Moving into a new home is stressful enough without worrying about the removal company that will move your furniture and precious belongings! Use our article to help locate the best removals service for you.
Why should I hire removals services?
The process of packing boxes is an issue, but hauling the boxes down and up the stairs and into vans and out is very exhausting. If you have lots to move, expensive items like antiques or big, awkward pieces such as a piano, it is best to let it go to experts. Additionally, it gives you time to concentrate on the different aspects involved in moving. According to recent research from Zoopla and Hometrack on the average, Britons move house only once each 23 years. If it’s been a long time since you last moved and you’re looking for some tips, here’s what you need to know in order to aid you in finding the perfect removals service.
The top tips for finding the best house removals London service
Before you begin calling to get quotes, there are some things to think about to help choose the best removals service:
Are they members of or the British Association of Removers, an association for trade that regulates members according to Trading Standards, and/or offers an alternative to dispute resolution through Ombudsman Services? Ombudsman Services, following their codes of conduct to provide customer care.
Look for reviews from independent sources of the removal companies that you’re considering.
Take a look at their “about us’ page for more information on their the history of their trading and how long they’ve been in business.
Check out the pictures for an indication of truck size and conditions, warehouse facilities, etc.
Ask your local acquaintances whether they’ve had a good experience with them , and what was positive and negative about their experience.
Get removals quotes
Cost is the most important aspect to consider when selecting the right removals service for you. Get removal quotes 4-6 weeks before you move. Be aware that the fact that moving on Fridays during school holidays can be a bit more hectic and so you should start looking earlier instead of later.
Consider the cost as well as the quality of the service and whether the business is available on your expected time of move.
Certain removal companies provide the option of an extra packing service. look below for more information.
Be sure to consider removals companies only that are able to conduct a visual survey prior to giving a written estimate It is not possible for them to determine the cost and plan a move without first seeing it.
When guests visit your home, they will take a tour through the property, do they remove furniture that can’t go through the doors? Have you got a loft that is full of boxes? Make sure that they mention the loft in the price.
It is important that the removals company are aware of the vehicle access to your home – the one you’re moving away from and the one you’re moving to. The most undesirable thing to happen is for a large vehicle arriving to discover it’s not able to travel within 500 meters from the home.
Do removals companies have packing services for you?
A removals service will take care of packing for you. The practice of packing is becoming a more popular option that will increase the cost of moving, for a typical family of 3 bedroom house. It can take up to a full day for the group of packers to finish.
You may also arrange to have the things removed from the room at the side, although the majority of people do it by themselves. The typical time for unpacking is the time of a professional team for about a half-day for the typical 3 bedroom home. If you want to have the items to be packed and unpacked, ensure that you are surveyed by the removals firm prior to arriving so that they can give you a precise estimate.
Questions you should ask your removal company
After you’ve received the quote, you’ll want to contact the removals company in order to determine the quality of their services. Here are the key questions to ask:
How long have your personal life and your business been operating for?
Are you an active member of either the Ombudsman Services or British Association of Movers?
What is the quickest time to arrange for someone to conduct an inspection of my home and then give me a more accurate price?
Do I need to book a provisional booking now and pay once I exchanged contracts? (You must avoid booking and paying removals companies until you’ve swapped contracts, and have an agreed final day that has been agreed to by the entire chain. Certain companies may require a deposit upfront.)
What happens if due to an unforeseeable reason, my date for moving is changed?
Are you able to store my belongings in case of delay to my property that is on the other side? What are the charges?
Does your quote include insurance? What are the specific item limits on total loss and thresholds? (Most firms offer insurance for moving to protect against losses or damages to your possessions while in the process of moving. Check if you have this insurance prior to making a booking, and ensure that the amount you pay for is adequate.
How many employees will be in attendance on the moving day?
Are the prices quoted the final cost? If the estimator is underestimating the quantity of items that you’ll need to find out the possibility of being hit with additional costs.
How much will it cost to pack and unpacking? And how is it done? (if required)
Do you have the ability to arrange a no-cost cleaning service on either end? (if required)
Could you send me a your written schedule for moving? e.g the time of arrival and the time required to unload, travel, and the time of arrival at the home, unload and take items off, etc.
It is important to have established a positive relationship with the removals service so that you can ensure that the process is as smooth and easy as it can be.