Category Archives: Preparation

Interstate Moving Checklist

Interstate Moving Checklist

It’s as much of a fact as gravity… moving is the most stressful activity you are likely to do. Add an interstate relocation into the mix and it can seem almost impossible. However, with a trusted and reliable interstate removalist, and a detailed interstate moving checklist, you can do it. And you can do it with minimal stress.

Where do I find a good interstate removalist?

Next Level Removals are your trusted moving service for interstate moves from Sydney to Brisbane, Sydney to Gold Coast and Sydney to Melbourne.

We are the highest rated removalists in Sydney and pros at interstate moves. We’re experienced. We know what we are doing. We are here for you 24/7. We care as much about your possessions as you do and will deliver them safely.

From our experience, you need a good, old fashioned checklist to help you with your move, making sure you have everything covered and are not forgetting something important. So, what do we recommend should be on your interstate moving checklist?

Your interstate moving checklist

A lot of people think packing is the start of your move, but there is some groundwork you can do before this to help make your move easier and more efficient. So, let’s start at the beginning:

  • Do a thorough audit

Boring as it is, make sure you do a thorough audit of all of your possessions and get rid of what you don’t need. There is no point wasting money on moving things that you don’t need and are likely to throw out as soon as you get to your new place.

Also identify your fragile items or items in your home that need special care. Let your removalist know your special requirements are relating to these.

  • Do you need storage?

Next Level Removalists can help with storage options and removal of your furniture or items to your storage unit.

  • Calculate how much furniture you have

Once you are confident you are moving only the absolute essentials, do an accurate volume estimate of your furniture and large items. To get the most accurate view of your household items, use our furniture calculator.

  • Do you need a container to move your home interstate?

If convenience is your number one concern, container removals for interstate moves may be for you. Next Level Removals are the experts in container removals.

  • Engage your removalist

Next Level Removals are your trusted moving service for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane removals.

For a quick removal quote, you will need to provide your removalist with the number of rooms in your home. Your more accurate estimate from the furniture calculator will help at this point also.

  • Order your removal boxes

Next Level Removalists provide you premium boxes, free of charge. We have a full range of large item boxes, small item boxes, fragile item boxes and porta robes.

  • Start packing

You can do it yourself, or you can outsource it. If you are choosing to outsource your packing, Next Level Removals have a specialised packing team that can help with both your packing, and your unpacking at the other end. So convenient!

  • Organise your services at the other end

Remember that your electricity, gas and internet services won’t follow you automatically, so make sure you remember to connect them in time for your arrival. Next Level Removalists can do this for you. Just ask our friendly team.

And most of all… Enjoy your new home!

Furnishing An Office On A Budget

Furnishing An Office On A Budget

Having a well-designed office can improve productivity and happiness amongst workers, and impress clients. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Here are tips for furnishing your office without breaking the bank.

Lease Equipment

Rather than having to pay for all your essential office equipment upfront, you can consider leasing items rather than buying them. For things like computers that usually have an upgrade cycle of 3-4 years, it may make more sense. If there are also items that you use on a semi-regular basis, you can get a good deal renting it only when you need it.

Sharing Model

There are some items which staff can share instead of wasting money on things which aren’t used so often. Not everyone needs a printer when you can have a communal one. Also, not all staff members may need a work phone on their desk, especially if you have a shared office environment. Also consider buying long bench desks which many staff members can use, rather than buying individual desks.

By having a more communal feel, it creates a more social office environment, which can lead to better workplace culture.

Buying Refurbished Products

You may be able to get a better deal buying refurbished hardware than leasing. For items like printers and laptops, the price is significantly lower for things that are almost like new.

Have A Flexible Layout

If you’re a start-up or small company, the most cost-effective way is to create a flexible office space as soon as you move in. This will allow you to effortlessly expanded, and your office can grow with your needs. Avoid items like individual offices and fixed partitions. Instead, focus on the layout and furniture which you can rearrange and expand quickly.

Invest In Quality Office Chairs

While it’s a good idea to furnish your office as cheap as possible, one area which you shouldn’t skimp on is office chairs. Sitting for long periods can cause back pain, and can lead to employees taking sick days. It’s essential to have high-quality ergonomic office chairs. They will make a significant improvement to your employees’ long-term health and comfort.

Buy the Kitchen Essentials

It’s easy to overlook the importance of having a functional staff kitchen. But it will drastically improve staff happiness and productivity. Essential items include a fridge, toaster, microwave, and kettle. You can buy everything at once for a potential discount from a chain store.

Lighting

Natural lighting can provide a drastic boost to employee wellbeing and morale. It will also save on lighting costs at the same time. When deciding on your office space layout, set up areas (like desks) where people will be spending the most amount of time near windows. This will let you utilise as much natural light as possible.

Go Digital

Going paperless doesn’t only save the environment. It can also help slash your expenses significantly. Storing all your files digitally means you can cut back on the cost of the printer, paper, and ink. You can even reduce the need for folders, shelves, and filing cabinets. It’s also possible to have contracts signed digitally using an app like DocuSign.

Are you looking to minimise your downtime between moving office? We’ve got you covered. For professional, reliable and trustworthy office relocation Sydney Removals, call Next Level Removals on 1300 005 400 or contact us online.

How To Move Interstate (On A Tight Budget)

How To Move Interstate (On A Tight Budget)

Moving interstate is often an exciting time, but it can be an expensive process. It’s often easy to focus on your new lifestyle, a different culture, and the weather. But the longer you put off organising your interstate move, the more likely you are to lose sleep and stress about how much it’s going to cost. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a small fortune for interstate removalists.

Let’s take a look at tips from removalists on how to move interstate on a tight budget.

Throw Out Anything You No Longer Need

When you are packing to move, it’s the perfect time to declutter, because you have to sort through every item anyway.

By getting rid of things you no longer need, not only will you be reducing the clutter you bring into your new home. You will also be reducing the number of physical boxes which needs to be packed. This can lead to your stuff fitting in a smaller sized removals truck and a lower price.

It will also save your time and energy from having to pack them, and then unpack them at your new home.

Besides making it easier to set up your new home, you can even sell anything you no longer need and make some extra money to put towards the cost of moving.

Be Flexible With Your Moving Day

The more you plan your move in advance, the cheaper the price will be. Last-minute moves tend to be more expensive.

Avoiding school holidays, public holidays, and weekends can also help reduce the price. Since a lot of people also take an RDO on a Friday, prices tend to be more expensive. When the weather is warmer over the summer, prices are usually higher.

For the best price, aim for a move between Tuesday to Thursday during a non-peak time. By bundling services such as packing services, or removals storage can also help get a better deal.

Consider Back-loading

If you are flexible with your moving date, back-loading provides better interstate moving rates. It also ensures the same premium service.

There are two different types of back-loading:

– You can share a truck with other customers and only pay for the space that you need.

– You can book a full vehicle which would otherwise be returning empty after completing an interstate delivery.

The only downside is that you may need to wait a few days until there is an available truck.

Choose A Reputable Moving Company

When moving interstate on a budget, it only seems logical to go with the cheapest moving company with the lowest quote, right? If so, you’d be making a huge mistake. A cheap moving company might provide you with the lowest initial quote. But, you will quickly discover that there are many add-ons, extras, and surcharges which are not included in the initial price.

You also run the risk of a cheap company hiring subcontractors who don’t handle your belongings with care. Are you willing to risk damage to valuable and irreplaceable items? They may also have double booked, which means they don’t show up on time or deliver your belongings on schedule to your new home.

In the long run, it can end up costing you way more than a reliable and trustworthy moving company. A professional moving company will provide you with transparent prices. They will also ensure a professional, honest, and comprehensive service without extra fees.

For high-quality interstate removals on a tight budget, Contact Next Level Removals today. Call 1300 005 400 or contact us online today.

The quote can end up being more expensive than other removal companies who are reliable and trustworthy.

Seniors Guide To Choosing The Right Retirement Village

Seniors Guide To Choosing The Right Retirement Village

Moving to a retirement village is a major lifestyle change, and requires a lot of thought to choose the right one. It allows you to continue living an independent lifestyle while being surrounded by other seniors. Let’s take a look at how to choose the right retirement village for you.

What to do before moving to a retirement village

Before moving to a retirement village, there are a few things you should do. First, consider other options like home help or moving to a smaller home.

Make sure to speak with your friends, and family about your decision, and tell them why you want to do so. Also, ask them about their plans for the future.

How To Choose The Most Suitable Retirement Village

Choosing a retirement village is one of the most important decisions you will need to make in your life. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

  • Make a list of your retirement village must-haves.
  • Also, make a list of your wants, but not essential needs.
  • Speak to a lawyer or financial advisor for expert legal advice before signing a contract.
  • Visit as many retirement villages as possible, which are in your ideal location, and suit your budget
  • Don’t be pressured to make a decision with the first one you visit.
  • Ask each retirement village for a standard fact sheet. This will help you to compare the differences in facilities on offer.
  • Talk to residents of each village. Find out what they enjoy, and what they don’t like
  • Ask your friends and family to come along with you, and to give their feedback
  • Carefully read the contract. Make sure it aligns with the verbal information you were told.

Questions To Ask About A Retirement Village

When you visit a retirement village, you should prepare several questions in advance, which can give you peace of mind and help you make a decision.

Some recommended questions to ask include:

  • Is there a waiting list for the retirement village?
  • What is the policy for pets?
  • When are visitors allowed?
  • Is car parking provided?
  • Is there a bus for the retirement village? What route does it take, and how often does it run?
  • How close are facilities such as public transport, medical facilities, entertainment, supermarkets and shopping centres?
  • Is there a residents’ committee? If so, how do they elect members?
  • What common areas are there to use?
  • Are you allowed to make changes inside the unit, or do you need permission (like in a rental home)?
  • How much are the fees and charges?
  • Are there more facilities planned in future? If so, what are they and when will they be completed by?
  • Are there meals available? If so, how much do they cost?
  • Are support services available, such as cleaning, and assistance with meals, if required?
  • Can you be moved from the facility without your consent? If so, what are the circumstances?
  • Is there a nearby aged care facility?

You should make an informed decision when choosing the right retirement village.

Need a removalist to help you move into a retirement village? Next Level Removals are here to help. Our courteous, friendly, and professional movers take care of moving your belongings as if they were our own.

For a free moving quote, call 1300 005 400 or contact us online.

How To Set Up A Home Office

How To Set Up A Home Office

Planning to set up a spare room into a home office? Working from home gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule, as well as save time and money by getting rid of a daily commute.

To be successful, you need to set up your home office in an environment which promotes productivity and efficiency. Here are the best tips for how to set up a home office.

1. Make A List Of Your Office Needs

Rather than just putting a desk in the corner of a room, and saying its a home office, you should first come up with a list of your essential items.

This varies on the type of work that you do.

At the very least, you most likely will need a desk, chair, computer, phone, and printer. Perhaps you also need a filing cabinet or an extra-large desk for more workspace.

Will you have clients coming to meet with you in person? If so, you’ll also need space to meet with them.

2. Choose A Dedicated Space For Your Office

Now you should have an idea of how much space you need, and it’s time to set aside some dedicated space in your home. You should ideally try to have your office in a quiet area, which is even more essential if you have a partner, children, or live with housemates.

It’s best to use a spare room with a closing door, that way you can cut out the noise, and work uninterrupted. It’s also suitable for when you need to take client calls.

If you need to meet with clients in person, consider choosing a room near the front of the home.

Also, try and keep your professional space separate from the rest of the house. This will help you to relax when not working, and also to go into ‘work mode’ as soon as you step into your home office.

3. Utilise Space

It’s quite common that you have a limited amount of space to work with. Filling your room with just a desk and chair can even feel like you are cramped. To find a solution may require you getting create a space which has a big enough work area along with storage space.

For the desk, you can use filing cabinets or shelves as the base, and then get a countertop to put on top. Ikea has many great customisable and affordable desk solutions.

4. Take Advantage of Natural Light

Try to find an area for your home office that takes advantage of natural light. If this is not possible, then make sure to enhance the area by using direct lighting. First, add some overhead lights, then add desk and floor lamps, which cover a specific working area.

Whatever type of lighting you use, make sure that you position your computer screen so that it eliminates any glare on the screen.

Your aim should be to create balanced lighting, which will work to minimise eye strain from occurring.

5. Make an Investment In The Right Home Office Equipment

To get your home office set up, you first need to have the right equipment. Usually, it can be tempting to splurge on office decor, but not to spend much on necessary office equipment.

Make sure to invest in a suitable and sturdy desk with a large enough workspace. Also, get a comfortable chair with back support, and either a desktop computer or laptop with sufficient memory and storage space. Make sure to also invest in any industry-specific software which you need, as well as any specialist tools or equipment you may need.

Setting up a new home office is an exciting time, and marks the start of a new journey. Whether you are moving to a new home, or just buying your home furniture for your spare room,

Next Level Removals are here to help. Our professional and experienced movers offer affordable rates and treat your belongings as if they were our own. Call 1300 005 400 or get a free quote online today.

To Move or Not to Move?

To Move or Not to Move?

How can you decide whether or not you should move? Before making the decision to move consider why it is you want to move. Are you moving on a whim, or is it a practical decision?

A practical move the kind of move you do for a job, or a better school for your children. An impractical move is one that you have romanticised. It’s important to assess your decision to move based on practicality, and the long-term impact it will have on you and your family.

Questions you should ask yourself before you move:

  • Am I financially able to move?
  • Will this move help me progress in my career, or send me backwards?
  • Will the stress from moving disrupt my family more than it will benefit them?
  • Will the new cost of living advantage, or disadvantage me?
  • Is moving a necessity or a preference?
  • Are there jobs available in the new town/city?
  • Can your lifestyle needs be met in the new place?

For most people work is the biggest motivator when it comes to moving. Whether you’ve been offered a new job, your whole company is moving, or you’re looking to re-skill and move up the corporate ladder, even if you’re keeping your same job or title, moving is still a major life change.

A practical move takes practical planning, with jobs, property leases, children, pets, and large furniture items to consider, planning a move can take a lot longer than making the decision to move. Moving can be a wonderful and enriching experience, allowing you to explore a new town, city, or even country, with your loved ones.

It might not be the right time for you to move if you haven’t fully considered the implications of leaving your support system, or if you’re simply unhappy in your current job. On the other hand, a fresh place to live offers the potential of new friends, reconnecting with long-lost family members, and career expansion. Typically, when it comes to moving, your career prospects should look better in the place you plan to move to, than the place you currently are.

It also might not be the right time if you just can’t afford it. From the removalist to the security deposit, to the lease overlap, pet transport, and more, moving truly is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever do. If it’s worth it, it’s money well spent, however, if the job prospects simply aren’t as good in the new location as your current location, consider maybe a shorter move – moving suburbs, or departments at work might help satisfy the moving bug.

We, at Next Level Removals, are 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.

How To Ensure Your Staff Are Ready For An Office Move

How To Ensure Your Staff Are Ready For An Office Move

Moving is often a cause of excitement. Is your company is growing, and it’s time to move to larger office space. Or are you moving to a more modern and cost-efficient space? But making sure your staff are ready for an office move can be more complicated than it sounds.

People generally fear change and stepping out of their comfort zone. Taking the right approach to preparing your staff for a move can be the difference between ensuring a smooth transition or a nightmare.

Keep reading for tips on how to ensure your staff is ready for an office move before the office removalists show up.

Communicate With Your Staff Effectively

Not much is worse for an employee than finding out news which directly affects them right at the last minute. Or, hearing it second hand from someone else.

Your first focus after the move is confirmed, should be to communicate the information to your staff. This way, they will have plenty of time to prepare for an office move.

Keep in mind that if you are moving to a whole new location, it may have a significant effect on your employees. This includes their commute times and childcare arrangements. As well as their general day-to-day routines.

It’s not enough to tell them your business is moving, also explain why your business is moving.

Will it affect their jobs? What will be the impact on customers and clients? What about suppliers?

Create A Moving Calendar

To help reduce the stress your staff will feel moving to a new office, provide them with clear timelines for moving, including the process for moving day once the removalists arrive. The best way to do this is to create a detailed, shared moving calendar.

Be sure to list any key milestones which must be completed by specific dates. By planning everything out in great detail, it will help keep the office move organised and reduce stress. Ask for a volunteer or team from your staff to create and manage the calendar.

Let Your Employees Be Involved In The Moving Process

Instead of just telling your staff the details after a move has been organised, let them be involved in helping with the entire process.

This helps your staff accept the change sooner, and feel like they have a platform to air their concerns and also provide input. The most effective way to do this is to establish a moving committee who then leases with management. This gives staff a great platform to ask questions, and have their concerns addressed.

Consult your employees about feedback for the design and layout of the new office. You can help to reduce the challenges and stress that comes with moving and create a positive and exciting environment.

Declutter and Organise

Moving all your office supplies, furniture, and records to a new location is very time-consuming. It also takes your staff away from doing work. But it’s also an excellent opportunity to organise and declutter years worth of items.

Ask your staff to go through their belongings and to pack away their equipment, files, and documents. This helps you to move into a new office in an organised way and make a fresh start in a new space.

Provide boxes and labels to staff. Also, ask them to bring their personal items such as ornaments and photos themselves. This will ensure their belongings don’t get lost or damaged.

For office removal experts who minimise downtime to ensure a smooth transition for staff and clients, call Next Level Removals today for an obligation-free quote on 1300 005 400 or contact us online.

Best Apps To Sell Your Unwanted Items

Best Apps To Sell Your Unwanted Items

Moving home is expensive, and costs add up fast. If you are moving interstate or to the country, it can be even more expensive. A lot of your moving costs can be reduced if you don’t just haul your unwanted items with you.

Not only will they clutter up your new home, but you will also have to pay the removalists extra for a bigger moving van. Not to mention higher costs for the extra time it takes to pack and unpack your belongings, and then also more for any packing supplies too.

Luckily, there’s a better way. Instead of bringing all your unwanted items with you, you can sell them, declutter your life, and use the extra money towards the cost of moving! It’s a win-win situation.

Selling your items is now easier than ever. Let’s take a look at the best apps to sell your unwanted items.

All apps are available on both iPhone and Android.

1. Letgo

Letgo is the easiest and fastest app for selling your unwanted items. You can post anything for sale in less than 10 seconds! Just take a photo and let will automatically title and categorise your listing, thanks to its cutting-edge technology. Then potential buyers will send you a message.

2. eBay

eBay is the largest online marketplace in Australia, and it continues to go from strength to strength. For selling high-value items, it is the number 1 place to use. You can set a fixed price and allow members to make you an offer, or you can set up an auction where people bid on your item. Listing is easy, just create an account, take some photos, and write a description!

3. Facebook Marketplace

Anyone who has a facebook account can use Facebook Marketplace, making sure that your items get seen by a huge amount of potential buyers. Items for sale are based on your geographic location. After you upload your photos and list the item, then you must communicate with the buyer to work out payment and delivery/pickup deals.

A bonus of Facebook Marketplace is that you can access it directly from your phone, and not need to download a new app.

4. Gumtree

Gumtree is a well-established community market place which connects you with buyers. It allows you to list items in hundreds of categories. You can list an ad for free, or pay to boost it or have extra features to make it stand out. Gumtree is great for selling used furniture and home appliances. It’s popular with people looking to furnish their first home, as well as international students. Gumtree also integrates with PayPal, making payments easy.

5. Nextdoor

Next door is a social networking app for your neighbourhood. It’s also an excellent option to sell items locally. Just add your item details and photos and then post it. A bonus is that everyone in the neighbourhood will see your item for sale in their newsfeed. This gives it great exposure and leads to faster sales. It’s then up to you and the buyer to negotiate the price and pickup or delivery.

For affordable, reliable and trustworthy movers, contact Next Level Removals today to book your move. Call 1300 005 400 or contact us.

How To Help Seniors Pack For A Move

How To Help Seniors Pack For A Move

Often senior citizens are settled and comfortable in their homes. For a variety of reasons, they may need to move. Perhaps it’s time to downsize, or the lease can no longer be renewed anymore. Whatever the reason, seniors tend to avoid change, and it can feel overwhelming and unsettling having to leave home and move to a new place.

At Next Level Removals, we understand. This is why we have prepared the following tips for how to help seniors pack for a move.

Make A Thorough Plan

Before jumping into such a life-altering decision, it’s best to make a thorough plan. How much of the moving process can your family and friends help with? Would you rather hire professional removalists? Do you need assistance with packing? Will you be putting any items in storage?

After working out what needs doing, next work backward from your moving date. This lets you create a timeline of everything that needs to happen before moving.

Start To Pack Early

It’s never too early to begin preparing for a move. If you are still unsure of the exact moving date, or your elderly parents do not know where they will be living, it’s always a good idea to start with the process.

Begin with any areas which tend to accumulate extra items over time. Spaces like a closet, or garage tend to fill up faster than we realise. Also, go through paper records and get rid of anything which is no longer needed.

Divide Things Into Smaller Tasks

Trying to accomplish a huge task like the entire moving process can be overwhelming if looking at it overall., But by breaking the task down into smaller pieces, it suddenly seems more manageable.

For seniors, it may have taken a lifetime to accumulate all the belongings they have. It’s going to take a lot of time and effort to sort through it all.

Help them start with one small area, perhaps a drawer, or a cabinet. Then select the next small area to move onto. By doing a small amount each day, it makes the end goal more achievable.

Save Memories

While sorting through belongings, you will find that some are easy to get rid of, but others have huge sentimental and personal value for seniors.

People keep possessions for their meaning and memories, but not for the value of the item itself.

When we see an item, it usually triggers such memories. It’s important to ask, is there another way to preserve the memory rather than the physical item? It may be difficult, but if there is limited space, it will be required to make some difficult decisions.

Also, factor in the cost of moving. The more things which need to be moved, or kept in storage, then the more expensive it will be.

Taking photos of items is a great way to remember them. Seeing the picture triggers the same memories and emotions that looking at the physical item does. Try this tactic with a few things which are not very important, and then gradually move up to more significant items.

Looking for a patient removalist who has helped many senior people through the difficult change process? Next Level Removals can help. Contact us on 1300 005 400 or online.

How to Plan your First House Move

How to Plan your First House Move

A lot of people get very nervous and dread a house move more than they dread a visit to the dentist. If this is the first time you have moved without your parents doing the planning and organising for you, then it is normal for you to be anxious. Just stay calm, make a moving checklist, so you do not forget to do anything, prepare yourself thoroughly, and this move will be as smooth as silk.

Special Considerations

If you own pets, then you have to make special considerations and arrangements for those pets. Pets are a big part of our lives, and on moving day they stand a higher risk of being injured, becoming stressed, or being lost. If you have pets be sure that you do the following things:

  1. Ask your vet to recommend a vet in the new area you are moving to. You also want to make sure you have a copy of your animals records proving immunisations, and medical concerns the animal may have so the new vet you choose will be able to properly treat your animal from the first day they see them.
  2. Schedule to have someone take care of the animal on the day you move. It is best if you get someone the animal is comfortable with and familiar with to care for them for a couple of days while you get moved into your new place and get settled in. This will allow you to not worry about your pet as much and on the day the pet is introduced to their new home it will allow you to have the time to help them adjust to their new surroundings.

Moving Your Valuables

Some of our personal belongings are more valuable than others. There are some of our personal belongings that we have to have, and some things that could be used to create false identities and such if they fell into the wrong hands. You need to take anything that you consider to contain private information or anything you think to be irreplaceable and move those things in your vehicle.

Things you should always move in your vehicle

  • Personal papers such as:
      1. Birth certificates and identification papers
      2. Contracts with banks and financial institutions
      3. Medical records
      4. Chequebooks and checking account information
      5. Credit cards and debit cards
      6. Stock certificates
      7. Securities
  • Expensive items such as jewellery
  • Money
  • Stamp collections
  • Coin collections
  • Soft copies of data that is saved on your computer hard-drives
  • Laptop computers
  • Tablets
  • Cell phones

Moving is a difficult time in our lives, and the only way to make moving more comfortable is to plan for the move in great detail. Do not wait until the day before you plan to move to do things like mail out change of address notifications, try to find packing materials, or call the utility companies.

If you plan your move and follow your plan, you can do this with a minimum of stress and anxiety.

Call Us Now

For professional and affordable interstate removalists, contact Next Level Removals today. Call
1300 005 400 or email [email protected] for a free quote.