Professional movers

ash28

We moved in October last year, the move was 170 miles so it was 2 day move.

The removal company supplied all boxes, bubble wrap, tissue, tape and pens - on the day they supplied wardrobe boxes.

We had 2 smaller vans rather than on big van (gave more room) OH had a comprehensive workshop with lathe, milling machine and other hefty bits of kit apart from all of the tools etc. One of the lathes OH and I could barely drag across the floor. They took apart beds and supplied huge bags for the bedding. And reassembled the beds at the other end.

They loaded the vans on day one and on day 2 they delivered every thing.

They were absolute gems....

We had a few things (quite a few) that OH wanted to take himself - so they went into storage, we used one the offers where they charge £1 for the first month - there was no catch. So a week after we moved he hired a transit van and picked up the stuff from the storage unit - cost was £1 - bargain.

We have done several moves ourselves over the years to save money but the last 5 have been done by removal men. 2 of those have been long distance.

They have been worth every penny. Our last move cost £1600 - not bad for a 2 day move.

Kilty_2

I'm going against the most common advice I've been given and doing my 400 mile move myself next week - I'll report back with my findings :rotfl:

missile

It is hard work moving house. If you can afford it using professional movers is money well spent. It will relieve you of the stress and save the inevitable damage and breakages if you attempt to DIY..

MrRemus

Well I think that's pretty conclusive! Yes, I will hire a prof mover and thanks to everyone for the great tips and hints - I love this site!

We have quite a few pieces of large furniture, including my beloved handmade superking bed (love of my life after the baby, hubbie and cat ) so it's gotta be the way to go!

Clearlier

A couple of points to note which might help on the day:

- if you are leaving anything note it in some way. Little coloured stickers are a good way if there a few items in every room or as somebody else suggested put them all in one group.

- if you have your child with you get everything that you want for that day and the next into one place. If you want them to bring any of it tell them to do it last

- Make sure that you're there 90%+ of the time. There are almost always questions that you'll need to answer.

- You will be astonished at the speed - don't have it in your head that you'll just get x or y later. It'll be packed away before you know it.

- Big pieces of furniture are unlikely to be formally packed as you're only going down the road.

hazyjo

Good decision!

Remember, they will pack anything that's not been mentioned as staying. And I mean everything (apart from the obvious things like carpets!).

Don't forget to empty the loft beforehand.

Just to say too, as others have, you'll be amazed at their strength and speed. We moved to a four storey house - they were brilliant. Lugging the bed and matress and a set of assembled drawers up three flights of stairs.

Me and hubby decided we wanted to move one chest of drawers up a floor at a later date and we just couldn't manage it - and he's built like a brick s... (y'know). Had to wait until another bloke was next at the house and get them to help him with it.

They also have the equipment and packing materials to pack - and they know how to stack it in the lorry. Not sure how anyone would rather trust themselves to pack/move house over professional movers!

Anyway, good decision, seems expensive, but worth every penny. There was a thread re tipping them a while back - might want to search for it. Obviously up to you, and they won't expect it, but you might want to keep a bit of cash back to slip them a note or so each.

Jx

Kilty_2

hazyjo wrote: »

Not sure how anyone would rather trust themselves to pack/move house over professional movers!

£1200 professional vs £400 DIY makes it a no brainer for me* as a skint graduate - long distance moving is expensive though

* I might not be saying this next week

girl_withno_name

Is it worth getting them to do half a job? By that I mean, getting them to do the furniture (beds, sofa, TV, fridge freezer, washing machine, dining table & chairs, two desks and two desk chairs) and doing the rest (clothes, CDs and DVDs, study notes, etc.) ourselves in boxes and a hired van... I'm not really sure where to start on what the price difference might be!

getzls

First time i hired a van and got a mate to help, never again. When i paid van hire for two days plus fuel even though it was a short distance it fairly mounted up. Young mans game that moving things. Any other moves i had excess to new home so i packed wee things and brought them in my car. This helps you get things put away in new house too. Got a firm who charge £60 per hour and they didn't hang about. Took about three hours each time. Then i was only moved a short distance each time. Well worth hiring them.

rijbadgett

I really suggest that you get a professional mover.