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Moving Across the Country: The Benefits of Backloading


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Moving Across the Country: The Benefits of Backloading

When I was offered a new job in Perth, I had to relocate my life from Brisbane. I had no idea how I was going to ship all my things across Australia. I considered hiring a van and doing it myself, but driving thousands of miles and then starting work when I arrived just didn't appeal to me. I looked into using a moving company, but I was put off a little by the cost. It was then my friend mentioned backloading. Backloading allowed me to haul my things across the country on trucks which were returning from another job. This drastically reduced the cost. I am now settled in Perth, but I wanted to start this blog to help others who need to store or move the things they own.

How to Safely Move Your Furniture in the Rain

No matter how well-prepared you are for your move, you can't always guarantee that the weather will be on your side when it comes to moving your furniture. If the heavens decide to open up just as you're about to start moving your furniture outside, you need to be prepared not just for safety's sake, but also for the well-being of your furniture. 

In an ideal scenario you would already be prepared in advance, but what happens when the weather takes a turn for the worse even when the weatherman predicted sunny skies all round? 

Oftentimes, you are working with such a tight schedule that postponing your move just isn't an option. However, while it can be annoying to have to move on a rainy day, there are steps you can take to make sure you and your furniture are adequately protected. 

Think about Safety First

Even when using a professional removalist for your move, you still need to work together to ensure that safety is your primary concern. With the rain pouring down outside, you'll need to rethink your clothing and footwear. Footwear with solid traction should be the first thing on your list when moving heavy furniture, followed by raincoats or improvised rain protection, like garbage bags taped firmly to your body to avoid snagging. 

Avoid Traipsing Dirt and Rainwater Everywhere

To avoid traipsing dirt and water throughout your moving space; form an assembly line so that only certain members of your team need to go outside. 

Position Your People Accordingly

Position the strongest members of your team, ideally the removalists you have hired, at the most awkward points, such as at the top of the stairs and in the porch so they can safely manoeuvre heavy furniture into position.  

Send Someone to Your New Home to Prep for Mess

Whilst you are moving the furniture, someone else will need to go on ahead to prep your new home for the incoming water and dirt. Once there, they will need to put down some old carpets, rugs, blankets and whatever else you can spare to protect your new floors and ensure safe passage for the removals team. 

​Re-position the Removals Truck

Try to re-position the removals truck so it is as close as possible to your front door to minimise the risk of slips or falls. 

Wrap Your Furniture in Shrink Wrap

Tightly wrap your furniture in shrink wrap to protect it from water damage and to ensure you are able to maintain a firm grip as you move it. 

Work in Shifts

Working in wet conditions can be exhausting as you try to keep your footing and move as carefully as possible. This means it is best if you swap places whenever someone else needs to take a break from the more awkward positions in the line.

Moving home in bad weather can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared. However, if you follow these steps you, your family and your furniture should make it to your new home in one piece albeit a little wet.