Tips For Avoiding Delays When Moving House

There’s no doubt about it; the house moving process can be one of the most complicated and stressful times in anyone’s life. But contrary to popular belief, speeding up a house move can be done. If you’re about to embark on a move and just want the whole thing to run as quickly and smoothly as possible, then here are our top tips for avoiding delays when moving house…

HAVE YOUR MONEY AT THE READY

From the moment you decide to put your house up for sale, you need to be clear about your finances. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving for the fifth time around (in which case, you’ll already know all about this), sorting your finances first is guaranteed to speed up any house move. Whether it be getting your mortgage in principal agreed in order to start making serious offers or simply ensuring you have your full deposit and any fees ready (especially if these are not coming from existing savings), and staying on top of your finances every step of the way is vital.

BE PROACTIVE AND COMMUNICATE

You’ll deal with a lot of people whilst moving house – from estate agents and conveyancing solicitors to removal companies and everything in between.

Completing and paperwork swiftly, responding quickly to enquiries, having your documents ready (for example copies of wage slips, bank statements and your ID for a mortgage application or planning permissions/guarantees for the property you’re selling) and having all your affairs in order can speed up the process of making and having an offer accepted and starting the contracts process.

Staying in touch with them and updating them with any changes that occur along the way means that everyone (including you) can plan accordingly, with as much notice as possible to take action and avoid any last-minute problems. If you want an update on something, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or drop a quick email – these companies are working for you, so they should be happy to provide you with any information you need.

COMBINE YOUR PROPERTY SURVEYS

If you want to have a home buyer’s or full survey done on the property you are buying, then consider using your mortgage lender to provide this at the same time as conducting their valuation report, rather than doing them independently. This will speed up the process and could save you money.

BOOK YOUR REMOVAL COMPANY EARLY

Although you might not have a date yet, you should try to start arranging a removals company around 4 weeks before you think moving day might be.

Contact around 3 companies in your area (our guide on how to find a recommended removal company explains this in more detail) and book an in-home move consultation with each. This is always a free, no obligation service which enables the removal company to quickly and accurately calculate the cost of moving your items. The surveyor who comes to see your home will also highlight little things you might not have thought about yet, like whether or not you need to make parking provisions for the removals truck or whether you require extra services such as a handyman or housemaid to help at each end. Once you have your quotes, narrow them down to one (see more about comparing removals quotations on our blog) and provisionally book the dates you’re aiming for.

Once you’ve exchanged contracts and have set a completion date for your move, let the removal company know ASAP so they can finalise the dates for you and confirm your booking. Remember that during peak times (summer, school holidays, bank holidays and Christmas) removal companies will be busier and book up faster than usual, so starting this process early is vital. Fridays (particularly the last of every month) are also extremely busy times, so if you can move on any other weekday, do it!

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PACK

IF you’re doing your packing to move house, then as soon as your removal company is booked, start packing. This is arguably everyone’s least favourite part of the moving process, probably because it always takes longer than you think, so the sooner you get going with it, the sooner it’s done. This way, you can order extra boxes if needed, sort everything carefully and make sure it’s packed properly (see our how-to videos here for more advice on packing your items). The last thing you want is to still be packing the night before – or even worse – the morning of your move. Not only is this stressful, but it might also delay your move and cost you more money.

Packing early also frees you up the week before your move to do all those last-minute jobs you might have forgotten about until now, like reading meters, redirecting your post and making arrangements for children and pets on the day of the move.

THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU WANT TO EXCHANGE AND COMPLETE

No matter how tempting it might seem to roll two things into one (and in principle, it does sound like a good idea) always try not to exchange and complete on the same day if you’re part of a chain. Completion dates are usually set at the time a contract is exchanged, meaning everyone connected in the chain can organise for their funds to be released on the same day. It only takes complications from one vendor who can’t complete on the given day to break the chain for all involved. If you can, try and leave about a week or so between each exchange and completing, which should be enough time to resolve any problems that might arise. That’s not to say that they can’t be done on the same day at all – there are, of course, circumstances in which it works for many people – but you must be certain of the strength of your chain and confident that everyone will have their finances in place by completion day.

Although often not possible when you’re involved in a chain, If you can avoid moving in on completion day this is great as it gives you a bit more breathing space without having a deadline to be out of your old home and reduces the risk of waiting around for keys to get into the new one.

ARRANGE CHILD/PET CARE ON MOVING DAY

Moving day can be hectic, if your children and pets can be elsewhere for the day, this is a good idea as it means you can focus on the move and not get distracted by having to think about keeping an eye on them or keeping them entertained.

Ultimate Guide To Removal Company Storage Services

Do removal companies do storage too?

Yes, many removal companies also offer storage. If you don’t have access to your new home immediately it’s a great idea to use one company for removals and storage to keep all the planning and control with one company.

How does a removal company store my belongings?

Typically removal companies use containerised storage. This is where your belongings are packed and loaded into wooden containers, usually around 250 cubic feet in size (roughly the size of a small garden shed).

Depending on the removal company your items are either directly loaded into the container on their vehicle, or will be loaded loose onto a truck and then loaded into the container back at their warehouse. It’s worth asking which method is used by your mover, as direct loading can significantly reduce the risk of damage by minimising handling.

In the warehouse, the containers are removed from the vehicle by forklift and stored in a purpose-built warehouse, usually stacked in numbered aisles for quick and easy retrieval.   Ultimate Guide To Services

How long can I store my items with a removal company?

You can usually store your items for as long or as little as you want or need with no pressure or commitment to the length of time.

Most removals companies charge for storage on a weekly basis so the costs can be quite flexible.

If your removal and storage company has offered a cheap introductory offer for storage, check the terms and conditions for any commitment to the length of the contract.  Ultimate Guide To Removal Company Storage Services

Can I use storage for an International Move?

If you’re moving overseas, putting items into storage may be an essential part of your move.

Depending on where you’re going and the logistics of your move, it might be that your international removal company recommends a short period of storage for your belongings before they can ship your goods or before they deliver them to your new home, for example, if you are staying in a short term rental for some time when you arrive before you find your long term home or if you are travelling for a while before settling.

Alternatively, it might be that you’re moving overseas on an assignment for a specific period of time and need to store your household items while you’re gone so you have them ready to go into a new property as soon as you’re back.

When using storage as part of an international move, your goods will be sealed in a container at your home, and a detailed inventory will be taken. The container will then be transported back to the removal company’s warehouse, where it will be stored securely until it’s ready to ship. Whatever your circumstance, storage is usually a pretty convenient option when you’re moving overseas.

Are furniture removal company storage facilities safe?

It might sound like a pretty obvious point to make, but when using a removal company that has additional storage facilities, you need to make sure your goods will be completely safe and secure. If you’re specifically looking for a removal company that offers storage as well, then make sure you do your research.

Always opt for a company that is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). BAR members who offer storage must ensure their facilities are completely suitable for the purpose, safe, secure, well-maintained, run and administered.

For customers looking for storage BAR membership means you can rest assured that an independent professional party has already pre-vetted the storage facility on your behalf, so you can trust your items are as safe as possible. Removal Company Storage Services

That being said, no company can completely remove the risks of storage so it’s important to properly insure your belongings whilst they are in store just in case the unexpected happens (e.g. a natural disaster). Most removal companies offer storage insurance as part of your quote.Most reputable removal companies who also offer storage in their permanently managed, on-site warehouses will be able to talk you through all of your options as well as answering any of your questions to ensure that you’re completely happy your goods will be stored safely and securely.

Can I access my belongings in storage whenever I need to?

Need a few items back but want to leave the rest in storage? This shouldn’t be a problem (but check with your mover before you sign up)– all you need to do is contact the removal company where your goods are being stored to find out their process for access or extractions.

Usually, if your goods are being stored in a container, then it will be retrieved and stood down in a safe area and opened ready for you to retrieve what’s needed, then sealed up again and put back in place.

Alternatively, if you’d like some help doing this, you can tell the mover the items on your inventory you’d like out, and they can extract them for you. There may be a small charge for these services, so make sure you ask about this when booking.

Is it easier to have the removal company collect your goods rather than take them in yourself?

One of the big pros of using a removals company rather than a self-storage company (aside from the usual more competitive storage costs) is the add-on capability for them to help you move the items into the storage facility and back out again afterwards. The removals crew will be skilled in loading a container to maximise the use of the space at the same time while making sure everything is well secured and protected to reduce the risk of damage.Many removal companies like Bournes have specially designed vehicles with side loading doors which allow them to put an empty wooden container on the lorry, load your items directly into it and seal the doors at your home and then simply use a forklift to take the container off the lorry and into the warehouse. This means your items don’t need double handling, which reduces the risk of any damage or loss.

Can removal companies store more than just furniture and household goods?

In some cases, there might be a more specific need for storage than just household items. For example, it might be that you simply want a safe place to store a car or motorbike while you’re out of the country. Or you might have particularly high-value goods or antiques that need a secure place to stay while you move the rest of your house. It could even be that you just need seasonal storage if you don’t have loft space or anywhere outside for storage.

Removal Company Storage Services

Do removal companies do storage too?

Yes, many removal companies also offer storage. If you don’t have access to your new home immediately it’s a great idea to use one company for removals and storage to keep all the planning and control with one company.

How does a removal company store my belongings?

Typically, removal companies use containerised storage.This is where your belongings are packed and loaded into wooden containers, usually around 250 cubic feet in size (roughly the size of a small garden shed).

Depending on the removal company, your items are either directly loaded into the container on their vehicle, or will be loaded loose onto a truck and then loaded into the container back at their warehouse. It’s worth asking which method is used by your mover, as direct loading can significantly reduce the risk of damage by minimising handling.

In the warehouse, the containers are removed from the vehicle by forklift and stored in a purpose-built warehouse, usually stacked in numbered aisles for quick and easy retrieval.

How long can I store my items with a removal company?

You can usually store your items for as long or as little as you want or need, with no pressure or commitment to the length of time.

Most removals companies charge for storage every week so the costs can be quite flexible.

If your removal and storage company has offered a cheap introductory offer for storage, check the terms and conditions for any commitment to the length of the contract.

Can I use storage for an International Move?

If you’re moving overseas, putting items into storage may be an essential part of your move.

Depending on where you’re going and the logistics of your move, it might be that your international removal company recommends a short period of storage for your belongings before they can ship your goods or before they deliver them to your new home, for example, if you are staying in a short term rental for a while when you arrive before you find your long term home or if you are travelling for a while before settling.

Alternatively, it might be that you’re moving overseas on an assignment for a specific period of time and need to store your household items while you’re gone so you have them ready to go into a new property as soon as you’re back.

When using storage as part of an international move, your goods will be sealed in a container at your home and a detailed inventory will be taken. The container will then be transported back to the removal company’s warehouse, where it will be stored securely until it’s ready to ship. Whatever your circumstance, storage is usually a pretty convenient option when you’re moving overseas.

Is it easier to have the removal company collect your goods rather than take them in yourself?

One of the big pros of using a removals company rather than a self-storage company (aside from the usual more competitive storage costs) is the add-on capability for them to help you move the items into the storage facility and back out again afterwards. The removals crew will be skilled in loading a container to maximise the use of the space at the same time as making sure everything is well secured and protected to reduce the risk of damage.Many removal companies like Bournes have specially designed vehicles with side loading doors which allow them to put an empty wooden container on the lorry, load your items directly into it and seal the doors at your home and then simply use a forklift to take the container off the lorry and into the warehouse. This means your items don’t need double handling,g which reduces the risk of any damage or loss.

Can removal companies store more than just furniture and household goods?

In some cases, there might be a more specific need for storage than just household items. For example, it might be that you simply want a safe place to store a car or motorbike while you’re out of the country. Or you might have particularly high value goods or antiques that need a secure place to stay while you move the rest of your house. It could even be that you just need seasonal storage if you don’t have loft space or anywhere outside for storage – Christmas decorations for the majority of the year or garden items over the winter, for example.