Fortress Self Storage

Removals & Storage: Packing, Unpacking & Moving Tips

Professional packing and unpacking services are available in most states and can be organised by the removalist, be aware that this can involve an additional fee.

If you decide to use Professional Unpacking services be aware that this involves the removal of your goods from cartons (boxes) and crates onto a flat surface and the removal of such flattened cartons and packing materials - ask your removalist company for more information about unpacking services that are available at your destination.

Packing Tips

• Start well in advance of moving day to avoid a last minute rush
• Obtain specialised cartons from your Removalist prior to the event
• You will need cartons in assorted sizes and in clean and good condition - be aware fruit boxes do not travel well and plastic rubbish bags often burst. If moving to WA or SA fruit boxes are not acceptable due to the risk of fruit fly infestation
• You will need wrapping paper, packaging tape, and marker pens.
• Where possible, combine items that will go together in your new home i.e. Kitchen crockery
• Pack heavy items in smaller, heavy duty cartons
• Clearly mark room destination on top and at least one side of every carton ,ie. Bedroom 1 etc.
• Make sure there are no items protruding above the level of the packing carton. Make sure cartons are full. Also make sure that cartons aren’t to heavy.
• Leave one box marked to be unloaded first, for items you will require immediately upon arrival at your new home.
• Set up a specific area in your home for all items not to be moved and inform the removalist of this area
• Remember, whatever you pack, pack carefully as insurance may not cover you for owner packed breakage’s - check your policy
• Tighten all lids on jars and bottles you’re taking with you. Use tape to secure & seal the lid

Unpacking Tips

• On long-distance removals ensure you account for the number of items received and their condition. Any discrepancies should be noted on both yours and the removalists copy of the inventory and condition report

Moving Tips

6 Weeks Before:

• Start a central file for your move documents
• Is the removal company booked?
• Create a floor plan of your new home and plan the placement of furniture
• Insurance? Transit, Home & Contents transfer
• Have you planned your packing
• Check inventory list, cross off everything you don’t absolutely need and dispose of these items
• Check the garden
• Check the Garage
• Check the Shed
• Check under the house
• Newspaper and other subscriptions canceled or redirected
• Arrange for disposal of garden chemicals, paint, fuel etc.
• Frozen food - plan to eat it before you leave
• Traveling - have you arranged passports, visa’s, money and accommodation
• Arrange to have your mail held or redirected to new address
• Arrange School, Day Care transfers etc.

2 Weeks Before:

• If you planned to do some packing yourself, start now
• If you need cartons and packing material, arrange delivery with your moving company · Label every carton by content and room identification
• Collect all your relevant authorities including electoral office, Post office, Taxation office, Insurance companies, motor vehicle associations, medical, dental, local council, Banks, financial institutions, Schools, Clubs, Library, Solicitor, Mains Roads Dept, Real Estate agent, landlord, Social security departments
• If you are driving long distances get your car checked
• Begin to dismantle any furniture items that come apart
• Arrange to transfer your bank accounts
• Arrange telephone , electricity, gas supply for your new home
• Arrange for pet vaccinations if required
• If your boat or trailer is to be included with the load, ensure all loose items are packed away
• Return any borrowed items, Library books, videos etc.

1 Week Before:

• Establish cut off dates for electricity, gas and phone
• Make a list of your requirements on moving day
• Get a street directory of your new town or city
• If you are transporting your car make sure arrangements are in place
• Cancel newspaper, milk, soft drink and other deliveries
• Ensure any travel arrangements for your pets have been confirmed
• Pets can often sense that changes are occurring and it’s a good idea to arrange for your pets to be collected the day before you move
• Drain fuel from lawn mower.
• Remove batteries from any battery powered devices

3 Days Before:

• If renting, conduct a walk through inspection with an agent, documenting the state of the house and furniture
• Your New Home. In your new home, it’s a lot easier to get the removalists to put everything where you want it rather than to rearrange heavy furniture once they are gone
• When unloading is complete, make sure that everything is in the right place for storage, interstate and international deliveries, check off and sign the inventory
• Locate all the keys to your house
• If you are concerned about security, arrange to have all locks changed
• Check that gas, electricity and telephone are connected
• Turn on power and make sure hot water system is turned on
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours, they can provide helpful information such as when the garbage is collected etc.
• Ensure your pets will be safe while settling in

2 Days Before:

• Arrange the necessary finances for payments and moving day
• If traveling by car check oil, water, tyres etc.
• Pack luggage, those items you will need immediately after you move
• Will you need to arrange special parking or access for your removalist to your home?
• Collect dry cleaning
• Do the laundry
• Dispose of any remaining chemicals, flammables and garbage
• Pack the items the professional will not be packing
• Do you have packing boxes, wrapping paper, sealing tape and marker pens for the packing you will do?

1 Day Before:

• If you are having your items professionally packed, this will happen today as per your instructions
• Separate the items you have packed and will be taking with you from the items to be packed
• Defrost your fridge, clean it out and dry it
• Eat or dispose of any food remaining in kitchen
• Leave your forwarding address and phone number for your new home’s occupants/landlord
• If your house will be vacant for a while notify police and neighbours The day of the move

On Moving Day:

• Pack yourself a survival kit. Things like toiletries, tea, coffee, clothing, personal items, travel documents, tickets, first aid kit, money, cheque book and don’t forget the kids and pets
• Leave the vacuum cleaner out - you might want to clean up after the furniture is moved out
• Collect all house keys, ensure electricity and gas meters have been read and the telephone has been disconnected and car keys are in a safe place
• Tighten all taps
• If renting leave keys with your real estate agent/landlord
• As the van is being loaded, walk around the house, garden, garage and shed from time to time and check, check, check
• If you are moving interstate, overseas or moving your possessions into storage, don’t forget to read through and sign the inventory before leaving
• Turn off power to the house
• Lock house securely
• Turn off water heater and drain it