How do I go about arranging for a moval van and how to setup a backup?

cashmonger

I don't have any friends or relatives in this city who would help me out if say the removal van didn't show up. So how could I plan a backup plan for that?

I thought about asking a few and asking if more than one would be available on the day but I can't tell them not to do anything 'just in case' my 1st choice fell through can I.

So what to do in that case?

Also how do I get the main removal van? I saw someone linked me to a bidding site or something in another thread so I will look at that.

I will be moving from one city to another about 50 mile away.

G_M

Book (and pay for) two vans.

the chances of them both failing to turn up is very remote (but possible).

(or just book a reliable company)

lovinituk

If you book 2 and cancel 1 at the last minute because the other turned up, you will still have to pay for both. You can't expect a second company to be on standby for free, just in case.

Pixie5740

If you're moving from one rental property to another surely you'll have a bit of crossover between the two properties? That should give you a bit of a buffer to make alternative arrangements should the removal van not turn up. In other words cross that bridge if you come to it.

sparky130a

I went to a restaurant once.

I didn't trust them so ordered two main courses for myself. Can you believe their cheek when they tried charging me for both..!?

I mean, how dare they...

Sounds ridiculous? That.

ReadingTim

Book a reliable firm, rather than the cheapest 'one man and a van' type of fly by night operator that you can find - you get what you pay for.

cashmonger

Why is everyone saying that I am expecting to get one for free? I mention clearly that I wouldnt want to do it BECAUSE they would not be expected to be free.

I thought about asking a few and asking if more than one would be available on the day but I can't tell them not to do anything 'just in case' my 1st choice fell through can I.

how is that not clear? Notice there is no question mark at the end of the sentence asking if it would be possible.

When going in yesterday the letting agent girl advised me to do begin the new tenancy on 30th rather than 31st so that should give me a day then in case trouble arises.

Also how much time ahead is it usual to need before booking them from the day they will come?

PasturesNew

You could move 90% of your stuff into local "self storage" the week before, just "camping out" in your former home until moving day - then book a van to collect what's at your former home, to then go to self storage to collect that stuff and take the lot to your new home.

Just a random idea ....

Clutterfree

Use a reputable local firm - preferably from a recommendation.
You'll get a written contract with all their terms.

I've never heard of anyone having a removal van "in reserve".
TBH when we moved 8 months ago it never even occurred to me that the removals would fail to show. It's stressful enough without worrying about "what ifs". :eek:

gingercordial

Why don't you just find a reliable company? Then you don't need a backup. I have never heard of such a thing.

Do a Google search for removal companies in your area, look at their Google reviews, check Yelp, ask on your local Facebook group. Call them, ask for a quote, see how professional they sound (do they bother to ask you how much stuff you have, do they want to come round to look and price it up, or do they just pick a number?). Then pick one (just one!) and book them.

Do not just agree to give some bloke with a van down the pub £50 for it. That's how you get an unreliable one.

cashmonger

PasturesNew wrote: »

You could move 90% of your stuff into local "self storage" the week before, just "camping out" in your former home until moving day - then book a van to collect what's at your former home, to then go to self storage to collect that stuff and take the lot to your new home.

Just a random idea ....

It is an idea but that would require two moves rather than one which would be twice the work and twice the cost. Well not twice since the move would be local but still a double cost.