Light rain
Light or intermittent rain typically won't delay your move. We keep working, take extra time to wrap and cover items with plastic and shrink-wrap, and lay protective covers over flooring so your property stays safe from water and mud.
Everything customers ask us
FAQs
Straight answers about how we work: insurance and responsibility, wet weather, getting ready for moving day, and the practical questions every move raises.
Insurance FAQs
Do I need to buy insurance for my move?
That's your call: we don't sell insurance, and we take full responsibility for damage caused by our negligence, repairing or replacing those items. Let us know in writing within 14 days of delivery, and note that cartons you packed yourself without our materials are treated differently under our terms. If you want protection beyond that, you can arrange cover with your own insurer, and we recommend letting them know before the move. The detail is in our terms and conditions.
Does Best Removalists Newcastle provide accidental insurance?
No, we don't offer accidental insurance. We hold transit, motor, public liability and workers compensation insurance, which covers major incidents caused by our negligence, and when damage happens through our negligence we repair or replace the item without involving third-party insurers.
What happens if something gets damaged during the move?
If damage occurs due to our negligence, we will repair or replace the item based on its current market value. For example, a severely damaged newer fridge may be replaced, while minor wear on an older item may not qualify for compensation if it doesn't affect its usability or value.
Moving jewellery, artwork or electronics? Our guide to packing and covering valuable items explains what a contents policy does and doesn't cover in transit, and why a self-packed box changes the answer.
Wet weather
Moving can't always be postponed when the weather turns. Our wet weather approach keeps your move on track and your belongings safe, and it changes with the conditions:
Heavy rain
Heavy rain slows things down, particularly on long or exposed paths, steep driveways and stairs. We assess whether it's safe to move large items, and may ask for flexibility with start times. Extra crew or vehicles can be needed, which could add cost; we always tell you ahead of time.
Storms
Severe weather with high winds or lightning can make it unsafe to work, and balcony lifts don't proceed in storms. We may pause until conditions improve; waiting time is charged at the standard hourly rate. If you push ahead despite the weather, damages won't be covered.
What can I do to help in wet weather?
Three things make a wet move go smoothly: make sure access points are clear and as safe as possible and tell us about slippery paths so we can plan; protect your floors with plastic sheets or old towels; and stay flexible about timing, because sometimes it's safest to delay.
Your safety, the safety of our team and the protection of your belongings are our top priorities. If we recommend delaying or bringing in extra resources, it's to make sure your move is completed safely and without damage.
What happens if bad weather slows things down?
Bad weather might mean we need extra time or workers to handle your move safely, which could add to the cost. Being flexible with your schedule helps avoid these issues. We'll keep you updated and do our best to manage the move smoothly while keeping your belongings safe.
Terms and conditions FAQs
What do I need to prepare for moving day?
Make sure entryways and pathways to your property are safe and clear. Let us know about any large, fragile or high-value items that may need special handling.
What are my responsibilities as the customer?
To ensure a smooth move: share accurate details about your belongings, locations and any access challenges; keep pathways clear between your property and the truck, with furniture and obstacles out of hallways and doors able to open fully; and arrange parking for the moving truck, letting us know in advance about restrictions or space issues.
Can I cancel or reschedule the move?
You can cancel or reschedule, but fees may apply depending on the timing. Notify us as soon as possible if your plans change to minimise any additional costs. The details are in our terms and conditions.
Are there any items you won't move?
For safety and legal reasons we cannot transport items such as firearms, explosives, corrosive substances or hazardous chemicals. Tell us in advance if you have items that may need special consideration and we'll advise on the best course of action.
Preparing for your move
The short answers are below. The full guide, with the council parking rules, the strata pathway and the moving day checklist, is Preparing for Your Move.
How can I prepare my home for the move?
Clear all walkways to the truck so they are free from hazards like boxes or clutter. Arrange suitable parking close to your home for our trucks, which are 4.3 metres tall and 10 metres long; check with neighbours or organise permits if parking is limited. Empty all items from drawers, cabinets and fridges to prevent damage and avoid spoiling food during transport.
Is it okay to leave items inside drawers or appliances?
It's not recommended to leave anything inside. Items can shift during transport and may damage both the furniture and the contents. Drawers may also break or open unexpectedly, causing further issues.
What does reasonable access mean?
Reasonable access means we can move your belongings using standard tools like trolleys and straps. Stairs, lifts or short walks are usually manageable. Challenges such as several flights of stairs or long distances from the truck may require extra time and effort, which could result in additional charges.
What happens if my move is delayed because of settlement or key collection?
If there's a delay, we'll try to align the waiting time with scheduled breaks. If that's not possible, the waiting time is charged at our standard hourly rate.
General moving questions
When is the best time to move?
Timing depends on your situation, but there are periods to avoid if possible. The weeks before and after Christmas and New Year are particularly busy due to high demand, and the end of each month and the summer months are also peak times. Plan your move in advance to secure your preferred dates.
How can I estimate the number of boxes needed for my move?
Organise your belongings room by room and make a list. Estimate boxes based on the size and quantity of items in each room: kitchenware and books need more boxes than clothing or decorative items. If you end up needing more boxes than anticipated, tell us immediately so we can adjust plans; significant changes to the number of items may also affect the overall cost.
What items cannot be transported by removalists?
Certain items cannot be moved for safety and legal reasons: flammable materials such as petrol and engine oil, corrosive substances like pool chemicals, and restricted items such as firearms. For gas barbecues or fuel-powered equipment, empty all fuel and oil before the move, and pack sharp tools securely so they can't damage other items in transit.
What items should I keep with me during the move?
Important documents including passports, birth certificates and bank details should stay with you to reduce the risk of loss. Keep any medications you may need on hand, especially those requiring temperature-controlled storage, so you can get to them without delays.
What steps should I take to prepare my home for the move?
Start by decluttering: donate, sell or discard what you no longer need. Create an inventory of what you're moving, label boxes with their room and note fragile contents. Clean, disconnect and prepare large appliances for transport, and disassemble furniture where possible to save space and make handling easier.
What should I know about packing fragile or valuable items?
Use sturdy boxes and quality materials like bubble wrap, packing paper and foam inserts. Wrap each item individually and fill empty spaces so nothing shifts in transit. For highly valuable items, consider transporting them personally, and always tell us about fragile or high-value pieces so we handle them appropriately. Or hand the whole job to our packing service.
How do removalists keep items safe during transit?
Our trucks carry padding, straps and the tools to secure items and minimise movement. Loads are balanced carefully, and the crew is trained to handle items so they arrive in the same condition they were packed.
How long does the moving process typically take?
It depends on the distance, the volume of items and the access at each property. A local move usually takes several hours; longer distances or larger moves can take a full day or more. We'll talk timelines through with you so expectations are realistic.
How can I reduce the environmental impact of my move?
Minimise waste with reusable packing materials such as plastic crates and cloth coverings, and recycle or donate packing supplies after the move.