Your experiences moving interstate - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 05:58:43 am
content: This year, I'm looking to move interstate within Australia. I currently have a large house full of stuff, and whilst I can probably downsize some of it, there is a lot of gear which is valuable and irreplaceable that I want to keep. I don't really have the option of hiring a van or doing multiple trips in a car myself, it'll probably need to go in one or two loads using a truck or a shipping container. It's going to be the case that when/if it happens, it will kind of need to all happen in one go.What has everyone else's experience been? I've moved house several times, but it's always been within an hour drive around Sydney and now that I've had my own place for quite some time (not renting with others), it means a lot more stuff than just a bedroom or two. For instance, there is a full height server rack that will need to move, along with all the servers etc... Hard disk drives I can pull out and bring them on a plane or in a car with me so they don't get damaged, but it's everything else that needs consideration.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 07:37:49 am
content: Consider PODS or similar service. Check what has the best reviews in Australia.It is great, since you control the loading and packing process and the pod travels to the destination as one thing. You also get a lot of time to load, so you don't have to rush on the moving day.Traditional moving companies with a truck will often unload and load multiple times especially if you are not occupying the whole truck.In the US I used U-Pack and had a great experience, but it does not look like they are operating in Australia.

author: audiotubes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 09:19:11 am
content: I've moved interstate countless times and also survived (barely) several intercontinental moves.I always pack everything myself. Nothing has ever broken during moves. Get bright red fragile stickers for your glassware, dishes, gear that needs it, etc.I hire craters for furniture like glass coffee tables.I hire specialist movers for heavy/unwieldy objects. Sometimes that's to move something separately from the main movers, other times it's to prep something so that movers can move it safely.Your server rack without servers is probably fine. If you can pull the servers and pack seperately it would likely be better. The rack itself won't be a challenge for any decent moving company.If you have business suits, riding gear, good shirts, it's worth buying full-height garment boxes so you don't have to fold anything. Put shoes and boots in the bottom of the garment boxes in paper bags if possible, and hang your clothes, everything arrives clean and ready to go.I take inventory as I'm packing, I have a list of all the general contents by box number, I write a number on each box. I also put colored stickers on each box and then I put a sticker of the same color on the door to, and/or in each room, so the movers know where I want the boxes left. I calculate the value of the items (hopefully you keep all the major receipts) and then pay for insurance for the value.There's probably more that I don't recall at the moment.

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 11:06:55 am
content: I might state some things that are obvious. I don't know you, i will list even some points that may be trivial.This also only applies directly to the rack, where i can say a couple of things as an IT guy.Step zero for a move like this should be to verify that you have proper and working backups. Hopefully you have these anywayIf you remove harddrives, take note of their order, and to which machine each disk belongs. I had a server move where the dude responsible for shipping did not do that.Luckily the backups were verified beforehand and worked, so no loss except a couple of hours for the restore.I would also recommend unracking the servers. Not only can a fully stocked rack be too heavy, it also reduces the danger of losing everything in case of a mishap during transport.If you cannot do that, you need to properly secure them. Screw down all rails. Click-rails can rattle loose. Remove all external cabling.Depending on what machines you have, it may be sensible to remove more than just the harddrives. If you have long and heavy expansion cards i would remove these as well.If your servers are custom built "whitebox" machines with heavy CPU coolers, remove those as well. With OEM rack servers that is gererally not required.At the target location inspect everything before applying power. If in doubt, re-seat components.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 12:00:26 pm
content: Quote from: Ranayna on January 20, 2025, 11:06:55 amReally good advice from a technical perspective. Even the best of us tend to forget, so it's great to have a checklist of even the most basic stuff.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 12:25:49 pm
content: I second the concept of containerized shipping. In 2007, I moved an entire shop, including some heavy equipment, and a little furniture interstate (about 1200 miles). I leased a "pup" trailer (about 24 foot), got it packed with help from a friend who had a skid steer and forks.* The loaded trailer was picked up at the origin and delivered to me by a commercial trucker, which happened to be UPS. All of that that was arranged by U-Ship, and payment was to U-Ship. Total cost was considerably less and more convenient than renting a similar truck and driving it myself. There might be similar broker services in Australia. In my case, total weight would have exceeded what a rental truck can carry without requiring a commercial driver's license.One-stop movers who do the packing are considerably more expensive. They charge by the box, and you will discover some vrtually empty boxes with only a small item or even trash in them. Of course, that is simpler for you, but you pay for the convenience. In my case, that would have been more expensive by a factor of at least 4.*I also buy used boxes by the 100's, but that market seems to have gotten tighter due to recycling.

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 12:51:01 pm
content: If going the rental truck route, get one with a liftgate!In the meantime, get rid of stuff you have not used in the last 5 years; and consider the advantages of replacing furniture ovaer moving it.This does not sound fun. I hope it goes as easy as it can.For the sake of future readers:When I moved I had many not easily replaced machine tools like a Schaublin 8 inch lathe, Nikon optical comparator, Agathon carbide grinder, etc.I spent a month making 18mm thick plywood crates for everything. Even my inventory of watch parts.This was a fortuitous move. While the "reputable" moving company packed and damaged several nice pieces of furniture (and their insurance paid 50%), all of the stuff I carted came through in perfect condition.This was a move from Maryland to New Hampshire (about 800 miles).We thought about pods, but in the USA they are not all that less expensive than a moving company (talking about the freight companies that will provide the pods and deliver).

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 04:03:07 pm
content: Hello Halcyon,For all the TE & IT equipement I would put it on standard freight pallets. The actual size of the pallet depends on country and transportation method.No idea which size is used in Australia, but in Europe the 'Euro pallet' for ground shipping is 120 x 80 cm and nominal allowed weight is 2 tons. 3 tons is also possible for an extra fee.Secure all of the equipement and cardboard boxes you put on pallets withstretch wrap/film. Prefer black film to hide valuable goods.Use plywood sheets to protect the frontplates of the servers and TE.Secure the heaviest stuff that you put on the pallets by usingrachet straps.Heaviest stuff should always be at the bottom.Weight each item because the transporter may ask for a ballpark weight of each pallet.You may ask the transporter to store your pallets for a few days.So you will be able to be present at loading/departure and also can take your time before arriving at your new location for the unloading/arrival of your goods.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 05:33:05 pm
content: I have moved interstate multiple times and also assisted friends and family on several occasions. All in the US, but I suspect that options and problems are somewhat similar in Australia.First, you will find that you have more stuff than you think. Even after stripping down to the minimum. Be mentally ready for the work and expense being greater than you initially plan.The options here range from full service moving companies down through freight shippers, containerized shippers, rental vans and last your personal vehicles.For all types of services you need to do the homework to see how the specific business entity you choose has done. Here in the US that means things like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Angie's list do this. Surely Australia has analogs.The full service guys generally do a great job on household goods. Not always so good for geek gear and tools. Would be well advised to investigate specialized services for these at this end of the scale. All of this is shockingly expensive, but long distance moves are tough enough that you might find it worth it.Containerized shipping is cheaper, and since you are doing the packing your stuff may end up in better shape. But be realistic about evaluating your own packing skills. If you are not good at it your personal care may make up the difference.Renting a vehicle can be still cheaper. Here in the US the price of these rentals depends heavily on the flow of moves. If you are moving from a popular place to a less popular one you can get very attractive deals as the rental companies try to balance their fleets. You will likely end up having to make multiple trips. This can be an advantage, spreading the word over time, but only works if your arrival and departure windows are somewhat flexible.Finally, it can even work out to purchase a trailer and move yourself. Lots of trips but if you have room to store the trailer at your destination it is something that will be useful again.

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 05:49:14 pm
content: Take an insurance cover for the most valuable stuff.

author: rhb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 06:48:13 pm
content: In the USA trucking companies will rent you a standard OTR 28’ trailer and ramp with 3 day load and unload. Delivery for loading on Wednesday and the weekend is free. They will section it off for a partial load, but all 3 of mine were full. Really large “pods” ;-)I had machine tools in the load, so a highway side transfer from rental truck to rental truck was impossible. The trucking companies can swap an under carriage if they really have to.Good luck,Reg

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2025, 07:09:30 pm
content: One great advantage to the truck trailer, at least the one I had, versus a box truck is that the floor is hardwood. We not only packed the heavy equipment on pallets tightly, we nailed blocks to the floor to keep it from sliding even a little. It also came with free partitions.

author: SmallCog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 01:41:35 am
content: I moved from Perth to Adelaide a few years back using a 20' shipping containerAll in all it went pretty well, it wasn't terribly expensive either, definitely cheaper than a 1way truck hire + the fuel and accommodation and whatnot.It also left me free to drive my own vehicle, with the things I'd need instantly ahead of my container arriving and my most delicate/valuable possessions packed in it.Things to be aware of include:- Have a spot (both ends) identified that a container can be positioned, being aware of local rules, as well as overhead obstructions. Be aware of the length of the truck it's coming on too!- Have lots of restraints ready to use, you don't want to be running off to Bunnings to get more partway through. If you can competently tie knots/hitches big coils of "telstra" style blue and yellow rope are quite cheap from industrial suppliers - otherwise get a whole bunch of ratchet straps and watch some videos to make sure you use them properly.-If you elect to use bubble wrap, don't buy it from officeworks or bunnings, find a local packaging company. You'll get a massive bulk roll to do the whole move for naff all compared to the little consumer sized packs.-Consider getting a roll of pallet wrap too, it's good for protecting items from scratches etc.-Be aware that 20' containers are often moved around with tilt tray (ie tow) trucks. They may also travel door end first when they're moved between the cities. Don't count on just stacking things against the end wall to be suitable to stop things moving around, it will be tilted quite steeply and if it's loaded backwards and they jump on the brakes everything will move back towards the door end.-Whilst you can save a quid using free boxes, it's mighty handy stacking lots of the same size moving boxes into a container - it makes the tetris easier! Check marketplace or gumtree to see if you can get proper moving boxes cheap second hand from someone elses move.Good luck!

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 02:15:31 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on January 20, 2025, 05:58:43 amPlan. Then plan again.We moved a full family house and our business operations from Melbourne to Brisbane a few years ago. It was not cheap, but you get what you pay for. After moving almost 20 times in my life, I sure as shit wasn't going to pick up anything heavier than 20kg. this time. It was a planned operation over several months... the first month we disposed or gave away things we didn't need. I had a clearance sale for the retail store so there was less to pack. The second month we just packed more every few days, down to the bare necessities last. We organised an airbnb down the road to live in for the last few days.Moving day was easy, just told the lads to go for it, and we kept them fed with takeaway and cold drinks. The next day the cleaners came through and made the place look brand-new for handover. Then we could go back and relax in the airbnb, wash clothes, etc., then started the drive to Queensland the next day.Wife is a logistics person and ex-warehouse manager so the house was packed in her capable hands, everything into a numbered box and added to her database. She worked out which box should be deposited in which part of the destination house, so the Qld movers just followed the plan without needing to ask us things every few minutes. I did the same with the business, box 1 went here, 123 went there, etc. Very easy.Fragile stuff you just start a new box and over pack it with bubble wrap or whatever is right. We had one full container, and one half-length container. They were trucked from our house to the yard in Melbourne and came up on the train to Acacia Ridge then trucked out to the house. Don't forget to get insurance for your movers, and check the fine print.Anything fragile that can be disassembled should be pulled down and packed very well. If you're driving yourself, take the hard drives with you.And don't forget insurance. Otherwise everything else was the problem of the movers.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 04:38:58 am
content: These last two posts give excellent advice for moves anywhere.