There are many instances in which you can’t disassemble furniture yourself before moving houses. You could be strapped for time, with work and other commitments getting in the way of disassembling your belongings. You could have a disability or medical condition which prevents you from moving heavy objects. Or, you might just be uncomfortable with disassembling your furniture yourself and want to make sure that your stuff is in the hands of a pro. Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer tries to put his outdoor barbecue together? Yeah, we want to avoid something like that…

So, the question is, can your movers disassemble your furniture for you? If you’ve hired a good moving company, then the answer should be “yes”. Let’s go through a few reasons why your moving company should disassemble furniture for you and why, if they won’t, it might be a good reason to make a switch.

Time constraints

You have a million things to do in the week before your move. A million and one might just drive you over the cliff of sanity. Getting ready to move houses is one of the busiest periods of our lives, with a crazy amount of documents to sign, emails to write, rooms to clean and calls to make. So, it’s totally fair enough if time constraints are getting in the way of disassembling furniture. If that’s the case, let your movers do it for you!

Physical limitations

If you suffer from a medical condition or a disability, then it’s definitely best to let your movers disassemble your furniture. Sure, if you try to do it yourself you might save yourself a few bucks. But what would that be worth if you were seriously injured while disassembling a large wardrobe or vanity? Your safety must always come first, and that’s why all high-quality moving companies should be able to disassemble your furniture for you.

Letting a professional handle it

Not everybody feels comfortable with taking apart their massive pieces of furniture themselves. Furniture can be complicated to disassemble: especially if we’re talking about bed frames with in-built drawers and other complex items. Professional movers disassemble furniture all the time and have the knowledge and experience to tackle almost any piece of furniture. So, to guarantee that your stuff isn’t damaged during disassembly, hire your mover to do it.

Which moving company disassembles furniture?

You may have called a heap of moving companies who told you they won’t disassemble furniture. Well, that sucks… but luckily, New Zealand Movers have come to your rescue. NZ Movers are happy to disassemble your furniture before you move. This includes dining tables, bed frames, vanities, wardrobes: the lot. Whether you’re moving streets, moving islands or moving countries, NZ Movers can disassemble your furniture to ensure it gets to where it’s going in one piece. Get in touch with the team at NZ Movers today to organise a quote.

When you are moving over long distances and your belongings won’t make it to your new home on the same day, consider putting your belongings in storage. It shouldn’t be a problem for movers to hold on to your stuff, in fact, it could be considered the norm. Many people move long distances, move to smaller homes, or have homes that are still being built or just aren’t ready to take delivery of all their furniture immediately. And they all have a need for movers to hold onto their stuff for a while.

There are a few things you want to look out for though, so you find the best service and solution to meet your needs.

Do You Need Short-Term Storage or Long-Term Storage?

If your moving company is holding onto your belongings, you may not immediately think of such a service as storage.

For safety, security, and logistical purposes, it’s not as simple as hanging on to your stuff. The length of time you require storage is also an important factor. Some moving companies may not offer long-term storage if your move is taking place over an extended period; short-term storage, however, should not be a problem—be it overnight or for a few days. But the only way you will really know for sure is by asking your moving company what their policy and storage facilities allow for.

What Kind of Facility is on Offer?

The next thing you have to find out from your storage company is how safe and secure your belongings will be. Regardless of how long they are holding your belongings for, you need to do some due diligence. A reputable mover will have a storage facility which offers 24/7 CCTV coverage and round-the-clock security.

The next most important factor is whether your boxes and furniture are protected from the elements. Rain, dust, vermin, and insects could cause damage even over a short period. Your storage facility must be properly sealed and secure.

What Items Can You Put in Storage?

There will always be items which you cannot put into storage. Other than pets and valuables, there are a lot of practical considerations regarding the storage of your belongings.

Items your movers will not hold on to:

• Solvents
• Paint and paint thinner
• Petrol or gasoline
• Anything perishable such as fresh food or even pet food
• Plants or other living things
• Illegal substances
• Weapons

Take caution when storing the following items:

• Pressurised items such as gas or dive cylinders need to be completely empty before they are put into storage
• Lawnmowers, motorbikes or other items which are powered by petrol or the like must be emptied entirely

If you are looking for a moving company able to hold on to your stuff, New Zealand Movers are always happy to help. For a free quote or advice, get in touch with us today.

If you’re looking for movers and packers in Auckland, you need to remember they aren’t all created equal. Finding the best movers and packers in Auckland means doing a bit of research.

Finding the right company can be tricky, which is why we’ve made this handy guide to point you in the right direction and help you find a moving company that meets your needs.

What Moving Services to Look For

With a glut of movers and packers in Auckland, the best way to start your comparison is by pinpointing which services you need most and which you can do without.

The best professional movers and packers offer some or all of:

• Packing your belongings—this service goes a long way to ensuring a less stressful move. Movers will pack all your items carefully, wrapping them and making sure your fragile items arrive safely. Great movers can unpack your belongings too.

• Supplying packing materials—even if you pack your own belongings, a professional moving company should be able to supply you with good quality, reinforced boxes, packing tape, wrapping materials, and more.

• Wrapping your furniture—regardless of whether your furniture is old or new, without carefully wrapping it in plastic and heavy-duty foam you risk scratches and dents.

• Creating an inventory—a good moving company will create an inventory of your belongings as they pack to ensure that nothing gets left behind and unpacking later is easier too.

• Loading and offloading your belongings—loading your belongings into a truck can not only be back breaking, it also requires equipment and experience to ensure the safety of your items.

• Transporting your belongings safely—your belongings also need to arrive safely; professional moving companies have experienced truck drivers and reliable trucks.

• Storing your belongings—in the event there is a delay or you don’t have enough space in your new home for all of your belongings, your moving company should be able to store your belongings in a safe and secure storage facility.

• Offering moving insurance—it’s a hassle to use several service providers to move to a new house; ask your moving company if they offer moving insurance in the unlikely event of accidental loss or damage.

• Planning international moves—more stressful still is an international move. The best moving companies have global industry accreditation and can move your belongings via sea or air freight.

• Moving large vehicles and awkward items—be it a pet, a piano or a yacht, a good moving company can handle it all.

• Clear communication—professional movers with pride in their work will be attentive and communicate with you, their staff and partners clearly for added peace-of-mind.

Don’t book the first mover you find because of the friendly voice on the other end of the phone; make sure they offer everything you need. Check out their reviews online and double check your quote for a clear breakdown of the services you want and the cost.

The best movers and packers in Auckland will safeguard your belongings and offer an efficient, stress-free move.

With all the planning of moving to a new house, we may forget that we also have to hire movers. And the costs of moving quickly add up, which is why it’s imperative to keep tabs at every turn. You need to know when movers start charging, when your last payment is expected, and what they will charge for along the way. This way you can plan your budget and you won’t have to face any unexpected costs.

What to Expect When You Book Your Move

As with many service providers, an initial payment will be expected when you book your move, in order to secure your booking. Most movers will provide you with a refund if you cancel the booking in advance, otherwise, if you cancel at the last minute, you might lose your deposit–understandably. Your second payment is likely to be your last, and this is usually due on the day of your move unless otherwise stipulated in your contract. Each moving company has its own way of doing things, so it’s best to find out in the beginning so you don’t get caught with an upcoming payment you hadn’t expected just yet. Ask the mover about payments, or check the terms and conditions.

The Hidden Costs of Moving

Movers charge when you book your move, but after that, you could be in for more than you bargained for if you’re not careful. Professional movers are more thorough with going through the fine print and double-checking which services you want, and quoting you for those services. Still, now and then something may slip through the cracks.

Double-check that your quote includes or excludes these costs as necessary before you commit:

• Packing up of your belongings into boxes
• Packing material required to pack and wrap your belongings
• Wrapping your furniture
• Loading and unloading of your belongings
• Unpacking your belongings if need be
• Moving and wrapping delicate items such as artwork and musical instruments
• Temporary storage if necessary

How Most Moving Companies Charge

You’ll find that most moving companies have a super speedy calculator on their websites to give you an instant quote. These calculators are great because they base these calculations on their professional experience and their own rates. They have estimates on the cost of the time it takes to move the contents of homes of every size. They quote based on the number of belongings you have to move, the distance you are moving, and the moving services you require.

There may be other variables which the moving company will take into account such as access issues if you live in an apartment block or a double-storey home. Climbing stairs is time-consuming and moving large heavy items down and up stairs is also precarious. If your movers run over time, they will probably charge for their extra time, depending on your contractual agreement.

Don’t let the cost of your move spiral. Speak to our advisors, get the right advice, and get the right quote for your needs, without the pressure to accept the quote immediately.

Moving isn’t always a gigantic effort. Sometimes, people moving their homes aren’t taking too much with them. Those moving far away, moving from a small home or apartment or people who have said goodbye to their old furniture and make a fresh start don’t need a huge truck and a ten-person team for the job. That doesn’t mean they don’t need help though. That’s why there are movers who will assist you with a small move.

How to Get a Quote

Typically, you can get a quote based on the number of rooms you intend to pack up and the amount of furniture you have. They may give a quote online or in-person; either way, you will know soon enough how competitive their prices are and if they do small moves. Many moving companies will move a single item, a few items, the contents of a single bedroom, small apartment, or small business.

If you have little to move, it’s probably easier to get an online quote, you can specify a small amount of furniture without having to call first and ask if the move is too small. From there they will advise you what size truck they will need and how many movers you need to help you on moving day.

Why You Need a Moving Company for a Small Move

Even a small move requires an extra pair of hands. It’s easy to underestimate the weight of a bed, fridge, washing machine, or a couch. You could save money by asking a kind friend for help, but that’s not always an option. And even when you have a friend who can help you, you still need a truck to move the items. You could hire a truck, but do you have the right licence to drive it?

Professional movers make things faster, easier, simpler, not to mention, safer. As a by-product of their experience and training, they know just how to get awkward items through doors and down stairs. Also, they have all the necessary equipment at their disposal.

You Still Have to Pack Carefully

Before you consider loading a bunch of loose items into the moving truck because you may not be too worried about space, remember your items are still likely to get damaged this way, even if it’s a small move. Some items are tricky to pack and wrap but it’s still worth your time to either get your moving company to pack for you or take the time to pack them very carefully yourself. It will not only make the move much faster and easier, but movers tend to be pretty strict about this sort of thing. Movers are unlikely to move loose belongings.

Many companies specialise in moving large homes and businesses, but still, that doesn’t mean those with fewer belongings don’t need a moving service. That’s why it would be a missed opportunity for moving companies to turn such individuals down. You don’t have to look too far for movers for small moves. For more information or advice get in touch today.

Moving houses during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a tough task to navigate. It’s brought a whole bunch of new rules into our lives. One of the most obvious? Face masks. Depending on where you live and what you do for work, they’ve drifted in and out of our lives over the past year: like that Tinder date you were seeing for a while, but it kind of fizzled out. They probably wouldn’t stop talking about the Tiger King doco, and you weren’t about it…

But let’s get back on track. Different countries currently have different rules regarding face masks and who needs to wear them. New Zealand has had Alert Level 1 restrictions in place for a while now, which means that masks are not mandatory. So don’t panic if your movers rock up with naked faces.

While it’s not mandatory for your movers to wear masks, there are a few things they must do:

• Display QR codes for the COVID-Tracer app

No matter the alert level in place, all businesses have to display the official QR codes (i.e. those little pixely things that you scan with your phone) for the NZ COVID-Tracer app.

• If unwell, stay at home

This one applies to everyone, including your hired movers. Alert Level 1 guidelines say that if you’ve got cold and flu symptoms, you need to stay at home. This means your movers won’t be coughing and spluttering or infecting you with any nasties – even if it’s just a common cold.

• Use as many people as you like

There’s some good news. Under Alert Level 1, there are no restrictions on gatherings. This means you can enlist as many people as you like with the move, whether they’re paid movers or random people off the street. On second thoughts, maybe don’t use random people off the street.

• Follow all other government guidelines

You can find all the government guidelines which your moving company needs to follow at www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/.

Remember that these health guidelines are only applicable when we’re on Alert Level 1. If something happened to get us back to Alert Level 2 (touch wood) then lots of this would change. Convenient, huh? For now, however, you can rejoice in the fact that your friendly movers won’t have to wear masks – so you can see how happy they are to help you with the move!

No one plans to move in the rain but in New Zealand, you might not be able to avoid it. The land of four seasons in one day is full of surprises and along with its beauty comes weather patterns which aren’t always predictable. Rain can turn up uninvited on moving day, but professional movers are adept at dealing with rain and they can work in the rain. It takes planning and preparation but it’s doable.

Ask Your Moving Company First

Movers can work in the rain but are your movers willing and prepared to? They may choose to postpone your move if the conditions are too harsh. There is a big difference between heavy rain and light rain, so it’s best to get a clear idea of their procedures and protocols ahead of time to avoid surprises. Heavy rain won’t only dampen the mood but it may put the safety of your belongings and movers at extra risk.

Discuss the Details With Your Movers

Professional movers will ask you about the details regarding both your old home and your new home. Things such as the availability of parking spaces, the distance to your home from the parking area, whether they will be required to climb stairs, whether the ground may become slippery when wet and the types of flooring you have inside your old and new home. This information will help them prepare if they need to bring extra equipment and consider contingency plans in the event of rain.

Check the Weather Forecast

Even though weather reports aren’t always 100% accurate, it’s worth taking a look at the weather report in advance so that you can make provisions where necessary. Make sure that your box of essentials is weather appropriate so that when you arrive at your new home you have items such at a kettle, mugs, tea, coffee and soup to help you warm up. In addition, it’s a good idea to have dry clothes and dry towels. Having these items close at hand will help you get through the final stretch.

Get Help Packing

The best way to tackle packing is to allow your moving company to do it for you. They know all the best ways to protect your items from both damage through moving and damage from rain. They will wrap your belongings with the utmost care in high-quality packing materials and reinforced boxes. Second-hand boxes are more likely to have had their integrity compromised through damage.

When it comes to furniture and other large items, moving companies routinely use heavy-duty plastic to wrap items which are easily damaged by rain and moisture.

Items which need extra protection from rain:

• Wooden furniture which could stain, warp, and swell if exposed to rain.
• Mattresses don’t dry easily and could become mouldy
• Art, books, and picture frames can be damaged beyond repair
• Electronic items are very rarely salvaged from water damage
• Any items which will be put into storage are unlikely to dry easily and could become mouldy

Packing For The Rain

Movers have their fair share of packing techniques to keep your items safe:

• Line boxes with plastic to protect their contents
• Use reinforced boxes
• Put floor protectors down to minimise mess and prevent slipping
• Label boxes which are filled with items that are susceptible to water damage
• Seal boxes with tape around the edges, openings and the corners

For additional advice or to book your move, contact New Zealand Movers today.

Professional moving companies take their work seriously because not only is our reputation at stake, so are your treasured belongings. Movers want you to know that to ensure that everything goes smoothly, we can plan all the details in advance, and we appreciate your help in doing that. This way, your belongings are safe, and your move is as efficient and stress-free as possible. So, for your own peace of mind, here are a few important things that movers want you to know.

Read full articles below:

What They Are Good at and Why

There are several reasons why people use moving companies and it’s not only for their big trucks. While you can hire a truck, you will need a licence to drive a large vehicle. You can also pack the truck yourself, but it’s tricky to ensure things don’t move around in transit. More than that, having the extra hands on deck speeds up the process.

Packing Your Belongings

Packing boxes is labour intensive and stressful. There is a lot to remember, and there are a lot of methods you need to use to ensure the safety of your items. A smooth process will be greatly aided by creating an inventory, using custom-sized and reinforced boxes, properly wrapping fragile items, and careful labelling of boxes. Doing all of this on your own takes time, which you may not have. Movers want you to know that they are brilliant packers and loaders, and helping you is all in a day’s work for us.

What Not to Pack

There are a lot of items that you cannot pack, primarily to ensure your safety and that of our staff. Some things just shouldn’t be packed for the sake of mess and convenience.

Don’t pack:

• Anything flammable, from paint to fireworks; rather dispose of these items safely.
• Perishables such as food will either mess or no longer be fresh after a long trip in the moving truck.
• Some guns may be allowed if they are not loaded, but it’s best to double-check with your moving company.
• Anything poisonous such as pesticides, insecticides, or weedkiller.
• Valuables need to be kept with you rather than packed.

Be There on Moving Day

On the day of your move, it’s best to stay out of the way and keep your pets and children out of the way, but you still need to ensure that you are present and available. Professional movers will handle 90% of the process, but they may still need advice and help here and there. You need to tell them where to park, which elevator to use, and where you want your belongings.

Use Good Quality Packing Materials

As tempting as it is to go dumpster diving for used moving boxes, it is risky and not worth it. Second-hand boxes may have been damaged, destroying their integrity, and putting your belongings at risk. Look for boxes which are reinforced and available in various sizes. Good packing materials will keep your belongings safe and mitigate the risk of damage. Your best bet is to get boxes from your moving company.

It’s essential to ask your moving company for advice or additional information if there’s anything you aren’t sure about. If you’re ready to get going and plan your move, get in touch with us today for advice and to book your move.

If you have plants which are rare and treasured, you’re not alone. The thought of moving your pot plants or garden plants may be especially concerning, but it’s not impossible. While there are many movers that will move plants, there are also many that will not. Plants are much lower maintenance than pets, but they are still alive; so they need care, love and lots of attention. Here’s what you need to know about moving plants and how to help your movers move your plants.

Read full articles below:

What to Ask Moving Companies

If your plants are a concern, finding the right moving company is essential. Start by asking your chosen moving company if they move plants. If they say yes, there are a lot more questions you still need to ask before you book your move.

What you need to ask your moving company about moving your plants:

• What plants are they prepared to move, will they move houseplants and are they willing to move larger garden plants?
• What size plants are the moving company able to move? Some companies cannot move plants over a certain size.
• Is the moving company able to guarantee the welfare of your plants, and do they offer insurance for the transportation of plants?
• How will they transport your plants? Will the plants be loaded onto a flatbed truck, put into a moving truck, or will they be transported another way?
• Does their transportation have climate control and/or enough airflow? Your plants need to be protected from extreme heat and extreme cold.
• Will they wrap up and pack your plants, and how will they secure your plants?
• Are you allowed to move your plants across borders or state lines?

How to Prepare Your Plants for the Move

With all the preliminary information you need available, you can choose which plants you are going to move and begin to prepare them. Don’t underestimate the care required to ensure a successful move for your plants.

• A month ahead of the move you will need to transplant your potted plants into plastic pots, which will be lighter and easier to move than ceramic pots.
• You will need to continually monitor your plants for signs of disease or insect infestation.
• In the days leading up to the move, make sure you keep your plant hydrated but do not over water it.
• Consider taking cuttings from a plant if moving it is risky, many plants are easily propagated.

How to Pack Your Plants

Moving day is a whirlwind, but don’t get swept up and forget to properly protect your plants before you hit the road.

Here are some important tips:

• Trim any branches or stems which extend beyond the pot to prevent them from getting damaged.
• Put a plastic bag over your plant, poke holes into the plastic and secure the plastic at the base.
• Place your potted plants into a box surrounded by plenty of newspaper to keep the plant from shifting around. Label the box as ‘fragile’ and ‘live plant’.
• Pack your plants onto a level surface and don’t stack them.

How to Care for Your Plants After the Move

As you arrive in your new home, you need to unpack your plants immediately and make sure they have enough water and light. Your plants will go into shock if the trip has been tough for them, so you will need to monitor them while they adjust to their new home.

If you’re thinking of moving home or business, contact New Zealand Movers today. Let us give you a quote, answer your questions and book your move.

Great news! There are a lot of movers who will pack for you. Choosing a moving company that will pack for you will ease the stress of moving. This way, you are free to iron out other essential details and focus on your new home or business premises. Professional packers know how to protect your belongings and get them to their final destination safely.

Read full articles below:

Why Ask Movers to Pack for You?

Packing up your home or business takes time and a lot of effort. Not everyone has the time to dedicate to carefully packing up each room, ensuring their fragile items are safe, labelling boxes and creating an inventory. For a moving company, however, their team will pack your house up in a jiffy. And moving companies that are reputable always have well-trained staff who are efficient and professional.

Movers know the best ways to pack your precious belongings by wrapping them up, protecting them, and boxing them. Keeping your belongings safe is what they are trained to do, and they are good at it. By carefully packing your belongings, they minimise the chance of breakage and damage. They use the best packing materials and tricks-of-the-trade to get your things to their new destination while mitigating any potential risk.

They should also create a detailed record of inventory as they pack, making it easier to know what is inside each carton, and to track your belongings throughout the move. This is especially useful with long-distance or international moves.

When movers pack for you, you can insure all your belongings against any potential damage. This isn’t an option when you pack your own belongings because the company cannot determine that you have followed best practices and used quality packing materials to minimise the risk of damage.

What to Ask Before You Commit

Packing your own belongings ahead of your move seems like the cheaper option, but if you use a reputable moving and packing company, your belongings are at less risk of damage; they can be insured; and you save your own precious time, which is likely better spent elsewhere. You do however need to make sure that before you commit, you ask moving companies these questions:

• How long will they take to pack up your home?
• What packing materials do they use?
• What will they charge to pack up your home?
• Will your belongings be insured?
• How long in advance do you need to book your move?
• What items are they unable to pack and transport?
• Do they supply their own packing materials?
• Do they custom wrap oddly shaped or specialised items?

New Zealand Movers provide a professional moving and packing service. You can rely on us to take care of your belongings as if they were our own. We offer insurance and we also use premium packing materials to keep your belongings safe and free of damage. For more information, contact us today. We can give you a quote, answer questions you may have and book your move. We pride ourselves on professional and efficient service.