Brisbane removalist company, On TheMove Removals, have undertaken a commitment to become a NoCO2 organisation.

Social responsibility has been one of the most innovative and exciting phenomena of the twenty-first century. With climate change increasingly becoming an issue of central importance, there is a focus on government bodies, organisations and businesses to be progressive when it comes to operating in an environmentally friendly way.

Operating a modern business is no longer about the ‘bottom line’. Socially responsible businesses are taking their role and impact in society seriously and focussing on the ‘triple bottom line’- community, environment and profit.

When thinking about environmentally friendly business, about the last thing to come to mind is the furniture removal industry. A fleet of large trucks used to transport furniture is essential to core operations; and removalists are often required to drive in congested city traffic which is not conducive to fuel efficiency.

According to the Australian Department of Climate Change report ‘National Green House Gas Inventory, 2007’, road transportation made up 86.9% of Australia’s transport co2 emissions in 2007.

While some businesses can manage the carbon footprint generated by the use of trucks for distribution by limiting the use of trucks (the UK’s Marks and Spencer), and partnering with other companies to share distribution trucks (Nestle), the removalist industry relies on the use of trucks, not for distribution, but for their core activity.

Reducing carbon emissions in the removalist industry takes vigilance, commitment and creativity. One Brisbane removalist company, OnTheMove Removals, (http://www.1300OnTheMove.com.au) has taken up the challenge.

CEO and environmentalist, Michael Daniels, made a commitment to ‘going green’ in 2009.
“We have the benefit of a highly integrated team, with everyone from the drivers, to the office staff, to the managers invested in our vision to be an environmentally responsible organisation.”

Their first step was to introduce extensive training and education for drivers on driving best practices including the reduction of idling time and encouragement of route planning before each move to minimise time on the road.

The next was education about the most fuel efficient trucks, and how to maintain them so that fuel efficiency is optimised. 1300 On The Move Removals trucks are diesel, which drastically reduces carbon emissions. Diesel fuel allows drivers to get 40% more miles to the gallon than gasoline, and it burns cleaner.

Thirdly, 1300 On The Move Removals became members of Climate Friendly Organisation, to offset the carbon emissions that resulted from their operation. Climate Friendly Organisation allows for the purchase of carbon credits which are used to increase forestry plantation, renewable energy plantations and renewable energy projects in third world companies.

As well as actively seeking to reduce carbon emissions on a day to day business, the inevitable emissions occurring due to their operations are measured and offset.
The company offers incentives for recycled boxes, with a ‘buy back’ policy, and only uses boxes which have been made from recycled materials.

Around the office staff members are vigilant about operating in an environmentally conscious way. A staff member has been appointed the ‘Environment Ambassador’, and is responsible for researching and implementing environmentally friendly activities around the office.

The Environment Ambassador’s role involves simple tasks such as replacing plastic bags used for garbage with biodegradable or recycled paper bags, overseeing and enforcing their recycling systems, organising car pooling for staff, buying toilet paper made from recycled materials and ensuring computers are all turned off at the end of the day.

“Appointing a staff member as an Environment Ambassador not only helps us to maintain our environmental policies, but also gives the staff a sense of empowerment and morale” explains Michaels.

The team at 1300 On The Move has taken it upon themselves to become an environmentally responsible business, providing their clients with an eco-friendly option when it comes to moving house.
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1300 On The Move Removals is a Brisbane removalist company that strives to provide clients with a friendly, efficient and socially responsible service when they are moving house. Their vision is to be ‘Stress-Free Guaranteed’, offering clients peace of mind and a streamlined, pleasant moving experience.
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Great service,extremely efficient,everything ran smoothly..I am writing to advise how impressed I was with your company service from start to finish. We were initially referred to Michael and he promptly attended provided us with a quote and answered our concerns.. Upon contacting other removalist companies, we did not receive such personal service and their quotes were extremely varied and not as efficient. Michael answered every question we asked and provided more information about the service your company provides, leaving us feeling extremely comfortable with the fact that our move would run smoothly the main reason we chose to utilise your services.

Upon booking the move with On the move removals, we were contacted by natalie, another friendly, efficient person who made us feel that your company was again, extremely efficient.

The two men who moved our home on Friday were also extremely efficient and professional, in particular the young man (josh) who appeared to take charge and ensure that everything ran smoothly. His communication was excellent and he explained their procedure upon arriving at our house in full detail.

I believe you have many great staff and as a business owner myself understand it is extremely hard to find great staff. I feel that when you find a fantastic service these days (which is extremely rare) it is important to provide feedback and hope you find this feedback as important as we found the great service.

Kind regards
top cat business solutions
Andrew n Michelle howes

Four weeks before your move

• set a firm date for your move
  you may want to hire a Professional Removalist that offers Great Value for money like OnTheMoveRemovals 1300 66 84 36 (particularly if you are moving locally around Brisbane or from the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast )
• organise a removalist – ask friends or relatives for recommendations
• if you need storage, arrange it now
• organise transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings
• organise your travel plans for moving day – if you’re moving some distance, you may need to book a hotel or other accommodation
• if necessary, book time off work
• collect moving materials such as boxes, packing tape, rope, newspapers (for wrapping) and marking pens
• keep a list of incoming mail and start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address

Two weeks before your move

• start packing non-essential items and clothing – list the items packed on the outside of the box
• contact your electricity and gas companies (Origin Energy and Ergon Energy or others) and communication providers (eg Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.)
• arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, Internet and pay-TV services at your new address.
• ask someone to look after the kids on moving day
• update insurance policies
• make a list of the items you want the removalist to move and any items you’ll be moving yourself
• if you have pets, organise care for them during moving day and make necessary pet transport arrangements – ensure your pets have tags with your mobile or new phone number on them. You may need to use the services of cat boarding facilities or kennels
• start cleaning your home
• arrange redirection of mail with Australia Post. You can do this online
• dispose of any hazardous waste in the correct manner. Empty your freezer and pantry by eating all the food! Defrost the freezer before moving it

One week before the move

• arrange for bills to be paid
• cancel services such as mowing service, newspapers and other home delivery services
• confirm arrangements with utility companies
• put important documents such as passports and drivers licences in a safe place – be sure to keep all moving related documents together
• finish packing – make sure all boxes are correctly labelled with contents and rooms
• return library books and DVDs and pick up any dry cleaning
• if packing all your stuff has left you with piles of rubbish, take it to the nearest tip or transfer station
• pack up your computer (if you can do without it for that long!). Keep all cords and accessories together. Pack it in the original box, if you have it, otherwise wrap in blankets and transport it carefully

On moving day

• pack a survival kit for the first hours in your new home – include tea or coffee, kettle, mugs and teaspoons, water bottle, snacks, milk, small first aid kit, toilet paper, a torch, spare light bulbs, paper towels and cleaning materials
• make sure the house is clean. At this busy time it might be worth hiring a cleaner to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you
• strip the beds and keep the linen in a separate box that travels with you so you can use them on the first night
• disconnect remaining appliances
• do one final check of your house as the removalists are loading your boxes
• have final payment ready for your removalist
• read the removalist document thoroughly before signing and save it for future reference
• stay home until the last item is packed and make an inspection of the van to check all your goods are loaded
• close and lock all the doors and windows
• make sure you have the keys to your new home with you
• carry valuables, personal items and important papers with you so they don’t get lost

At your new home

• check all items during unloading and unpacking – look for any damaged or missing items
• check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on – if not, contact the suppliers
• start with essentials such as making the beds and cleaning the kitchen for use. You may want to use professionals for carpet cleaning or window washing
• keep pets away until you are moved in
• find out which day is your garbage and recycling collection day or call the Brisbane City Council Call Centre on 07 3403 8888
• find you local parks, shops, sports centres and swimming pools
• join the library
• get your pets familiarised to the new area as quickly as possible so they don’t try to find their old place. Where is the closest off-leash area?
• take a few different routes to go places from your new home – you’re sure to find some handy shortcuts
• if renting, tell the landlord about any appliances that aren’t working or any defects in your new property and check what you are allowed to do. Our rental guide has more information about these issues.
• don’t forget to get an updated driver’s licence or change your car registration. For a competitive quote on car insurance, NRMA Insurance can’t help but help
• you can change your address for Brisbane City Council library cards, rates and dog registration with e-move