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Frequently asked questions about removals and storage
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This page is designed to help people who are using a house removal company for the first time; seasoned movers may pick up a few tips too!
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Why can't I hire a van and move myself?
Should I get quotes from other companies?
Do I need to have a moving date in order to accept your quotation?
When can I ask for packing boxes?
Are there any special instructions for packing?
Do I need to dismantle beds and disconnect cookers and washers?
Should I empty drawers and wardrobes?
Do you move everything?
What happens on removal day?
What if I need to have other tradesmen in the house on removal day?
What about my pets?
What about my children?
Why can't I hire a van and move myself?
There is no problem with this if you have very few items or an HGV Licence. The largest van you can hire can be as small as 3.5 tonnes, which will be unlikely to accomodate a two bedroomed house unless you are very good at packing a van! If you are in a chain you should really vacate your house at 12noon on removal day, and you will not be able to enter your new property until after that, so you probably cannot do more than one journey without going back to your old house after 12noon, when, technically, you will be trespassing. Not only that, you will be delaying the move into your house by the people who have bought if from you. Sometimes the money is delayed and no-one can enter their new properties until late in the afternoon. This means that you could be unloading at 8 or 9pm. We are used to these long days - are you?
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Should I get quotes from other companies?
Yes, there is always the chance that we will be booked up when you get your removal date. It will be expensive if you approach another removal company at the last minute. Our 'Internet Links' page may help - other removal companies are listed on some of these other sites.
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Do I need to have a moving date in order to accept your quotation?
No, please let us know as soon as you accept an offer on your property so we can book your removal in provisionally. As soon as you have your removal date let us know so we can give you a firm booking.
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When can I ask for packing boxes?
As soon as you have accepted our quotation you can have boxes, tape and wrapping paper and begin packing.
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Are there any special instructions for packing?
Yes. Begin as early as possible, you probably have more to do than you think. Check around for things you will not need before the removal and pack them. Make sure the boxes are not too heavy by adding heavy and light things (cushions, for eg) Use plenty of paper for fragile items, and pack tightly so things don't move around. Buy some labels and label the boxes; this will save us asking you where the boxes should be placed. Don't forget to tape the boxes closed at the bottom - I know this seems basic, but we have lifted boxes which were not secured! We would appreciate it if you cut the tape to open the boxes when unpacking, rather than pulling it off, as cutting it enables the boxes to be re-used.
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Do I need to dismantle beds and disconnect cookers and washers?
Not necessarily. We can dismantle beds, disconnect electric cookers and disconnect washers at your own risk, if the fittings are suitable. Please ask us to inspect your fittings so we can advise you during your free quotation.
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Should I empty drawers and wardrobes?
No, we will move the drawers as they are in the piece of furniture. We will place hanging clothes into wardrobe cartons and replace them in the wardrobes at your new address. Pack clothes from wardrobes if your goods are being stored, however.
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Do you move everything?
We do not move night storage radiators unless they have been disconnected. We do not empty or fill lofts unless they are boarded out, well lit and there is a ladder. We do not remove fitted floor coverings.
In addition, the following are excluded;
Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins or goods or collections of a similar kind.
Potentially dangerous, damaging or explosive items (such as gas bottles, or mowers with fuel still inside)
Any animals and their cages or tanks, including pets, birds, or fish.
Refrigerated or frozen food or drink.(Unless the move is very local, in which case freezers can be left filled)
Goods liable to encourage vermin or other pests or to cause infection.
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What happens on removal day?
We will need you to be present on the day, or someone acting on your behalf in order to answer any questions we may have. When we arrive at your new address we will have more questions about where to place items, so be prepared to be available. We suggest that you place items which you are taking with you (keys, handbag, mobile phone) in a safe place such as on the kitchen worktop. If they are in drawers or coat pockets they could end up on the van!
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What if I need to have other tradesmen in the house on removal day?
Mostly we can work around them; telephone engineers, cooker reconnectors, etc. We cannot work around carpet fitters, however. We suggest that they are not booked to lay carpets in your new home on removal day!
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What about my pets?
Apart from small pets like fish and hampsters, we suggest that your pets are left in one room to get used to their surroundings, or left with a relative on moving day if possible. Pets find moving house traumatic, and will get very stressed if they are 'in the thick of it', so to speak.
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What about my children?
Children get very excited on removal day and can slow the removal down by getting in the way sometimes. Safety is important, and meeting a child on the stairs when carrying heavy furniture is not very safe for either the removal man or the child. Please ensure that they keep out of the way of our porters, and make sure they stay off the van so accidents are avoided.
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