Obtaining an estimate
You will need two or three quotations. Asking for more is a waste of your own and the removers' time because it is difficult for you to brief each estimator in exactly the same way and your quotations will therefore vary. Be clear about what is going to move - do not forget the contents of your garage, garden or loft!
The date
Arrange this as far ahead as possible and try not to move on a Friday, the busiest day of the week. You will be surprised how much you can save by booking your move for a Tuesday, for example.
Main services
Your remover is not allowed to interfere with mains services. Make arrangements with gas, electricity, water boards and plumbers well in advance.
Deep freezers
Run down food stocks. Although every care is taken, your mover is not responsible for the loss or deterioration of contents.
Carpets/curtains
Unless specifically stated and quoted for, your mover will not normally take down/put up curtains/blinds, nor lift/re-lay fitted carpets.
System or kit furniture
This can be difficult! In theory, kit or system furniture
is capable of being dismantled and re-assembled.
Often in practice, it will not go back together
again as well as it did originally and may
not be covered by any insurance. Make sure you
discuss with your mover how such items should
be handled.
Packing
The best advice is - leave it all to the professionals. Anything you pack yourself will not be covered by any insurance. Be sure to separate small, valuable items (such as jewellery) and carry them yourself. Such items are often excluded from liability in both your contract of removal and any insurance protection accompanying the contract. The Service Specification you sign with your mover will clearly state what the company will be doing on your behalf and what you agree to do yourself.
Special attention
If you are concerned about pets, plants, fine art, wine collections or antiques, discuss them with your remover well in advance. They will guide and advise you.
Insurance
For peace of mind, always insure your property to
be moved. It is recommended that you take out
insurance cover for the move. Every BAR member
offers a careful, professional service but nevertheless, accidents can
and
do sometimes happen.
The new home
A map showing your new address and a contact telephone number are always helpful. Work out where you want your possessions positioned in the new home - drawing a plan and using colour-coded labelsc is helpful. Make sure someone is at the collection and delivery address to oversee what is being moved. your contract will require this of you.
Parking
Ask your new neighbours to ensure adequate parking space for the removal vehicle(s). If there are restrictions at either house, warn your remover. Your quotation is based on the time needed to load and unload the vehicle. This can increase significantly if access or parking is restricted. Pre-agree all the costs and avoid unexpected supplements for difficult access found on arrival at your new home.
Flats
If the lift is small (or non-existent!) warn the remover in advance - do not leave it until the van arrives. Avoid unexpected difficulties and delays.
Unloading
You've seen the new house. Your remover hasn't! Warn about unexpected hazards such as poor access, small doorways, spiral staircases, or trees close by. Unexpected difficulties could lead to additional charges. Ask your new neighbours to ensure adequate parking space for the removal vehicle(s).
Spare key
It happens all the time - the van is at the new house before the owner. Waiting time may incur extra charges, so if you have a key to your new home, give it to the foreman when leaving your old one.
Small problems
Try to have children and pets looked after by relatives or neighbours ~ you will have enough to do without worrying about what they're up to!
Removals Checklist UK-
What to do and when.
When you are planning your move, bear in mind the following:
• Confirm dates with the mover
• Sign and return contract together with payment
• Confirm insurance arrangements at declared value
• Arrange a contact number
• Dispose of anything you don't want
• Start running down freezer contents
• Contact carpet fitters if needed
• Book mains services for disconnections
• Cancel all rental agreements
• Notify doctor, dentist, optician, vet
• Tell your bank and savings/share accounts
• Inform telephone company
• Ask Royal Mail to re-route your post
• Tell TV licence, car registration, passport offices
• Notify HP and credit firms
• Make local map to new house for friends and moving company
• Clear the loft
• Organise parking at new home
• Plan where things go in new home
• Cancel the milk/newspapers
• Clean out the freezer
• Arrange minders for children/pets
• Find and label keys
• Send address cards to friends and relatives
• Separate trinkets, jewellery and small items
• Sort out linen and clothes
• Put garage/garden tools together
• Take down curtains/blinds
• Collect children's toys
• Put together basic catering for family at new home
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