We are Expanding

We’ve been busy recently making a few additions and improvements at our office and storage facility. We’ve added eight 20 foot shipping containers (accessible 24/7) to our site, boosting our storage capacity from 64 up to 72 storage units.

We offer a range of unit sizes and are happy to offer you accessible storage solutions for either residential or commercial contents – whether short or long term.

And we’ve just added an extra bathroom for both staff and clients’ use, significantly enhancing the functionality of the building.

We are fortunate to have premises offering great accessibility, plenty of space, parking and options for the future.

August 17, 2017January 9, 2020

Trampolines are Great Fun

Sure, trampolines are great fun for kids and adults alike. But they can be a real challenge on moving day!

The sheer size and shape of them often mean they will not fit in a furniture moving truck. And if they do, will often require a dedicated load between addresses (maybe with outdoor furniture and BBQ thrown in).

Trampolines are Great Fun

They will often therefore require full disassembly – especially if it’s important to fit everything in a single load – as is usually the case in moves involving settlement and specific timings around getting keys and access.

It can be a time consuming process to pull apart and then reassemble at the new property. To ensure a speedy and efficient move, we would highly recommend (where possible) that trampolines are disassembled prior to the movers’ arrival. If not, we need to know about them in advance – so we can schedule time and truck size accordingly.

Springfree Trampolines do offer a service of disassembling, moving and reassembling their tramps. Please see www.springfreetrampoline.co.nz/relocation-services

We would also recommend you think about the need to take your trampoline with you. Will you have sufficient space at your new property? Do your kids still use it? If not, it may be sensible to list it on Trade Me (with the buyer responsible for removing it ahead of your move date). Or see if the new people moving in might want it?

Occasionally our clients move very close by – so we can take the tramp for a little walk. But only if it’s safe with regards to traffic, overhead obstructions, etc. And only if it can safely be gotten out from your current property and back into your new property in one piece!

Trampolines are Great Fun

August 10, 2017January 9, 2020

New Storage Options

We’re pleased to be underway with a site development project at our main premises (11 Tarndale Grove, Albany) in order to provide new storage options and parking to our premises. We have just received Auckland Council consent to add a new vehicle crossing (driveway entrance) and increase our yard space. So we’ll soon have additional parking and space for up to eight 20 foot shipping containers for clients’ short term or long term storage.

new storage options

It unfortunately means making significant alterations to the shiny fence we added only in 2015!

But the addition of shipping container storage units will add to our 64 permanent units housed within our main warehouse. High security will be maintained, with high definition CCTV and monitored security systems in place.

We have a range of unit sizes from 25 cubic metres up to 43 cubic metres, and can also accommodate smaller space requirements. All of our units have furniture blankets in them, to keep your possessions protected whilst stored.

And our friendly team are of course happy to assist you with your moving needs in or out of storage. Call us on 0800 36 36 10, submit an enquiry online or email us direct.

new storage options

June 20, 2016January 9, 2020

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.

October 7, 2015January 9, 2020

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!

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.

August 25, 2014January 9, 2020

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

April 30, 2014January 9, 2020

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.

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!

April 17, 2014January 9, 2020

Tips for Moving House in the Rain

Now that we are moving toward winter and high winds and rain are becoming the norm, we thought it was a good idea to run through some tips for moving house in the rain or blustery wind, fingers crossed not both at once!

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.

April 9, 2014January 9, 2020

Furniture Removal Truck – Auckland

New Furniture Removal Truck – Auckland

Our first 29cbm new build truck ‘Huey’ is just about ready to roll. The second 38cbm truck ‘Dewey’ is around three weeks away, joining our existing 38cbm truck ‘Louie’. And rounding out the fleet is our trusty 18cbm truck, which is well suited to Auckland’s super tight driveways.

March 26, 2014January 9, 2020

What to do on your moving day

What to do on your moving day, time saved equals money saved !. Once again we will be adding to this list, we would like to include customer experiences such as what they found hard prior to our arrival or tips that they may want to share with others. Email us your suggestions

What to do on your moving day

Have a good breakfast!
Ensure that your driveway is clear of vehicles prior to our truck and staff arriving. If you share a driveway make sure that your neighbours are notified well before your move day.
Either take your pets to kennels or friends, or ensure they are in a locked room during the removal.

Be on hand when The Smooth Mover arrives, and throughout both the loading and unloading process. If you can’t be there, make sure someone ca be there to direct the movers – or otherwise leave clear instructions.
Disconnect your washing machine (though we can do this for you if you don’t know how)
Fridges generally need to be emptied into chilly bins of all but lettuce and light/non-fragile items. they will be tipped backwards diagonally for carrying. Freezers ideally need to be emptied – though can often remain full, subject to weight and access – it may be required to remove baskets and replace in the truck, repeating at unload address.
Identify items that you will not be taking with you to our staff when they arrive.
Identify your ‘last minute box’ to our staff who will pack this last.
If you are moving from a storage unit we will need to meet you there. Please bring access codes and keys. If you prefer we can empty on your behalf. These could be left with the storage facility or ideally dropped or posted to us in Albany.
Either take your pets to kennels or friends, or ensure they are in a locked room during the removal.
If you have time to do so, dismantle your bed(s) in advance of the move (but no problem if you can’t – we always come fully equipped with tools).
Wherever possible, make sure plant pots and holders are drained of excess water. Plants cannot be stored in storage units, so may need to go elsewhere.
Once the load has been completed, make a final tour of your home. See that nothing has been overlooked.