Moving In: Removals
This is the final section of Beagle Street’s Home Buyers’ Guide where we’ll cover everything you need to consider when moving and adding value to your new home, split into two sections:
Removals
Different people have different requirements when it comes to moving. This page aims to make sure you know as much as possible on:
- The options
- Professional removal services
- DIY removal
- The move
- What if I have too much stuff?
- Packing
Adding value
This section’s all about giving you the confidence to make improvements from minor repairs to major structural works, looking at:
- Having work done
- Adding value to your property
- Setting up your home
Removals
Professional removal services
When it comes to removal companies, there’s no shortage of choice, and you’ll probably want a company that handles your move as cheaply as possible. But cheapness isn’t everything: a reputation for quality, care and reliability are incredibly important when it comes to your most prized possessions. One way to check this initially is to see if they are a member of The British Association of Removers, or The National Guild of Removers and Storers.
- Compare quotes early
It’s good to start comparing removal quotes several weeks before your move. This is so you can give advanced warning of an approximate completion date to the supplier you choose, so that they can plan it into their schedule. You could then make a firm booking when you’ve exchanged contracts and a moving date has been agreed. - Finding a removal company
You may already know of a good local firm, or know someone who might recommend one. If you don’t though, or if you want to compare quotes from other companies, there are plenty of online quote comparison sites.
DIY removal
If you’re moving without furniture, you may only need a car and a couple of friends to lend a hand. And even if you have too much stuff for a car, you might want to consider hiring a van yourself or getting ‘a man with a van’. Sure, you’ll probably have to do the packing yourself – but it could save you a lot of money on your move.
Your removals to-do list:
- Compare 3 (or more) quotes well in advance of your likely completion date.
- You may need a packing service – ask if the company you go with offers this.
- Think about collection and delivery access points, and mention it if you think things could be difficult.
- Ask about insurance – what’s covered?
- Does the company send someone out in advance to evaluate your situation? This could help to minimise unforeseen problems on the Big Day.
What if I have too much stuff?
This might easily happen to first time buyers, especially those who are moving in together for the first time. If you’re struggling with this, then you could look at self-storage as an option. Although this adds an extra cost, it could be quite small – and could be a better solution for you instead of throwing or giving away things you could miss in the future.
There are many options for self-storage but before you do anything, you’ll need to work out how much space you need. Luckily there are a number of calculators out there that help you estimate your space needs with tick boxes for the most common appliances like TV stands, mattresses and chairs.
Packing
The packing process can be stressful and feel as though it’s one of those jobs that is never going to end. But it’s also an exciting time; after all, you’re finally moving into your own place!
If packing is something you’d rather pass on to someone else, remember that most removal firms offer this as an additional service, though there could be an extra charge. If you’re up to the challenge however, look through our list of things to do which should help the process go as smooth as possible:
Your packing to-do list
- Start early- it can take longer than you think
- Begin at the top of the house and move down
- Try and colour code or write which room boxes need to go in on them so you (and your removal team) know the type of thing that’s in each box and where to put them
- Make sure that things you’ll want immediately at the other end are easy to find and unpack- a kettle and toaster are key!
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Be sure to wrap any fragile items in plenty of bubble wrap and mark ‘fragile’ clearly on the box to avoid any breakages
Next steps
You’re in! So you’ve completed your move and now is the time for you to make your new house the home you’ve always wanted. Of course, to begin with you may just want to unpack, tidy up and relax. But in the longer term, you may want to redecorate, or carry out other improvements that could add value to your home.
Click through to the next section, ‘Adding Value To Your Property’, where we’ll take you through some of things you could do.
