Not keen on paying for a removalist? You’d be surprised how far a hired van and some clever planning can take you. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Summer moving season is well under way and there are plenty of Canberrans out there getting ready for new digs on a tight budget.
While DIY moving is far from impossible, it can quickly turn into a circus for the unprepared.
One minute you’re feeling confident, then suddenly you’re playing Tetris with fragile items, negotiating with a mattress that refuses to bend and dreading the post-move clean.
But don’t despair, it’s not all bad news. With a solid checklist and quality gear, you can get the job done without the hefty removalist bill – and make great memories along the way.
Make sure to organise proper transport ahead of moving day. Loading up the car again and again gets old fast, so consider a truck, van or ute and trailer.
Asset Construction Hire in Fyshwick has a great range of vehicles to get you started, most of which can be driven with a regular driver’s licence.
“We can set you up with a great little Pantech truck, one of our Renault High-Roof or Toyota HiAce vans or a two-wheel or four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Triton ute with a box trailer,” general manager Hunter Cocks says.
“We also have trolleys for your heaviest boxes and hydraulic furniture movers for any big, bulky items that can’t be disassembled, like fridges, freezers and washing machines.
“It’s really important to let the tools do the hard work for you. One bad lift could hurt your back and trust me, that will ruin your day.”
With transport sorted, the next thing to do is take stock of what you’re actually moving. This is the perfect time to declutter and donate, sell or recycle items you no longer need.
The Asset Construction Hire fleet includes a huge range of landscaping tools, DIY equipment and earthmoving machinery. The crew even stocks barbecues, tables, chairs and marquees for event hire. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
You’ll need moving boxes or sturdy storage tubs, multiple rolls of tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and furniture pads or blankets to use as buffers for the drive.
Start well in advance (give yourself at least two weeks) and focus on one room at a time.
The trick is to start in the places you use the least, like sheds, storage rooms and spare bedrooms. Leave the lounge, kitchen and main bedrooms for last.
“Whether you’re selling up or moving to a new rental, it’s a good idea to give the entire house a clean and tidy up the garden once most of the packing is done,” Hunter says.
“Come and see us to get your hands on top-quality wet and dry vacuums, pressure washers and surface cleaners. They’ll help you get the place spick and span in a fraction of the time.
“Most of our tools come with battery options as well, which is perfect if you aren’t confident handling petrol-powered equipment.”
On moving day, remember that load order does matter. If you’re working with a truck or van, group boxes by room and start with solid, square furniture or heavy boxes to use as a foundation for lighter items.
Hunter suggests calling in the cavalry for help and having some fun while you’re at it.
“Teamwork makes the dream work, so don’t be afraid to give your mates a ring and ask for a favour,” he says.
“It’s a big job, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one.
“Chuck some tunes on while you load up the truck and once everyone’s at the new place, get the barbecue going to turn moving day into an early housewarming party!”
Score a weekend rental from Asset Construction Hire for the cost of a single day – just pick up your gear on Friday afternoon and return it on Monday morning. To find out more, visit Asset Construction Hire or drop in and see the team at 25 Cessnock Street, Fyshwick.
