Are you planning to relocate in the near future?
If so, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by a seemingly never ending to-do list.
There’s packing, finding a house, moving, and everything in between.
There might be certain things you can do by yourself to save money, but moving your belongings should not be one of them.
By hiring a removal service you will ensure that your belongings will be expertly moved from one location to the next.
You can take comfort knowing that your valuable possessions will be packaged and transported by professionals with minimal damage.
This makes your life easier and allows you to focus on the tasks that you can do on your own.
We have put together this guide detailing the benefits of hiring a removal company, and when and why it is necessary.
We hope to make your move as easy and stress-free as possible!
Removal Company Services
Packing and moving homes is no easy task.
And this is exactly why removal companies exist.
Removal companies employ experts who know exactly how to handle and transport your belongings so you don’t have to.
Some people seek out removal firms because of the large volume of items they are moving, while others have antiques or valuable items that they do not want to harm in the process.
Removal companies will know exactly how to handle your fragile belongings.
Do not be afraid to communicate your desires and concerns with your removal firm.
Let your company know if you have special items such as a piano, or an item that must be moved through the window.
They will be able to assist you with even the trickiest removals.
Most companies also provide packing services for an extra fee if you do not wish to pack your own belongings.
If you choose to have the packing done for you, you can feel confident that the best packing materials and strategies are being used.
Another great service these companies often provide is a dismantling and assembling service.
Beds, for example, often need to be dismantled before they can be transported.
Most removal firms offer this service, as well as reassembling the furniture upon arrival at your new home.
If you have more belongings than you wish to bring with you to your new house, most moving companies offer temporary storage facilities.
Here, you can store your possessions in private units until you decide what to do with them long-term.
Some items, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics need to be stored in climate-controlled units.
Climate-controlled units keep the temperature and humidity of the room stable and prevent your items from rotting or deteriorating.
If you have valuable items that need to be protected, ask your moving company if these units are available.
In addition to packing, some companies also offer unpacking services.
For an additional fee, movers will place boxes in the appropriate rooms, and even unpack them, while leaving the “putting up” to you.
While this is entirely up to you, keep in mind that the option is there.
Average Removal Costs
Before moving to any new city, it is in your best interest to research the cost of living and formulate a budget.
Photo by Brandable Box on Unsplash
Especially if you are moving to a city where the cost of living is higher than where you currently live.
London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so this is especially true when relocating to London.
Fortunately for you, we have created an extensive guide to the cost of living in London that will help you plan and budget for your big move.
Removal services are one more thing that should not be forgotten when budgeting.
While removal company costs might look expensive at first sight, when you factor in all the services they provide, it is something seriously worth investing in.
But you should still do your homework and research the best company for you and your needs.
How much you will pay for your removal services will vary depending on the size of your home, the number of items you are moving, and the distance travelled.
As you could guess, the smaller your home and the shorter the distance you are moving, the lower the price.
Most removal companies charge an hourly rate, and most companies have a 2-hour minimum.
We have researched the prices of over 10 removal companies in London to provide you with the average cost of your home removal.
For local moves, depending on the number of men and the size of the van, you should expect to pay anywhere from £65-85 per hour (VAT included).
Note: Many companies will send you a quote excluding VAT. Make sure to always ask for a price that includes VAT or any other additional charges.
The lower end of the price spectrum is related to the cost for 1 to 2 men and a standard moving van, while the higher end will be the cost for 2 to 3 men and a Luton van.
Below are the average costs to move from a:
- 1-2 bedroom house- £300-500
- 3-bedroom house- £450-800
- 4-bedroom house- £700-1,000
- 5-bedroom house- £870-1,350
Many removal company websites have price calculators where you can enter your specific information and receive a tentative price.
You can ensure that you are getting the best deal from the company you choose to hire by asking for a removal quote.
In some cases, the company in question will send someone to your property to survey your belongings and give you an accurate idea of how much you will pay.
Some removal firms offer free quotes, so keep this in mind when searching for the right company.
And do not forget to ask questions about any additional services you desire, as these usually come with a hidden fee.
Your moving day can also play a part in the total cost of your relocation.
Book your removal day early, and if you can help it, do not move on a bank holiday, a Friday, or the first or last day of the month.
Access to the pick-up and drop-off locations can also impact the total cost of removal.
If the moving lorry or van cannot easily park near your front door, it will cause extra work for the movers, resulting in a higher bill.
Additional services like dismantling, reassembly, packing, and the removal of specialty items will often cost extra.
So make sure to ask what the additional fees will be.
Moving Tips
Only move what is necessary
Removal companies are here to ensure that moving homes goes as smoothly as possible for you, but there are also things that you can do to assist in the process.
Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash
The fewer belongings you move to your new home, the easier and cheaper it will be.
Therefore, moving homes is a great time to declutter and sort through your belongings.
Prepare Your Home
Before your moving service arrives at your house, prepare your home for the work that will take place.
Cover your floors to prevent damage or staining, and protect any other aspects of your home that you do not want harmed.
Make sure that your removal men know exactly what you intend to take with you to your new home.
It would not be ideal for anyone involved to have spent time and effort moving large items that were never intended to be moved.
Removals Insurance
Some homeowners’ insurance companies offer removals insurance and will cover the removal of your belongings. So it is a great idea to check with your insurance company before moving.
If your insurance company does not offer removals insurance, make sure that the company moving your things for you offers the same kind of insurance.
Insurance is important, especially if you have items of high value.
If you will be doing all the packing yourself, it is a good idea to ask your removal firm if you’re still covered by their insurance policy.
Some firms will not reimburse you for items damaged that you packed yourself.
The packing materials and strategies you choose are crucial to a successful move.
Even if your move is not a long-distance removal, your items can still be damaged in transit if they are not properly packed and loaded into the removal van.
Compare Companies
Make sure to compare companies before choosing which one to hire.
Before calling companies for a quote, make sure that they service the area in which you live, have positive reviews and ratings, and provide all of the services you are in need of.
You should compare at least 3 companies before deciding on which one to hire.
This will allow you to have a more accurate idea of how much is a reasonable amount to pay for your removal.
Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions!
After all, it is your time and money that are at stake.
Inquire about any additional fees and services that might be necessary for your move.
Hidden fees can quickly add up, so it is important to ask these questions in order to find the best company for your needs.
Also, you have to be aware of the fact that the industry of removal services has many individuals operating with a “cash-in-hand approach”, without offering any security over your items, such as liability insurance.
Thus, it is recommended that you choose a company that has a proper website, check at client testimonials (such as the following) and make good research before making a decision.
Thus, it is always recommended to ask questions before you choose a removal (or storage) company, check their online reviews and be sure as to if the company you’re going to hire is trustworthy.
Here’s an example of an online review for STORED:
Let’s wrap this up.
Wrapping Up
A removal service is something that is undoubtedly worth the money.
By hiring experts to do it for you, you can have peace of mind knowing that your valuable belongings are less likely to be damaged.
Hiring a moving service also allows you more time to focus on all the other aspects of your move.
The insurance that is offered for fragile items is comforting and worth the additional cost.
It is no secret that packing and moving an entire home puts a strain on both the body and the mind.
It can be super beneficial for your own physical health to not try to lift and move heavy items on your own.
Professional movers have the proper training and equipment to move your items for you.
So, save your back (and yourself from any future medical expenses) and hire a professional moving crew to assist you with your next move!
Now, we would love to hear from YOU.
Have you ever hired a removal company before? What extra services did you find worth it? What advice would you give to anyone looking to hire a removal service?
Let us know in the comments below!
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