[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":650},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-getting-your-bond-back":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":361},{"id":5,"title":6,"body":7,"date":339,"description":340,"extension":341,"meta":342,"navigation":343,"order":344,"path":345,"postTag":346,"prompt":348,"sections":353,"seo":354,"seoAndSocial":355,"slug":358,"stem":359,"thumbnail":85,"thumbnailCaption":353,"thumbnailcard":353,"__hash__":360},"post\u002Fpost\u002Fgetting-your-bond-back.md","How To Get Your Rental Property Bond Back",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":316},"minimark",[10,15,19,24,27,30,36,50,54,57,61,64,67,71,74,77,80,87,91,94,97,100,104,107,110,114,117,121,124,131,136,144,147,150,156,159,164,170,173,176,179,185,188,191,196,202,205,208,211,215,218,221,224,229,237,241,248,251,254,258,261,269,273,276,291,298,301,309,313],[11,12,14],"h1",{"id":13},"how-to-get-your-bond-back","How to get your bond back",[16,17,18],"p",{},"Getting a full bond refund at the end of your tenancy is important, and not just for your bank balance. Follow the Man's guide on getting your bond returned and avoid the headache of a permanent mark on your rental history.",[20,21,23],"h2",{"id":22},"what-is-a-bond-payment","What is a bond payment?",[16,25,26],{},"A rental bond is made by tenants once you’ve signed a lease on a property. It’s a type of security deposit for a landlord, useful in the scenario when a lease agreement has been breached.",[16,28,29],{},"Think of it as a mutually agreed style of insurance, in the case that your property is damaged in a way that will be costly to repair. For your bond to be held once you’ve moved out, the fault will need to be your own for your own.",[16,31,32],{},[33,34,35],"em",{},"Getting your bond back once you’ve moved out will stop your bond retention from appearing on future tenancy applications, affecting the likelihood of you being approved for other properties.",[16,37,38,39,49],{},"Find out more about",[40,41,48],"a",{"href":42,"rel":43,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consumer.vic.gov.au\u002Fhousing\u002Frenting\u002Frent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports\u002Fbond\u002Fbond-claims-and-refunds",[44,45,46],"nofollow","noopener","noreferrer","_blank"," bond claims and refunds"," here.",[20,51,53],{"id":52},"whats-the-likelihood-of-losing-my-bond","What's the likelihood of losing my bond?",[16,55,56],{},"Typically, it's the more inexperienced, younger renters that are at risk of losing their bond payment. One study conducted by Finder concluded that one in three Australian tenets lose their bond either partially or completely.",[20,58,60],{"id":59},"preventing-your-bond-from-being-retained","Preventing your bond from being retained",[16,62,63],{},"The single best way of getting your bond back is to prevent your real estate organisation from needing it once you’ve moved out.",[16,65,66],{},"Nip the problem in the bud before it eventuates, and spend your tenancy thanking the earlier version of yourself.",[20,68,70],{"id":69},"read-your-lease-agreement-thoroughly","Read your lease agreement - thoroughly",[16,72,73],{},"Read it front to back. Seriously.",[16,75,76],{},"Your real estate agency can highlight the unique conditions of being a tenant - in some properties, you’ll be required to look after all garden maintenance. Others, you’ll be required not to use the fireplace in case fire smoke affects the wall paint.",[16,78,79],{},"Knowing exactly what you’ve agreed to is a total no-brainer - allocate 20 minutes out of your day to read your agreement, and don't be intimidated to ask questions on anything that you might find unreasonable.",[16,81,82],{},[83,84],"img",{"alt":85,"src":86},"","\u002Fimg\u002Fmale-signing-bond-document.png",[20,88,90],{"id":89},"double-check-your-initial-condition-report","Double-check your initial condition report",[16,92,93],{},"Let's start things off with the truly crucial part - when you move into a rental, you’ll be asked to fill in a condition report. This can often seem like a pain when you want to get your boxes unpacked and get settled into your new spot, however, it’s worth being as detailed as possible at this point — you'll thank your younger self when the move-out day comes around.",[16,95,96],{},"Once you’ve received your condition report, inspect it thoroughly before signing your lease. Make sure that any damage to your property is reported on, and avoid a missing item making its way to your long term rental record. Check all surfaces, walls, paintwork, appliances and furnishings for signs of wear and tear. As you’ve taken a bunch of pictures and logged all pre-existing issues, you’ll be safe at the end of your tenancy from any accusations of damage (except those things you’re responsible for).",[16,98,99],{},"Keep in mind that during moving day, this will be the most likely period where damage will occur when moving furniture in. Keep an eye out and keep your place looking perfect!",[20,101,103],{"id":102},"once-youre-in","Once you’re In",[16,105,106],{},"Issues will inevitably pop up - that's all a part of the renting experience. Fun fun!",[16,108,109],{},"What you do about them is what counts - and that's not just the Man breaking out some rental wisdom here. Fixing repairs when they arise or involving the landlord to fix them will increase the likelihood of getting your bond back - and leaving it to the last minute when you’re moving out will certainly reduce your odds.",[20,111,113],{"id":112},"always-always-always-pay-your-rent","Always, always, always pay your rent",[16,115,116],{},"There are very few circumstances where not paying your rent can help your case. A happy landlord sees rent when expected - if it makes things easier, ask if you can set a particular day of the month, and set up a recurring payment in your bank account so you don’t even have to think about it. Unless you overspend on all the smashed avocado and flat whites throughout the month (yes, we would all like to, but prioritising your rent will keep the roof over your head).",[20,118,120],{"id":119},"cleaning-when-moving-out","Cleaning when moving out",[16,122,123],{},"The place has to look as good - if not, better - than the day you moved in. Good thing you took all those photos in the first place right?",[16,125,126,127],{},"To make things easier, delegate the different tasks if you have roommates that are willing to help and get it done much quicker. Seen as you’re all on the bond, tackling the house as a group can be a great way of ",[40,128,130],{"href":129},"\u002Fpost\u002Fhow-to-move-out-of-your-share-house-without-conflict\u002F","avoiding potential conflicts when moving out.",[16,132,133],{},[83,134],{"alt":85,"src":135},"\u002Fimg\u002Fmale-packing-a-moving-box.png",[137,138,140],"h3",{"id":139},"clean-the-oven",[141,142,143],"strong",{},"Clean the oven",[16,145,146],{},"This one is a bit out of sight, out of mind — close the oven door, and no one can see the remains of last February’s nacho night hard-baked all over the internal walls.",[16,148,149],{},"This is not one you can fool your landlord or property manager with, though, as they'll have seen their fair share of filthy ovens over the years, and they'll make a bee-line for it at the inspection. Putting a bit of work into this oft-neglected task may just help them to see you’ve been doing your bit to keep the place in good order.",[137,151,153],{"id":152},"mow-the-lawns-and-tidy-up-the-garden",[141,154,155],{},"Mow the lawns and tidy up the garden",[16,157,158],{},"A bit of a no-brainer — nothing sets a property manager on edge more than a tenant who’s allowed the front lawn to get to armpit height. This is the first thing they’ll notice when they come to the inspection, so don’t spoil their mood before they even get into the house. Grab the mower, put on the garden gloves, and neaten it up. You don’t have to go too overboard, just make sure that it’s not the least tended-to garden on the street.",[16,160,161],{},[83,162],{"alt":85,"src":163},"\u002Fimg\u002Fmale-maintaining-rental-property.png",[137,165,167],{"id":166},"scrub-the-walls",[141,168,169],{},"Scrub the walls",[16,171,172],{},"This is everyone’s least favourite, so we’re calling it optional.",[16,174,175],{},"If the walls are largely pristine, you can get away without too much elbow grease. If you’ve been leaning things against the walls, holding house parties, or it’s been a long time since you gave the place a once-over, you’re going to need to apply some elbow grease. Use sugar soap or a similar product (even a diluted ‘spray and wipe’) to get rid of dark grime-y patches.",[16,177,178],{},"You’ll be amazed when you step back to take a look at how much of a difference a bit of scrubbing can make to a room.",[137,180,182],{"id":181},"mop-and-vacuum-throughout-the-house",[141,183,184],{},"Mop and Vacuum throughout the house",[16,186,187],{},"This is an easy win — get the floors looking sparkly clean, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing the property manager at inspection time.",[16,189,190],{},"Vacuum carpeted floors thoroughly, and mop and sweep hardwood floors. Of course, you already do this every week or two though, right?",[16,192,193],{},[83,194],{"alt":85,"src":195},"\u002Fimg\u002Fmopping-hardwood-floors.png",[137,197,199],{"id":198},"fill-any-screw-or-nail-holes-and-touch-up-with-paint",[141,200,201],{},"Fill any screw or nail holes and touch-up with paint",[16,203,204],{},"If you’ve been hanging paintings or other wall decorations and made modifications to do so (i.e. drilled or nailed into the walls) you’ll want to make sure that you fill and paint these before your final inspection.",[16,206,207],{},"These are a ‘gimme’ for a disgruntled property manager and\u002For landlord — remember, you’re wanting to make it as simple as possible for them to tick you off for a full refund. Get down to your local hardware store and grab some putty and a small tin of white\u002Foff-white paint to touch up with — a small investment of time and money here could save you a lot further down the line.",[16,209,210],{},"While some things may be a bit beyond your ability to fix (those big scratches you made in the floorboards pulling your wardrobe around, for example) there are many things you can do to help make a better impression when your property manager makes the final inspection. You’re trying to create an overall appearance of cleanliness, to add to the idea that you’ve been looking after the place — which you have been, no?",[20,212,214],{"id":213},"worst-case-scenario","Worst case scenario",[16,216,217],{},"You’ve given yourself the time to prepare the property to hand the keys over, but there are one or more things that you just couldn’t fix yourself. You’re not alone - this happens to one in three renters in their lifetime.",[16,219,220],{},"Don’t procrastinate about it - get the professionals involved. Get a few quotes from carpet cleaners, painters, handymen or plumbers, depending on the damage caused. It’ll leave you footing the bill, but compared with the black mark on your record of a retained bond, it's worth it.",[16,222,223],{},"Keep your receipts!",[16,225,226],{},[83,227],{"alt":85,"src":228},"\u002Fimg\u002Fprofessional-tradesman-repairing-rental-property-damage.png",[16,230,231,232,236],{},"Find a few of the ",[40,233,235],{"href":234},"\u002Fpost\u002Fthe-mans-mates-recommended-services\u002F","Man's mates we recommend"," calling in case you need professional assistance.",[20,238,240],{"id":239},"the-outgoing-inspection","The outgoing inspection",[16,242,243,244,247],{},"Drumroll, please.",[245,246],"br",{},"\nThis is where you are most likely to have your landlord retain your bond.",[16,249,250],{},"It’s worth noting that normal wear and tear is perfectly acceptable - the property will show signs of life over its lifetime, and you’re only human. Landlords can’t expect you to be wrapped in bubble wrap during your tenancy. Think curtains or carpets that have faded, thin structural cracks in the walls, or flakey paint.",[16,252,253],{},"Unfortunately, the same doesn't apply for a garden that looks like it’s a jungle, red wine stains on a white carpet, burn marks or that hole in the wall you’ve been meaning to patch up.",[20,255,257],{"id":256},"be-proactive-about-it","Be proactive about it",[16,259,260],{},"There's no reason to wait around for your bond to be handled correctly for you - keep a (metaphorical) eye on it at all times. If you disagree with a decision made about keeping your bond, make a claim with the RBTA and see what options you have.",[16,262,263,264,49],{},"Find more information about ",[40,265,268],{"href":266,"rel":267,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Ftenantsvic.org.au\u002Fadvice\u002Fcommon-problems\u002Fbonds\u002F",[44,45,46],"common problems found with bonds",[20,270,272],{"id":271},"thinking-about-disputing-your-bond","Thinking about disputing your bond?",[16,274,275],{},"If you’ve had your bond retained and you need it back, you have two options available to you. Either you can:",[277,278,279,283],"ul",{},[280,281,282],"li",{},"Negotiate with the landlord to have it returned",[280,284,285,286],{},"Have the matter escalated and taken to ",[40,287,290],{"href":288,"rel":289,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vcat.vic.gov.au\u002F",[44,45,46],"VCAT",[16,292,293,294,297],{},"In the case you got to ",[40,295,290],{"href":288,"rel":296,"target":47},[44,45,46],", you’ll need all the evidence on file - think photos of any damage done, financial transactions, and anything you may think is handy.",[16,299,300],{},"Take a walk around your property and take note of what you think your landlord can prove against your claim. But the lucky part is that if you’ve done nothing wrong (but of course?), there is nothing to worry about - just a few extra steps.",[16,302,303,304,49],{},"Find more on how to ",[40,305,308],{"href":306,"rel":307,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Frentalbonds.vic.gov.au\u002F",[44,45,46],"view, arrange, or transfer your bond",[20,310,312],{"id":311},"to-wrap-it-up","To wrap it up",[16,314,315],{},"Your bond payment is an important part of your renting experience - getting it back is even more important. If you think there’s some damage that will cost you, there’s a solution far more frequently than you’d think.",{"title":85,"searchDepth":317,"depth":317,"links":318},2,[319,320,321,322,323,324,325,326,334,335,336,337,338],{"id":22,"depth":317,"text":23},{"id":52,"depth":317,"text":53},{"id":59,"depth":317,"text":60},{"id":69,"depth":317,"text":70},{"id":89,"depth":317,"text":90},{"id":102,"depth":317,"text":103},{"id":112,"depth":317,"text":113},{"id":119,"depth":317,"text":120,"children":327},[328,330,331,332,333],{"id":139,"depth":329,"text":143},3,{"id":152,"depth":329,"text":155},{"id":166,"depth":329,"text":169},{"id":181,"depth":329,"text":184},{"id":198,"depth":329,"text":201},{"id":213,"depth":317,"text":214},{"id":239,"depth":317,"text":240},{"id":256,"depth":317,"text":257},{"id":271,"depth":317,"text":272},{"id":311,"depth":317,"text":312},"2020-11-03T03:58:39.552Z","Moving out? A little elbow grease before you depart could save you big-time - trust us. Check out our list of must-dos for the best shot at a full bond refund.","md",{},true,14,"\u002Fpost\u002Fgetting-your-bond-back",[347],"Moving Tips",{"promptTitle":14,"promptDescription":349,"promptTag":350,"promptTags":351},"Getting a full bond refund at the end of your tenancy is important, and not just for your bank balance. Read our cleaning tips to make sure you get your bond back.","Bond Back",[352],"Greener Home",null,{"title":6,"description":340},{"seoTitle":356,"seoDescription":357},"How To Get Your Bond Back - Blog | Man With A Van","Moving out? A little elbow grease before you depart could save you big-time - trust us. Check out our list of must-dos for the best shot at a full bond refund.\n","getting-your-bond-back","post\u002Fgetting-your-bond-back","BSaVGf8UkhJVj2-gvQkzwjFjGRIcvB5FeJ7breloGJw",[362,398,525],{"id":363,"title":364,"body":365,"date":380,"description":381,"extension":341,"meta":382,"navigation":343,"order":383,"path":384,"postTag":385,"prompt":353,"sections":386,"seo":390,"seoAndSocial":391,"slug":394,"stem":395,"thumbnail":396,"thumbnailCaption":353,"thumbnailcard":353,"__hash__":397},"post\u002Fpost\u002Fmoving-house-tips-hacks-man-with-a-van.md","Moving House Tips & Hacks",{"type":8,"value":366,"toc":378},[367,372,375],[16,368,369],{},[141,370,371],{},"Simplify Your Move in Melbourne",[16,373,374],{},"So, you’ve decided to move house in Melbourne—congrats! Whether you’re heading across the Yarra, out to the suburbs, or relocating from a hip Fitzroy loft to a quiet, leafy spot in Kew, moving can be exciting, but let’s face it, it’s also a lot of work.",[16,376,377],{},"But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This blog is packed with top tips for moving house, and clever hacks to help you navigate your Melbourne move like a pro. We’ll also break down the costs, share some local insights, and provide all the info you need to make your Melbourne move smooth, easy, and even a little bit fun.",{"title":85,"searchDepth":317,"depth":317,"links":379},[],"2025-02-24T04:02:41.325Z","Make moving house easy with expert tips & hacks from Man With A Van. Save time, reduce stress, and streamline your move with our practical advice.",{},23,"\u002Fpost\u002Fmoving-house-tips-hacks-man-with-a-van",[347],[387],{"type":388,"content":389},"content","## Saving Money on Your Move\n\nFirst things first, let’s talk money. One of the biggest questions when planning a move is [how much is it all going to set you back](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fpost\u002Fhow-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-house-in-melbourne\u002F)? When it comes to moving, costs can vary depending on a few factors like distance, size of your move, and whether you opt for packing services or extra help. While you might be tempted to go the DIY route to save a few bucks, moving with professionals can actually save you time and money in the long run.\n\nHow? Well, for starters, movers bring the right tools and know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently, cutting down on unnecessary delays or damage.\n\nPlus, when you factor in the cost of renting a truck, buying packing materials, and all the hours you’d spend packing and transporting your belongings, professional movers often turn out to be a more cost-effective option. In many cases, what seems like a more affordable DIY move could end up being more stressful and time-consuming—and, let’s face it, you’ve probably got better ways to spend your time!\n\nSo, if you want a hassle-free move, booking professional movers can actually help you save both time and money, making the whole experience smoother and more manageable. Not Convinced about the value for money? At Man With A Van, we take pride in transparency, and can give you an [upfront, honest quote for your move](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fbook\u002F).\n\n## Top Moving House Tips for a Stress-Free Experience\n\nNow that you’ve got an idea of the costs, it’s time to dive into some practical tips to make your move a breeze.\n\n### Start Early—Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute\n\nIf you’re planning to move in Melbourne, the earlier you start planning, the better. We recommend giving yourself at least a month to sort out the logistics—this will help you avoid that last-minute panic. Create a [moving checklist](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fpost\u002Fmoving-checklist-for-a-hassle-free-move\u002F), pack bit by bit, and slowly tick things off as you go\n\n### Declutter—It’s Time to Let Go\n\nBefore you even start packing, take a good hard look at your stuff. You don’t want to be moving things you never use, so it’s time for a declutter. Whether you’re moving from a small apartment in the CBD or a suburban home in Eltham, use the move as an excuse to get rid of anything you don’t need. Donate, sell, or toss items that no longer serve you.\n\nThe fewer things you have to move, the quicker and cheaper the process will be!\n\n### Pack Like a Pro—Stay Organised\n\nPacking doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help you out:\n\n* Use the right tools: Choose [high-quality boxes and materials](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fshop\u002F) before you start packing up to save you from having to deal with boxes that go soggy with the smallest bit of rain. \n* Label everything: Be sure to label your boxes with the room they belong to and a short description of what’s inside. It’ll save you time when you start to unpack.\n* Pack heavy items in small boxes: It’s easier to lift smaller boxes, so avoid overloading large boxes with heavy items.\n* Use your clothes as padding: Forget buying tons of bubble wrap—use your towels, scarves, and even clothes to cushion fragile items.\n* Don’t ditch hangers: Instead of taking your clothes off hangers and packing them into boxes, just group hanging clothes together, cut a hole in the end of a garbage bag, and slip the hangers through. Like a DIY garment bag, but slightly less fancy! Add an elastic band around the hooks to keep them together, label the bag, and your clothes are ready to move. For clothes in drawers, just cover the top in glad wrap and it’s ready to go.\n\n### Keep a Box of Essentials\n\nYou’ll want to have some essentials on-hand as soon as you arrive at your new place. Pack a box (or bag) with toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything else you’ll need for your first night in your new home. It’ll make your life so much easier and save you from rummaging through boxes to find the essentials.\n\n## Moving Hacks to Save You Time and Stress\n\nHere’s where the fun really starts! These clever hacks will make your moving day much easier.\n\n### Use Plastic Wrap for Furniture\n\nA great hack for protecting furniture (especially when it’s a little bulky) is to use a clear handheld mini shrink wrap. Just wrap it around the piece to keep everything in place and avoid any dings or scratches during the move.\n\n### Take Photos of Your Tech Set Ups\n\nBefore you unplug your TV, speakers, or home office setup, take a quick photo of how everything is wired. This will save you so much time when it comes to setting up in your new place.\n\n### Disassemble Furniture Early\n\nIf you have flat-pack furniture, it’s best to disassemble it before moving day. This will make things easier for your movers and save time. Just remember to keep all the screws and parts in a labelled bag!\n\n## Hire Professional Movers in Melbourne\n\nWhile DIY moves are fine for some, professional movers make the whole process so much easier. Here’s why:\n\n* Experience: Movers know how to handle your items safely and efficiently.\n* Time-Saving: What could take you hours (or days) to do, professionals can handle in a fraction of the time.\n* Peace of Mind: With proper insurance that many movers offer, you can relax knowing your belongings are safe and protected.\n\nReady to make your move as stress-free as possible? [Book your move with Man With A Van](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fbook\u002F) and let us take care of the heavy lifting!",{"title":364,"description":381},{"seoTitle":392,"seoDescription":381,"seoImage":393},"Moving House Tips & Hacks | Man With A Van","\u002Fimg\u002Fkel.jpg","moving-house-tips-hacks-man-with-a-van","post\u002Fmoving-house-tips-hacks-man-with-a-van","\u002Fimg\u002Fpacking-truck.jpeg","vvfzRUa5B42kkNIxUOxWCBLG-4xSzCocSL6y6sE-gd8",{"id":399,"title":400,"body":401,"date":513,"description":514,"extension":341,"meta":515,"navigation":343,"order":516,"path":517,"postTag":518,"prompt":519,"sections":353,"seo":520,"seoAndSocial":353,"slug":521,"stem":522,"thumbnail":523,"thumbnailCaption":353,"thumbnailcard":353,"__hash__":524},"post\u002Fpost\u002Fhow-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-house-in-melbourne.md","How Much Does it Cost to Move a House in Melbourne",{"type":8,"value":402,"toc":501},[403,406,409,413,416,420,423,427,430,434,437,441,444,448,457,461,470,473,477,486,489,493],[16,404,405],{},"Moving houses in Melbourne? The Man’s got your back… literally. Whether you’ve got a studio apartment worth of personal belongings or a four-bedroom house of treasure (and maybe some trash), enlisting the help of professional movers won’t just save you the heavy lifting - it could also save you some cash in the long run.",[16,407,408],{},"You might be reading this and wondering “how can spending money on moving services in Melbourne save me money?”. Well, the most important thing to get a handle on first is finding out how much it costs to move locally in Melbourne.",[20,410,412],{"id":411},"melbourne-moving-cost-analysis","Melbourne Moving Cost Analysis",[16,414,415],{},"When it comes to calculating moving costs, there are a variety of factors to consider. Here are some of the most influential ones:",[137,417,419],{"id":418},"move-size","Move size",[16,421,422],{},"The more items you need to move, the more time it will take, the more movers you’ll need, and the more it will cost you. Most moving companies will be able to provide you with a quote based on the size of your move, so it’s important to be upfront to ensure an accurate estimate. This means taking time to evaluate how much you have before requesting a quote.",[137,424,426],{"id":425},"distance-to-travel","Distance to travel",[16,428,429],{},"Most moving companies charge by the time taken to move, which is generally calculated depot-to-depot from when they leave HQ to when they return. If your new home is a significant distance from the place you’re leaving, the time it takes to get between the two can add up quickly, especially if multiple trips are needed.",[137,431,433],{"id":432},"timing","Timing",[16,435,436],{},"Sticking with the time theme, it’s usually cheaper to move on weekdays than it is on weekends, with public holidays being the most expensive days to choose. Not only is your movers’ hourly rate likely to be lower, but if you aim to be on the road during low-traffic hours, you’ll be able to get from A to B quicker, too. No one wants to be stuck on Hoddle Street or the West Gate Freeway at rush hour, especially not when time is money!",[137,438,440],{"id":439},"property-type","Property type",[16,442,443],{},"The type of home you’re moving from and to can also impact the bottom line of your bill. This is mostly based on accessibility and the time it takes to get everything loaded and unloaded. Take the top floor of a high-rise apartment for example; all those trips up and down the lift add up, and navigating around tight corners with large furniture takes some patience. A one-storey home with a well-paved drive directly off the street, on the other hand, is much easier to get around, helping speed things up and keep costs down.",[137,445,447],{"id":446},"level-of-service","Level of service",[16,449,450,451,456],{},"The less help you need, the lower your bill will be - makes sense, right? In saying that, some services are worth paying for, depending on your unique circumstances. Most movers offer service add-ons or partner with other companies who provide these. Packing and unpacking (plus the ",[40,452,455],{"href":453,"rel":454,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fshop\u002F",[44,45,46],"moving boxes and materials"," used), pet or vehicle transport, storage, and insurance are some common additions that incur extra costs.",[137,458,460],{"id":459},"pricing-model","Pricing model",[16,462,463,464,469],{},"Moving companies have a few different ways of calculating service costs. Some are based on an hourly rate, some half-hourly, and some charge in 15-minute increments. Where multiple movers are involved, the rate could be overall, or per person on the job. At Man With A Van, ",[40,465,468],{"href":466,"rel":467,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fhow-much\u002F",[44,45,46],"our pricing system"," is based on the size of van you need, including all movers, with an hourly rate. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting for your money.",[16,471,472],{},"There are pros and cons to each pricing model, and there isn’t one ‘best’ option. The important thing here is to check with the company you’re working with and make sure you’re all on the same page with pricing.",[20,474,476],{"id":475},"how-to-make-moving-cheaper","How to Make Moving Cheaper",[16,478,479,480,485],{},"Moving house in Melbourne is no small feat, and if you don’t get the planning quite right, the costs can add up pretty quickly. Whether you’re DIYing your relocation or hiring Melbourne's favourite movers for the job, The Man’s top tip for keeping costs down is to make a realistic plan and a ",[40,481,484],{"href":482,"rel":483,"target":47},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.manwithavan.com.au\u002Fpost\u002Fmoving-checklist-for-a-hassle-free-move\u002F",[44,45,46],"personalised moving checklist",". From assessing the amount of items you need to move to choosing a day and time that will realistically work for you, if you’re on top of the moving details, you’ll be better able to manage your budget.",[16,487,488],{},"You could also forgo the pros and rent a van with some friends and family members ready to help out on moving day. While this is a handy way to save a few dollars, you should also give some thought to the extra time it will take for non-experienced movers compared to fully-trained ones. Poor manual handling injuries are also a much bigger risk here; physio costs for a pulled back could quickly surpass the price of professional movers!",[20,490,492],{"id":491},"movers-that-save-you-money","Movers that Save You Money",[16,494,495,496,500],{},"Man With A Van are Melbourne's favourite movers, and for good reason. Our fuss-free, expert services will help you get set up in your new place in no time. Give us a call on ",[40,497,499],{"href":498},"tel:(03)-9417-3443","(03) 9417 3443"," to get moving!",{"title":85,"searchDepth":317,"depth":317,"links":502},[503,511,512],{"id":411,"depth":317,"text":412,"children":504},[505,506,507,508,509,510],{"id":418,"depth":329,"text":419},{"id":425,"depth":329,"text":426},{"id":432,"depth":329,"text":433},{"id":439,"depth":329,"text":440},{"id":446,"depth":329,"text":447},{"id":459,"depth":329,"text":460},{"id":475,"depth":317,"text":476},{"id":491,"depth":317,"text":492},"2025-01-17T01:43:04.831Z","Curious about house moving costs in Melbourne? Discover the factors that affect pricing and get a breakdown of typical expenses for relocating your home.",{},22,"\u002Fpost\u002Fhow-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-house-in-melbourne",[347],{"promptTitle":400,"promptDescription":514},{"title":400,"description":514},"how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-house-in-melbourne","post\u002Fhow-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-house-in-melbourne","\u002Fimg\u002Fimg_0556.jpg","nP3XxlLGLYcqJgOtSclOWh6vd0A1hgjXfXD123Z7Iho",{"id":526,"title":527,"body":528,"date":619,"description":620,"extension":341,"meta":621,"navigation":343,"order":622,"path":623,"postTag":624,"prompt":353,"sections":625,"seo":642,"seoAndSocial":643,"slug":646,"stem":647,"thumbnail":648,"thumbnailCaption":85,"thumbnailcard":648,"__hash__":649},"post\u002Fpost\u002Frelocating-a-refrigerator.md","How to Move a Fridge: A Comprehensive Guide",{"type":8,"value":529,"toc":615},[530,533,536,539,542,546,600,603,606,609,612],[11,531,527],{"id":532},"how-to-move-a-fridge-a-comprehensive-guide",[16,534,535],{},"Moving a refrigerator is a tricky business. Moving a refrigerator without damaging it or injuring yourself is even harder.",[16,537,538],{},"So, how do you successfully move such a heavy, awkward-to-carry item? The best way to ensure you and your fridge make it to your new home in one piece is to hire professional movers like the Man With A Van team. Our experts undergo thorough training to learn everything they need to know about safe moving and manual handling. If, however, you’re moving on a budget and want to take matters into your own hands, then we’ve got your back…literally. ",[16,540,541],{},"Here’s our expert’s comprehensive guide on how to move your fridge from one house to another - properly.",[137,543,545],{"id":544},"table-of-contents","Table of contents",[277,547,548,554,560,566,572,578,584,590,594],{},[280,549,550],{},[40,551,553],{"href":552},"#first---should-i-even-move-a-fridge-myself","First - should I even move a fridge myself?",[280,555,556],{},[40,557,559],{"href":558},"#steps-for-moving-your-fridge","Steps for moving your fridge",[280,561,562],{},[40,563,565],{"href":564},"#what-you%E2%80%99ll-need","What you’ll need",[280,567,568],{},[40,569,571],{"href":570},"#prepare-it","Prepare it",[280,573,574],{},[40,575,577],{"href":576},"#secure-it","Secure it",[280,579,580],{},[40,581,583],{"href":582},"#move-it","Move it",[280,585,586],{},[40,587,589],{"href":588},"#load-it","Load it",[280,591,592],{},[40,593,577],{"href":576},[280,595,596],{},[40,597,599],{"href":598},"#set-it-up","Set it up ",[137,601,553],{"id":602},"first-should-i-even-move-a-fridge-myself",[16,604,605],{},"Our opinion is no, probably not.",[16,607,608],{},"Moving anything big and bulky yourself is never really a good idea. Getting a professional involved is the best way to ensure success - this rings particularly true if you’re handling the move completely on your own. Plus, if your move involves stairs at either your old or new home, you’ll really want to have professional movers navigating the obstacle.",[16,610,611],{},"Pros will have all the equipment and knowledge it takes to move awkward furniture around, and have years of experience moving the d*mn things, too.",[16,613,614],{},"If hiring professional movers for this one seems like the smart thing to do (which we can confirm, it is), then…",{"title":85,"searchDepth":317,"depth":317,"links":616},[617,618],{"id":544,"depth":329,"text":545},{"id":602,"depth":329,"text":553},"2023-02-19T22:13:22.597Z","Moving a fridge is a tricky business. Save damaging your fridge, and your back - learn the best tips and tricks with our comprehensive guide. ",{},21,"\u002Fpost\u002Frelocating-a-refrigerator",[347],[626,629,631,634,636,638,640],{"type":627,"customBookingLabel":628},"bookingButton","head to our removal booking form",{"type":388,"content":630},"Otherwise, only attempt to move your fridge if you have enough people to make this light work, and have read through our guide. Your fridge, back, and property will thank you for it.\n\n## Steps for moving your fridge\n\n### What you’ll need:\n\n* Packing tape\n* Two strong, sensible people (non-negotiable)\n* Moving blankets\n* Removal trolley\n* Rope\u002Fstraps\u002Fbungee cords\n\n### Prepare it\n\nFirst, you’ll need to prepare your fridge for the move.\n\nStart by emptying all food items and cleaning it out. Not just your regular quick wipe down - a thorough deep clean. Remember, once your refrigerator is set up and running in your new home, who knows when you’ll get around to deep cleaning it next.\n\nYou should also remove any shelves and drawers and wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them during the move.\n\n![Person washing a fridge](\u002Fimg\u002Fprepare-it-woman-wiping-down-fridge-door.jpg)\n\n[](\u002Fshop\u002F)",{"type":632,"customBoxshopLabel":633},"boxshopButton","Visit our shop for wrapping paper",{"type":388,"content":635},"After that, you’ll need to let the fridge and freezer defrost completely before transportation. This is to reduce the risk of damage and to prevent added water-y mess while it’s on-the-move. To do this, keep the fridge turned off for at least 24 hours before go-time.\n\n![Person wrapping paper and foil](\u002Fimg\u002Fprepare-it-man-preparing-food-from-fridge-for-transport.jpg)\n\n### Secure it\n\nIt’s time to move, so secure the doors of the refrigerator to stop from getting banged around and damaged while it’s in transit. If you can, remove the doors and seals altogether. If that’s not an option, then use tape to hold the doors shut.",{"type":632,"customBoxshopLabel":637},"Visit our shop for packing tape",{"type":388,"content":639},"### Move it\n\nOnce the refrigerator is prepared, it’s time to get moving. Make sure to have at least two people to safely lift and carry it - it’s not worth ending up on the couch out of action for a couple of weeks after your move.\n\nTo load the fridge onto your removal trolley, start by tilting it onto its side and securing it to the trolley with straps or rope. Make sure they’re secured so the refrigerator doesn’t slide around while you’re moving it.\n\nIf you’re carrying it to your moving van, be sure to lift with your knees and legs, not with your back, and keep the refrigerator as close to your body as possible (this will make it easier to balance). Also, make sure the path is clear and that there are no obstacles in the way - mark out any tight corners with measuring tape if needed!\n\n![Person opening a fridge](\u002Fimg\u002Fmove-it-securly-moved-fridge-in-new-kitchen.jpg)\n\n### Load it\n\nYou’ve made it this far, so, presumably, you want your fridge to work after moving it. How you load it into your car, van, or truck plays a big part in this. \n\nThe best position for a fridge is upright, makes sense, right? If you don’t have the option of standing it upright while moving, then laying it down the right way is crucial. Some manufacturers' instructions will include details on what way to lay your fridge model.\n\n### Secure it\n\nWhen you’ve made it from the kitchen to the moving van, the next (very important) step is to secure it tightly in the truck. Not just a loose wrap, with some rope - really secure it. First, wrap a blanket or some bubble wrap around the fridge to protect it from knocks and bumps while you drive, then, use strong straps, ropes, or bungee cords to hold it tightly in place in the truck. If you don’t get this bit right, one sharp turn could ruin your moving day pretty quickly.\n\n### Set it up\n\nWelcome home! The hard work isn’t over yet, you still need to unload your refrigerator as carefully as you packed it up, and wheel or carry it to its new spot.\n\nNow, we’d love to tell you that your fridge is ready to be plugged in and set up again, but that’s not exactly true… you’ll need to practise a little patience. While your refrigerator was on the road, the fluids inside got bounced around, and need time to settle before they can circulate again. This is especially true if the fridge was laying down while being moved. Generally, it’s recommended to leave it upright and unplugged for anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to allow the compressor oil to flow back to its proper place. The longer it was on its side, the longer you should wait before plugging it back in.\n\nAs a final check, make sure that the doors and seals are still in good working order, and then, FINALLY, get the electricity flowing!\n\n![Fridge door open](\u002Fimg\u002Ffinish-it-newly-moved-fridge-in-kitchen.jpg)\n\n## To Sum It Up…\n\nIf you’re unsure of how to properly move a refrigerator, or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to contact a professional removalist company like Man With A Van. They have the necessary experience and equipment to ensure your refrigerator is moved safely and securely.\n\nRelocating a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but with the right procedures and steps in place, it can be done safely and efficiently. Following the tips and tricks outlined in this comprehensive guide will help ensure that your refrigerator is properly relocated from one house to another.",{"type":627,"customBookingLabel":641},"Visit our removal booking form",{"title":527,"description":620},{"seoImage":85,"seoTitle":644,"seoDescription":645},"How to Move a Fridge | Man With A Van","Meta Description: Moving a fridge is a tricky business. Save damaging your fridge, and your back - learn the best tips and tricks with our comprehensive guide.","relocating-a-refrigerator","post\u002Frelocating-a-refrigerator","\u002Fimg\u002Ffinish-it-newly-moved-fridge-in-kitchen.jpg","7qI_hYkdubT5P1gTpTiD8WsXfMZNACM5f3fs4xa_9lw",1794181393429]