Wollongong Removals Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is, Yes you do. It is inevitable that there may be damage to your goods in spite of the best intentions of the best removalist. It should be remembered that furniture was never supposed to be moved and was not built to withstand being jolted in a truck, even with the best packing.

You need to plan to have a person who will act as your agent and can take delivery of your goods at the time you have agreed with the removalist if you are unable to be there yourself. If you can't do this, you may need to decide with the removalist to store your goods until you can take delivery. Under no circumstances will your property be left at an address without you being in attendance. In this situation, there may also be a storage fee, extra handling charges and a redelivery fee.

This depends on the arrangements you make with the removalist. It should be clearly stated on the contract at the time of signing.

This needs to be agreed between you and the removalist before the job is commenced. In most instances, you will be expected to pay upon uplift, except on local removals where payment may be agreed when delivery is made.

You can pack your own boxes, but if there are any breakages in those boxes, the removalist will take no responsibility, nor will these items be covered by insurance.

Yes. If you are in any doubt, you should ask the removalist before you begin the removal if this charge is included in the price and if it is not, how much extra it will be.

If it can be proved that the removalist was negligent in causing the damage or that he did not use due care and skill, you may be able to request that they repair any damage. However, if there is damage and there was no negligence displayed, the repair will need to be paid for by insurance. If you are not insured, you will have no recourse to any compensation.

You should have an AFRA or industry-approved contract and your insurance forms. If you are moving interstate or into storage, you should also have an inventory that should be signed by both parties at uplift and at delivery. It is unwise to proceed with any removal if you do not have a contract.

You should be given all the information by your chosen removalist or request a full copy of the free Moving Guide Kit from AFRA.

Moving plants is fraught with dangers. You should consult with your removalist. Some will be happy to move your plants, others will not. In circumstances where you are moving goods into storage, storing plants is not practical. In some instances, moving plants interstate is forbidden, depending on State importation laws.

Yes. Your removalist will be able to assist you with storage. In most instances, they have storage facilities that are specific for furniture storage and afford the best security available.

These are available from your removalist.

If you are moving from one house to another on the same day, your furniture will be picked up and delivered in the same vehicle. If you are moving interstate, your furniture may be re-stowed at the removalist depot and made ready for a longer journey. You should ask your removalist if you have any concerns.

Backloading is a term first coined in the late 19th century when horses and carts were used. It means picking up a load in a town they have just made a delivery to. Many people mistakenly believe that this means of carrying costs are cheaper. This is not necessarily the case as the costs are not reduced simply because they have to return. However, you need to speak to your removalist about this.

You can do this, but unless you have training as a packer, it is unlikely you will have the skill to do this correctly. It may also affect your insurance, and if there are any breakages, the removalist cannot be held responsible.

You are not expected to do this. However, providing water for the workmen is much appreciated.

Not necessarily. If you are concerned with the flooring being damaged, you should mention this to your removalist. There are excellent coverings available that give protection.

The plastic used by removalists to cover furniture is specially designed for this purpose. However, if your furniture is damp before it is wrapped, there may be a problem. If the removalist notices any dampness, they will point this out to you and most probably refuse to cover it in plastic but use removal blankets as an alternative.

You should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is imperative that washing machines be prepared properly as these are easily damaged. It is not the removalist's responsibility to do this, and any damage resulting will not be the removalist's responsibility.

This should be emptied and wiped clean throughout. If it is going into storage, wiping the interior with vanilla essence will help keep any mildew at bay. The removal company will store the fridge in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If the removal occurs on the same day and all boxes and jars are properly sealed, this is possible. No food will be acceptable for storage unless it is canned or vacuum-sealed.