If you've never moved before, or if you have and it turned out to be your worst nightmare, then the following will arm you with the basics of what you need to know and what to ask for.

Use this document as a guide to make you a professional in the moving business:

Before Your Removal

1: Make a cuppa: It is always good to approach a move with a clear mind and a strong cuppa.

2: Decide what you are going to move: Have a good look around your house and locate items you no longer use. It may be a good idea to donate these items or have a garage sale.

3: Decide when you are going to move: Try to have a little breathing space in your moving dates because as we all know "Murphy's Law" sometimes comes into play. Circumstances beyond your control as well as the removalists can occur and you may have to shift dates and times at short notice.

4: Can I afford to have professional removalists move my furniture and effects? Can you really afford not to? Remember these are your possessions and while using friends or family may seem like a good idea at the time, they don't have the expertise or equipment that properly trained professionals have to do the move safely, quickly and with minimum risk to your goods.

5: Do I need insurance? In any industry accidents do happen, so it is worth considering taking out an insurance policy on all your goods. Please visit our insurance partner www.removalsinsurance.com.au.

6: Do you need a pre pack and unpack service? Most removalists can supply labour and materials to do all the packing and unpacking for you. Some people prefer this method, as it is the easiest and least stressful way of moving. The removalist will generally come in the day before you move an pack all your items including clothes, nic nacs, kitchenware etc in preparation for the move. When the move is completed they will unpack and set up your home in the manner you want it. This method of moving is more costly but reduces your stress levels.

7: Is there anything the removalist cannot take? Yes, you must empty the petrol from any motorised items and gas from BBQ's. Ask your removalist for details.

8: Ask Questions. Ask as many questions as you can think of, to ensure that you have all your concerns answered and you are comfortable in knowing your possessions will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

9: Book your removal early: As with most transport companies, Furniture Freighters Whitsunday can get very busy so you should endeavour to give them us much notice as possible of your intention to move.

10: Disconnection and reconnection of utilities: Contact the Electricity, Gas, Phone and any other utility service you may require to inform them of your move. Arrange for disconnection of all or any of those utilities on the day of your move. At the same time organise reconnection at your new residence. Don't forget the kids. School transfers etc!

11: Reconfirm your booking 2 days prior to your move. This allows your removalist to know that everything is fine and that your move is going ahead. Don't wait for your removalist to contact you because oversight can happen. You need to confirm your details, date and time.

12: Make sure everything is ready. The day before [unless you are having a prepack done] try to ensure that everything is packed and ready to go. Anything that holds your removalist up can cost you money in time and labour. Remember to leave a few cups out, as well as the kettle, tea and coffee as you will probably want to make the removalist and yourself a drink during the move. It's hard work and even a removalist needs a quick break.

During Your Removal

1: Awaiting your removalists arrival: This is when you become the most anxious. Unless your booking is the first of the day, the removalist would have estimated an arrival time. Flexibility is the key to a stress free move. If your removalist has had a cancellation they will be early or if the job prior to yours is not the 1-bedroom unit they were told but instead a 3-bedroom house then they will invariably be late. Remember flexibility and communication is the key to getting the job done. Always keep in contact with your removalist for updates if they are running late.

2:They've arrived!!! When your removalist does arrive spend five minutes with the person in charge going around the house with them to ensure that they have a clear picture of what needs to be done. Also point out any boxes marked fragile and or any item you may think requires special attention.

3: Stand back:  Once you tell your removalist what he is to do then stand back and let them do it. They are trained professionals that know what they are doing. If they require clarification or assistance in any way they will ask for it.

4: While you are waiting... Confirm that all utilities have been disconnected and reconnected at the new residence.

5: They're loading the truck and I forgot about my pot plants. Don't worry if you have forgotten to tell them something. Tell them as soon as you remember so the can reassess how to pack the truck.

6: Where will it all go? While they are loading the truck, spend some time thinking about where your furniture and boxes are to go when it arrives at your new premises. The removalist has the item in their hands so now it is time to decide. It is far easier for you to get them to put it exactly where you want it now rather than you struggle with it later.

After

1: Thank You. If you are happy with what the removalist crew has done then let them know by thanking them. Everyone wants to know they have been appreciated.