How does it work when hiring a removal van to move to new property a way away?

cashmonger

I am thinking I will move nearly 100 miles from where I currently am.

If I hire a removal van how does it work in terms of arriving at the address to receive them?

Do I need to travel with them on the journey.

I do not want to do that for two reasons. One it would be awkward being in a van with a stranger for 2 hours or so.

The first I may be able to tolerate but second I do not feel comfortable putting my life in the hands of someone who I never met before driving for a long distance. I have no idea of their driving ability and although they should be fine I still wouldn't risk my life on it. Plus I hate cars anyway and even if they are a good driver there is more risk of crashes than trains, which I favour to driving where possible.

So is it the usual way that you would travel with them because I would like to avoid that.

As such how would it work to meet them at the address at the same time? Would I just get a train and if they were there before me they would wait around? Would it be unusual to ask for this rather than travel with them? I know it is my money I am paying them with so up to me but wonder if it is strange or not or if it is common.

G_M

You will not usually travel with them.

Certainly not with a 'proper' removalscompany.

If you hire a 'man + van' he might let you trvel with him if you ask.

More usually, you'd meet them at the destination.

It's not unusual for you and the remoavlas people to have towait around anyway, for Completion. My last move, Compleion did not happen till 5 pm, so we all spent the afternoon hanging around outside the property waiting for the keys to be released.

Having said that, if Compleion happens early, and the van gets there in good time, they'll be pretty p*ssed off if they have to hang around waiting for your train to get you there.......

Will you be paying them by the hour, or a fixed fee? What are the terms of your contract for the van?

davidmcn

They're moving your stuff, not providing a taxi service for you. I suspect there would be insurance issues, even if there were space for you. Can't someone else assist by being at your destination to meet them? They won't care who lets them in.

custardy

cashmonger wrote: »

I am thinking I will move nearly 100 miles from where I currently am.

If I hire a removal van how does it work in terms of arriving at the address to receive them?

Do I need to travel with them on the journey.

I do not want to do that for two reasons. One it would be awkward being in a van with a stranger for 2 hours or so.

The first I may be able to tolerate but second I do not feel comfortable putting my life in the hands of someone who I never met before driving for a long distance. I have no idea of their driving ability and although they should be fine I still wouldn't risk my life on it. Plus I hate cars anyway and even if they are a good driver there is more risk of crashes than trains, which I favour to driving where possible.

So is it the usual way that you would travel with them because I would like to avoid that.

As such how would it work to meet them at the address at the same time? Would I just get a train and if they were there before me they would wait around? Would it be unusual to ask for this rather than travel with them? I know it is my money I am paying them with so up to me but wonder if it is strange or not or if it is common.

Make sure you clarify timescales with regards to waiting around.
Also a word of warning.
Its normal not to travel with them.
If you aren't following by car. Ensure you get a reputable company.
Its happened before that a man with a van set up simply disappears with all your belongings.

cashmonger

Oh good to know

Well there is nothing arranged yet. I haven't even given notice at my current property or found a new place yet but just planning ahead. Should be may sometime.

Lol at the man with van houdini act but yes good comment.

I have very few wordly possessions of value anyway except my desktop computer though of course I don't want to have it stolen. Just basics like a cheap wardrobe, a few clothes, and a half broken metal bed and a few files. I am an avid minimalist

I know absolutely noone at my new destination; it is a new adventure. Maybe the letting agents could let them in.

So I doubt I would beat them to the property by train vs van and I'd need to be here to pack or I am on good terms with my concierge here and she has spare key so maybe I could do it the other way round and get her to let them in and I get an earlier train to meet them there.

Shouldn't be hard too work out I guess just glad I won't be having to force smalltalk on an awkward trip .

t0rt0ise

When I did this I told them when I booked them that I would be travelling by train and they arranged it so that they had lunch while waiting for me to get there. It all worked out fine.

luvchocolate

I moved 75 miles, removal van loaded and left, I stayed behind to clean and drop keys off.
I had arranged with family to be at the new house, as it turned out we arrived at the same time.
I appreciate you may not have anyone at the new house, I was fortunate

cyantist

cashmonger wrote: »

I have very few wordly possessions of value anyway except my desktop computer though of course I don't want to have it stolen. Just basics like a cheap wardrobe, a few clothes, and a half broken metal bed and a few files. I am an avid minimalist

If that's all you have, do you need a removals van?

It might end up costing more to move the stuff than to get another cheap wardrobe and replace the half broken bed. The few clothes I imagine you could just take with you on the train

G_M

Try https://www.anyvan.com/

You tell them what needs transporting, where and when, and different companies then bid for your job.

You can choose depending on their feedback, their price etc.

Many of them will have 'part loads' ie if they are already travelling between those 2 points, or nearby, and still have empty space, they'll offer a cheaper rate. Plus you could ask them to drop off the other load(s) first while you travel up.

trailingspouse

I assume you don't drive? With so few possessions the easiest thing would be to hire a van yourself and rope in a mate or two to help with the lifting in return for a takeaway and a couple of beers at the other end. If you don't drive do you have a mate who would drive for you (if you paid for the hire costs etc?)

teddysmum

Dumping the old furniture, buying from a charity shop (Douglas Macmillan shops have some lovely items at really good prices) and sending clothes and computer by courier would be cheaper.