Moving House: The Ultimate 2021 Guide to Removals
Moving house has been described as one of the most stressful periods in your life. We are here to let you know it does not have to be.
So we have put together a complete house moving guide so you are fully prepared come moving day.
Hiring a professional removal company will help take away a lot of the stress that comes with moving house. In addition to also making the process go smoothly.
Content
- 1.0. Getting Started
- 2.0. What services do removal companies provide?
- 3.0. Why should you use a removals company?
- 4.0. How do I know if a removals company is professional?
- 5.0 Removals and COVID-19. Can you move home during lockdown?
- Summary.
Getting Started Moving House
Removal companies often move people and their belongings daily. As a result, are experts within their respective field.
Professional removalists are able to navigate all the nooks and crannies of even the most complex households.
Generally speaking not many people are not fully aware of the ins and outs of removal companies.
People generally move house only a handful of times within their lifetime. This creates air of mystery surrounding removal companies.
We aim to shed light on any confusion surrounding removal companies. In addition, providing you with useful advice with this guide. So you know what to expect come moving day.
Here, we will cover all you need to know about home removals to get you started.
We aim to cover the variety of services removals companies provide as well as insurances that are essential. Not to mention, we will also be talking about how to choose a company that is right for you.
We also will discuss the current situation regarding COVID-19 and how it has impacted the industry.
Services removals companies provide when moving house
Most removal companies offer additional services besides simply showing up and loading your belongings at point A, then transporting and unloading at point B.
Below are a couple of examples of additional services that the majority of removals companies provide.
Packing service and materials.
Most removal companies will offer a packing service at an additional cost.
They can provide all the materials required to pack up your home.
Removals companies are generally happy to supply these materials at a cost. In the event you wish pack your belongings yourself.
there are specific requirements for packaging materials to ensure the integrity of your belongings. As such it is a good idea to communicate with your chosen company.
Materials such as double walled cardboard boxes are essential when preparing to move. Should something happen, damage to the box and its contents is minimalistic.
Removals companies will stock these materials and generally will be willing to supply you with them.
It is also good to also note that to have your belongings covered by insurance.
The removal company must do the packing for your belongings covered through their insurance.
If you pack your belongings yourself, you will not be covered by Goods in Transit Insurance.
Therefore, thas means if an item is damaged at any point during the house move. The insurance will not cover the cost of the damaged item.
Large and Heavy Item Moving.
When moving house it is inevitable there will be one or more large items that require lifting and transporting.
Some of the common large items that require a team of trained professionals to move are
- sofas
- pianos
- hot tubs
These are only a small example of the many common large and heavy items removal companies deal with daily.
Our Expert teams are trained to ensure your belongings are moved without damage during transportation.
Dismantling and Reassembling services.
Not all items can be transported as they are.
With this in mind there are many cases where an item or several will require dismantling before being loaded for transport.
This is done to ensure safe transportation and space optimization.
Professional removal companies are able to identify what items are in need taking apart before you move.
When a surveyor comes to visit for your free consultation. They shall assess which items are required need to be dismantled for your move.
This will come as an additional service charge.
Although, you can opt to do this yourself.
We recommend sticking with the professionals.
Spending the extra money will save you a lot of headaches.
As well as potential damage to your belongings due to accidents as a result of inexperience.
It is good to also note any dismantling or reassembly done by a removal experts are covered by insurance.
In addition, leaving it to the professionals will help to alleviate unnecessary stress being added to your day.
White-Glove Delivery Service.
Does your house move consist of a lot of fragile and expensive items?
Professional removal companies undertake these tasks with the utmost care. To be sure your items are protected throughout the move.
For this reason they put their most experienced staff on these jobs.
White-Glove Delivery services will come at an elevated price because of the delicate nature of the job.
However, this is a must for peace of mind. In order to ensure that your precious and high-value belongings will make it safely and securely to your new residence.
Full-Service House Move.
Most removal companies such as Thompson & Son offer a full-service package. A full-service move will consist of:
- A free home moving quote
- A full and professional packing service
- The loading and offloading of all your belongings
- Transportation of your items to your new home
- Placing belonging in their designated rooms to take away some of that unpacking stress
Though it is good to note this service will come at an extra cost – Some companies may also offer these additional services within the cost of the full-service move:
- Dismantling and reassembling furniture
- Unpacking moving boxes
- Cleaning services
- Packing material disposal
- Household rubbish removal
- Storage
Why you should use a removals company to help you move house
Removals companies aim to make the moving process as stress-free as possible.
While it is possible to accomplish a house move by renting a van and moving house yourself will certainly save you money.
Using a professional removal company makes the whole experience a lot quicker not to mention alleviates most of the headaches caused when moving home.
This gives you the freedom to enjoy all of the exiting elements of moving into your new house.
Let the removals experts take all of the weight and hard work off of your shoulders.
You will save time.
When opting not to go with a professional removal company. You will spend a lot of time packing, unpacking, moving and lifting heavy belongings when moving house.
Most people have enough on their plate trying to juggle a job, children other commitments. As a result, can make the process of moving home appear intimidating.
Enlisting a removal company will significantly reduce those worries.
Your Belongings Will Arrive Safely.
Professional removal companies have specially designed vans that cater to moving large volumes and quantities of objects.
Combined with expert training, removal professionals ensure that all belongings are packed onto the back of these vehicles with precision. This is in order to ensure that minimalistic movement is applied throughout transit. As a result, mitigating the majority of the risk something will be damaged.
you will be covered should something happen while moving home.
Removal companies generally come with full insurance coverage for moving house. So,
should the unlikely event an item gets damaged at some time throughout the move.
You can rest assured knowing that everything is covered by insurance.
ensuring professionalism from your chosen removal company.
There are a lot of removal companies out there all competing for your custom.
It can be challenging to know which removal company is best to go with a result of the variety of different companies out there.
We have taken the liberty of compiling a list of key points to consider when finding a company best suits your requirements.
Look For Accreditation.
When looking for potential removal companies. You will want to find out if they have any accreditation. This will be from a trade association in which requires the company to go through a vetting procedure. To be sure they are operating to a certain standard in order to become a member.
There are several associations out there.
British Association of Removers
The most common and well-known organisation out there is B.A.R (British Association of Removers).
They are the independent trade association setting the standard within the industry. As a result, are known to have the strictest vetting procedures.
With over 100 years of operating experience. You can be sure any company that is BAR registered is at the top of their game.
However, it is important to note that BAR is not the only association out there holding companies to a standard. There are several legitimate reasons why a company may not be B.A.R registered.
Move Assured
Move Assured are an “organisation that specialises in promoting professional independent removal companies”. – Move Assured, About Us.
This association much like B.A.R aim to uphold professionalism and experience in its members.
Ensuring the removal companies that are associated with them are adhering to their strict code of conduct when operating.
National Guild of Removers and Storers
NGRS are another organising body that promotes professionalism within the industry.
The National Guild of Remover and Storers operate with a similar level of scrutiny as B.A.R and Move Assured.
Do they have insurance?
The removal company you choose to hire must be fully insured.
There are 2 types of insurance that you want to be on the lookout for.
Goods in Transit Insurance
This will cover you and your belongings in case of any damages or loss throughout your move.
Typically the insurance will cover up to £50,000. Your items will be protected from:
- Theft in transit
- Loss in transit
- Damage in transit. Be it through accidental damage or otherwise.
Always remember to check with the removal company to get a clear picture to what extent their insurance covers.
Also, note that Goods in Transit Insurance will only cover you if the removal company has done the pack for you.
Should you pack yourself your items will not be covered as a result.
In general the packing service will come at an additional cost. You should never have to pay for Goods in Transit Insurance. This should always come as standard when being moved by a professional firm.
Public Liability Insurance.
Public liability insurance is one of the most important types of business insurance.
When it comes to the removals industry as well as moving house. This is a must-have for any professional company.
In other words, a removals company should not be operating without one.
Though it is good to note Public Liability Insurance is not a legal requirement.
It is used to cover compensation payments and legal costs. In the event, a member of the public sues the company.
As a result of injury or property damage. Be it a customer, supplier or pedestrian passing by.
For this reason removal companies must have Public Liability Insurance. This is due to the fact they generally operate within a public space.
Even though preventative measures are taken when moving home to stop damage.
There will always be a certain level of risk.
Having Public Liability Insurance makes sure that.
Not only the company is covered, but you are also covered. In a rare occurrence, something should happen.
Read Reviews.
Always read the reviews of any removals company you may be choosing to go with and look at what previous clients have said.
Reading the reviews helps to paint a clear picture of the company and their client satisfaction.
Websites such as Yell and Trust Pilot are good indicators of a trustworthy company. It is good to look at a variety of review sites and not just reviews posted directly on the company website. These sites are more likely to provide more unbias reviews as a result. To be sure you can get a clear picture of a company’s customer satisfaction.
Look for experience.
Always look for experience, especially when moving house with a lot of valuable items or heavy or fragile objects.
It is better to choose a company that has a few years of operating experience in contrast to a brand new company just starting out.
Transparency.
Transparency is important to have from your removal company. So that you can avoid hidden costs be on the lookout, for any potential undisclosed additional charges within the terms and conditions.
To avoid being caught outcome moving day.
Get more than one quote.
As with any service or product, it is smart to shop around to find the best value for your money.
This does not necessarily mean to go with the cheapest option available. As the least expensive option may not provide the level of service you require.
Spending a bit of extra time doing the research will help you to make the most informed decision possible. This can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Removals and COVID-19. Can You Move House During Lockdown?
The short answer is yes.
You are still allowed to move home. Although, new procedures will be in place to protect both customers and staff.
“You are free to move home. However, you may find the process of searching for and moving into a new home is different, as property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19.”
“Removal firms are allowed to operate and should follow the latest government guidance on safer working.
Where moves are carried out, social distancing should be followed.
Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers.”
“Surveyors and EPC assessors are free to visit properties to carry out surveys. Surveyors should follow the latest government guidelines for working in other people’s homes.”
For more detailed information on moving home please check out the government website which contains all the information you will need to proceed with moving to your new home even during these trying times. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Summary
In conclusion. Removal companies are perfect solutions to helping alleviate stress and confusion when moving house.
They provide professional help as well as advice and will handle the logistics of moving your home. So you can focus on all the fun and exciting elements moving house has to offer.
Although investing in a removal company will add to the cost of your house move. Enlisting the assistance of a professional company that has been vetted.
In the long run, will ease your mind and will allow you to enjoy your new home. Without the additional physical and mental exhaustion.