A Truly Moving Experience

The Age

Wednesday September 20, 2006

LISA BLUNDELL

MOVING can be one of the most stressful times of a household's life. It's disruptive, disorganised and bad on the back.

There are many ways to move a household's contents. The do-it-yourself option is cheapest. By renting a moving truck and roping in a couple of mates, moving the contents of a three-bedroom house can cost as little as $100.

Boxes to pack your goods in are available from ABC Cartons in St Kilda; large cartons are $4.50 and smaller ones are $3.85. They also sell bubble wrap and butcher's paper, which are good for wrapping breakables.

Of course a less hands-on approach might be for you. Grace Removalists offers Grace Valet. This service offers careful packing of every item at pick-up and unpacking and storing at the other end - from knick-knacks to your knickers.

The Finishing Touch offers a similar service.

"Our ladies are aware of what a busy time moving can be," says Susan Williams, founder and managing director.

"They ensure that everything is packed and unpacked meticulously. And, to help at the unpacking stage, we have perfected our survival kit."

Ms Williams explains that in many cases during the confusion of the move crucial items can be packed away into the depths of the container and are unavailable immediately at the other end.

"We make a kit containing the kettle, coffee and tea, medication, toilet paper, mobile phone chargers, family pet needs and other essentials."

Of course the budget may not extend to such silver-service. Reputable moving companies such as Kent Moving and Storage are very efficient at packing large items and moving for a reasonable rate.

"The customer prepares their boxes and our team arrives and packs the van, protecting soft furnishings, mattresses and breakables, then unpacks at the other end," says Pepe Pietropaolo, state manager of Kent Moving.

"We even assist the family in placing the furniture exactly where they need it at the new home."

Moving can be a nightmare but it needn't be with a little planning and using the system best suited to your family.

-- LISA BLUNDELL

The professionals

Budget truck rentals

13 27 27

Kent Moving and Storage

9271 5000

The Finishing Touch

9534 4400

Grace Removals Group

13 14 42

ABC Cartons

206 Barkly Street, St Kilda

1300 666 969

© 2006 The Age

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