TOP TIPS FOR MOVING IN THE NEW YEAR
28th December 2007
Plan ahead to help avoid a nightmare move
Making life changes such as moving to a bigger dream home or downsizing for a better quality of life are popular New Year resolutions. However, many are put off in carrying out a move as it is one of life's most stressful events. With this in mind, Abels Moving Services, holders of a Royal Warrant to HM the Queen for removals and storage services, a distinction it has held since 1989, has compiled some top tips for moving to make the process as painless as possible.
TOP TIPS FOR MOVING
1. If there is an option, try and avoid moving during school holidays, the last week in the month, and on a Friday. During these periods removers are at their most tightest for resources, so service to clients could suffer with some firms. Of all the school holidays summers are the most busy. If you do have to move at a busy period try to book as early as possible.
2. It is best to select a remover that is authorised by the FSA (Financial Service Authority). Only FSA authorised removers can offer insurance on your goods. It is best to take great care with removers who do not offer the FSA required KeyFacts documents at the outset and merely provide some form of self cover for their own legal liability, which is very inferior to an all-risks insurance policy.
3. Also look for removers that are at least members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), which requires removers to have reasonable quality standards to become members.
4. In the case of moves overseas, FIDI (FAIM) accreditation indicates that a firm provides quality international moving services rather than only a local mover, and it is given by the only worldwide organisation of note for the industry
5. Getting quotes from movers is always a time-consuming process, and the quotations you receive can be complicated, and in some cases confusing. So ensure that you are comparing like-for-like. Always check fully what is included, and what may be added as extras after the move has happened. Always ask your removals company to explain anything which is not clear in the quote.
6. Your move may involve storage. If this is the case make sure you inspect the premises to ensure that your valuable belongings will be kept in good condition. The building should be clean and tidy, secure and have adequate fire protection. Don't simply rely on a photograph which can easily deceive.
7. In the case of long distance moves, companies may back-load vehicles from other firms or branches/depots to give a lower price, but this may involve different staff at each end, and only the loaders know where items are packed or where the fragiles are stowed. This may leave the client with little or no rapport with a crew when trying to get service on delivery. It is also not unusual for vans to be delayed en route doing their 'other job' so their arrival at the home may be later than desired or expected.
8. It is important to be aware if your load is a part load, this means more than one consignment on the vehicle with each being interdependent on the other, ie any one job cancelled or delayed could stop the whole trip taking place. Even worse, it is typical for jobs to grow in size, which could result in your job being, all or part, left off the vehicle causing delay or even loss.
9. It is important to understand that provisional bookings mean little as they are not a contract as no money has been paid. Some companies just double book and ignore any job for which they are not fully paid. The terms and conditions say invoices must be paid in advance or the contract is null and void (which may be a big issue during summer or peak periods).
10. Getting the right size of van is very important and a legal question: is it permitted to carry the weight of the load? To avoid licensing or driving regulations and reduce road tax, companies may use a low weight chassis fitted with large van body. They could be not only illegal when loaded, but dangerous. The unsatisfactory alternative could be that not all the load can fit on the van, so clients need to consider carefully how the offer is worded. Insurers may also be able to reject claims for losses caused by illegal acts.
11. It is essential to know what time the keys to the new house are legally available or who pays for any resulting waiting time. Delays can be caused when the outgoing owner is a DIY amateur, or their van is too small needing many trips, or their removal contractor arrived late or underestimated the work involved.
12. Access issues or limited parking may be a particular problem at the new address, which is not foreseen by the removal assessor. Clients should ask the seller if any access issues might arise for any size of vehicle. Watch out for overhead cables, branches or archways leading to the home. Flag up any issues as soon as possible to the moving company to avoid concerns on delivery.
13. The other side to insurance is the level of cover. Many movers offer insurance at around £25,000 to £50,000 per vehicle, which will hardly provide enough cover for people's belongings and furniture. All Abels' vehicles are insured to £500,000.
14. The cost of a removal expert will be the lowest hourly rate of any of the service providers when you come to move, i.e. lower than plumber/electrician/carpet fitter/lawyer/estate agent. Yet he can inflict the most hurt on prized possessions. Do not undervalue this service to save money. Memories cannot be replaced. Many customers unfortunately learn from experience that it is sensible to pay to use real professionals. Discuss the moving budget with them to see what they can do for the money. You will be surprised!
15. The final tip is to ask your removals company about its insurance record. A careful mover will have only a handful of insurance claims to its name in the past few years which their insurers can validate.
Some useful contacts:
British Association of Removers: www.bar.co.uk
or tel: 01923 699 480
National Guild of Removers and Storers: www.ngrs.org.uk
or tel: 01494 792279
Abels Moving Services: www.abels.co.uk
or tel: 0800 626 769
