Removals

It can be stressful enough having to find your dream home, go through all the legal side and then hand over your money. When all that is done, there is the small task of moving in.

Finding a way to get all your possessions to your destination can be another headache. After paying out all the other moving costs, many of us are tempted to do it ourselves or enlist the help of friends or family.

Understandably, Paul Swindon, of the British Association of Removers (BAR), the national trade body for removals firms, says it is better to pay for a registered firm.

They recommends that people moving contact a BAR member to ask for a quote as they have “the experience, expertise and facilities to handle your move professionally”.

If you do decide to use a removal company, the BAR offers 10 top tips to prevent moving day heartache:

1) Get a service specification document
When you arrange for a removal company to help you move, they need to understand how much is required of them. The service specification document is designed with you in mind. It is there to confirm the specific requirements of your move and help avoid those last-minute worries. Plan your move well in advance, keeping your mover informed of any changes along the way. Contact your mover up to one month before the big day.

2) Packing & Unpacking
Never underestimate the amount of time it takes to pack your belongings safely. It always takes longer than you think. The BAR strongly recommend that you leave it to the professionals as they are fully trained to pack and unpack your personal belongings. Ensure you label items clearly and separate any valuable items/documents you wish to take with you on the day. Your mover can also provide you with the correct packing materials you need.

3) Insurance
Even in the best regulated businesses things sometimes go wrong. It would be foolish to pretend that moving house is without its risks, so make sure you are adequately protected. Ask your remover about the cover they offer in relation to the risk of loss or damage of your household furniture and effects. Some removers, who are authorised by the Financial Services Authority to do so, will be able to offer and arrange insurance on your behalf. Others will accept a level of liability under the removal contract, which will be backed by their own insurance. You may also like to check whether your own existing household contents policy includes cover for moving home.

4) Decide what to take early
Decide what you want to take early and make sure your mover knows when he provides the quotation. Do not put everything together in one room or area; this makes it very difficult for the movers to work and will slow them down. It is helpful if you have removed anything that is not to go to your new home before moving day. If you can’t, then just identify such items clearly. If you have something unusual to take with you, let the moving company know. They will make special arrangements for plants, fine art, antiques, wine collections, IT equipment, or anything about which you are particularly concerned.

5) Mains services
Your remover is not allowed to tamper with mains services. Make arrangement with your gas/electricity/water companies well in advance. Also tell your phone company and internet service provider and make arrangements to keep your old numbers if possible.

6) Plan parking and access
Tell your mover if there are any parking restrictions at either property; your mover will make arrangements with the authorities for permission to park if required. Please also inform your mover if there any access difficulties at your new home. These will include things like narrow streets, overhanging trees, unmade roads, small doorways or spiral staircases.

7) Multi-storey buildings
Movers should not be given a surprise when they arrive at your new address. If you are moving to a flat or a multi-storey building, tell your mover whether or not there is a lift - and how big it is! If necessary you will have to make arrangements for priority use of the lift for the day.

Get a spare key ready
Sometimes the van will arrive at your new home before you do, so if you can, give the foreman a spare key, then they won’t lose any time waiting for you.

9) Get maps and plans prepared
Give the driver clear directions to your new home and a street map if possible. Also draw a floor plan of your new home and give it to the foreman so that everything can be put in the correct room for you. Colour coded labels can also help to identify the correct location for items.

10) Prepare children and pets
Older children will enjoy the excitement of the move and should be included as much as possible, both during the planning and the move itself, to help them understand the reasons for moving and reduce homesickness. Try to have very small children and pets looked after by a relative or friend while the move is taking place.