Using removalists: Pros and cons

Having made the decision to move from your present location to a new one your next decision should be how you want to orchestrate the move. Do you want to engage the services of a professional removalist or rope in friends and family for the big event? Whichever way you choose to go, you should start planning your move at least 8 - 10 weeks in advance.

Moving house: Your options

There are several options open to you when planning your move. You can:

• Do it yourself with help from family and/or friends
• Hire a truck but still manage your own move
• Opt for part-service. You pack yourself up and engage a professional removalist to take everything to the new location
• Go with a full-service move where a professional removalist team arrange and manage the entire move

A self move is probably the least expensive but the downside is using inexperienced helpers who may turn out to be unavailable on the day, may not take as much care as you would like with your belongings or lack the strength to help out with heavy items. Secondly, how big is your vehicle and how many trips will you have to make with loads? How many of your helpers have suitable vehicles to help with a house move? Injury to yourself or your helpers is also something to think about.

Hiring a truck is also inexpensive but again, you are looking at some similar problems as you are still relying on inexperienced helpers. Plus, either you or your designated driver will need to be appropriately licensed if the truck is bigger that a 3 tonne capacity.

Part service is one of the most popular methods as you can pack up yourself and then have a professional team load and move you to your new location. If you go with this option, get several quotes first and look at any extras like whether you have to use their packing materials and whether they charge an hourly rate or a fixed price. In the long run it pays to do your research here. Also be really diligent on insurance, make sure you understand exactly what you're covered for and please, read the fine print!

A full-service move may be the most expensive but it is also the most stress free as the removalist company will do everything from go to whoa, so if you can afford it a full-service move will save your sanity and they're fast.

Choosing removalists: Some help

Moving house can be very overwhelming for everyone involved. By researching removalist companies you can ensure you know exactly what you are paying for, making the move less stressful for you and your family.