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12
Nov

How many boxes do I need for my move?

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

There are many variables that come into play when calculating how many boxes you may need for your move.

The following is an approximation of what may be required for different sized dwellings:

1 Bedroom unit:
10 – 20 x boxes, bags, tubs, suitcases etc

2 Bedroom house/unit:
30 – 40 x boxes, bags, tubs, suitcases etc

3 bedroom house/unit:
40 – 60 x boxes, bags tubs, suitcases etc

4 bedroom house/unit:
60 – 100 x boxes, bags, tubs, suitcases etc

For dwellings beyond this size the amount can vary greatly.

2 key factors when assessing how many boxes you might need are:

  • Generally the longer you have lived in a property the more boxes you will need
  • The more people that live in the property the more boxes you will need

Try to be realistic when assessing how much you have.

Eg: Am I a minimalist, or am I a collector, or perhaps somewhere in between.

And remember, you may already have suitcases, bags and/or travel cases. These are suitable things to use in place of boxes.

Note: Breakables; Plates, glasses, fine china, crystal etc should always be wrapped (paper, towels, clothing etc) as they are being packed into boxes. 

But always remember Giraffe Removals provides free onsite quote inspections and would be happy to attend your property and help you assess your requirements regarding boxes and packing materials.

23
Oct

Are We Ready to Move to the New House?

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

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22
Sep

10 Items to Clear Out Before Removal Day

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

A Sydney move is the perfect time to clean house. Some people might even consider holding a ‘garage sale’. Here are some categories you might look at carefully as you prepare for your removalists to arrive.

1. Clothing

Most people have more clothes than they realize. Before your removal, get rid of the garments you no longer wear. Anything that is ripped, stained, too small or too big can be thrown out. Items in good repair can be donated to charity, but some items will probably just end up in the bin.

2. Tools

When you are packing up your house for a Sydney removal, do not overlook the garage, storage room or shed. Most people have some assortment of tools. These tools can be heavy and dangerous to move. Therefore, assess your tools. Keep only the things you use on a regular basis. This will simplify your move substantially.

3. Toys

Toys take up a lot of space, and can be noisy and cumbersome. On top of that, a lot of toys have been ‘outgrown’. If your children have more toys than they need, then spend some time assessing their collection. Get rid of toys they no longer play with  and let go of the things that are just collecting dust. Other kids will have a lot of fun with the toys your kids are not using any longer.

4. Games

You might have a vast video game collection. You could be into board games or card games. Whatever the case may be, look at your items carefully. Which ones do you play? Which ones are never touched? There is no point moving things that are just going to stay in boxes forever. Instead, reduce the strain of your move, and let some other family have a game night soon.

5. Dishes

Think critically about your dishes. Dishes are very difficult to move since many of them are oddly sized or breakable. Therefore, take some time to look at your dishes. Get rid of the extra coffee cups. Discard the chipped salad plates. Narrow down your silverware to matching sets. This will make it easier to set up your new kitchen.

6. Cleaning Supplies

In truth, cleaning supplies are not the best to move. These supplies often contain chemicals. In some cases, it is dangerous to move these chemicals in a truck. First, make sure you know what is safe to move. Then, only pack what is absolutely necessary. You can always buy commonly used cleaners when you settle into your new place.

7. Books

Books are a great pastime. However, they are not the easiest to move. The sheer weight of books is one reason a lot of people need a professional removalist. Cutting back on your book collection will save you time and money. Think realistically about which books you are going to read. Let go of books you have already read and make space for something new.

8. Food

You should try to move as little food as possible. Perishable goods should not really be moved at all, and you can minimize the amount of boxed, canned or bottled items that you bring. It is simply too easy for things to get broken, and moving boxes are too easily infested by critters. Eat down your food supply, and donate what you do not need to others.

9. Furniture

Furniture cannot be packed neatly into boxes. Do you really want to move every piece? Think about the pieces you use a lot. Think about what pieces will fit in your new home. If you have the budget, do not be afraid to buy new items to suit the new space. Moreover, you do not need to clutter up a new house. Only move what you absolutely need.

10. Papers

Papers accumulate naturally in every home. You could have bills to be paid. You might have your kid’s schoolwork. There is no need to move most of this clutter. File the things that are important or sentimental. Take a moment to recycle the rest. These steps will help you get ready for your move. To learn how a professional removalist can help, call Giraffe Removals today.

22
Sep

Six Ways to Make Your Move Eco-friendly

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

Six Ways to Make Your Move Eco-friendly

Moving is always an effort. It requires a lot of time, energy and planning. However, your removal does not have to be taxing on the environment. If you are worried about the environmental impact of your move, then take heart. There are some simple measures you can take to reduce your impact on the natural world. Here are six easy ideas to get you started.

1. Reuse Old Boxes

Boxes are the best option to keep your things safe. However, boxes are not exactly environmentally friendly. It is even worse when you think about how many boxes you will need. You will generally be generating a lot of waste. In some circumstances, this is unavoidable. However, If you want to limit your environmental impact, then opt for used boxes. You could collect used boxes that you already own. Save boxes from your recent deliveries. Ask around to see where you can find used boxes from other families or shops. This small step can have a huge impact. Be sure to recycle the boxes when you are done. Better still, see if you can pass them along to someone else in need.

2. Get Creative with Packing Materials

In addition to boxes, you will need packing materials for inside the boxes. While some items will be safe in a box by themselves, most things need packing material to prevent scratching or breaking. Traditionally, items like bubble wrap or packing paper have been used. While these materials are effective, they are also bad for the environment. If you want to lessen your carbon footprint, look for alternative packing materials. Save old newspapers or magazines. Use blankets, towels or clothing that you already own. If you must use store-bought packing materials, always look for options that can be recycled.

3. Downsize In Advance

Another great way to make your move more eco-friendly is to downsize. Downsizing is both practical for you and for the environment.  Firstly, if you have less stuff, then you will require  fewer packing materials. You will use fewer boxes and  less packing material. Moreover, as you reduce your belongings, you are minimizing the amount of space you need in the moving truck, meaning your load is lighter, transportation  uses less fuel. An added bonus is the time taken to move will be less and ultimately provide a cost saving to you.  Plus, when downsizing, unwanted items can be donated to a local charity.  This is the best form of recycling.

4. Use Natural Cleaners

Moving is always a time to clean! You have to clean your former home. You also need to ‘spring clean’  your new home. With all this scrubbing, pay special attention to the cleaners you are using. Many cleaning products rely on toxic chemicals that can pose a risk to you and the environment. Instead, you should look for natural cleaning solutions. Natural cleaners are still able to tackle the toughest mess, but they rely on ingredients that do not harm the environment. There are some store brands that are natural alternatives. You can also make your own cleaning solutions with ingredients like water, vinegar and baking soda.

5. Prepare in Advance

As you get ready for your Sydney removal, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Waiting until the last minute creates more stress during your move. This stress may  cause you to make bad decisions that you would otherwise avoid. Many of these decisions may be detrimental to the environment.   Imagine that it is the last minute. You still have a whole room to pack. In desperation, you go out and buy boxes and packing materials. In your haste, you pack less efficiently, and you end up with twice as many boxes as you would otherwise need. This can largely be avoided if you take your time and get things organised early.

6. Find the Best Removalist

The final tip to making your Sydney removal as eco-friendly as possible is to hire the best removalists. Professional removalists have the skills and tools to get things done more efficiently. Giraffe Removals is proud to serve the Sydney community. Contact our team today to discuss your plans for an eco-friendly move.

22
Sep

Packing Overview: When to Pack Your Items Before Moving

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

One of the hardest things about moving house or planning a removal is packing. It is quite the undertaking to pack up all your belongings for the big day. If the process seems overwhelming, it is a good idea to approach it systematically. Here are a few tips about when to pack your specific items.

1. Moving Rarely Used Items and Collectibles

You should start your packing with the things you use the least. Take your seasonal items, and pack up sports gear that is out of season. Make sure your holiday decorations are boxed up. Then, you can begin to pack collectibles like scrapbooks, photo albums and souvenirs.

2. Packing Specialty Kitchenware and Decor

You can pack up your specialty kitchenware a few weeks before your move. This can include fine china or appliances that are not used often. Examples could include bread makers, basting pans etc. You should also start to box up your home decor. While decor makes your house look nicer, it is not an essential item for daily living. Therefore, it can be packed early.

3. Moving Entertainment Items and Linens

As your removal day approaches, get your entertainment items packed next. This could include board games, puzzles, video games and movies. Obviously, if there are certain items you use often, you can delay packing those. However, you cannot play every game or watch every movie within the span of a few weeks. Start packing what you can now. You should also pack as many linens as you can. Leave a set of sheets for the bed and as few towels as you realistically need.

4. Moving Electronics and Jewellery

We rely heavily on electronics, but as the week of your removal approaches, you should get your pieces ready to go. The key with electronics is to pack them securely to protect them during the removal. This is also the time to pack up valuables like jewellery.

5. Clothes, Kitchenware and Toiletries

During the last week before your removal, get your personal items packed. The vast majority of your clothes and toiletries should be packed during this time. Make sure you keep items like deodorant and medication accessible until the day of the removal. You should also be getting your kitchen ready at this time. The rest of your kitchenware needs to be boxed up. Focus on eating down your food supply in the pantry and refrigerator.

6. Packing Toys, Pet Items and Your Daily Items

The last of your packing should happen on moving day. Get the last of your bedding and linens packed up. Then, make sure your furniture is ready to go. Any remaining toiletries and medicines can be packed at this time. While some of your children’s toys should have already been packed, it is wise to leave some of their favourite items until the last minute. At this point, make sure their special possessions are ready to go and clearly labelled. You will also want to do the same thing for your pets items. If all this packing sounds like too much, remember you do not have to do it all alone. You can get comprehensive support from expert packers at Giraffe Removals. We can handle packing, moving and unloading for all of your Sydney relocations as well as providing unpacking services when needed. Learn more about what a removalist in Sydney can do for you by contacting Giraffe Removals today.

22
Sep

Packing Light: The Right Way to Move Books

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin 1 Comment on Packing Light: The Right Way to Move Books

Books are often the items that people don’t get right when moving across the Sydney area. It might seem simple, but there are many ways that people get things wrong when trying to pack their books. Depending on who you are, your books might be your most valuable possessions. Some may possess historic or rare books that they value more than expensive jewellery. Because of this reality, you must take proper care when packing books when moving in Sydney. You may want to hire a Sydney removalist to provide packing services as well.

It All Depends On How Many You Have

When packing books, it all depends on how many you have. Packing a few books might not make a big difference, but it becomes essential when you have a lot of books you need to pack. One of the first things you need to ask yourself is whether you want these books or not. Maybe you could donate them to your local library? Maybe you have friends or family that love books too? It doesn’t make sense to bring books with you that you don’t plan to read. It is especially true when moving around the Sydney area.

Grouping Your Books

After you have decided it is a good idea to bring your books along, the next step is sorting them by size. You don’t want your large and bulky books damaging smaller ones if you pack them together. You have to be careful by checking the edges and thickness of the book. That will help you decide how to put them together for packing. Many people get this step wrong because they throw all the books together in a single box. They are then surprised when they get to the destination with damaged books. Another thing you should do is to sort your books by their weight as well. Sorting by weight ensures you don’t pack bulky books on top of smaller ones and minimizes the chances of one of your books getting damaged.

Choosing the Best Packing Type

It might seem obvious, but choosing the packaging for your books is one of the most challenging parts of the process. It seems obvious that a box would be best, but perhaps a suitcase is a better option for transporting your books if you only have a few of them to move around. If you have more, you should use multiple small boxes that are close in size to each book. By putting them into multiple smaller boxes, you also minimize the chances of all of your books being destroyed if  something happens to the box. It might also be worth your time to use bubble wrap and packing paper to ensure that your books don’t move around as much during transport . All of these simple steps make moving books a lot easier.

Unpack When You Get to the Destination

Books should be the first thing you unpack when you get to the new location. The reason why is because your books are often more sensitive to moisture and temperature. That makes them crucial to remove from each container in a timely manner. Always keep your books in a cool, dry place. That helps to  minimizes the chances of moisture destroying any of your books.

Hire a Professional

A big question people who value books will have is whether to hire a professional Sydney removalist for either packing and or transport. Hiring a professional Sydney removalist like Giraffe Removals should be a no-brainer if you truly value your books. The professionals will do a better job of packing, transporting and unpacking your books, and you won’t have to worry about anything getting damaged.

22
Sep

Need to Declutter Before Your Move? Here Are Four Easy Questions to Ask

Posted on Categories Tips Tricks Author By admin

A new home is a new beginning. Therefore, it can be wise to let go of old items holding you back before you move. Decluttering streamlines your move, and it makes setting up your new home easier. However, the process can be overwhelming. Here are four easy questions to help you declutter before moving day.

1. What Items Do I Use?

When going through your items, look at practical things. You want to keep the things that you use regularly. These will be the easiest items to sort out. Set aside your favourite coffee cup. Pack your most trusted pair of sneakers. You may quickly know whether you want to keep your crockpot or video game system. If something is used regularly, then you should definitely put it in the keep pile. However, things that have been sitting idle for too long can be disposed of.

2. What Items Do I Love?

Decluttering is not merely a practical endeavour. Most people have feelings attached to their items, and this is perfectly normal. As you sort through your things, think about your feelings. When considering whether or not to keep a shirt or a book, ask yourself; how do I feel? Do you love that item? Does it make you smile? If something elicits a positive emotional response, go ahead and keep it. Things that do not bring out emotions should be set aside.

3. What Items Will Fit in My Home?

Eventually, you have to accept the reality of your space. Even if you use and love an item, it needs to have a home. If you are decluttering before a Sydney move, then you will want to think about this in terms of your new home. How much storage space is there? How big are the closets? How many cabinets are in the kitchen? You have to be realistic about your future storage space and declutter accordingly.

4. What Items Am I Keeping for the Wrong Reasons?

Do you keep things because you care about the person who gave them to you? Are you holding onto things because you are afraid you will need them someday in the future? Do you want to keep clothes that you hope to fit into again someday? These reasons are common, but they are not particularly useful. Getting rid of an item from your mother or spouse does not mean you do not love them anymore. You have plenty of other ways to appreciate memories. Moreover, not every what-if is practical. Some items can be easily replaced if necessary, and most of them will simply never be missed.

Decluttering can be a lot of work, but it will be a worthwhile effort. Once you are done decluttering, you deserve a break. Get help with your Sydney removal by hiring a professional removalist. Get a free service quote from Giraffe Removals today!

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