UK moves without tears

Whether you’re an expatriate who’s relocating to the UK, a UK-based employee who’s moving to a new location or an HR manager responsible for relocation, you’ll doubtless be keen to avoid unnecessary stress and hassle. Simon Osborne, Head of Residential Moving for Cadogan Tate, experts in executing demanding moves, shares some tips on ensuring yours runs as smoothly as possible.

1. A stress-free move begins with meticulous planning – the moment you decide to relocate. You must figure out what you’re taking and what you need to dispose of.. Don’t forget about the contents of the attic and the shed.
2. If you decide to use a removals firm, do thorough research to check out who you’re trusting with your worldly goods. Check out the British Association of Removers’ website at www.removers.org.uk, and pay attention to firms’ professionalism during the appraisal and their references. Never choose a firm based on price alone
3. Don’t try to avoid an at-home visit from an estimator, as he or she will instantly detect areas and items that will require special attention, saving you any surprises.
4. Leave rugs, pictures and mirrors in place. Trained removals men have the experience to pack and wrap these as effectively as possible.
5. Make sure removal men are trained to handle your specific needs or that they work with outside experts who do, whether you’re moving IT equipment or musical instruments, a book collection, plants or anything that requires discretion – your most prized objects deserve to be handled by qualified craftsmen. Remember that removals firms range from being three heavies in a van to ones that employ experts, use specialty vehicles and equipment and are prepared to handle the entire move once you toss them your keys. Ask firms you’re considering as many questions as you need to so that you understand their approach
6. There are also simple issues like making arrangements with the council to park the removals van – otherwise you may not be allowed to park it in front of the property, especially if you live in a busy city.
7. Make sure that you’re really getting quotes from different companies. There are many removals firms that operate under various names at the same time.
8. If your things need to be stored for any period of time while in transit, don’t forget to check out the security precautions the removals firm is taking. Better ones will have secured depots, while others may simply leave the van parked outside…
9. Don’t forget to notify the Post Office of your new address and the date of your move well ahead of time. But remember, you will still need to contact people and organisations directly to notify them of your new address. This will avoid any costly and stressful confusion.
10. If a removals firm offers insurance, make sure that its registered with the Financial Services Authority, as required by law. Don’t forget to find out about any limitations on the policy before making a decision. Not reading the fine print could mean you’ll be in for a big shock should something go wrong.
11. Give extra time and thought to how you want fragile, large and heavy items moved. Considering these in advance, rather than when the van is already out front, will spare unnecessary relocation anguish and strife.
12. Finally – and importantly! - pack the kettle and tea last and label the box clearly. You’ll be glad you did (and so will your removers) when you’re unpacking in your new home!

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