Essential steps to a stress free moving day
Find out expert views on removals from the author of
Which? Buy, Sell, Move House, Kate Faulkner and the essential steps to ensure a stress free moving day!
Expert View: RemovalsEssential five steps to a stress free moving dayTo make moving day as stress free as possible you need to plan it like a military operation. You can start preparing your ‘military manoeuvres’ as soon as an offer has been accepted on a property.
Step OneGo through each room at home including cupboards, attic, garage and garden shed. Make a note of what you need to take with you and what you can throw away.
Top Tip: Get the kids to help – they may be better at throwing things away! Step Two Throw your items away at your local refuse tip for free or hire a skip. Check opening times of the refuse tip as they change during the week and throughout the year.
Top Tip: Why not sell some of your items to help fund the cost of your move? Step ThreeChoose whether you move your items yourself, use a man with a van or a full removals service. Use our ‘Quick Removals Guide’ service:-
Designs on Property Quick Removals Guide
| Property Size | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
| | Move yourself | Man with a van | Removal Service |
| Studio/One bedroom flats | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) |
| Two Bed+ Ground/First Floor | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) |
| Two Bed+ Second Floor and above | N (use a cross) | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) |
| | | | |
| One/Two bedroom houses | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) |
| Heavy or large furniture/items | N (use a cross) | Y (use a tick) | Y (use a tick) |
| | | | |
| Three/four/five/six bedroom houses | N (use a cross) | N (use a cross) | Y (use a tick) |
Step Four
Secure quotes from Moveme to help you estimate the cost of your removals choice
Top Tip: Live life to the full until move day! Ask for a quote for removals men to pack your possessions.
Step Five
Book the removals service which:-
1. Responds in a friendly and efficient manner within 24 hours to your request for a quote
2. You are able to check independent reviews from recent home movers
3. Breaks down the cost of your removals service such as packing/dismantling furniture/removals
4. Isn’t necessarily the cheapest, but does offer a good service at a fair price
5. Offers independent recourse if you are not happy with their service
Expert View: Man with a Van Hire
Moving your possessions involves heavy furniture and shifting, on average, 50 boxes! With so much else to organise on moving day, why not consider help from man with a van services?
Here our moving expert, Kate Faulkner, answers your ‘Man with a Van’ questions:-
Q1. Are Man with a Van services different to a removal company?
A. Most removal companies are big businesses offering services from international removals to storage/packing. Man with a van services are local, small businesses with one or more vehicles, concentrating on smaller moves or the rental market.
Q2. What would a Man with a Van cost me?
A. Costs vary depending on where you live, but average costs are £30ph or £200 a day in and around London and outside London £20ph/£150 per day.
Q3. How do I know they can move all my items?
A. Follow Kate’s Top Five Man with a Van Essential Questions to check they can do the job:-
- How big is their van? Can they carry your largest item?
- How much do they charge? Will they do a fixed price for your move?
- Will there be one, two or three people provided?
- If your items break, does their insurance cover replacing them?
- Can you travel in the van with them?
Q4. How do I know they are reputable?
A. Ask to see their drivers licence and take a look at their insurance for the vehicle and moving your possessions. Always seek quotes from three or more companies and travel with them on the move day.
Q5. Where can I find a Man with a Van
A. Secure quotes from Moveme either by phone: 0845 or on-line (link required). They should contact you within the next 24 hours to quote for your move.
If you're not sure which removals to use or need some helping finding a suitable company, then contact us or tel 0845 838 1763 for independent help.
