Moving house F.A.Q.

How far in advance do I need to book a Removal Company?

As soon as possible. Get a number of quotes and once you are happy and comfortable with the company book A.S.A.P, this way you will get the removal company of your choice. Remember a good removal company will get booked up well in advance. The end of the month and Friday is the most popular time so try to book mid-week and mid month, some removal companies will give you a discount if you pick this time.

How long will my removal take?

How long is a piece of string? Removals differ greatly depending on many factors. The average move (if such a thing exists) will take up to lunch time to load, at which point you hand over your keys and all being well pick up the keys to your new house. After a break for lunch the removal men will then unload your possessions into your new house. Unloading is usually quicker because the removal men aren't trying to pack everything into a small space (the van) and could be finished around 4 o'clockish. Just remember there is no such thing as the average move so ask your removal company on their estimated times for being loaded and unloaded.

If moving long distance what happens when they cannot make it in a day?

The logistics of a long distance move should be confirmed with your mover before the day. If you are not picking up your keys until the middle of the day, you don't want the company turning up at your new address first thing in the morning. Talk to your mover as they can nearly always work around your situation. If you are using a Removal Company local to your area you are moving from then they may be able to pack the majority of your items the day before and then travel the next ady so that they can unload that day. Remember a removal wagon over fully loaded can not travel very fast. A driver of a vehicle over 3.5t can only legally drive for 4¹/₂ hours after which he/she then has to stop for abreak for a minimum of 45 minutes before driving for another 4¹/₂ hours. They then have to park in a safe place and not move the vehicle for 10 hours.

Is the cost of this usually included in the quote?

Yes the cost of traveling a long distance will be included in the quotation you have received assuming of course that you informed them of the distance involved.

How do removal companies come up with quotation prices?

A removal cost is calculated by taking into consideration: loading, unloading and time traveling to the destination, as well as how many porters it will take to clear the property in the given time frame. Long distances can be considerably put up the price of a removal, this is because of the high fuel prices with a removal vehicle only managing around 10 miles to the gallon (around 60p per mile). Labour costs also contribute as wages still have to be paid even though the porters are not working just traveling and enjoying the view.

Restrictions on driver's hours will also come into play. There is also night out money (subsitance), parking costs and wear and tear on a vehicle to include as well. If you do have a long distance to move have a cup of tea ready for your movers when they arrive, after all they have just spent the night sleeping in the van protecting your belongings.