Chess Moves Removals :: Our Moving Guide

as featured in the Argus Essential Moving guide

1. GETTING QUOTES

It’s always a good idea when moving to plan in advance; you don’t have to wait for a move date to start receiving quotes.

Firstly you’ll have to decide which service you require, you can choose a full removal service, like Chess Moves and other companies like us, who will provide a quote to handle your whole move (even the packing if you wish) and provide uniformed, experienced porters to carry out the job based on that set price. Or you can choose a “Man with a Van” service, which is carried out on an hourly rate, which could mount up if there is a delay on receiving your keys. However this service could work out cheaper for a single or small amount of items. If moving anything larger then a studio flat, most people go for the safer set price.

Now unless you know whom you want to move with, you’re more then likely to shop around, but try asking friends and family which company they have used? Did the move go smoothly? Were all items handled with care? Did the porters make them feel at ease throughout the day? And of course, would they recommend that company? At Chess Moves we pride ourselves on our high recommendation rate.

Try to avoid removal quotes over the phone; you’ll be putting yourself at risk for extra charges if you forget about some items or furniture etc. Also it’s good to meet the company who you will be trusting to handle your move. When meeting the representatives from each company, don’t be afraid to ask questions. When they are being answered, do you feel re-assured?

TIP: Ask if there are any “keys waiting” charges. It is presumed you will receive your keys (if not already owned) between approximately 12.00pm – 2.00pm on the day of the move. However any longer then that may result in a charge of up to £50 an hour with some companies. But any extra charges like this should be made clear from the start so ensure you ask.

TIP: Insist on seeing the “Goods In Transit” insurance certificate from each company, without that insurance you are unlikely to be compensated for any damage caused, if any during your move.

After you have met with the representative, you will be provided with your quotation. Of course it is important not to be charged over the odds with anything in life, but do however be wary of any quotes which seem to good to be true. For example, a company with overheads such as insurances and training procedures are unlikely to provide a quote for £150 to move your house..

Once you have accepted a quote, ensure you have the details in writing, i.e. the approximate start time, the date (if known), the items to be moved (to save being charged extra) and the of course the cost.

TIP: If there is V.A.T on the quote there should also be the companies V.A.T number, this also applies with your final invoice.

If you are fortunate enough to have some input into the completion date of your new purchase try and avoid Fridays, as some companies could charge extra as Fridays are generally the busiest days for moving. Try and give your removal company the provisional date that you and your solicitors are aiming for. You can always confirm or change that date – Removal companies will be used to it, but will require sufficient notice. If you know the date you are completing, 2-3 weeks notice is normally sufficient to book Removal companies.

2. PACKING / PREPERATION

So you now know the date for completion. Most Removal companies should be able to provide all the packing materials you’ll require for your move, i.e. boxes, bubble wrap etc, normally at a discounted rate. (This is of course is if you are not opting for a “Packing Service”).

TIP: If your new property has poor access due to parking restrictions and busy streets, then you can phone the local council and make reservations outside your new property. The space required depends on the size of the van(s) your Removal Company will use, and normally, 2 weeks notice for the council is sufficient.

TIP: If you have young children, it might be less stressful for you, if on the day they could be looked after away from your home. Similarly, although it’s very tempting, having a lot of family members/friends present during “loading” and “unloading” on the day may slightly delay the fast moving porters, however, who you have present on the day is of course up to you.

So now your only weeks away from your move, time to venture into that loft or delve into the shed, and sort out what comes with you – and what doesn’t. Daunting thought, but it is important tasks like this to the last minuet.

Now time to make a start on those boxes. Most Removal companies, and rightly so, will not accept liability for any items damaged if packed poorly. Not that the Porters will be heavy handed, but you wouldn’t expect plates, glasses or fine china to survive transit if they were just placed in a box with no protection.

TIP: Start saving your newspapers in advance. These will come in handy for packing. TIP: Wrap each plate or cup etc individually. Ensure no items are left loose, freely rattling in the box.

TIP: Try using things like pillows, or old items of clothing to fill gaps, and protect items in the box.

Some people bubble wrap things like hanging pictures or mirrors etc. It’s a good idea to do this for your own peace of mind, but any respectable company should wrap these items anyway (normally with thick blankets). Again try to complete most of the packing in advance (apart from any essentials such as cleaning materials etc, which cannot be packed until the last minuet). You’ll be surprised at how efficiently some companies can “load” your contents into their vans. It could considerably pro-long the day if you still have a lot of packing to finish (leaving yourself vulnerable to extra charges).

TIP: Mark the destination for each box in large clear writing i.e. bedroom 1, or bedroom 3. This will save you being asked every time when the van(s) are being “unloaded”.

If your removal quote does not include the dismantling and re-assembling of necessary items, i.e. dining table, double beds, bunk beds, (which should be discussed when meeting the representative) then try to have these dismantled the night before - that’s if you don’t mind sleeping on a mattress for one night.

3. MOVING DAY

Hopefully you remembered not to pack the kettle or the tea bags! So pour yourself a cup, and finish off packing that last box. Most removal companies will not be insured for jewellery or important documents such as passports – so try to travel to your new home with these things on your persons. (Again this is something you can confirm with the representative during the quote). Now they’ve arrived, possibly treat the porters to a nice “cuppa” (trust me, they’ll appreciate it). Try to relax as much as possible - providing you’ve chosen a respectable company, then you’re in the hands of the experts. Remember these guys move houses for a living, so they know what they’re doing.

TIP: Once all your home contents have been “loaded” take one last sweep of the house, room by room, to ensure nothing is left behind.

I know sometimes it can be very stressful, but that’s because the transfer of monies and receiving of your new keys are out of your hands. Let your solicitors take care of that for you. Normally, unless you have an extremely large property, you will be “loaded up” by 12.00 – 1.00pm. If you haven’t received your keys yet, don’t worry. (Unless you’ve chosen a company who operate a “key waiting” charge!) Take the time for some lunch, the Removal porters may do the same, but will not leave the van unattended.

As soon as you get the call saying you can pick up your new keys, you’re nearly there.

If you marked the boxes with the corresponding rooms, then the porters will just place them accordingly.

TIP: You should not be left with all the boxes in one room, like the lounge for example, unless you’ve requested - a removal service when completed, in our eyes, should not mean you have to start moving the boxes into the correct room.

TIP: If a piece of furniture is in the wrong room do not be afraid to ask for it to be moved to the correct one, this is after all, what you’re paying for.

However, please remember these guys are Removal porters, not interior designers, so try to have a good idea of “what goes where” from the start to avoid re-shuffling during the “unloading”.

Now nearing the end of your move, take the time to inspect your furniture for any possible scratches, dents or marks. Depending on the company you’ve used, this is unlikely, but please remember porters are human. The reason for checking now is that you will more then likely be presented with a “disclaimer” at the end of the move, which upon signing, you’ll acknowledge that all furniture is still in a satisfactory condition. It is unlikely you will be able to make a claim on any furniture once you sign this, so make sure you are happy.

Now all that’s left to do if not done already is to settle your invoice with the Removal Company using the pre-arranged method.

Now settle into your new home for the first night.

Guide provided by Luke Symmonds
Chess Moves Partner

Produced by Oldroyd Publishing Group. Keywords: Removals Hove Brighton, Long Distance, Local, Packing, Free Quotes.