The secret to a straightforward relocation is
careful planning. Planning can greatly reduce the levels of stress
and anxiety associated with moving house. Outlined are the things
to keep in mind before, during, and after your move to help it
go a little smoother along the way.
Booking your removal...
When looking for a removal company it’s often tempting just
to use the first one you find, however, the more you shop around
the more you will find that quotes from different removal companies
will differ greatly. It is precisely for this reason you should
make sure you have obtained the best possible price for your removal.
Before booking, read your quotation and service
specification carefully, to satisfy yourself that the services
you want are included. Always telephone first to confirm the date
is available, before sending any deposit.
Your quotation will advise you of the exact
amount. If your move is being paid for by a third party, an official
order or letter from the organization, will be required. Until
this is received, your booking will be treated as provisional.
Note – company letters must not be signed by a beneficiary
and must clearly commit the company to pay all charges including
postponement charges.
Fridays are traditionally busy days and if you
can avoid moving on a Friday you stand a better chance obtaining
the date you need to move. Most removals companies are prepared
to work on a Saturday at no extra charge. The end of the month
is again, a very busy period, as are school holidays and the period
immediately before Christmas. If you cannot avoid moving on one
of these peak times, make sure that you give the company plenty
of notice. Sundays and bank holidays will attract an extra charge.
Make sure that the company you are dealing with
are fully insured for any damage which may arise to your property
or possessions. Usually the removals company you are dealing with
will have an excess amount. You should check the insurance excess
amount that you may have to pay before an insurance payout take
place if any of your goods get damaged before or during transportation.
Packing & Preparing... You should have confirmed
your actual moving date by now and can thus finalize your removal
booking. Now is the time to start packing up china and small items
if you have decided to do so yourself. Make sure that you have
enough boxes and packing materials any reputable removals company
will be able to supply you with these. It is very easy to under
estimate the number of bits and pieces that come out of cupboards
and drawers. Do a little each day starting with the leased used
items.
Preparing other items:
Books and records these are deceptively heavy, half sized cartons
may be available for these. As an alternative, half fill the larger
cartons and put lighter things on top. Pack books spine down.
Chest of drawers can be left filled with linen
and clothes, but ensure that heavy, fragile and valuable items
are emptied. Drawers in divan beds should be emptied.
Lampshades should be removed and packed separately.
You can leave normal light bulbs in your property for the new
occupants if you wish, but it’s probably worth talking long
life/low energy bulbs with you.
Fridges and Freezers should be emptied and defrosted.
Contents may be left in freezers provided that they are bagged
and the journey is short.
Cookers should be cleaned thoroughly, as grease
can lead to a nasty accident. Pack any loose fittings and shelves
separately, for microwaves remember to remove the glass turntable
also.
Washing machines should be disconnected the
contents emptied. Remember to fit the transit bar if you still
have it. Whilst it is possible to move a washing machine without
this bar in place, and have had no problems, it should be noted
that the fitting of this bar is usually part of the manufacturer’s
warranty.
Sheds and greenhouses should be dismantled in
advance. Wrap the glass individually and tape into a manageable
bundle.
Removals companies will not carry fuel canisters
or calor gas bottles, whether empty or full as they are a safety
hazard.
Garden tools should be cleaned as it will be
going in the same van as your furniture. Most companies will normally
load these last to keep them as far away from the household items
as possible.
Swings and slides will have to be dismantled
in advance. Squirt penetrating oil onto the nuts and bolts a few
days before you intend dismantling them.
When packing plants pack 5 or 6 smaller plants
into a carton, with some packing material in between them to stop
them falling over, seal the box with the flaps up to give extra
protection. Leave larger plants for the removal company to deal
with.
Pets are your responsibility and should be kept
out of the way during a household removal. Dogs, for example,
may think that the removal men are stealing your furniture! Fish
tanks should be drained to the gravel and the fish taken in your
car in sealable bucket, half filled with water. Consult your local
stockist for exotic species.
Children are always excited by the idea of moving,
and you may want them to be present, but make sure that they are
well supervised, and stay off the van.
Any items to remain in your old house should
be clearly marked with stickers. This is particularly important
where storage is involved.
Dismantling of wardrobes should only be carried
out where absolutely necessary. The old style wardrobes divide
in the middle, so all the pieces that cross the joint will have
to be removed. Modern wardrobes dismantle into panels, great care
must be taken with these sections as chipboard is very easily
damaged. Start by removing the back, then if possible lay the
wardrobe on its back. Tape any loose fittings to the relevant
sections.
Wardrobe cartons should be provided on the day
for the hanging contents of your wardrobes. Make sure all the
hangers are the same way round, as this makes transferring them
into the cartons easier. All other small effects in the wardrobes
should be placed into boxes.
Your removal day...
Before your removal can commence, the van must be placed as near
as possible to your property. If you live in a narrow, restricted
or busy street, it is wise to contact the local Police to place
no waiting cones for you. If your house is at the end of a long
drive, with over hanging branches, consider a bit of pruning.
Removal vans are tall – up to 13ft6” high – and
very expensive to replace. Think about access at the other end.
Note – if we have quoted for delivery to an address with
good access, and the van cannot get close to the property, most
removals companies reserve the right to make an additional charge.
Most removal crews are friendly and helpful
people who are trained porters with considerable experience. They
will be delighted have a chat with you, but you will not need
to stand over them to ensure they are careful. They will not mind
if you want to help out with the smaller items, but remember that
they are ultimately responsible for the safe delivery of your
possessions. Moving furniture is heavy work requiring continuous
mental and physical effort, so the odd tea-break goes down well
and gives the crew a chance to meet you.
The normal order of loading is: upholstered
items first, then the bedroom furniture and other large items,
lounge and kitchen effects, boxes, carpets, and finally kitchen
equipment and garden things.
Final Checks...
Before the crew leaves, make sure that everything going to your
new house has been loaded. Check fitted wardrobes, lofts, airing
cupboards, kitchen cupboards, garages and sheds. It is ultimately
your responsibility to ensure that everything is taken. Turn off
water, gas and electric at mains. In winter, drain the water tanks
if the property is likely to be empty for some time. Finally,
lock up securely when you leave. Deliver any keys to the estate
agents.
For overnight delivery advise the foreman roughly
as to what time you will be at your new property. An overnight
contact number, as well as directions or a rough map of how to
find the new property will be useful.
Delivering your goods…
It is important that someone is on hand when the van arrives so
that the crew can be told where to put each item, as it is unloaded.
Additionally, they will need someone to sign to confirm delivery.
Your furniture will be placed where you want it, providing that
it is reasonably possible to do so.
Unpacking…
This is not normally included unless otherwise specified in our
quotation. If you want to get as many boxes emptied as possible
on the day, advise the crew, as the van is being loaded so that
the boxes can be last on, and first off. Arrange to have a few
friends or relatives on hand, as an “unpacking squad”.
Whilst many companies reserve the right to ask
for prior payment, you will be presented with the bill on completion
of the work. Unless you have arranged otherwise, you can generally
pay the foreman in cash, bankers draft or building society cheque.
Personal cheques are generally not accepted unless 7 days in advance
of the move. You will be required to sign a receipt for your goods,
to confirm that you have read the contract conditions and agree
that the bill has been calculated.
Things to consider after the move…
Find out where the main shops in your area are. You will need
to know where the local supermarket is and if you are not staying
in a serviced apartment, you might also have to buy new furniture.
Speak to your neighbours for suggestions if you are renting private
property or to your concierge if you are staying in a serviced
apartment.
Find out where the local hospitals and petrol
stations are along with your nearest police and fire stations.
Make sure that your insurance policies cover
you for where you have moved to. Speak to your current providers
for information and advice.
If you have moved to a new area it is a good
idea to register with a doctor and dentist. Bear in mind that
you may need your old medical files and details of your medical
history. If you are staying in a serviced apartment your concierge
should be able to point you in the right direction.
One of the main reasons that relocating is stressful
is that you do not have familiar things around you. If you have
a favorite vase or ornament, display it prominently to help you
to feel at home.
And good luck…
If you find this article useful, please
visit the site Hertfordshire
and Essex Removals and Storage Company where you can find
other useful information on moving house and relocating.
