It’s said that moving can be one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. The uncertainty involved with moving is a major cause of anxiety, not to mention bickering between couples, families and housemates as they pack and prep for the big day.

Moving can also wreak havoc on your day to day routine. With real estate agents to call and removalists to finalise, you might find that you are getting less and less done, and have even less time to de-stress as you normally would.

Planning and Help

Two of the biggest keys to dealing with moving anxiety are planning and help. When it comes to planning, your Google Calendar is your best friend for keeping track of appointments, viewings, and removalists among other logistical issues. For help, lean on your support system. When it comes to more generalised anxiety, mindfulness, exercise, and deep breaths can work wonders on a hypersensitive amygdala. The amygdala processes events and then teaches the subconscious brain, and the body, how to respond to similar events in the future. So, if the amygdala identifies stress triggers within the moving process, it will send those signals to the brain and body. This creates a stressful situation, if you can identify some of your stress triggers, then outsourcing some of the more anxiety-inducing activities to friends, family, or your spouse might help.

Friends, family, partners, and even pets (they reduce stress!) can be an incredible help while you deal with the stress of packing, planning, viewing properties, and juggling work and other commitments.

Lease Overpalapping

Another thing you can do to reduce your moving stress is to try and work it out so that your old and new lease overlap by about one week. This allows for plenty of trips back and forth. You should also start purging – old, useless, broken possessions that are. Purge your closet, your cupboard full of containers missing their lids, useless saucepans you never use, and mismatched cutlery. Start the cleaning process early to avoid bringing your old junk to your new place. You can rehome, donate, or sell off items you decide not to bring and reduce the number of things you have to move.

Choose a Reliable Moving Company

Next, book a reliable removalist. A bad removalist will make your moving experience a living nightmare. A good removalist company will make it a breeze, with absolutely no losses or damage to your possessions. Picking the correct removalist is vital to reducing your stress levels, remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best! A higher quote may denote a higher quality of training when it comes down to crunch time.

Once you’ve selected your removalist, sold off your unwanted stuff, asked your aunt Carol over to help you pack over the weekend, and used your cat as a security blanket against the night terrors that have taken over your sleep, it’s time to breathe, supervise the removalist company, and pick up the keys to your new property.

Contact Next Level Removals Now

If you are looking for a stress-free move, it’s time to get in touch with Next Level Removals. You can contact our furniture removal consultants in many different and convenient ways:

• Give us a call on 1300 005 400
• Send us an email on info@nextlevelremovals.com.au, or fill out the contact form on our contact us page
• Visit us at our office – 27/172-178 Milperra Road Revesby New South Wales 2212

Sometimes moving means putting some of your beloved possessions into long-term storage. This can be stressful, especially if you pick the wrong removalist or storage company and items get lost or damaged. We’ve put together the following handy strategy to ensure you don’t lose your head when it comes to long-term storage.

Create an Inventory:

Prior to putting your possessions into long-term storage, make sure that you list off and itemise all of your possessions. It’s also a good idea to keep a digital copy of your receipts and various warranties within your inventory just in case.

Be careful with your whitegoods:

Moving overseas and leaving the fridge? Make sure you’ve properly cleaned, disinfected and disconnected all whitegoods. Items such as dishwashers and fridges can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Prep all your whitegoods before putting them into long-term storage by giving them a thorough clean.

Use protective wraps:

When it comes to rips and tears, these look better in a Yeezy collection than on your furniture. Using packing blankets can prevent wear, tear, and damp and mildew growth on your belongings. Make sure you pre-treat leather furniture before storage to prevent cracking and seal wooden pieces. Plastic wraps and bags are typically not a good idea, as they can cause an increase in moisture in items.

Pack Your Electrical Items Properly:

When it doubt, keep the box. It’s best that electrical items being stored long-term are restored to their original packaging. This ensures maximum protection within packaging designed for that particular item. If this isn’t possible, try to ensure all items have been well-packed according to long-term storage standards, and that no batteries with the potential to cause leaks are trapped inside. Double-check those television remotes!

Vacuum seal all fabrics:

Nobody has time for dust mites! Or any other kind of creepy-crawly that might sneak into the folds of your favourite curtains, or childhood teddy bear collection. To ensure this doesn’t happen while your items are in long-term storage, make sure to vacuum seal all fabric items and soft furnishings, from cushions, curtains, and the rest. This will help to prevent the tell-tale dusty, musty storage scent and keep your items in tip-top condition while they wait.

Keep Your Items of the Floor!

The floor is lava, and you don’t want your sofa singed! When it comes to long-term storage for items big and small, stacking them up is the way to go. Storing items in shelving units, or on pallets allows for more air circulation, this means there’s a lesser likelihood of moisture or dampness buildup, keeping your big-ticket items mould-free and in great condition.

Pack and label your fragile items carefully:

Nobody wants to unpack a box labelled, ‘grandma’s vintage wine glasses’ and discover that they’ve inadvertently broken a treasured family possession! That’s why the same rules apply for fragile items in long-term storage, as they do when packing for a short trip on the removalist truck. Pack your fragile items carefully in tissue-paper, newspaper and bubble-wrap, label the box carefully and make sure to note which side should be facing up.

When it comes to keeping items in long-term storage, your best bet is to work with a trusted removalist to advise you on your best packing and storage solutions.

If having a next-level experience sounds like the type of experience you would like to have in your next furniture move, it’s time to get in touch with Next Level Removals. You can contact our furniture removal consultants in many different and convenient ways:

• Give us a call on 1300 005 400
• Send us an email on info@nextlevelremovals.com.au, or fill out the contact form on our contact us page
• Visit us at our office – 27/172-178 Milperra Road Revesby New South Wales 2212

How to move a piano.

Moving most things is as easy as packing it down and putting it in a box. Or wrapping it in a blanket or bubble wrap for safe keeping in transport. There are a few things though that require a little more thought, time and preparation. And muscle power! The team at Next Level Removals have literally encountered everything – big or small, from pets to pianos we find a solution that fits and keeps your possessions safe and sound throughout the moving process.

You may already have tried to shift your piano and are now sitting online looking at how to best approach this mammoth task. Did you know some pianos weigh a whopping 160kgs kilograms and grand pianos, almost unbelievably, up to 500 kilograms? Along with the weight of a piano, the sheer size and often the awkwardness can simply mean the task is impossible without the right knowledge and equipment.

Given this is something we do often, our team at Next Level Removals have put together some tips to assist in the process.

Step 1 Contact our team at Next Level Removals for a quote.

Step 2 If you are not using us or other professionals then gather a crew! Nobody in history has moved a piano on their own – it’s just not possible, believe us, we know. So put the call out to your friends and family and get as many people as you can on board to help. At least 4 people (2 per side of piano) is our minimum. Remember this is even more challenging if you are moving interstate or a far distance.

Step 3 Get your hands on the right moving equipment ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need straps, furniture blankets, tape and of course – transport.

Step 4 Prepare your piano before you start moving it. We suggest closing the lid and fastening it closed to protect the keys throughout the move. Wrap your piano in furniture blankets and use the tape to keep it in place to protect the exterior

Step 5 Think ahead of time and have the destination spot for your piano clean and clear ready for the arrival.

Step 6 Establish and clear a path to ensure there are no obstacles in the way. This will avoid having to stop and start and of course, any injuries or damage.

Step 7 Now it’s time to move your piano. Our number one pointer is that your piano must always remain upright, so make sure that everyone is aware of this and that the piano is not tilted or laid down at any stage. Place straps underneath the piano so there is room to hold them on each side, you’ll use these to lift the piano up to slide the dolly’s underneath. Take time to balance the piano well before you move it.

Step 8 When loading your piano on the ramp or lift into the truck – wheel it on lighter side first.

Step 9 During the move your piano will likely be shifted out of tune so be sure to book it in for re-tuning when settled into its new location.

Given the possible injuries or damage to your piano – both can be incredibly costly, we recommend talking to our team at Next Level Removals about the best way to move your piano. Leave it to the experts – we treat your belongings like they are our own. Call us today on 1300 005 400 or fill in our simple online form for a free quote.

Don’t get caught out on moving day – create your moving day kit here.

Whether it is a house or office move, the last thing you want on your moving day is to be digging through things like a mad person trying to find that hammer, or charger, or bedsheet. Our team at Next Level Removals often get asked what the necessary items are to keep handing for both local and interstate moves.

Here are some things to get ready and have on hand for moving day.

• Tool kit
  There’s always something to be fixed or put together when you’re moving – have some essentials from your tool kit with you to avoid being caught out.
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape
  • Scissors

   

• Cleaning supplies
  Whether it is wiping down furniture that has been in storage or a final clean as you vacate your home, you are bound to clean on moving day. At Next Level Removals our must haves include:
  • Gloves
  • Spray and wipe
  • Sponges, rags and paper towel
  • Disinfectant
  • Broom + vacuum
  • Bin liners

   

• Stuff for your belly
  Make sure you have food and drink on hand. Of course, by this point your fridge is probably turned off or very close to, so pack some things that don’t rely on being kept cool – or better yet, pack an esky!
  • Snacks/sandwiches
  • Water + other drinks as desired

   

• Medications and first aid
  The last thing you want to be digging for are pain tablets when you’ve got a terrible headache or back pain so keep it close and handy along with any other medication for the family for easy access.
  • Any prescribed medication you or your family require
  • Pain tablets
  • Band-Aids

   

• Electronics box
  There’ll be phones and laptops that need charging at some point – we guarantee it. Or the vacuum that doesn’t reach that last room. Pack the below bits and bobs in a box together so you know where they are always.
  • Phone, laptop and chargers
  • Extension cords
  • Double adapter

   

• Document folder
  You don’t want to misplace any paperwork for the move itself or points of identification should you need them – have these stored in a document folder and kept close to your other possessions at the ready.
  • Rental/property documents
  • Identification documents

   

• Kitchenware
  More than one person and only one bottle of drink? No worries, because you’ve kept some glassware handy for this reason exactly. Having a coffee might be nice throughout the day too and plates for snack time.
  • Plates
  • Cutlery
  • Glassware
  • Kettle
  • Toaster

   

• Music
  This is simply to keep you going
  • A stereo or speaker to keep the spirit alive!

   

• Kids entertainment
  If the kids are with you – you don’t want them to be upset because they can’t find things to keep occupied, have these things in the corner at the old and new place ready for them to delve into.
  • Toys
  • Games
  • Movies

   

• Pet supplies
  Keep the pet supplies at the old place until the very last minute with your pet (for comfort) and then pack them all together and move in the one hit.
  • Food, water + bowls
  • Bedding and blankets
  • Toys
  • Leashes + collars/harnesses and car buckles

   

• First night bag
  Think of the first night and following day in the new house, what will you need ready so you can fall into an exhausted heap?
  • Bedding (sheets, doona, pillows)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant facewash, soap etc)
  • PJ’s
  • Change of clothes for the next day

We’re sure there are some more things you can think of that matter personally to you – but this should be a great starting point for you to be organised and prepared for the big day. If you have any queries, contact the team at Next Level Removals as we are here to help through each stage of the moving process. Call us today on 1300 005 400 or click here to arrange a quote.

Planning a DIY move isn’t what most people have in mind when they think of a good time. Moving from one home to another takes a lot of time, energy and money. It’s not often that most people move home, which means that mistakes can frequently occur.

To ensure your moving day goes according to plan, here are the most common moving mistakes (and how to avoid them).

Not Having Enough Time

For a successful DIY move, you need to give yourself plenty of time to pack. As well as safely load, secure, and unload your belongings on the truck, and then also unpack at your new location.

While professional movers are experts at removals and work efficiently, you should allow extra time when handling your items on moving day. It’s recommended to start planning and preparing for moving one month in advance.

Packing Too Many Things

It’s easy to round up all your belongings and start putting them in boxes. Out of sight, out of mind, right. But doing this may lead to more problems further down the track.

Packing when moving is the best time to go through everything you own and get rid of anything you no longer need or want.

Not only will it be fewer things to pack and move, decluttering will let you have a fresh start in your new home.

Don’t know where to start? Make three piles with all your items, ‘sell’, ‘donate’, and ‘throw away’.

List the items for sale on eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. You can also consider holding a garage sale.

Then, anything which doesn’t sell, it’s easy to donate. Either ask your friends and family members if they want anything, or contact your local charity. Most charities will come directly to you and pick up any donations you have.

For any items which can’t be sold or donated, throw them out. You can rent a rubbish skip or plan a trip to the tip to get rid of everything.

Not Labelling Boxes Properly

Many people don’t label their boxes specifically enough, or they forget to do it all together. Whether moving DIY or using professional removalists, labelling boxes will make the moving process so much easier.

It’s recommended to:

• Label boxes by room
• Colour code each room, using stickers on the box and door of the room (e.g., blue = kitchen, green = bedroom)
• Write “FRAGILE” on any box which contains delicate items
• Have an “OPEN FIRST” box, which has the essential things you will need for the first few days in your new home.
• Label each box on three sides

These tips will make it easy when unloading your belongings.

Using Incorrect Packing Equipment

By DIY moving your belongings, you need to make sure that you have the correct packing equipment. This will ensure that your furniture, electronics, fragile items, and family heirlooms are well protected, to avoid damaging anything.

It’s best to use similar packing materials that professional movers also use. Such as sturdy boxes, blankets, furniture pads, bubble wrap, packing tape, shrink wrap, straps and rope to keep your belongings secure from moving in transit. Also, invest in tarps and plastic sheets in case it rains while you are packing and unpacking.

Is DIY Moving The Best Option?

DIY moving is a good solution to keep costs down if you don’t have too many belongings to move, and you don’t have any heavy, big, or awkwardly shaped items.

For most people, the money saved with DIY moving is far outweighed by the extra time it takes. As well as having to buy moving supplies to keep their items safe.

If you are thinking about DIY moving, but are interested to see what a professional removalist company would cost, contact Next Level Removals for a free, no-obligation quote. Call 1300 005 400, or contact us online.

Are you planning to move to a new home or an apartment? Your transition should be precious and not painful, especially if you are planning to carry along your plants with you.

Today in this guide, professionals from Next Level Removals are sharing essential tips to make your move more comfortable, even enjoyable with some pre-planning.

Remember if you ever need any expert assistance, Next Level Removals is always here to help you when moving your leafy friends to a new home.

How to Move your plants?

Undoubtedly, your leafy friends are an essential member of your home. With some of them, you might even have a great bond because you have spent so much time watching them grow.

Below, I will discuss some important steps (shared by professionals) you need to take to bring your plants safely with you to your new home.

1. Prepare your plant

3 to 4 weeks prior to moving out make sure your plant is pruned properly that is you have removed all sort of dead leaves and broken branches.

Then 1 to 2 weeks before going out to get rid of pests and weeds.

2. Repot your plant

You shouldn’t carry your plant in mud pots as they are prone to damage, especially when you have to travel a long distance.

So, it’s better for you to repot your plant in plastic pots which are not only more durable but also quite resistant to damages caused while traveling.

3. Use well-padded container

To move your plant, you can use large-size brown paper containers. Once you have, it put your plant in it and add polystyrene padding at the bottom that is near the plastic pot and newspaper wrap or bubble wrap padding around the leaves.

Now loosely seal the container and mark it properly so when you are moving out, you know that this container holds a living creature which definitely needs proper care.

4. Keep proper temperature

If it’s possible for you then try to transfer your plants in your car (any vehicle) where you can control the indoor temperature.

5. The right amount of water

There is no need for me to explain to you the importance of water for any plant, but it becomes even more important when you are travelling. No matter how much you try to control the atmospheric temperature, you need to properly water your plant before moving out.

If its winter in your state, then you need to make sure that your plant’s soil is dry and if it’s summer you will have to keep your plant’s soil wet.

6. Moving a big plant

If you are planning to move a big plant along with you, then you probably need to shred it down or else, it won’t fit in your vehicle.

Follow the steps listed below:

A. Early in the morning make a clear cut around the plant (it can be a flower or a bush) that you want to carry along with you such that 5 to 6 inches of healthy growth is still visible.

B. Now to carry the cut, you need to properly wrap the bottom area (the root) with a wet paper towel to ensure proper humidity and water content. Moreover, to ensure that the damp paper towel is appropriately covering the root, you can tie it up with a rubber band.

C. Once you have secured the bottom area, you need to repot it in a plastic pot for safe transportation.

Before preparation, you must consider these factors.

1. Get familiar with the state guidelines

If you are moving within the state, then you can skip this step, but in case you’re sifting to a locality in another state then you need to have complete information on the regulations and laws of that state regarding importing plants from another place.

For example, in some states, they only allow you to bring in your plants if they are in a specific type of soil, are potted or if they are indoor plants.

All these regulations are implemented by the United States Department of agriculture and various other federal agencies to keep in check the diseases, the pests and allergies a plant may carry along with it and spread in the region where its planted.

2. Know everything about the growing conditions

You must understand that every plant, every vegetation requires specific environmental conditions to grow naturally and healthy.

You cannot expect to grow a banana tree in Utah or Arizona, is simply impossible.

Why? Well because, not every locality or state has the same weather, temperature, humidity, atmosphere, soil, and dozens of other things.

So, when moving with the plant, you need to make sure that your new locality has suitable environmental conditions necessary for your plant to grow healthy.

Environmental conditions are not of that importance for the indoor plants but still, if the atmosphere is too dry or is too humid then it may cause some issues.

3. Only hire a trusted moving company

First of all, due to many liabilities and laws of different states, many moving agencies will side-track themselves from moving your plants. They simply won’t take any risk because they know moving any plant in a proper, healthy condition is not easy.

This is where you can trust the Next Level Sydney Removals, which is a prominent moving agency serving his customers with the utmost professionalism in Australia.

4. Ship Them

If you don’t feel comfortable moving with your plant or if you feel that you won’t be able to carry it along with you in your vehicle then you can simply ship it via mail.

But before you do so, you need to make sure that your plant is well-trimmed and is well packaged. You need to cut the roots and the leafy area so that they can be contained inside a new container. Once your plant fits container, you need to make sure to pad every corner with either polystyrene, bubble wrap, or paper wraps.

Conclusion

Moving a plant is not an easy task, and it becomes even more complicated if you want to move a plant which is big and is bushy.

In this guide, I have shared some essential steps that I think will be of great help to you. If you are moving to a new home and need help shifting your stuffs, you can contact next level removals for their professional assistance.