 10 days in advance.

Protect your Belongings

Whether it is raining or sunny make sure that you have used quality boxes, poor quality boxes can crush under the weight of other boxes stacked on top of them or start to crumple with a sprinkle of rain .  The Smooth Movers box range are double walled, which provide you with a lot more durability.

Seal all boxes up with tape, folding the top of the boxes is just not enough to guard against the weather, the boxes also can’t be stacked effectively (rain or shine) in the truck taking up valuable space for the rest of your household items.

Schedules

Schedules can be delayed due to gales or rain.  Its better for the truck to be slower so that it, the movers and your belongings arrive safe and sound.

Protect your Home

Protect your home with old carpets or towels, move all the manageable items into one or two rooms closest to the door, this prevents water being tracked inside.  Consider using old sheets at the entrance especially if you have tiles or wooden floors, this will prevent them becoming slippery, making it a safer move for all.

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The Essentials Moving List

The Essentials Moving List

Hi all, here are some more helpful hints for the big move day – the essentials moving list will ensure that you have the necessities at hand to make your move day and first night in your new home a little more easy.

  • Pack an overnight bag for you and/or your family – include pajamas, toiletries, toilet paper, change of clothes, bath towels.
  • Pack a last minute box which can include kettle, tea, coffee, water, snacks and lunch for the move day. Consider what you will be having for dinner that night and breakfast in the morning.  Cups, plates and utensils, just enough for one each per person is enough.
  • You will also need a box cutter handy if you want to access your boxes, inventory list if you have completed one.
  • Keep your cleaning kit and vacuum handy.
  • If you feel tired by the end of the day make sure that the beds have been assembled, we can help you with this if required.  Make them sooner rather than later at least you have somewhere comfortable to sleep that night.
  • On waking up on your move day you may want to fold all your bedding into the bottom sheet, transport in your car so that you can just lay out onto your bed (no need to go hunting through boxes to find your sheets!)
  • Organise a sitter or family to look after the kids and/or pets on move day.

The Essentials Moving List

  • Read and record your water & power meters at both addresses.
  • When you arrive at your new house make sure that the hot water cylinder is on, there is nothing worse than hopping in the shower at the end of a long day to find no hot water.
  • Seal any immediate boxes that you may require over the next few days with a coloured tape so they are easily found.

If anyone else has some handy ideas or can tell us what works for them please email your suggestions.

You may like to ready more tips for your move day here.

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Storage Packing Tips

Hi all, here are some great storage packing tips if you are planning on storing your household items, these tips will maximise your space and prevent damage to your belongings.

A lot of these tips are used by the Smooth Mover as standard practices and also from personal experience of storing household items.

  • Make sure that all your white linen, clothes etc are washed before storing.  After a period of time any trace of sweat or grease will turn your whites yellow.
  • Use sturdy boxes so they can be stacked on top of each to maximise the height of the storage unit.
  • If you are storing wine, check out storage facilities that offer climate control.
  • Make sure that you number all your boxes and keep an inventory of what is in those boxes, you may need to find something whilst everything is in storage. When you move to your new place an inventory will help in telling our guys where each box needs to go.
  • Don’t cover furniture with plastic, this can lead to condensation and mildew issues.
  • Remove petrol from lawnmowers and clean all your garden implements.
  • If able pack all your electronic equipment such as computers, tv, stereo’s in their original packing.
  • Roll your rugs rather than fold, folding may cause permanent damage to the pile.
  • You can not store food, pot plans and hazardous materials in storage lockers for obvious reasons.
  • Hazardous materials include: Gas bottles, paint thinners, petrol and cleaning fluids.
  • Leave your fridge doors open, if closed you will have mold issues.
  • Disassemble furniture to save space.

    Above all remember “If it fits in a box, put it in a box”

If you are stuck on where to start for your storage needs please contact us via our website or phone 09 415 4222 for our unit sizes and prices.

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Apartment Moving

APARTMENT MOVING

Apartment moving certainly has its own set of challenges. The overall moving logistics are a lot more technical than moving into a plain ground level townhouse, you have a lot more to think about such as elevators, stairwells, access to apartment building for your removal truck and so forth.

Here are some helpful tips to help you and The Smooth Mover, to complete a seamless transition to your new home.

Access into the Apartment

  • Make sure that you talk with the apartment manager about how other moves have gone in the past.  What have others done?
  • Find out whether there is a service elevator in the building rather than just the resident elevators, sometimes these elevators are larger and can take more weight.
  • Book an elevator key – this will ensure a faster load and unload time.

Measure

  • Make sure that your furniture will fit, measure any existing furniture and visit your new apartment, measuring things such as the elevator door opening, corridors, apartment door etc.  Take note of any stair or tight corridor corners that may cause a problem – photograph if need be.
  • If you are downsizing to an apartment you will either have to be ruthless when packing, gift or donate away items that you really just don’t need anymore.  Alternatively organise for a storage unit until you have time to sort out.  Advise us if you plan to do this so we can book a 2nd drop off location for your current booking.
  • If you are buying furniture, consider going with styles that can be disassembled and reassemble each time you move.  Our guys can help you with this on the day.

Parking

  • Again talk with the apartment manager, as to the standard protocol for moving trucks.
  • If underground parking is available, make sure you advise us as to Maximum height allowed, so that we can allocate the correct truck on your move day.

Above all make sure you pass on all this information to us prior to your move date, this will ensure a SMOOTH! move on the day. (you are welcome to email photos of anything you may think will become a problem) or contact us to make a booking 0800 36 36 10 or office@thesmoothmover.co.nz

Apartment Moving

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The Third Man – Furniture Removals

Are you trying to decide how many men you require for your move? while still keeping to your budget?  Our advice is don’t forget about The Third Man, sometimes he can get quite lonely.

the_third_man

Yes, we can all agree that our two man rate is lower than our three man rate, but is two always better than three when you are trying to save some $$?

The truth is that three men working on your household or office removal can get your move completed 50% faster than with two men (or put another way you will have less overall hours than you would with two men).

It’s all in the co-ordination of the loading and unloading, fitting the furniture in like a giant jenga puzzle so that nothing moves or gets damaged during a trip and the basic truth is that three men can get this task done more efficiently than two.  The extra man power is also great for those difficult or heavy items so they can manage more safely and efficiently.

The Smooth Mover are able to provide you with a recommendation of how many men you may require and allocate these men to your move based on the information that you provide to us.  So please don’t under report how big your move really is, think about the third man, he is always there ready to help and in the end will reduce the overall cost of your move!.

To obtain a quote please contact The Smooth Mover on 0800363610 or submit an enquiry through our contact form, alternatively email us office@thesmoothmover.co.nz

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Packing Tips – Moving House

Packing Tips – Moving House

Our packing tips – moving house can save you hours in preparing your household items for your upcoming move.  We will be adding to this list regularly so stay posted!

  • Use good quality, strong boxes which can be stacked without crushing.  Stationery shops sell boxes, but he quality is typically poor, with a ‘single wall’ which easily collapse.  We can sell you good quality boxes and other materials, we also offer a buy back scheme once you are finished.
  • Be wary of boxes obtained from the supermarket – they are typically not very strong, and of varying sizes (which makes packing the truck more difficult and can take more time)  Having said that, banana boxes are great – very strong, and with a lid can be stacked easily.
  • Make sure your boxes are not too heavy (should be readily lifted by one man). Pack books and heavy items in small boxes, and linen and lighter items in larger boxes.

Packing Tips - Moving House

 

  • Always tape boxes closed bottom and top.  Never ‘criss-cross’ boxes – especially on the bottom!
  • Pack heavier items on the bottom of boxes
  • Fill boxes, but without over-filling/bulging.  Space left in boxes allows movement of contents and possible resulting damage.
  • Wrap all fragile items in paper.  Butchers paper (unprinted newspaper) is ideal as newspaper ink can mark/stain your possessions.  You are able to purchase this from us if required.
  • Make sure all boxes can closed properly and are sealed so the tops are flat.  If you over-pack a box, you risk damaging your own property.
  • Label all boxes with a permanent marker pen.  Labels should include the room in which you want the box to end up, and a rough description of contents (including Fragile, if relevant)  for example:  Kitchen / crockery & plastics / Fragile, or Master bedroom / clothing.
  • If using second hand boxes, ensure all previous labels are clearly crossed out to avoid confusion.
  • Liquids (bottles/jars etc) must be kept upright – and clearly labelled with arrows upwards and “This End Up”
  • Keep clothing in dresser drawers.  Remove any fragile or heavy items
  • Linen/clothing can be packed in STRONG rubbish bags
  • We recommend boxing computer and stereo equipment, consider taking your monitor with you in the front seat of your car.
  • Organise a chilly bin for your fridge items on the day of the move.
  • Start packing early.  Its a lengthy process.   The more prepared you are, the quicker and more efficient your move will be – ultimately saving you money!