Useful Information

We all know that moving can be a difficult and stressful time of life. We have compiled this list of hints and tips to make it easier on you.

Backloading

What is backloading? Simply put, backloading is sharing space on a larger truck. Running larger trucks across Australia, our carriers are able to keep costs down by moving more in one truck. Perhaps your load would help fill them up on the way there, or prevent a truck coming back empty – in any case the savings are passed along to you!
It is important to note that while you would be sharing the space with others on the truck, items are logged on and off to ensure everything is unloaded, and everything is handled with care and professionalism throughout.  You’ll even be reducing the environmental impact of your move, compared to hiring a whole truck.

Transit Times

Due to the space sharing nature of backloading, it can sometimes be a juggling act to plan an efficient and economical route. We will always do our best to achieve any dates required for your move. Please let us know any definite dates required, and anywhere you can be flexible .  Below are generalised transit times (inn days) between major locales, in reality, this may well be shorter, depending on the current run. Our carriers will remain in communication with you throughout and will be able to confirm transit times, usually within a week of the move.

To	Tasmania	Melbourne	Canberra	Sydney	Brisbane	Cairns	Adelaide	Perth	Darwin
Tasmania	0	~14	~14	~14	~14	~21	~14	~21	21-28
Melbourne	~14	0	1-3	2-3	2-4	~7	1-3	4-10	7-14
Canberra	~14	1-3	0	1-2	2-3	5-7	3-7	10-14	7-14
Sydney	~14	2-3	1-2	0	2-3	5-7	3-5	10-14	7-14
Brisbane	~14	2-4	2-3	2-3	0	3-5	3-7	10-14	7-10
Cairns	~21	~7	5-7	5-7	3-5	0	7-10	14-21	10-14
Adelaide	~14	1-3	3-7	3-5	3-7	7-10	0	7-10	14-21
Perth	~21	4-10	10-14	10-14	10-14	14-21	7-10	0	14-28
Darwin	21-28	7-14	7-14	7-14	7-10	10-14	14-21	14-28	0

 

Volume
To ease the process, and ensure you receive the most accurate quote possible, it is always advisable to draw up an inventory of what will be travelling. This will allow us to determine with a high degree of accuracy the volume required on the truck, so you only pay for what you use!  Your volume will be the biggest factor in you quote. Measured in cubic metres (m3), volume it is easy to visualize as if you think in fridges - a standard fridges  is 1 m3, though if you can provide an inventory, we’ll do the calculation. Your list will then be ready for the carriers, so they won’t miss a thing!

While we do have a substantial database of common household items, if you have anything more unusual, please let us know! For example, the makes and / or models of pianos, organs, canoes & kayaks, motorbikes etc. will always help us narrow things down.

Do you have anything particularly heavy or bulky? Weights & dimensions are great! For items such as pool tables – how do they dismantle? If you require assistance with dis/re-assembly – just let us know.
Have items in storage? We can also work off the total storage size; storage units are usually measured by floor space (m2), so make sure to determine how high our items are stacked up. Your storage provider will be happy to assist in determining your volume.

Packing & Wrapping
Our carriers will be happy to help protect your furniture in transit to ensure it arrives safe and sound. Typically, trucks will carry rolls of removalist wrapping (think blankets), with enough to wrap the entire truck load twice, ensuring proper coverage. This protective padding is then cling wrapped in place, holding everything in place for the duration. Experience has showed this is a far more effective protective technique than bubble wrapping furniture, which can often wear through with friction during transit, drastically reducing its effectiveness.
In most cases, we will be able to assist in getting some boxes to you prior to your removal. This does require the coordination of a drop of when a carrier is in the area- you may well find it more economical to pick some cartons up from your local storage facility. We tend to use two types of cartons, as a standard; the tea chest (up to 60 x 60 x 40 cm), and the book carton (usually around 40 x 40 x 30 cm). If you have plastic storage tubs, please make a note of the size -  very large ones (~160 L) will be up to 0.25 m3, while medium 100 L tubs will be ~0.15 m3 each, and smaller tubs closer to 0.1 m3.

Wrapping & packing furniture will be included in you quote - packing services  for loose items are also available, at an additional cost. Fees per carton vary on a carrier to carrier basis. Please advise if this is a service you’re interested in for more information.

Container removal
The removal of containers would require flatbed trailers & special lifting equipment. We would be more than happy to arrange the transport of equivalent volumes for a backload on one the many pantech trucks our carriers currently have traversing Australia. For your reference, a standard 20ft shipping container will hold approximately 33 m3, a fairly average volume for a moderately furnished 3 bedroom house. A high top, or high cube container, will hold closer to 38 m3.

Insurance
Insurance coverage will vary on a carrier to carrier basis. We do recommend all our customers look into third party marine insurance to cover (the small chance) of accidental breakages. More info available upon request.

These are just a few basic removal tips, if there are any further queries or questions we will be happy to advise you.