Relocating can seem like a difficult undertaking, particularly if it involves a large distance within the United Kingdom. It takes careful preparation and execution to pack your life and coordinate logistics across hundreds of miles.
However, your long-distance removal can go smoothly and without incident if you are prepared and have the appropriate information. Here are some tips to help you make a successful move.
The Scope of Long-Distance Removals
Intercity and national-level relocation often come under long-distance removals. These operations entail moving your possessions across the United Kingdom. This could be from Manchester to Cardiff, London to Edinburgh, or any other significant cross-regional move.
These require more specialised planning than local moves, including advanced logistics, possible overnight stays for removal crews, and careful route optimisation.
Key Considerations When Planning Your Move
Early Planning is Crucial
Plan at least six to eight weeks in advance, if not more, for long-distance moves. This allows you enough time to schedule your removal company, obtain quotes, and declutter. Last-minute plans may result in more expensive and scarcer options.
Choosing the Right Removal Company
Possibly the most important choice is this one. Seek out businesses that have:
- Long-distance moving experience: Not all local movers are prepared for cross-country trips.
- Appropriate insurance: Verify that they possess both public liability and goods in transit insurance. Recognise the coverage provided by their policy.
- Good reputation and reviews: Look through independent review websites and get references.
- Clear pricing: Obtain a comprehensive written quote that includes all expenses, including possible add-ons like storage, furniture disassembly and reassembling, and packing services.
- Participation in professional associations: Strict codes of conduct are frequently found in reputable organisations.
Packing Strategy
- Declutter things: Long-distance moves are more expensive per volume. Get rid of things you don’t need or donate them.
- Expert packing services: You might want to hire your moving company to pack for you. They lower the chance of damage by using specialised materials and methods.
- Do-it-yourself packing advice: Use sturdy boxes, clearly label the room and contents, and pack necessities separately for easy access when you get there. Carefully guard delicate objects.
Logistics and Timelines:
- Multiple-day move: Your move may take two days or longer, with an overnight stop for the removal crew, if you’re moving across very long distances or into large homes. Talk about this timeline with the business of your choice.
- Access at both ends: Let your moving company know if there are any obstacles to access at either location, such as stairs, small roads, or parking limitations.
- Storage options: Ask about safe storage options if there will be a delay between moving out of your old house and into your new one.
Essential Tasks to Do
Before Moving Day
- Notify utility providers: Give your moving date to the companies that provide gas, electricity, water, internet, and council taxes. Make plans to connect services to your new address.
- Redirect mail: Work with the Post Office to set up a mail redirection service.
- Update addresses: Let banks, employers, physicians, schools, and any subscription services know your new address.
- Transfer doctors and schools: Decide for new medical registrations and schools in your new area if you are moving with your family.
- Assemble a box of necessities: Put things you’ll need for the first night and morning in a box, such as toiletries, medicine, chargers, basic kitchenware, and an extra set of clothes.
On Moving Day
- Be present and reachable: Be ready to respond to any enquiries the removal crew may have.
- Walkthrough: Make sure nothing is left behind by doing a last walkthrough of your former home.
- Examine inventory: Upon delivery, make sure to perform a thorough inventory check if one is being used.
Settling into Your New Home
Although long-distance house moves are a big task, you can anticipate a seamless transition to your new UK residence with careful preparation and the help of a reputable moving company.
Understanding the procedures and being well-prepared will reduce stress and increase productivity, freeing you up to concentrate on acclimating to your new life.