Oh heck

Ames

Thanks everyone.

Buzzybee and Peachyprice, I have some kind of arthritis (having further tests over the next few weeks) and my joints from my hip down are in almost constant pain right now. There's no way I can be lifting boxes etc, so I need a removal firm to do as much of the work as possible.

The loan only needs to cover me for a few weeks. I'm selling my half of my late mother's house to my sister, I got the contract this morning, so hopefully it'll all go through and I'll have the money within a month (although I've been saying that for weeks now and there keeps being complications). So carpets, curtains etc can wait till then. I've got cheap old nets that can go up to start with.

IndieKid, I have very few friends, and they're not close enough to help me. Plus most of them have health problems of their own. Family don't want to know (and I'm happy with that - I don't want them to know where I live), and they wouldn't help anyway.

Mrs. Danvers - I'm not taking much furniture with me. Just the bookcases, TV stand and white goods. Nothing else would make the journey. Most of my furniture was at least second hand when I got it and is falling apart. It's needed replacing for a couple of years now but as I knew I'd be moving I've hung on. So it'll be a case of buying 'new' (ie from a charity shop or ebay) furniture that fits the new flat. I've already got some furniture flat packed ready for when I move (mainly a bed), so all I need to buy is a second hand sofa as soon as I move, everything else can wait till the inheritance comes through.

That does remind me though to put 'handyman' on the list to put together all the furniture I've got waiting patiently...

Errata

Re the handyman. If you can pop in to your local Age UK, ask them for details they have of handymen they approve - not recommend, they don't do that - and tell them the info is for an elderly relative.
If you only have white good and a bit of flat pack stuff, all you need is a bloke with a van and a mate - look in your local rag.
Don't lift boxes, just put them in the rooms that have the stuff you need to put into them - the moving blokes won't mind, and don't forget to LABEL the boxes.

Congrats on your new home!

~Beanie~

You can defintely get quotes for removals without knowing an exact date. The only thing is that you may not be able to go with your preferred Company once you do get a moving date as they may not be available. So I would pick one Company and keep a second choice in mind, just in case.

Ames

Thanks.

I used a man and van last time I moved. He advertised as a removal firm, but when he turned up it was him and his mate in a small van. It was a nightmare - they didn't turn up on the day they said they would, refused to move the washing machine because I hadn't unplugged it until I did it, insulted me the whole time, broke stuff.... I'd just rather go with a proper firm, where I know they've got insurance and references. I know it's probably just stupid and paranoia.

I am going to try and do packing over the next couple of weeks as I declutter, but I'm very clumsy and don't want to break stuff - I bought a new teapot and two cups the other day and managed to drop them as I came in the house. I now have a teapot, a cup, a bowl, and a random handle.

Thanks for the tip about Age UK.

So I'll maybe see how much I get done re. packing and stuff between now and Tuesday to have a better idea of how much is feasable for me to do myself.

I guess leaving MSE and going and getting on with it now would be a good idea, then... (that was the backside kicking bit in my OP!)

PasturesNew

I didn't have any furniture - just a washing machine and fridge as "big things". I got quotes for moving (2 miles) from anyvan.com

I said "a transit full" and it was actually "a transit full" + stuff that had to go in my car (not much though) ..... took two of them about 2 hours. £60.

I did all my own packing - smaller boxes were better than larger ones as they can be moved easily and easier to fit into spare spots in the van.

PasturesNew

For your list: What size curtains do you need (width/drop). You'll need something at the windows asap/the day you move in.

Ames

I'll add measuring the windows. I've got nets for them so people won't be able to look in, but proper curtains in the bedroom would probably be good. I'd rather make do and wait until I can buy fairly decent ones than buy cheap just to have something, it wont be a long wait anyway.

It'd probably be sensible to get window poles straight away though, and add putting them up to the handyman list.

Errata

Give these blokes a ring, http://www.shires-removals.co.uk/
eta: they also have transit size vans, which might suit you very well because you don't need a ginormous pantechnicon.

Ames

Sorry Beanie, thanks for that it's good to know.

I think I'll wait and get quotes after I've viewed the place on Tuesday (knowing my luck if I tempt fate we'll have a localised hurricane that knocks down just that building). Plus I'll have more of an idea what services I need.

choccyface2006

If you are not already a credit union member become one now and start saving a small amount each week, then your loan will be looked at more favourably. Most credit unions insist you are a saving member for a while before letting you apply.

Good luck with your move!

Sarah