Removal companies

mrsmchapman

Hi

Having recently sold, surveys done, mortgage offer recieved for us and the people buying ours its now into waiting for exchange dates. However when do I start obtaining prices for removals? Is it something I can do now? Some local online companies are asking for moving date, or do I wait until exchange day and then get prices. I've never used a removal company before (despite previous buying and selling) so this part is all new to me.

Thanks

G_M

No harm shopping around and getting prices as long as you don't sign a contract!

Then when the time comes at least you'll know who you want to use.

Do not sign any firm contract till you've Exchanged Contracts. Only then will you know your definate moving date.

Have you got a decent book on house buying to help you through the process? Local library - free.

lawriejones1

I run a removals company (not sure I can pot details here, so haven't). House buying is stressful, so getting a good and trustworthy removals firm can help.

Get 3 quotes, check insurances and references and make sure someone comes to visit the house too.

We usually expect 7 days notice for a job, which is about enough when completing on a house...

Good luck!

mrsmchapman

lawriejones1 wrote: »

I run a removals company (not sure I can pot details here, so haven't). House buying is stressful, so getting a good and trustworthy removals firm can help.

Get 3 quotes, check insurances and references and make sure someone comes to visit the house too.

We usually expect 7 days notice for a job, which is about enough when completing on a house...

Good luck!

Thank you.

That was going to be my next question with how is it priced, ie home visit or filling in a tick sheet. My worry was I say I'm moving from a 4 bed they assume lots of furniture however all but one of the child rooms have built in wardrobes so a big reduction in moving just there alone. Do they price on house size? From and to? I'm only moving 3 miles also would this make a difference?

G_M

lawriejones1 wrote: »

I run a removals company (not sure I can pot details here, so haven't). House buying is stressful, so getting a good and trustworthy removals firm can help.

Get 3 quotes, check insurances and references and make sure someone comes to visit the house too.

We usually expect 7 days notice for a job, which is about enough when completing on a house...

Good luck!

Welcome Removal Man!

Nice to get input from a professional/expert in the area. We have a few solicitors, financial advisers etc, but you're the 1st removals contributer I've seen here!

Yes, I'm afraid mentioning your firm's name would be against forum rules (touting for business) but using your knowledge /expertise to advise is very welcome.

HildaM

Just make sure you don't agree on a short time between exchange and completion - try not to move on a Friday and DEFINITELY NOT before a Bank Holiday weekend and you should be fine.

lawriejones1

G_M wrote: »

Welcome Removal Man!

Nice to get input from a professional/expert in the area. We have a few solicitors, financial advisers etc, but you're the 1st removals contributer I've seen here!

Yes, I'm afraid mentioning your firm's name would be against forum rules (touting for business) but using your knowledge /expertise to advise is very welcome.

No problems! Removals is a funny area and often where people economise, but in terms of stress it's very high! There are also some
Quite dubious operators out there.

Personal recommendation is often the best way and always make sure they have insurance.

And make sure the kettle, tea and milk are the first thing you unpack (for everybody's sanity!)... :-)

mrsmchapman

And make sure the kettle, tea and milk are the first thing you unpack (for everybody's sanity!)... :-)[/QUOTE]



Haha, I have this on my list as the box that travels in my car along with toilet rolls and biscuits to keep everyone happy

Excited13

Hi

When I was moving last time (going into rented but no date at that point) I had three companies come round to discuss it. I was downsizing from a large 3 bed house to a small two bed flat. Due to other circumstances I wasn't taking everything so I discussed with the companies what I was and wasn't taking and a rough removal date. All the companies were really helpful and left me with quotes and details.

18 months later and I'm looking to move again (hopefully for the last time for a very long time) and due to the service I received I will be usingr the same firm.

Just something I always do but label the boxes 1-5 along with the rooms. 1 includes stuff you need (kettle, coffee etc) and 5 is the stuff you have like photos but don't need to come out of the box for a while.

Good luck.

mrsmchapman

Just something I always do but label the boxes 1-5 along with the rooms. 1 includes stuff you need (kettle, coffee etc) and 5 is the stuff you have like photos but don't need to come out of the box for a while.

Good luck.[/QUOTE]


Thank you, that was something I hadn't thought of, I'd obviously thought of labelling boxes and rooms for ease for not numbering them for importance, I will add that now to my list

Better_Days

Agree that it is vital to know what is in the boxes. I numbered all mine eg bedroom 3 box 1, bedroom 3 box 2 etc. Then made a list of what was in each of the boxes. It has been invaluable and meant that everything doesn't need to be unpacked straight away, but if I needed anything I could find it.

When you get the quotes find out if they charge extra if the men are waiting around if completion is delayed. One remover quoted £10 per man per hour - for us it would have been £30 an hour - that could really add up if you are unlucky.

Ask if they supply boxes and packing materials. My remover dropped off a load of boxes (including wardrobe boxes which were very handy) about a week before we moved along with some packing paper and bubble wrap, and parcel tape.

I got 3 quotes and went with the company that I liked the most and they did an excellent job. They were also the cheapest - but the largest local firm. All the firms quoted by the volume that they estimated to be moved, but it did vary considerably.