Choose Your Removal Firm with Care!

(Written by Karen Griffiths, Griffiths Removals and published in 'Property Times' March 2000)

"Hello Mrs Smith, Knock-it-n-bodge-it Removals here! We’ll soon shift yer stuff" ......... crash, bang, wallop! "Sorry Mrs Smith, was that an expensive television?" ....."About that rip in your new leather suite"......"Got to go now, the rest of yer gear’s in the front garden". Mrs Smith collapses in tears and now despises all removal firms.

FACT or FICTION?

Horror stories do happen - but fortunately this is rare. However it is a fact that anyone can buy a van for a few hundred pounds and advertise as a removal firm.. Moving house is stressful of course and making the right choice when selecting a removal firm is extremely important.

So how do you tell which firms will provide a good service and which ones are likely not to? One way is of course to ask around. Have any of your friends moved lately, or do they know anyone who has? Also how does the firm promote itself? One of the best ways is to judge them on how they deal with your enquiry. Do they sound professional, yet friendly on the phone? Request a personal estimate. This avoids any confusion as to what is to be moved, and gives you the opportunity for further insight into the company. Below are questions you should ask the estimator:

Do you offer insurance?- Do not consider anyone without insurance

Do you charge waiting time if my keys are late? - Do you issue people with blank cheques? No!

How many staff will be moving me?- Generally 2 or 3 is sufficient. However if you have a very large move and/or very bad access, any decent firm would send at least 3 or 4, maybe more.

Do you charge a cancellation/postponement fee? The answer should be no

What happens if your van break downs?An instant reply of "no problem, we will hire one in" is essential

How will you protect my furniture in transit? All items should be wrapped in furniture covers or transit blankets for protection

Test the estimator. Ask how he will move your large new leather suite - He should give you a fully competent and comprehensive answer including safety precautions to avoid damage.

Which Estimate Do I Choose?

Ok, you have your prices - decision time! Firstly, what do these prices include? Is VAT and insurance included? Are packing cases and materials extra? Do not assume that the highest priced firm will provide the best service. Whilst it is wise to be wary of any firm offering ridiculously low prices, there are some excellent firms in the mid-price range who out-perform those who charge the highest prices. Your decision should ultimately be based on which firm you believe has the competence to ensure a safe, efficient removal at a price you can afford.

And remember removal firms like any other business should have customer service as their highest priority. If you suspect this not to be the case - TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE!!

Move Day

Relax! If you are packing yourselves, make sure that you are completely packed and ready. Identify who is in charge of the move, and ask how he will be running the move, and if you have any worries, express your concerns to him immediately. When the van is loaded, check that there is nothing left anywhere in your house or garden, etc, that needs moving. Once the move is completed, check the van yourself to confirm that it is empty. Have a look at your furniture and identify any damage to the firm immediately. Accidents can happen, but this is rare.

Moving on a budget

Many people hire a van and move themselves. Whilst this is jolly hard work, undoubtedly money can be saved. When hiring a van, check whether the hire firm includes blankets and ties to secure your furniture in the van. If not, you can buy jute (ties) from upholstery stores, plus you will need to collect soft items from around the house to wedge between your furniture in the van, and as many blankets as you can find to cover your furniture.

Of course there is another option. Why not hire a vehicle and staff by the hour? You stay in charge of the move, but you have professional removal staff there to guide you and do much of the work. Obviously the more people you get to help the quicker the move, and the cheaper the price! Mr vanman removals offer a vehicle and two staff from £30.00 per hour.  If you can move later in the day, there is another option. Why not ring some removal firms and try to negotiate an "off-peak" rate for an afternoon move?

Happy Moving!

May I wish you a stress-free move. Your moving day should be a happy exciting day - and there is no reason why this should not be the case for you! Finally I would like to dispel some ‘myths’:

Removal firms do not turn up - this is extremely unlikely to happen.

You will get your keys at mid-day- what this really means is anytime between 12pm and 4pm

I know the lady whose house I am moving into and she says I can move in before I get my keys- she won’t let you

Are you sure my furniture will fit in that van? It always does

I only need 10 packing cases- make that at least 30

Copyright © 2000 by Karen Griffiths, Griffiths Removals of Plymouth. All rights reserved.

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