At Ask Donkey we know that moving house or office can be a stressful task, so we have listed several moving tips to help your move be as stress free as possible. Below are some of our top moving tips.

1. Obtain as many as possible removal quotations from reputable relocation companies.
2. Carefully read the terms & conditions before accepting the quotation. Be sure that you agree with everything and confirm about overtime rates, damaged goods, etc.
3. Check if the moving company will NOT move certain items such as gas bottles, alcohol, valuables, etc.
4. Confirm the Payment Options.
5. Are there any additional fees?
6. Do they charge extra for large items?
7. Find out if insurance is included or quoted separately. Some furniture movers offer All Risk and / or In Transit insurance. Others offer no insurance and this should then be arranged / disclosed to your short-term insurance provider.
8. How does the removal company charge: per hour, per item or according to volume?
9. Are the laborers full-time employees or casual workers?
10. Ask for references.
11. Do not pack away your credit card or cheque book. Keep this in the “Move day” or “Personal belongings” box.
12. Pack all of your instruction manuals and remote controls of electronics in one box and label it clearly.
13. Keep your toolbox handy. Do not pack this away too soon as you will almost definitely need it on the move day.
14. If your furniture and goods are going into storage, be sure not to pack away important documents such as birth certificates, identity documents, passports, driver’s licenses, etc. Keep this with you.
15. Boxes going into storage can be waterproofed by placing them in thick plastic covers. Enquire about this through your packaging supplier or the removal company. Remember that plastic can keep water out, but also holds moisture in.
16. Check if wrapping of paintings, mirrors, picture frames and other fragile items with bubble wrap are included in your quotation, or if these have to be wrapped by you before move day.
17. Larger items such as couches, beds, mattresses, etc ideally have to be wrapped with plastic covers / bags to protect against possible damage. At the least with blankets.
18. Avoid newspaper with ink as this might leave permanent stains. Enquire about the cost of newspaper without ink from your packaging supplier or removal company.
19. Use pillows and other linens to line the top and bottom of boxes containing fragile items.
20. Undo all appliance connections such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators with water / ice dispensers a day before, allowing water to flow out of the pipes.

Refer to our page on how to pack for a move to get additional information on how to optimally pack your boxes. Please also feel free to add any furniture moving tips of your own by sending us an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .