London, National and International Removals and Storage
London, National and International Removals and Storage
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Table of content
You need to formulate a detailed plan and include the following steps: Research, Preparation and Execution. The first one covers your basics: formulating a budget, finding a moving company, talking to your family and friends, and packing materials. Second, pack your belongings, deal with the utilities and change of address. And the third step covers the transportation of your items and the arrival at the new place.
House removal is the act of moving one’s belongings from one place of living to another. It can be done with or without the help of professional movers. There are different ways of packing, transporting and storing. Depending on where the person is relocated, the process can last from start to finish from a couple of days to 3 to 4 months for international removals.
Plan and organise every step of the process. Use a checklist, so you won’t forget anything important. Bookmark this house moving guide and use the amazing resources we provide you with.
Make sure you have the support of your family and friends and don’t hesitate to ask them to help you.
Download for Free Top Removals’ 1-week moving checklist: 1 Week House Moving Checklist
Download for Free Top Removals’ 6 weeks moving checklist: Week by Week House Removal Checklist
House removals are difficult for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are related to money. Let’s explore deeper what are the most frequent obstacles you need to overcome when moving and what changes you may expect.
1. Missing Some of Your Utilities
Most places you move to will have heat and running water but you may end up without internet and satellite. If you are fortunate, you can still use your smartphone but even so, it’s a large nuisance. You have to search for good providers, arrange a date for the technicians to come and the process can last sometimes up to two weeks. So don’t forget to start the research earlier and schedule the installation in advance.
2. The Uncertainty in the First Weeks
Usually, this happens with people who come from smaller towns and tight communities. It’s normal after a house relocation to feel anxious and uncertain if you have made the right choice. Give it some time, and you will get used to the hustle and bustle of the big city.
3. Finding New Friends
This is one of the biggest difficulties when moving to a new city, especially for the more introverted people. It is common to feel lonely even if you are constantly surrounded by crowds. Thankfully, there are so many things you can do. Check out the local clubs and activities within your neighbourhood. Go introduce yourself to the neighbours and organise a housewarming party. You are already out of your comfort zone, a little more won’t hurt. Don’t be afraid of experiencing new things.
4. Getting Used to the New Work Environment
If you have not only changed your home but also your job, things can be very difficult for you. This is especially relevant for people who have moved from overseas. As long as you do your best and keep a positive attitude, everything will be alright.
5. The Change of Accommodation
Unless your new home is in the suburbs, you will most likely remove to a smaller house or apartment. This can be quite a shock for those who are used to the big country estates. Our advice is to pack as little as you can and to relocate with just a few boxes. This way you will avoid cluttering your new place and will have enough space to buy some additional decorations. Not to mention the expenses for hiring a moving company will be less.
6. Children Will Need Time to Adapt
The older your kid is, the longer they will need to adapt to the new environment. Housesmoving is especially hard on pre-teens and teens as they leave their newly formed social circles. You need to acknowledge this and give your child enough time to get used to the change. Do not force them right away to go to school. Let them settle down, unpack, and familiarise themselves with the new house. Go around the city together and spend as much family time as possible.
7. Your Pets Will be Scared at the Beginning
Your cat or dog will also be in shock after your relocation. There are so many new smells and sounds around them. Wait at least a week before introducing your pet to the outside world. You need to plan your time in a way that allows you to spend it with your animals and make them feel comfortable.
8. Your Plants Will Have a Hard Time
If you have decided to relocate with your houseplants, you need to put some effort into their acclimatisation to the new home. You must follow a couple of precise steps to ensure your plants will survive both the actual house removal and the months after. It may be inconvenient at first, but we guarantee you, there is nothing more relaxing than a home filled with healthy, blooming greenery.
The biggest stress during a house removal comes from the abrupt change of your surroundings and worrying that your belongings will arrive at your new home damaged or destroyed. The anxiety is created by the unknown. That is why you have to make a solid plan and stick to it. Before even packing the first box, you need to be aware of every little detail concerning the home move.
Hire a company 3 weeks before the moving date. Keep in mind that the busiest season is Summer and around holidays. During this period you need to find a removal agency at least 1 month in advance.
It is a removal service provided by one person who drives a van and can transport your belongings from one place to another. It is likely the most budget-friendly way to move since you will have to do all the packing, loading and unloading on your own. If you own the proper permit, you can rent only the van and drive it yourself. However, Bear in mind that you won’t be covered by insurance if you break or damage any of the items.
In the UK people refer to the business doing relocations as removal companies. The presumption is that these are organisations with more than one employee, therefore you can hire a whole team of movers if needed. “Man and van services” is a term created by the market thanks to the majority of sole traders advertising their work with this phrase.
And here hides the common misconception surrounding the two terms. People think the man and van services are performed only by one individual while removal companies work solely with multiple movers. This is not true. For example, tenants who relocate from small properties can still hire just one worker from a big agency.
Actual Differences:
Both the big company and the sole trader can help you if you are moving from a studio apartment or a one-bedroom property. The only difference is the first can send a team that will complete the relocation faster.
You should pick the company’s services when you are planning a big home or business relocation. If you have many items and heavy furniture, this is the most logical choice.
When moving in a hurry with fewer boxes and belongings, the man and van services are perfect for you. They are cheap and convenient for everybody who is on a budget.
The size of the moving vehicle depends solely on the number of moving boxes you have. The more they are, the bigger the van.
| 15-20 medium boxes | Ford Transit MWB |
| 25 medium boxes, 2-3 kitchen appliances | Ford Transit MWB |
| Single studio flat | Ford Transit LWB |
| 1 bedroom apartment | Mercedes Luton Sprinter LWB Van (or an equivalent 3.5-ton Luton body van with tail lift) |
| 2 bedroom apartment | Mercedes Luton Sprinter LWB Van (or an equivalent 3.5-ton Luton body van with tail lift) |
| 2 bedroom house | Ford Transit LWB + Mercedes Luton Sprinter LWB Van ( or equivalent models) |
| 3 bedroom house | Ford Iveco 7.5 tonne Box Lorry (or an equivalent 7.5-ton Luton box van) |
| 4 bedroom house | Ford Iveco 7.5 tonne Box Lorry + Mercedes Luton Sprinter LWB Van ( or equivalent models) |
| 4+ bedroom house | 2 x Ford Iveco 7.5 tonne Box Lorry (or an equivalent model) |
If you are renting only a vehicle and not the manpower, the average daily prices in the UK as of 2020 are as follows:
| Ford Transit MWB (or an equivalent model) | 45£ – 55£ |
| Ford Transit LWB (or an equivalent model) | 60£ – 90£ |
| Mercedes Luton Sprinter LWB Van (or an equivalent model) | 90£ – 110£ |
| Ford Iveco 7.5 tonne Box Lorry (or an equivalent model) | 130£ – 180£ |
You need to start loading from the least used items and make your way to your essentials. Depending on how heavy the boxes are, there are different ways of carrying and loading. When you are arranging your belongings, remember: the heaviest items are always placed on the bottom. Remember, the weight must be properly distributed in the back of the van.
It is optional. If you want to be sure that your items will be protected during the relocation, it is best to pay for extra insurance. It will cover both damages on your property and the vehicle.
You need to plan the move and have all the necessary packing materials. Take with you only the essential items. You can change your address and deal with the utility bills once you are at the new place.
1. Don’t lose your cool
You need to stay focused during the entire process. Mentally prepare yourselves that in the next 24 or 48 hours you have to be efficient and organised. Stay positive and do your best
2. Get rid of all the things you don’t want
You don’t have the luxury to carefully sort your items and pick one thing at a time. You need to scan your whole home and decide on the spot what you want, and what has to go. Do not waste time.
3. The early bird gets the worm
You have too many things to do so you better start as early as possible. Remember you will need time to transport and unload your things. On that note, set your alarm clock for 6 am.
You need to do some research and make an informed decision. The moving company you pick has to have a proper website and a good reputation. It’s important to check all of its customer reviews on Yelp and Trustpilot, the more positive they are, the better the movers are. If you are searching for a removals company in the UK, it must be a member of the BAR ( the British Association of Removals). Search for information about the movers, they must be vetted and working legally.
Most reputable removal companies offer an international service. Search for movers with good customer reviews who can offer you insurance and international storage, if needed.
The cost depends on the type of home you own and the distance the movers have to travel.
In the following table, you can see the average price of house relocations in London. The cost may vary depending on several factors and calculation methods.
| How much does it cost to move a 1 bedroom house? | 300£ |
| How much does it cost to move a 2 bedroom house? | 500£ |
| How much does it cost to move a 3 bedroom house? | 700£ |
| How much does it cost to move a 4 bedroom house? | 900£ |
| How much does it cost to move a 5 bedroom house? | 1100£ |
Most removal companies in the UK charge for the labour. This means no matter the size of the property or the distance you pay only for the time you use the service of the movers.
For example, if the loading of your items lasts 2 hours, and the transportation and unloading take another 2, you will pay the price for 4 hours of labour. The only additional variable is the number of movers you’ve requested – the price is multiplied by the number of removal specialists involved.
This is by far the fairest method of charging customers and this is what we use at Top Removals. The prices can be easily estimated by using our moving calculator, so you don’t have to worry about hidden expenses.
When moving companies charge for cubic feet, it doesn’t matter how long will the relocation take – the price stays the same. Even though it is a fairly old approach, some movers still use it, so it’s good to have it in mind.
If you are planning to use storage for some of your belongings, be mindful the practice of charging per cubic feet is very much alive for most companies. Therefore, you will still need to know how much space your belongings will take to rent a unit of the right size.
Some removal companies charge by the mile. This means they will price their service on both labour and distance. Be careful because some professionals who offer such pricing do it to lure customers with low labour rates and only later introduce the distance fee as well. When collecting the quotes, always make sure to learn about all the factors that affect the end cost. Charging per mile is not a bad pricing model, and some companies use it only for long distances.
When relocating you need to consider the following additional charges that may occur:
Bear in mind that many companies hide the prices of their removals services or show significantly lower prices that don’t include things like furniture disassembly or insurance. Мake sure to ask for a final written quote of the move before choosing your provider.
N. B.
To receive an adequate offer, you must give the removal company a full rundown of what you want – how many boxes you have, what furniture and/or kitchen appliances are you planning to move, the exact address of the new place, are there stairs or an elevator, etc.
Otherwise, if you miss some of the details, your estimation won’t be accurate. This means on moving day you might be faced with an increase in the price. If there is a big difference between what you have declared and what you actually have, the removals company may be unable to provide you with the necessary time slot for relocating all of your belongings. So you must properly inform your movers about everything concerning the relocation during the initial estimation.
Depending on how fast you need to relocate, you must decide on your budget. This is not an easy choice as you need to take a lot of things into consideration.
1. Moving expenses
2. Additional moving services – you might want something extra from your movers like professional packing/unpacking or lifting extremely heavy items such as a piano, for example.
3. Home-related expenses
4. Unplanned expenses
You need to get information about their prices, insurance policies and additional services. Ask to read the contract before signing it and check carefully for hidden expenses and changes in the rates. Here are the most frequently asked questions:
If you are happy with the provided services you can tip your movers, however, it is not obligatory. Bear in mind that moving companies don’t include a tip in their prices. If you want, you can express your gratitude by leaving a percentage of the moving cost as a tip.
Moving companies will refuse to transport hazardous materials, chemicals, explosives, large sums of money. Some will also decline to relocate firearms, pets, plants and valuables.
You should avoid packing any of these. In addition for safety reasons do not leave in the van the following:
The number of movers depends on how big your home is. Usually, removal companies have predetermined teams for each type of house. However, you are free to request a specific number of people. Bear in mind that your decision may influence the cost of the relocation. Here is an estimate of the number of movers you need depending on the type of your home. Know that the bigger the house is, the longer it will take to load and unload all of your belongings.
| 1 bedroom /studio | 2 movers |
| 2 bedroom house | 2 movers |
| 3 bedroom house | 3 movers |
| 4 bedroom house | 4 movers |
| 4+ bedroom house | 4 movers |
Yes, you can hire movers to transport just one item. Large pieces of furniture (beds, wardrobes, couches), kitchen appliances (washing machines, fridges, dishwashers), musical instruments (pianos, drum sets), hot tubs or any other household item you own can be moved. It can be transported locally and long-distance as well as internationally. The cost is calculated depending on the method the moving company uses – per hour of work, per cubic feet or per mile. Sometimes it can be a combination of all three.
In general, if your moving agency is insured, you automatically receive a limited cover policy. So before booking the removal company, ask them for more information about their insurance policy and what is included in it. If you are not happy with their basic terms, you can always purchase an additional open cover insurance plan from the moving company.
This is a type of insurance designed specifically to cover your losses in case something gets damaged during the relocation. The removals insurance is provided by the moving company and guarantees you will be fairly compensated. It is not to be mistaken with household insurance as it has a different objective.
Now it’s time to answer some basic questions about how insurances work and hopefully, help you pick the right plan for your needs.
The main reason is it will save you the most valuable resource you have – time. If you pack all your stuff, move, unpack, and only then declutter, you will spend unnecessary time dealing with items that will eventually go away. Therefore, spend a day or two to assess your belongings instead of increasing the price of your relocation by packing and moving all your things.
You throw, recycle, sell or donate the things you don’t want or use. There are a few great techniques you can use to determine what to do with each item.
1.“The Four Box Method”
As its name states, for this method, you will need four boxes that should be labelled accordingly:
2. “Extreme” Decluttering
Even though fewer people use this technique, if you are not afraid of extremes, it might just be the right thing for you. Three months before the day of your relocation, pack all your belongings as if you’re about to move the next day. In the following 90 days, take the items you need out of the boxes and use them as you would normally. If you’ve used an item, don’t return it to the box, but rather leave it where it used to be in your home. At the end of the period, you will have all your most needed things out of the boxes. The ones you haven’t used – donate, sell or bin.
3. Recycling and Upcycling
Recycling is one of the most environment-friendly practices. A couple of decades ago, only paper and plastic items could be effectively recycled. However, that is not the case today because glass, metals, clothes and more can all be reused in some way or another.
Upcycling means to repurpose old items instead of throwing them away. It can be of great use to people who are looking to decorate their homes on a budget. With a little bit of work, you can turn the old ladder into a beautiful shelf, make a coffee table out of pallets or craft an ottoman out of a washing machine drum.
There are a couple of ways to sell fast the items you no longer want and expand a little your moving budget:
1.Have a yard/garage sale
2. Post ads on Facebook Marketplace
3. Sell your items on Craigslist
4. Go on eBay
5. Gumtree is a great solution for unwanted furniture
6. Try Depop for all the clothes you no longer want
7. Amazon Marketplace is a good alternative as well
8. Preloved is a great site where you can sell practically everything
9. Another place where you can sell your books is WeBuyBooks
10. For all kinds of CDs and DVDs, the place is MusicMagpie
You need to start from the least used items or pieces of furniture and make your way to the essential stuff, as the date approaches.
Start by packing out of season clothes, sporting equipment, books and other non-essential items. Clean your cabinets from expensive silverware, china sets and all the plates, pots and mugs you use only occasionally.
The final boxes you pack must contain your everyday clothes, toiletries, documents and medicines. As for the furniture – your bed alongside its mattress. Leave the kitchen appliances you are taking with you for last.
Once you have picked a removal company and established a moving date, you will have the time frame in which you have to organise your affairs and pack your belongings. It’s best to start right away with researching the new city or neighbourhood. Checking what documents you will need to change schools and/or kindergartens for your children. The bigger the family the earlier you need to start preparing for the move. A four-member family may have to begin organising the relocation for one to two months in advance. For a single person or a couple without kids, the packing can start one week before moving day. It all depends on how many belongings you have.
It depends on whether you have hired a packing crew or you are doing it by yourself. The bigger the team of packers, the faster the job will be finished.
| Type of property | 2 professional packers | 2 regular people |
| Single studio flat | 2 – 3 hours | 1 day |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 2 – 3 hours | 1-2 days |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 3 – 6 hours | 2 – 3 days |
| 3 bedroom apartment | 8 – 10 hours | 3 – 4 days |
| 4 bedroom apartment | 12 – 15 hours | 4 – 5 days |
| 4+ bedroom apartment | 20 – 24 hours | 1 week |
Lots of materials can be used for packing, here is a guide of the most popular ones and their uses:
1. Regular Cardboard Boxes
The most traditional of all packing materials. You can find a good box both from your local store and your house moving company. There is nothing special about them, you just need to make sure they are the right size, have a lid and are not damaged in any way. Medium boxes are the preferred choice when it comes to house moving as they can be easily carried and transported.
2. Specialised Boxes
The following list consists of boxes that have a very specific purpose and are more convenient than the regular type. You can buy them from your moving company.
3. Plastic Wrap
Also known as “stretch wrap” or “cling wrap”, this material has many uses when it comes to wrapping and protecting your belongings. If you own some valuable pieces of furniture, you can use this stretchy wrap to cover it and shield it from harm. You can also use it to seal your regular boxes and prevent water damage.
4. Bubble Wrap
One of the most widely used and well-known packing materials. If you are relocating especially long-distance you must have it in your arsenal. Bubble wrap is not expensive, and you can purchase it from lots of places. For maximum effect carefully seal all edges with tape. There are different types and sizes. If you are unsure what to pick, consult with your moving company.
5. Packing Paper
Used for padding inside your boxes or for wrapping delicate items, packing paper is usually the first layer of protection of your belongings. Do not try to substitute it with newspapers or old magazines as the printing ink can get transferred and damage your things. Cheap and available this material is essential when you are organising your house move.
6. Plastic Crates
One of the best packing options is to rent some plastic crates. Lots of big companies can provide you with this moving service. Plastic carriers are sturdier and easier to transport than cardboard boxes. Their lids seal tightly and usually have handles to make the loading and unloading easier.
7. Packing Tape
You can’t execute a proper packing without one. There is a large variety of colours, sizes and materials – from paper to clear plastic tape, to choose from. Some models have labels on them like “Fragile” or “Do not drop.” The tape can be used not only for sealing boxes but also for reinforcing their bottoms and making them sturdier. Make sure you are equipped with at least two rolls before you start packing your belongings.
8. Plastic Sheets
You will find this product especially useful if you are relocating to and from the UK as the country is famous for its bad weather. Plastic sheets can be used to cover your larger pieces of furniture and protect them from raindrops and snowflakes. You can also put them on the floors to avoid having to clean mud and debris.
There are a lot of places to find free boxes: your local supermarkets, internet sites, online stores, even your removals company can offer you a deal. You need to be inventive and not be afraid to ask. You will be surprised how many ways to get free moving boxes there are.
The most important thing when packing is to have quality materials and lots of patience.
Each item must be carefully placed and secured so it won’t get damaged during the transportation process. There are different methods, depending on what you are packing.
To move your books safely you need to pick the right moving boxes. Depending on the distance you are planning to relocate to you can choose between sturdy cardboard boxes and plastic crates. Bear in mind that regardless of how it’s made cardboard is essentially paper and if you are moving in the rain or snow, you might want to rent yourself some plastic carriers.
Another important thing is the size of the box. Professional house moving companies use primarily medium-sized boxes, preferably with handles. The heavier the load, the harder it is to carry. If you can’t have a comfortable grip on it, you can easily drop it while loading or unloading.
Usually, the majority of books are not hardcover, so you need to spend a little more time prepping them for the road.
Packing hardcover books is way easier than paperbacks. Just arrange them with their spines against the side of the box. You can put a piece of cardboard separating the paper edges this way you can have two rows side by side. The danger with hardcover books hides in their weight. It is better to use more medium-sized boxes than one big one. Depending on the covers of your books, you might want to wrap each one individually in paper to prevent scratches, ink transfer or other damages.
Here are a couple of more professional tips from our London experts. Follow them, and you will have a safe and smooth house moving:
You need to be extra careful and follow the packing instructions for each type of musical instrument. Do not rely on cheap wrapping materials and make sure you have additional moving insurance.
The good news is you probably already have a case for your guitar, violin or cello. So let’s go from there.
This musical instrument is maybe the hardest to pack since it has so many parts. However don’t despair, our movers have extensive experience and know-how to prepare your set for the road.
The good news is these types of instruments can be taken apart fairly easily. The bad is if you are not careful, you will end up with a pile of small pieces. So don’t go overboard with the disassembling.
Here is where things get tricky because we are not talking about something you can easily fit in the back of your car. If you own a piano and you want to take it with you when you relocate you need to be very careful as it is a gentle instrument. Here is what we suggest you do:
To protect your dishes during the removal service, you need to fill the bottom of each moving box with some packing paper. The trick here is to avoid lining the paper and instead crumple it and cover at least 15 centimetres of the box. Don’t worry about wasting space because once you put the dishes, they’ll press onto the wrapper. Crumpled paper works best because it absorbs the shock waves more effectively.
When placing the wrapped dishes into the box, make sure to start with the heaviest and most sturdy items. Load it until you end up with at least 5cm of space left. You’ll need to fill that with more crumpled paper before closing the box. Press and fill with the paper until there’s no more room left and everything is firmly packed.
To safely transport your favourite glassware, you need to pack it carefully before the removal service takes place.
First, you need to protect each piece by placing it on a paper sheet and folding its ends into the opening. This provides better cushioning and protects the glass from shock waves. The key is to wrap each item separately and be generous with the paper, especially if packing crystal or very thin glass.
Remember, your goal is not to make the wrapping look even or pretty but to secure the piece with enough layers of paper.
When placing the glasses into the boxes, always start with the heaviest and sturdiest pieces. Put the most fragile glassware at the top and again, make sure the box has a layer of crumpled paper for better protection.
To protect these beauties, make sure to wrap each glass individually. Before placing the bundles into the boxes, make sure to have that protective layer of paper. Next, start placing the wrapped stemware side by side while switching the directions of the openings. This will allow you to distribute the glasses evenly. Add more packing paper into the corners and edges of the moving box, where impact risk is greater. Also, make sure to add crumpled paper between each layer of glasses.
To check if you’ve packed the box well, close the lids and shake it a bit. If you’re hearing that ‘clunking’ noise, it means you need to double on the packing paper because the glasses aren’t secure enough.
Packing is a lengthy process and you need to take your time with it. Don’t rush anything and calculate your every move. If you screw up now, it will most definitely cost you a significant sum of money to correct your mistakes.
There are a couple of great ways to prepare your clothes for the long transportation:
Makeup is extremely delicate, and you need to be careful when transporting it. Follow these packing rules when you relocate:
Before packing everything into a big box and ship it to your apartment or house, you need to carefully prepare all of your gear. You don’t want to transfer a box of germs to your new place, that is why you need to clean everything. Here is what you need to do:
Yoga mats are not easy to pack because they can get easily damaged. To protect the fabric and general shape of your mat:
The big problem here is the boxes you need to use for transportation. Naturally, your weights and dumbbells are heavy, which means you need strong boxes. Avoid cardboard and choose plastic. You have many options, but we recommend contacting your preferred moving company and ask them for reusable plastic containers with handles. Choose the size carefully, you would want small or medium-sized boxes because they would be easier to lift. Wrap neatly everything in bubble wrap and place it in the container. Be careful, your goal is to put everything in a way that will allow the even distribution of the weight. Make sure to use enough padding to avoid the bumping of the dumbbells in one and another. You don’t want to damage them during the move.
How to move your treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike without damaging them in the process. This will be a workout on its own.
Going green doesn’t necessarily mean to start composting and recycling everything that you can. You can begin with something small but significant.
During a standard house relocation you will use somewhere around 20 and 30 cardboard boxes and at least one or two rolls of bubble wrap, not to mention the packing tape and paper. You can significantly reduce your expenses and the waste you will accumulate by adopting an eco-friendly approach to the whole situation. Here is how to do it:
1. Use What You Have
It is a bit of widespread advice, but there is a reason for that. In every home, there are boxes and crates in various shapes and sizes that can be used for storing different things. During the decluttering procedure, you will find even more things that can be used for packing. If you still are unsure of what we are talking about here is a shortlist of all the items you may use:
2. Use Professional Packing Materials
Many agencies offering removal services also have a great variety of packing materials. You can choose the size and shape of your reusable containers and simply rent what you need. This way, at the end of the relocation, you won’t have to deal with the mountain of spare cardboard boxes. The reusable crates are usually made from plastic and undergo a sanitation procedure after each customer has used them. Other things you can purchase are biodegradable packing materials like paper or foam peanuts.
The first but most important step is to create a deliberate unpacking plan even before you start boxing your belongings. Take a piece of paper and sketch your new home. Imagine where you want to put the furniture, which side the TV is going to face and what you want to display on your living room shelves. Make a detailed list of everything you wish to arrange.
If you want to unpack fast, you firstly need to properly pack. Here is what you need to do:
So far so good, you have managed to transport everything to the new location, but the hard part isn’t over yet. Some important moving tasks lay ahead of you:
To avoid any injuries on moving day, you need to learn to carry the heavier pieces of furniture properly. Here is what you need to know:
If you can’t afford to book movers and all your friends are busy, there is still a way to carry the big not so heavy pieces of furniture to the front door.
There is such a thing as specialised equipment for lifting heavy objects. Not all house movers are direct descendants from Hercules, sometimes they also need a little help. It comes in the shape of different straps and belts. The expert from our London removals company explains the difference between each type and how to use it properly:
You must notify not only your friends and family but also some government agencies, your bank, your internet, water and electricity providers. Here is the full list:
Government agencies:
1. HM Revenue and Customs
2. Inland Revenue
3. Department of Work and Pensions
4. Electoral Roll
5. Council Tax
6. DVLA to update your V5C Vehicle Log Book
7. DVLA to issue a new driver’s license
8. The Pension Service, if you are eligible for such services
Utilities:
1. Electricity
2. Water
3. Gas
4. Royal Mail
5. Broadband
6. Cable/ Satellite
7. TV Licence
8. Phone company (for landlines)
9. Internet
Other important people and organisations:
1. Bank
2. Loan companies
3. Premium Bonds
4. Insurance company
5. School and/or University
6. Accountant
7. Solicitor
8. Probation officer
9. GP
10. Vet
Remember to cancel or transfer your subscriptions for:
1. Newspapers and magazines
2. Gyms
3. Health and SPA clubs
4. Other club and store memberships
Your electricity, gas and water providers may take up to 48 hours to change your information. So inform them at least one week in advance. This way they will be able to send a specialist to take a reading on your utilities, and you will be charged fairly. However, check your provider’s website one month before the move and see if there are any additional requirements.
Here are some important things that you should think about when moving with your pet:
One thing that you can do to assure your future landlord that your pet is not the next Cujo, and it will not destroy their property, is to create a pet CV.
Download your free template here: Pet CV
When you are filling it in, remember to add references from previous landlords and information about how long your pet is going to be alone at the home.
You have to start the preparations for the relocation at least a couple of weeks in advance. There are different techniques depending on the type of pet you own, you can use to make the transition less stressful for the animal.
Dogs are very adaptive, and since they are mostly attached to their owners, they tend to recover fast after a house move.
Spend a few hours before the moving date to arrange the new house and create a safe doggy corner. Bring some of your pets’ toys and put one of your old shirts there, anything that will give your dog a sense of security and familiarity. If it is possible, take your furry friend to the new place and let it sniff around and introduce it to the surrounding area.
Dogs have a great sense of smell, and it is important to restrain yourself from cleaning the new house for a couple of days after the house moving. The well-known smell of the old home will calm and assure the dog.
Cats have a strong connection and a sense of ownership when it comes to the place they live in. A house move is a particularly stressful experience for them, and you need to be very cautious with its preparation.
A good idea is to talk to your vet and ask them for medications that will calm your cat. Different types of pheromones can be sprayed in the house, and help the animal feel more secure in its new surroundings. Cats, like dogs, need a safe space in the home, so make sure to arrange a spot for them.
You need to be extremely careful when relocating with your pet ferret. These small creatures are sensitive, curious and with an excellent sense of smell. These factors are the reason why ferrets often develop depression or serious behaviour changes if the relocation is not done properly.
Preparation is everything if you want your pet to adjust well to the new environment. If you can, introduce the new place to your ferret in advance. Go to your future home for a week with your little friend and do some exploring. Let the ferret out of its cage and give it some treats throughout the visit. This way it will associate the new place with positive things. Create a safe space for your pet and contact your vet if you notice signs your ferret is feeling sad and unenergetic.
In terms of actual moving, birds are easier than cats, dogs and ferrets, but they still need specific care. Make sure to provide your feathery friends with a proper carrier for the car ride. It is best to remove all toys for the duration of the transfer. Check the door of the cage as it needs to be properly secured. After arriving at the new home, put the cage back to its former condition. Place it in a quiet room away from the hassle of unpacking. Ask in your local pet shop for specialised food with more minerals that will energise your bird.
23. How to Move With a Houseplant?Plants need more attention than pets when it comes to house relocations. You need to be extremely careful when moving them as they are quite fragile. Relocate your home vegetation in 3 stages – preparation, packing and transportation and adjustment.
Change can have a different effect on children depending on their age and personality. Kids are considerably stronger than we give them credit for, but some situations can stress them immensely. Be aware of the following symptoms:
These are all signs your stressed child needs your help and support. Kids can’t always express their emotions correctly and explain what is bothering them. More often they don’t understand what is happening. Moving to a big city, that is so overpopulated and noisy as London can confuse your child and can create a feeling of uncertainty and depression. During the transition period, it is essential to have parent-child days to do things together and enjoy each other’s company. You need to assure the little ones that they are safe and can always talk to you.
Do you want to know more about how house removals affect kids of different ages? Our specialists have created a detailed article explaining what to do, and how to help your little ones during the home relocation.
It is best to organise a house moving while your kid is still little. Toddlers have a very short attention span and usually don’t get very affected by external factors. This is the perfect moment to relocate.
To make the transition easy and help your kids feel good about changing their home you can do a couple of things:
Each season has its own specifics and you should always take them into consideration when house moving. In order to relocate successfully, you need to follow some seasonal grand rules.
You need to be especially fast when moving in the Spring because the UK weather is quite unpredictable during this part of the year. Here is how to do it:
First and most importantly you need to look after yourself regardless of how old you are. The heatwaves can strike at any moment, and you have to be ready.
Plan ahead for your relocation and constantly check the weather forecast. Pay special attention to the following:
Winter is not a good season to move due to the extensive amounts of snow and bad weather. However, if you are going with the relocation, follow these points:
1.Miscalculating the Cost for a Home Relocation
It is not cheap to transport your belongings and usually, people concentrate only on them. When it’s time to move, people stress how much will the loading and unloading cost, or what the price per kilometre is. However, there is a lot more that needs to be calculated. Before actually starting to pack, you need to have a good idea of how much you are going to spend on the whole process. Expenses that are often overlooked and can easily break the bank are:
2. Not Packing Hand Luggage
The content of your hand luggage is often overlooked. These are all the belongings that are going to travel with you. The things people commonly forget to pack include:
3. Not Preparing a Survival Moving Kit
It is a box which contains everything that you are going to need in the first couple of days in your new home. Having one will allow you to get settled into your new home with minimum hassle, and will allow you to unpack at your own pace without having to rush to find things.
You will need a big cardboard box to make your survival kit. Make sure it is clearly marked and loaded into the removals van last, so you can get it out first.
What you will put in your survival kit will depend on what you’re going to need, but we are now going to list just some of the things that you consider:
4. The most common things people forget
You need to the following things to adjust quickly to your new environment after the house move:
At the end of the day, this is a lot of information and a lot of tasks that must be completed. If you feel overwhelmed and in need of professional moving help, you can always rely on Top Removals. Our experienced teams can do everything for you in no time.
We hope you found our house moving guide detailed and informative enough. If you have any questions or you want us to include more insights on a certain topic feel free to contact us.
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