Moving to a new state is an exciting, albeit stressful, process. Whether you’re moving for a new job, family reasons, or just a fresh start, the journey comes with a lot of logistics—especially when it involves interstate furniture removal and choosing the right interstate furniture removalist. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to see why things might not always go according to plan.
While most interstate moves go smoothly, there are instances where things can go wrong: delays, damaged goods, or even lost items. The good news is that if you know what to do in advance, you can minimize the stress and ensure you’re taken care of if something unexpected occurs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to do if something goes wrong during your interstate move, including practical steps and tips for resolving common issues.
Keep Your Cool and Stay Organized
First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm. Moving is a high-stress event, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a delay, damage to your furniture, or a missing item, staying organized and keeping a clear head will help you navigate the situation more effectively. Here’s how to do that:
- Document everything: Start by keeping track of all details related to your move, such as contracts, invoices, and communication with the removalist company. If you’re communicating with your removalist about an issue, document every email, text, or call, including the names of the representatives you speak with and the times of these communications.
- Stay in touch with your removalist company: If something goes wrong, your first point of contact should be the moving company. Call them immediately to report the issue. Often, moving companies are responsive and will have procedures in place to fix problems quickly. Ensure you have the contact details of the moving company’s customer service or support team, including an emergency number for urgent issues.
What to Do If Your Furniture Is Damaged
Furniture damage is one of the most common issues that arise during interstate moves. If you arrive at your new home only to find your favorite piece of furniture scratched, dented, or worse, here’s what you should do:
- Inspect your items upon arrival: As soon as your furniture is unloaded from the truck, inspect every piece thoroughly. Check for scratches, dents, or any other damage. Don’t wait too long to report damage—some moving companies have strict time limits within which you must report damages.
- Take pictures and document the damage: Before you touch or move the damaged items, take clear photographs of the damage from multiple angles. This will serve as crucial evidence when you file a claim.
- Report the damage to your removalist company: Call the company immediately to inform them of the damage. Be prepared to share the photos you took and describe the extent of the damage. Many moving companies offer insurance or damage protection that can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements.
- Review the moving company’s insurance policy: Most professional interstate removalists offer some form of insurance or protection for your belongings. Review your contract and the insurance coverage options to understand what’s included. If you purchased additional coverage, make sure you know how to file a claim.
- File an insurance claim (if applicable): If your moving company offers insurance, they should guide you through the process of filing a claim. Some companies may offer to repair the damage, while others may reimburse you for the cost of replacing the damaged items.
What to Do If Items Are Missing
In some unfortunate cases, your belongings may be misplaced or go missing during the move. While this is rare, it can still happen, especially when dealing with long-distance moves and large quantities of items. If something goes missing:
- Take inventory of your items: Before the move, create an inventory of all the items you’re shipping. If you’ve already done this, it will be much easier to determine what’s missing. Mark off each item as it’s unloaded.
- Contact your removalist immediately: As soon as you realize that something is missing, contact your removalist. They may be able to track down your belongings. Moving companies often use tracking systems for large moves, so they might have a way to locate lost items.
- Check with your removalist about insurance coverage: Depending on the insurance or protection plan you’ve chosen, you may be able to claim compensation for lost items. Some moving companies provide full-value protection, meaning they will replace or compensate you for the value of lost goods.
- File a claim with the removalist or insurance company: If your items are confirmed as missing and you have insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. Be sure to provide all the necessary details, such as the inventory list and photographs of the missing items (if available).
What to Do If Your Move Is Delayed
Delays can happen for a number of reasons, such as traffic, weather, or issues with the truck. If your interstate move is delayed:
- Get an estimated arrival time: If you’re informed that there will be a delay, ask for an updated estimated delivery window. Moving companies should be able to provide a new date or time frame for when your furniture will arrive.
- Plan for temporary accommodations: If your move is delayed for a day or two, and you’ve already made arrangements to move into your new home, make sure you have a temporary place to stay. If your furniture and belongings haven’t arrived yet, you’ll need somewhere to sleep and eat. Pack an “essential” bag that includes toiletries, clothing, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies in case of delays.
- Stay in communication: Check in regularly with your removalist company to receive updates on the status of your move. Keep your phone handy, and make sure they have your correct contact details. Communication is key in staying informed.
- Know your rights and remedies: If the delay is significant and results in serious inconvenience, you may be entitled to compensation. Some moving contracts include clauses about late deliveries and offer remedies such as partial refunds or discounts for delays. Review your contract for any relevant clauses.
What to Do If the Removalist Is Unprofessional
In some unfortunate cases, the removalist may not provide the level of service you expected. Whether it’s poor customer service, unprofessional conduct, or failure to meet agreed-upon terms, it’s important to address the issue:
- Document any unprofessional behavior: If your removalists are unprofessional, document everything. This includes taking notes on conversations, collecting evidence (such as photos), and writing down the specifics of any incidents of poor service.
- Contact the moving company’s customer service: If you feel the service you received was unprofessional, contact the moving company directly. A reputable company will want to address and resolve your concerns. Explain the situation calmly and clearly, providing the evidence you have gathered.
- File a formal complaint: If the issue remains unresolved after initial contact, consider filing a formal complaint with the company. Request a solution or compensation for the issue. If the company is unwilling to address your complaint, you can consider reaching out to the relevant consumer protection agency or industry association (e.g., the Australian Furniture Removers Association).
- Leave a review: If you’re unhappy with the service and feel that your concerns haven’t been addressed, leaving an honest review online can help other customers avoid the same issues. It can also prompt the company to take action to improve their service.
How to Prevent Problems from Happening in the First Place
While issues can arise during any move, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of problems:
- Do thorough research on the moving company: Before booking, research the company you’re considering hiring. Check reviews, verify their credentials, and ask for recommendations from friends or family. Ensure they have experience with interstate moves and check that they offer insurance and a clear contract.
- Get everything in writing: Ensure that all the details of your move, including delivery windows, insurance coverage, and costs, are clearly outlined in the contract. This will help protect you if anything goes wrong.
- Choose a reputable company with a track record of success: When looking for an interstate furniture removalist, opt for companies with a solid reputation. Established companies are more likely to have the resources and professionalism needed to handle your move smoothly.
Conclusion
While no one wants things to go wrong during an interstate move, sometimes problems do arise. Whether it’s damaged goods, missing items, or delays, the key is to stay calm, organized, and proactive. By documenting everything, communicating with your removalist, and knowing your rights, you can resolve most issues quickly and with minimal stress.
Remember, hiring a professional removalist company with a good track record and solid insurance options can significantly reduce the chances of problems occurring. But if something does go wrong, knowing what steps to take will ensure that you’re well-prepared to handle the situation effectively.
