Whether you’re moving to a new house, office or just need a helping hand to move your stuff, a removals company can save you a lot of time and stress.
When you’re looking for a removals company to help with your home or commercial relocation, it’s important to get quotes from a few different businesses. Make sure they’re insured and have a good reputation in the industry.
Packing
The packing process is a key factor in ensuring your items arrive in one piece and that’s a big deal for anyone moving. The right amount of organisation and planning can make the process a breeze. A good removals company will use a variety of techniques to make sure everything is packed in the right order and that the resulting box stack is stacked neatly for easy transport.
The best way to do this is to create a packing schedule which will indicate when the big stuff should be sorted and when the smalls are relegated to boxes for transport. This is a smart move as it saves time in the long run and prevents unnecessary mishaps.
When it comes to choosing the right packing materials, a good removals company will know their stuff and can suggest options based on your unique needs. They’ll also be able to provide you with the right size and style of boxes, which will save you time in the long run as well as reduce your stress levels on move day.
Using the right types of boxes is the secret to successful packing, especially when you’re dealing with fragile items like antiques or family heirlooms. The most important thing is to make sure that the boxes are sturdy enough to withstand the ride in your removal van and a few bumps along the way.
The best way to do this is to buy a quality pack of small boxes and a good supply of medium and large boxes for larger items such as furniture and appliances.
Loading
Loading is the process by which your goods are transported from a removals company’s vehicle to your home. It is the most time-consuming part of the process and can take up to an hour. This is why it is so important to plan for it in advance.
Once your belongings have been packed, you will need to let your removals company know when they can load them. You can do this by either contacting their customer service team or by arranging with them via their website. It is also a good idea to let them know if there are any changes that may affect the loading date.
For example, if there is a road closure in the area where you live that will stop the vehicle from getting near to your home, then you need to inform them of this as soon as possible. This can ensure that they are able to book the appropriate crew and truck for the day.
The loading process is usually supervised by a removals supervisor or driver and they will create an inventory of your goods. This will include colored numbered stickers on boxes and larger items such as couches.
They will also be noting any pre-existing damage on your inventory. This will help them to spot any new damage as they bring your goods into your new home.
When they have finished loading, they will drive your shipment to the destination where it will be unloaded and your belongings will be delivered to you. This is typically the most stressful part of the process but will be well worth it when you see your new home for the first time.
As your goods are loaded into the vehicle, they will be protected with padding and a blanket to prevent them from getting scratched. You can also ask your removals firm if they have a specific protective material for removing carpets, flooring and doorways.
Once your belongings have been loaded into the container, they will be removed from the vehicle by a forklift and placed in a storage area. This is normally a purpose-built warehouse and is often stacked in numbered aisles for easy retrieval.
Transport
A removals company can help you relocate from one house to another, whether it be for a new home or a business relocation. They usually have a range of vehicles and equipment to help with the transport process. This includes a fleet of trucks and tail lifts for transporting large items, telescopic furniture lifts for multiple floors and storage spaces to keep your belongings while they are in transit.
When choosing a removals company you should consider their reputation and experience. Ask around for recommendations from friends and family or read reviews online. This will give you an indication of their service and help you decide if they are the right company for you.
It is also important to ensure that the removals company you choose has adequate insurance cover. This will mean that if anything is damaged or lost in transit, you will be covered. They should also be able to provide you with their policy and time limit for claiming on it.
Once you have decided on a company you want to work with, you should get an estimate from them so that you can see how much it will cost you. The amount of goods, distance travelled, size of crew and speed of packing will all affect the quote you receive.
You should also check if they have a company address and landline telephone number, as this can be important in the event of something going wrong. If they only have a mobile phone you could miss out on their services come move day at best or have your belongings left behind at worst!
A reputable removals company will be a member of a trade association or organisation such as the British Association of Removers. These associations regulate members and have dispute resolution procedures in place to deal with any problems that arise.