Buying & Selling A Home

The cheapest way to move is to do it yourself but this can take some time and can be hard work. Moving is not going to be cheap so set aside a budget for moving.

Shop around

It is important to get the best deal you can from the removal firm you opt for. So shop around and get a few quotes before you decide which one you want to use. A reputable removal firm would not offer you a quote until they have seen your possessions. Call a few different firms to come out and have a look at what you intend to move.

You should write them out a full list of things that you are wanting moved and also a list of things that you will be moving yourself. Only then can they give you a honest quote. Make sure that you get the quote in writing so that they can`t add any extra costs once you decide to use them.

The removal firm will come to your house and give you a free estimate of the cost of your move. Expect to pay more if you want to move during a peak period (Bank holidays, Fridays, etc.). Find out if the quote includes VAT and insurance.

Find out if the firm is a member of British Association of Removers (BAR) accredited. BAR is the trade association for the removals and storage industry. This indicates that a firm is reputable, and means you will be protected by the Association’s code of practice.

What you will pay

What you pay will depend on how many rooms of furniture you have, the distance you’re moving and if there are any obstacles to your move, for example a piece of furniture that must come through a window because it won’t fit through the doors.

Removal service

You should decide on what kind of removal service you require. For example, do you want the company to do your packing and unpacking for you, or do you want them to pack but not unpack your belongings or simply just move what you’ve already packed? Anything you pack yourself will not be covered by the insurance they provide.

If you are doing the packing yourself ask the removal firm if they can provide you with some packing boxes or crates. (They may charge you a small fee for this.) Or go to your local super market and get some large boxes.

Once you have chosen a firm

Make sure they know exactly how to get to your home, and give them a spare key if necessary. Also make sure you give them a mobile number so that they can contact you on moving day.

The big day

If you have done the packing yourself make sure you give them an inventory plan of all your goods and keep a copy for yourself so that you don`t forget what has been packed and what boxes they are in. Once everything is unpacked make sure that everything is in order and that nothing is broke or lost. If anything is broken or lost contact the removal firm as soon as possible to ensure that you can get the insurance back off of it.

Remember moving is one of the more stressful times in a person’s life. Here is a checklist to help make moving enjoyable and to make sure that you don`t forget anything. Good luck!

6 weeks to go

• Contact a moving company and tell them the dates you plan to move.
• Create a “move file” to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
• If you don`t know the city/area you are moving to this is a good time to do some research on the area. Local groups, kids clubs etc. Visit the area and get to know people before you move in.
• Find a school, nursery, childminders in your new area.
• Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered.
• Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself.
• Buy only what you will use before moving.

4 weeks to go

• Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms, and others who need to be notified of your move.
• Set a date to cancel the newspaper.
• Moving is a good time to have a clean out and get rid of all the things that are gathering dust.
• Have a car boot sale with all the things that you don`t want any more.

2 weeks to go

• Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
• Involve your children in the packing and moving. Moving to a new house a new city can be scary for children.
• Hold an open house or informal dinner for friends to say good-bye.
• Take your car in for a service (you don`t want to break down on the way to your new house).
• Transfer all prescriptions to your new pharmacy.
• Have rugs and curtains cleaned and keep them in bags until the movers arrive.
• Return library books and anything else you may have borrowed.
• Start packing.

1 week to go

• Pack suitcases for the trip to your new house. Put in extra clothes for emergencies.
• Pack a large box and take it with you in the car. It should include, sponges, paper towels, cleaning products, paper plates, plastic knives, forks etc., light bulbs, hammer, bin bags, soap, toiletries, utility knife, cups, kettle, coffee, tea bags sugar, toilet paper, snacks, pencils and paper, a local phone book, masking tape, bath towels and a change of clothes. All of these are essential for the moving day.
• Defrost the freezer two days before you move. Ask a friend or family member if you can keep your frozen foods in their freezer. Pack all frozen foods in a ice bag.
• Make a list of every item and label the boxes.
• Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van.
• Write a list of all useful telephones and addresses to take with you. (You might need to contact your old doctor about something).

1 Day to go

• Mark all items that you do not want to be moved. Mark the box that has all your fragile bits in “FRAGILE”.
• Give back anything that you have borrowed from someone else and get back what other people have borrowed from you.
• Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls for the movers to pack.
• Leave beds assembled, use sleeping bags if you can and pack all of your bedding.
• Unplug all TV sets 24 hours in advance so they will be at room temperature the day of the move. Moving a set in which heat is retained could damage internal parts.

Moving Day

• It is your responsibility to see that all your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making sure no items are left, check and sign the inventory. Keep your copy.
• Be sure the van driver has the exact address of your destination.
• Keep your mobile switched on during moving day.
• Leave a note of your new address in the house so the new occupants can forward any mail.

Your new home

• If you can, be at your new home when the removal men come if you can`t make sure that someone else is there.
• Unless other arrangements have been made, be prepared to pay the tab. The van driver is obligated, by law, to collect for charges upon delivery.
• Check your goods as they are unloaded. If anything is missing, note it on the inventory sheet. By signing the sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
• Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
• Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
• Have an early night and leave the unpacking until the next day.