Okay so in this day and age, many people prefer to view books via an e-reader rather than a good old fashioned paperback. That said, there nothing that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling more than when you’re curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a good paperback. If you consider yourself a bit of a bibliophile, then moving house can be a stressful time for book lovers as there’s nothing worse than unpacking a box of books at your new home only to find, bent spines, dog-eared corners and ripped pages. Therefore it’s important to know the best way to pack them so that they don’t get damaged. Let’s take a closer look…

Get the right boxes
First thing’s first, you need to select the right box. Books by their very nature are heavy so make sure that the boxes they’re being shipped in are strong and sturdy. You can purchase boxes from new. You know, the ones with the specific cut out handles, but personally speaking, supermarket boxes work just as well and they shouldn’t cost you a cent. Look for small compact, sturdy ones no bigger than about 45cms. Anything larger and you might be inclined to over fill it. Oh…and you’ll definitely need lots and lots of tape! Preferably of the brown, packing variety.

Line boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap
Some people recommend that you line your boxes with either packing paper or bubble wrap. Bubble wrap can be expensive unless you’ve got some spare lying around of course. However lining your boxes with packing paper might well be a good idea especially if you’ve got some nice looking hard-backs with those attractive looking slip-covers. Oh, and don’t forget to re-enforce the bottom of the box with packing tape. The more you use, the stronger it’s likely to be, so don’t skimp.

Biggest first
Start with packing your largest, heaviest books first. This way they won’t be sat on top of lighter books. Also it’s a good idea to always pack them flat. If you decide to stand them up, it’ll force them to take the whole weight of any other boxes and could damage the spines.

Separate stacks
Always try to put at least two separate stacks of books in each box and leave a gap at the top. This way the bottom books aren’t taking the load weight of a complete set of books and besides it’s easier to lift if the weight is distributed evenly. If you have gaps (and chances are that you will) make sure that they’re filled with said packing paper or bubble wrap. Even an old rolled up jumper or towel will do the trick.

Tape it up
When the books look secure enough so that they don’t move then proceed to tape up up the box. If you’re a particularly organised person, you can label your boxes so that you know what books are where when it comes to unpacking them.

And that’s it! It really is that simple. For those who simply don’t have the time to do their own packing, or would rather pay someone else to do it fore them, then there’s always Brisbane’s most trusted local movers at On The Move Removals. Call us today on 044 993 2603 for a seriously competitive quote.

Brisbane removals Moving checklist

1. Choosing your Brisbane removalists:
   Whether you are moving home or offices, the removalist you choose can be the difference between a smooth transition and a difficult one. Do not be “blinded” simply by the incredible offers that some moving companies in Brisbane make. You might end up getting really lousy service if you just choose the cheapest removalist available.
   We’ve been in the removals industry based in Brisbane for many years, earning a reputation as a trustworthy and hardworking Brisbane removals company. Our team of highly trained and motivated Brisbane movers are committed to our clients personal well-being and their possessions, ensuring that we offer both a level of service and expertise second to none. OnTheMove Removals are simply the best in home and furniture removals in Brisbane.
2. Avoid Hidden Removalists Traps:
   Do your research! Some area’s to be cautious of when considering a removals company includes:
   • insurance charges
   • lack of commitment to the timing of the move
   • confusing or complicated quotes
   • false or unrealistic promises about the success of your move
   • additional charges not in the original quote
   • pressure to use other services or associated companies services
3. Important things to remember leading up to moving house:
   • Create a moving checklist that is pertinent to you and your family
   • Redirect your mail
   • Throw out as much junk as possible through charity bins or garage sales
   • Start cleaning out cupboards and packing up things you will not need
   • Check your insurance policy to check whether it covers your move
   • Make a list of all the things you will require for the moving day, so that you do not pack away anything essential you may need
   • Collect packing boxes and materials from supermarkets or organise to buy or hire moving and packing cartons from On The Move Removals.
   • Contact your landlord/real estate agent if you are renting and arrange a refund of your bond upon final inspection
   • Arrange for the disconnection and reconnection of electricity, telephone & internet provider – allowing at least 5 working days to do this
   • Cancel/ redirect deliveries, cleaning & gardening and any other local services
   • Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer the day before you move
   • Start packing – the more you do before the day, the less stressful the whole experience. Label boxes clearly, especially those which are heavy or fragile.
   • Arrange for new locks to be fitted to the new house
   • Ensure your removals company is aware of any special requirements (eg. Pianos/ antiques etc)
4. On the day of the move:
   • Make or confirm key collection arrangements
   • Pack a box with kitchen essentials for the move day such as a kettle, cutlery, mugs, tea, coffee and snacks
   • Communicate openly with your removalist to ensure the move is conducted to your liking
   • Do a final check to ensure nothing is left behind
   • Check off all furniture and cartons against your inventory as they go into the van or truck
   • Turn off electricity at the main switch
   • Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked and double check your checklist before leaving
   • Keep your valuables and important papers with you at all times
   • Unpack bedding and make up beds as soon as possible – this is the most important item, especially at the end of an exhausting moving day
5. Some advice on moving offices:On The Move Removals have years of experience relocating offices in Brisbane Furniture removals, IT relocation and fast and efficient service is our specialty while ensuring your business has minimal operational interruptions.
   As with moving house, a moving checklist can be an integral part of ensuring a smooth transition when moving offices and we strongly advise that your company has one that is circulated to all staff outlining their responsibilities during the move.
   When planning your move:
   • Find out about truck access
   • Communicate with building management about when you can move furniture
   • Have your removalists conduct a site inspection
   • Communicate the floor plan of the new premises with your removalists early
   • Arrange for the transportation of any specialist equipment with your removalist well in advance.

   Once you have read our checklist, if you require more information on furniture removals in Brisbane, our home packing service or our discounted, secure self storage options, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff who can offer more information and arrange these for you. We are the moving company that aims to please.

We all know that being a teenager is tough. It’s that fine line between adulthood and adolescence and if you add to this the heady cocktail of hormones and physical growth, it’s easy to see why. That said, it’s often no bed of roses for the parents either and with a constant barrage of tantrums and opinions, many parents are continually walking the tightrope between keeping the peace and total uproar. If this is what it’s like on a daily basis, just imagine if you have an impending move coming up. Just how do you keep them on side? Here are some great road-tested tips for moving with teenagers.

Keep them in the loop
Surprisingly there are a number of parents who don’t want to tell their kids about an upcoming move because they fear a knee-jerk reaction. Think about it for a second. If the shoe was on the other foot and you weren’t told until the last minute that you were moving house, how would it make you feel? Instead, tell them at the earliest opportunity and keep them in the loop. Give your teenager a chance to have their say, they’ll appreciate it as being heard tends to go a long way.

Create a connection
One of the best ways of getting your teenager on board with an impending move is to sell it to them. Try to create a connection between something they love to do and your new area or neighbourhood. If they love sport, then find out if the area has good facilities. Alternatively if they like shopping (what teen doesn’t) find out about trendy clothes shops for young people. Once you’ve made that connection and done your homework, then set about ‘selling the sizzle!’

Losing touch
Friends are important in any walk of life but particularly when you’re a teenager. With this in mind it’s no surprise that your teen is probably worried that they’ll lose touch with their friends. If it’s not a major out-of-state move then make a promise and set a date with your teen to have their friends over as soon as possible. As for making new friends, then that will probably take care of itself.

Delegation
Most teens crave taking ownership, so when it comes to moving day why not give them some. Ask them if they would like to take responsibility for packing their own room and unpacking it when they get to the other end. Give them the chance to rise to the challenge and they’ll thank you for it.

Teenage years are complicated at the best of times but that doesn’t mean to say that home life has to be. By following these top tips it’s going to make for a less stressful move all round and a happier family life.

If you want total peace of mind with your house move then contact On The Move Removals. We’ve been moving the families and businesses of Brisbane and the suburbs for many years and over time have become Brisbane’s most trusted local movers. Why not call us on 044 993 2603 and let us give you a quote. We guarantee that you’ll be pleasantly surprised