Breakages while moving - who's responsible?

One of the downsides of moving is the risk of breakages with your treasured possessions. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best it's a wise move to plan ahead should the unfortunate occur. If you're not sure, check exactly who is liable in each circumstance - you or your chosen removal company. Here are some tips for avoiding disappointment with damaged items.

What to do if a breakage occurs

Moving house can be an exciting time of fresh change. Of course, moving house also brings risk of damage or loss to your possessions. These breakages, damages or losses may or may not be covered by a guarantee from your removalist or your insurance policy. If you're in doubt, as always, be sure to check the details. Here are a few more handy hints for reacting to property damage caused during a move:

• Planning a do-it-yourself move? If you break something yourself, you'll probably be responsible for replacing it (the same applies if your friend drops something and breaks it while helping you out, of course). Check your existing home contents policy to determine the extent of your cover so you know what you're in for
• In the case of opting for a guarantee from a removalist company, it's worth knowing that they may exclude liability for breakages, in the case of you doing the packing or unpacking yourself, so make sure you read the fine print
• The Australian Furniture Removers Association offers a list of local, qualified removal companies.Get quotes and copies of documentation from a few of these, which you should be able to do obligation-free, and compare their rates and services
• A few things to ask for when doing your research include how the company will pack delicate items, how they'll label boxes and other items, whether they provide a guarantee against breakages, and whether or not they offer or can arrange any moving insurance cover, if required (including the level of any excess)
• You'll also want to know whether GST and other costs, such as insurance, boxes and packing materials, are included in the final tally
• Once you select a removalist company, you'll need to make sure you book them well in advance, so you can secure them on the precise date you need

One small further thing to note, if the removal company is providing moving supplies for you to pack and unpack, also ensure you know the arrangements for these to be collected again post-move.

With just a little forethought and research, your big move can be as efficient and stress-free as possible, and at the very least you can prepare for the unfortunate well in advance.