25 Worth-Reading Tips For Preventing Damage During Your Move

• February 15, 2021
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving house is akin to the circus plate-spinning act. One half foot wrong and plates can get cracked. Even when using the best available removalists Sydney North Shore has to offer, there’s always a risk of damage either to your belongings, your body, or your home. There are a few things you can do to help avoid this happening, however. Read on for more!

1. Make sure your removalists have insurance

It should be common sense – but things can sometimes break no matter how careful everyone is. Best to have a plan B. 

2. Create a detailed inventory

Helps you to know what is being moved, and noting the condition before the move is a great way to track what has happened during the process. 

3. Measure large items and their corresponding new homes twice, and move them once

We’ve all been there, not measured properly and trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It doesn’t work – and it can easily lead to damaging your stuff. 

4. Hire Professional Movers

It’s 100% worth looking into the removalists Maroubra or the Inner West areas have to offer, as these guys know what they are doing and what their bodies are capable of. They’ve also moved big, heavy, awkwardly shaped items out of all types of homes and can assess much better than you can. 

5. Use lots of padding whilst packing

Don’t be shy with bubble wrap, use towels or clothing with your crockery etc. Pad those boxes and make sure that your stuff doesn’t crack or break on its journey. 

6. Use the right type of padding

With that in mind, it’s quite easy to use the wrong type of padding – such as using newspapers for everything (which are fine for some things, but not everything. 

7. Tape things as much as possible

There are some things that you are just going to need to tape in place. Ultimately, no matter how much padding you put in, things sometimes move around anyway. 

8. Choose the right box/ container

Fit square pegs in square holes. Choose the right box for the right item or group of items. 

9. Play Tetris

Think about shapes of how to fit things both into the boxes and then into the vehicle you’re using to move things. 

10. Less is more for box packing

Just remember 2 things: overfilling a box can lead to crushed items or slipped discs in your back – it’s just not worth it, to get the extra boxes. 

11. Disassemble your big ticket items first

Do you remember when your stuff was delivered? It came in pieces, or in boxes. Don’t expect it to get back out of your front door fully assembled. 

12. Cover your floor

Prevent damage to your home – lay something protective on the floor. 

13. Lift things, don’t slide them

It’s tempting, it’s easier, it’s less strain on your body and some articles tell you to buy furniture sliders. Generally, it’s better for your things though if they are lifted. 

14. Pad your walls

Much like your floors, protect your walls. 

15. Use a 2nd or 3rd person to lead you

When carrying big ticket items it can be hard to see where you’re going – use an extra set of eyes to help guide you. 

16. Clean up before you leave the old house

Help prevent damage by cleaning whilst the scuff marks are still warm/ wet. 

17. Get assistance with moving things

Don’t put all the pressure on your own body, there are many injury dangers when moving – so if you’re not going to use removalists, get some helpers in. 

18. Dress appropriately

It’s not going to go down well if you’re moving in high heels, skinny jeans, miniskirts etc. Crack out the sweats, the runners, and the loose-fitting comfy clothes. 

19. Get your rest stops in

Rest and recovery are crucial. 

20. Get a babysitter

Or move on a day that the kids will be in school/ daycare etc – to keep them out of harm’s way. 

21. Get a pet sitter

Keep your pets out of potential harm’s way too. 

22. Lift from the knees

Remember safe lifting protocols – straight back and bent knees. 

23. Don’t rush when driving!

It’s better to arrive a bit late behind the movers than to not arrive at all. 

24. Listen to your body

If your ankle or knee is sore or tired, take a break or find someone to help. 

25. Hire a removalist!

It’s worth the cost. Sometimes, the cheapest option in the short term winds up being the most expensive option in the long run. 

By following these tips and hiring expert movers, you can ensure a damage-free move!