Don't wait until you have a moving day. Get in touch with us at least one month before you hope to move - we will then work with you to help you through the process.
In most cases an estimator or surveyor will visit you in your home to discuss the details of your move, explain the services offered and agree with you exactly what will be included in the quotation, together with a detailed service specification of what will and will not be included in the service before confirming your removal.
The Packing
The we can do all, some or none of the packing, according to your wishes. If we are doing it all, and provided you have agreed with the estimator about what will and will not be packed, then just relax and let them get on with it.
What to Take
Decide what you want to take early on and make sure we know this before the quotation is provided. 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 the items clearly, usually by using labels provided by your mover.
Special Items
If you have something unusual to take with you, let us know. We will make special arrangements for plants, fine art, antiques, wine collections, IT equipment, or anything else about which you are particularly concerned. If you are moving overseas, you should read our Overseas' leaflet as well.
The Date
Arrange the date as far ahead as possible, but don't guess. Wait until you are sure before you book. Keep us informed if you think we might need to react at short notice.
Mains Services
Your mover is not allowed to tamper with mains services. Make arrangements with your gas/electricity companies well in advance. Also tell your telephone company and Internet Service Provider and, if required, make arrangements to keep your old numbers.
Deep Freezers
It is advisable to run down stocks as much as possible - freezers are not designed to be moved whilst loaded. For long distance moves they will need to be completely emptied and for short trips the contents may be temporarily removed, packed in boxes and reloaded at the new home. However, please note that neither we nor most insurers will accept responsibility for any deterioration of the contents.
Carpets and Curtains
We will take down curtains and lift carpets by special arrangement (check your service specification), but will not fit them again in your new home.
Light Fittings
You should remove light fittings before moving day as your mover is not qualified to do so.
System Furniture
This is not designed to be moved in its assembled form and you should discuss this with your mover who will be responsible for the dismantling. Generally speaking, we would not expect to reassemble such furniture although we may, under certain circumstances, be prepared to quote separately for such work.
Drawers
Clothes and other light items may be left in drawers, but heavier items such as books, files or tools should be removed and packed separately.
Parking
Tell us if there are parking restrictions at either house; we mover will make arrangements with the authorities for permission to park if necessary.
Access
Tell us if there are any access difficulties at your new home. These include narrow streets, overhanging trees, unmade roads, small doorways, spiral staircases, etc.
Multi-storey Buildings
Tell us if you are moving to a flat or a multistory building and 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.
Spare Key
Sometimes the removal vehicle will arrive at your new home before you do, so if you can, give the foreman a spare key, so they won't lose any time waiting for you.
Maps and Plans
Please 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. Colour coded labels can also help to identify the correct location for items - speak to the estimator about this.
Children and Pets
Try to have children and pets looked after by a relative or friend while the move is taking place. 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.
Plan Your Move Well in Advance
Contact us up to one month before you hope to move, even if you don't know exactly when the big day will be. We will tell you exactly what services they can offer and what things you need to think about so you can plan ahead effectively.
Don't do the Packing Yourself
If you can afford to have it done professionally, do so. Packing is not expensive- We use a range of appropriate packing materials and employ fully trained staff who will pack your things professionally and safely. Only goods that are packed professionally can be covered fully by insurance and you should take this into consideration when planning your move.
Take out Insurance
There can be no disguising the fact that moving can be a hazardous business. No matter how much care is taken with packing and handling, accidents can sometimes happen and for this reason you are strongly advised to take out appropriate insurance. We can offer you insurance, but check your household contents policy - in many cases this covers you for your house move.
Don't Move on Friday
If you can, avoid Fridays. These are always busy. Some moving companies may offer a discount if you move in the middle of the week. Ask the estimator about this.
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