Removal Quotes
Removals.co.uk is dedicated to help making moving house or offices as stress free as possible.
Moving home is one of the most stressful life events. Everybody has different requirements when looking at removals and no two removals are the same, you may be looking to relocate overseas, or just down the road.
You might wish to pack yourself or alternatively take advantage of a full packing service. No matter what your priorities or requirements are, all the companies listed on Removals.co.uk are here to help with your moving and storage requirements.
Choosing a Removal Company
There are hundreds of companies to choose from when booking a removal, but as with all trades some will offer a more comprehensive and professional service than others.
You may wish to look for a company that is an accredited member of the British Association of Removals (BAR). The BAR aims to be the recognised body of the professional moving industry, and is the guardian of standards for the benefit of its members and their customers.
Another recognised organisation to look for when moving is the National Guild of Removers and Storers. Members of The National Guild are based throughout the UK and represent quality and professionalism in each aspect of moving services.
You will also find that removal prices can vary quite dramatically, but it is not always the best option to proceed with the cheapest quote, you will be better advised to go with a company you feel most as ease and happy with. It is worth getting at least three quotes before committing to a company, but remember to give the same information to each company.
Planning your removal, Size Matters....
UK removal companies determine the size of your removal in cubic feet or cubic meters For most European removals cubic metres are used. Every item that is to be moved will be converted into cubic feet. (See below).
Single bed: 35 cubic feet
Bed side table: 5 cubic feet
Dining chair: 5 cubic feet
Washing machine: 15 cubic feet
Standard removal box (50x50x50cm) 4 cubic feet
Upon enquiring with a removal company you will need to compile a list of items that you are looking to move. Some companies will send out a surveyor to produce this, but it is a good starting point to have a list at hand.
When you are putting your list of items together start at the top of the house, and only list items you are taking, also remember to include the garage, garden and loft. Most removal crew will only entered a boarded loft and this will need to be agreed prior to the move.
Many clients are unsure about the amount of boxes they may have. We would suggest you count one kitchen cupboard as one box, therefore, count how many kitchen cupboards you have and this will amount to the number of boxes needed for the kitchen. The same can be done for other rooms.
The number of cartons does not have to be exact, you may have a few more or a few less on the day, but for quoting purposes removal companies will only need a rough guide. Some companies will have a spreadsheet they can email or fax to you, to help with compiling your inventory of items to be moved. Once the inventory is complete the coordinator handling your removal will be able to convert the items listed into cubic feet or metres. This will be the amount of space reserved on the removal vehicle for you.
Special requests
Make a list of any special requirements you may have. You may need to know if the washing machine will be disconnected or not? If you can remember furniture needed to be dismantled on moving into the property, then let your removal coordinator know, as it will probably need to be dismantled to get it back out, the crew will then bring the necessary tools along on the day.
If you require any items to be re-assembled you will need to ask for this service beforehand.
It is important to draw attention to any items that are extremely heavy, oversized or fragile. A piano will need to be highlighted as they can be heavy and may need additional crew to lift. It may also be worthwhile finding out if the piano is metal framed or timber framed.
Other examples of large or fragile items are grandfather clocks and plasma TV’s. It is just as important to draw attention to any item of furniture that is particularly valuable or fragile, as it may require specialist packing. If all of these points are raised on the initial enquiry, you will be sure to receive the correct service on the day.
Access Issues
Access issues need to be looked at in detail when booking a removal company. The vehicles will usually be over 12 metres long and will need to be able to park outside the property. You will need to apply for any parking permits if you live in a restricted parking area. Parking permits can be obtained from your local council and your removal company will be able to tell you the make, model and registration of the vehicle, so as you can apply for the permit in advance.
A removal crew will be prepared to walk down a short drive to the property, if there is a long walk from the vehicle to the front door, this will need to be discussed in the planning stages. Please also ensure that you take notice of the roads around the properties as they need to be wide enough for a large vehicle to travel along.
Once you have looked at the access to and from the properties, the next step is looking at the property itself. A removal company will ask questions such as:
What type of property you have, it is a house or an apartment?
If it is an apartment, what floor is it on and is there a lift?
Is it a bungalow or a three storey house?
Can all items be carried out of the front door or do larger items need to come through windows or out of patio doors?
All of the above questions are particularly important to any removal company in providing a good service for you.
Packing
All professional removal companies will offer a packing service. Some clients require all items to be packed; others may need a fragile pack on just a few boxes.
It is worth considering that if you are looking to insure your removal, most removal companies will not insure owner packed items for damage.
Packaging will be supplied by the company appointed for the removal, and depending on the size of the job, the crew may turn up a day before the removal to complete all of the packing before the vehicle is loaded.
If you choose to pack yourself, you may wish to purchase some materials from your removal firm beforehand, or alternatively you can buy packing from most storage centres. Furniture is blanket wrapped on board the vehicle, however, if it is valuable of fragile you may prefer to have it wrapped or crated. Your removal company will be able to advise you on this.