Frequently asked questions . . .

Do you work at weekends?
Yes, but there is an increase in the labour charge element of a quotation.

Is extended liability cover available during my removal?
Yes. For more information please see the section headed 'Extended Liability Cover'.

Are my possessions covered by extended liability cover whilst in storage?
Yes, please follow the link in the previous FAQ.

How big is a storage container?
Approx 7ft x 5ft x 8ft. This gives a storage capacity for each container of approximately 250 cubic feet.

How much does storage cost?
As at 1 October 2006 £9.00 plus VAT per container per week for the first 3 months and thereafter £11.00 + VAT per container per week. Storage is calculated daily, charged on a weekly basis and invoiced monthly in advance.

What size of vehicles do you use?

We have a range of vehicles of different sizes which can be used alone or in combination, depending on the size of the move and the access arrangements at both ends of the removal.

How far in advance must I book my removal date?

As soon as you are given a completion date by your solicitor/estate agent. Most moves are booked 7-14 days in advance although at busy times of the year some dates, especially Fridays can get booked up well in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot take pencil or provisional bookings. Only payment of a 50% deposit can secure a booking.

Do you move pianos?

Yes, both upright and grand pianos using piano bogies and grand piano slippers.

Do you provide an unpacking service?

Unpacking is not provided within a quotation as standard. If you require an unpacking service, this will be included as an option in our written quotation. If we do provide an unpacking service we can only unpack items onto flat surfaces so many clients prefert to do their own unpacking.

Are there any things that cannot be stored?

Flammable items cannot be moved or placed in storage. plants and open/perishable food cannot be placed in storage. Jewellery and securities should not be placed in storage since they are not covered by our insurance policy. Please see our terms and conditions of business for more information.

How much does a removal cost?

All removals are in some ways different. That is why it is always better for us to visit you and to carry out a proper assessment of your removal, both in terms of where you are moving from and to find out about where you are moving to. Remember that you are sourcing a professional service from someone to whom you will be entrusting your possessions. In our opinion the cheapest is not the best where removals and storage is concerned. Our assessor will determine the size of the move and the vehicles and manpower required. he will consider the access arrangements, both internally and externally and the distance to be travelled to your new home. he will discuss with you the requirements for packing and any assistance that you may require in dismantling furniture etc. After the assessment, we will prepare a fixed price written quotation setting out the cost of everything that you have asked us to do, including storage rates and the cost of extended liability cover with an insured remover.

How long does a survey take?

For an average 3 bedroom semi detached property, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Who organises access and parking permits?

It is your responsibility to ensure that our removal team and our vehicles can gain access both at collection and delivery. If you have any concerns about access, particularly where you are moving long distance, please advise our assessor. It is important that we are fully appraised of all matters that may have an impact on the ease and timing of the move. It is also your responsibility to ensure that there is adequate parking at both addresses. It is advisable where a restriction on parking by others is required, to contact the local council in plenty of time for a permit or the erection of cones. Please remember to forewarn neighbours to ensure that they are not unnecessarily inconvenienced.

What happens when the removal team arrives?

Each removal team has a team leader who will introduce himself to you. He will request a walk round the property with you so that he can plan the loading/unloading exercise. Please bring to the leader's attention any matters of particular importance and he will try and be as accommodating as possible. If you would prefer certain rooms to be loaded first (for example, to facilitate cleaning) please advise the team leader. Once everything has been loaded/unloaded the team leader will ask you to conduct a final check to ensure that everything has been carried out to your satisfaction.

What happens if keys are delayed?

An additional charge will be made if keys are delayed and we are ready to begin unloading. For more information, please see our terms and conditions of business. In brief, there are no additional charges provided we begin unloading before 3.00 p.m. Thereafter, addtional charges will kick in at rates which vary depending on when we actually begin unloading.

Tips!

• The best, most hassle free removals are those that are well planned. Our best advice is to begin planning your removal well in advance.
  
  
• Take a good look at what you want to keep and what you should get rid of prior to the removal. Taking less could reduce the cost of your removal.
  
  
• Make a plan of your new home so that you can form an idea of where you want your possessions to be placed.
  
  
• If you decide to do your own packing, use strong boxes/containers and ensure that they are not overfilled. Use sufficient protective packing especially for glass and china. Make sure that boxes are clearly marked with contents and whether 'fragile' or 'this way up'.
  
  
• Unless you have asked us to do it, dismantle self assembly furniture and take down all curtains, curtain poles and other fixtures and fittings prior to the arrival of your removal team.
  
  
• Ensure that all items in a loft are sorted and placed in an accessible room. Your removal team will not be able to enter your loft unless it is boarded and well lit with a safe point of entry.
  
  
• Ensure that you place all important documents in a folder and keep these with you.
  
  
• Cookers, washing machines, fridges and freezers should be disconnected, cleaned and drained prior to the arrival of your removal team.
  
  
• Clothing can be left on hangers since we will bring portable wardrobe boxes on the day of the removal. Generally speaking, chests of drawers can be moved full.
  
  
• Garages and sheds should be sorted well in advance of the move. Tools should be cleaned and tied together and rubbish taken to a tip. Unrestricted access to and from the doorway/drive of your home is essential for our removal team. Tell your neighbours in advance that a large removal wagon wil be arriving and forewarn them of any inconvenience. Remember that you are responsible for organising any parking permits that may be required.