Tips To Cut The Cost Of Moving

/in /by

The cost of moving home can seem to add up very quickly. Aside from the big expenses like a deposit, stamp duty and solicitors fees, there are all the extra things you need to splash out on when you change homes, like removals in Bristol.

While it’s always going to be an expensive business, there are some ways of reducing those costs, with What House? recently offering a number of tips to those who are planning to move home.

The first piece of advice is to declutter as much as you can. That means being a bit ruthless with old clothes, children’s toys and other knick-knacks you have lying around but never really use. Aside from meaning you’ll have less boxes to take with you, it also stops you just moving clutter from one home to another without ever really sorting it properly.

Another recommendation is to get a removal company to come to your home before giving you a quote. This will allow them to get a real idea of how much stuff you have to take with you, not to mention how easy (or difficult) it will be to remove things like furniture from your current home.

Then they can provide you with an accurate quote, so you hopefully won’t be hit with unexpected charges after your move.

The website also suggests taking your furniture apart yourself, and reassembling it the other end, if you’re comfortable with that. While many removal firms will happily do this for you, it can increase the cost.

And given that the cost of moving home was cited by 13 per cent of people as a barrier to moving in a survey published recently by Attic Self Storage, finding ways to save money here and there could make all the difference.

Smaller moves such as Student accommodation or Flat moves that do not require a full Removals service, can also consider a low cost man and van service. These are smaller vans and usually just one driver to assist with your moving needs at very competitive rates.

Removals Checklist

/in /by

They say that moving home is the most stressful experience we can go through; second only to planning a wedding. There are a lot of different things to consider and getting everything in order is removals checklistno easy task. We’ve decided to put together a handy Removals Checklist of the essential duties in order to equip you to be as confident and prepared as possible and at least take a little of the stress out of the ordeal.

It’s important to know what needs to be done and how to go about achieving that. Having a plan can help you feel in control. When it comes to the actual day of the move having professionals to help you is by far one of the easiest things you can do to smooth out the stresses. Here at Excalibur Removals we have over 20 years of experience, meaning you can be sure your goods are in safe hands. There is so much more than just physically transporting your precious cargo that goes into a stress free move, here are our helpful hints on how to go about preparing.

Early Removals Preparation

As soon as the sale has been finalised and you know the move is going through you should begin taking care of the legal side of things to ensure a smooth transition. Things like exploring the new area and scouting out the amenities and facilities can go a long way to helping you feel instantly at home in your new accommodation.

If you are currently renting then you should confirm the move out day with your landlord. Notify your doctor and dentist of the upcoming move and then begin the process of transferring correspondence and home address with your bank, HRMC, DVLA, TV licence and any other service providers. Inform your utilities such as gas and electric and check if you can continue service in the new address. Take care of admin such as organising the mortgage and having any expensive items or furniture assessed to be sure it’s covered by your insurer. Your removal firm will be able to provide cover in some respects but it’s best to have as much comfort of mind as possible. We’ve found customers who keep a detailed and updated notepad with to do lists and important dates and duties are a lot more relaxed and in charge when it comes to the big day.

As The Big Move Day Approaches

Be sure that your move goes as quickly and as easily as possible by mapping out the new property and assessing its needs in term of furniture and storage. During a move is the best time for a ruthless declutter of the home, give away unneeded furniture to friends, family or charity. Go through your belongings and take stock; there is no point in paying to transfer goods that you no longer need or use. Look into parking restrictions at both properties as you may need to apply for temporary permits for larger vehicles and this takes time to prepare. If you have pets it’s also a good idea to arrange care to have them looked after during the process. The transition is stressful enough to humans who understand what’s going on, man’s best friend certainly doesn’t need to be put through that. If you’re moving because of a new job check in with the company, it’s possible they may cover some of the cost for you.

If the move is a long one organise overnight accommodation and check with your removal firm if they offer temporary storage and at what cost it comes; if they dont they can make recommendations. Alternatively you can check online for a self storage unit near you. If possible organise to have your new home cleaned professionally in between the old owners moving out and you moving in, additionally you can begin to order in new furnishings that may be necessary and organise people around to fit carpets or carry out other work. If you’re based in Cardiff, check out the carpet cleaners in Newport Gwent. 

Imminent Departure

Dispose of any dangerous or flammable liquids, removal firms will not be able to handle these for you and it’s not recommended you do either. Finalise and confirm all details with your removal firm to be sure everything goes off without a hitch. Ensure you have enough medication if needed to cover the moving period, if you’re transferring to a new doctor it may take a little time to get sorted. Take inventory of your freezer and perishable foods and try to use them up before the move. Defrost the fridge and freezer a day before the move to ensure it’s completely dry on the day.

Pack all important documents such as birth certificates and passports in one safe and sturdy box so you know where they all are and don’t panic. If you are packing yourself and not getting the removal company to do it for you then make sure to employ a colour coding system for the new rooms in your home, otherwise simple labels will work too. If you are undertaking the packing yourself get started as soon as possible, pack up unused rooms as soon as you can. If we have one important piece of advice when it comes to packing this is it; books are heavier than you think. Never fill a big box with only books as it’s almost unliftable. Gather together your keys. Take a look around the garden and plan what you will or won’t be taking with you. Potted plants are not easily transported and the less you take the better.

Moving Day

Pack an overnight bag with all the essentials before you finish boxing up the house to ensure you’ll have everything you need without rummaging through boxes frantically. Charge your phone and leave it charging to ensure the necessary chargers are not packed away either. Identify fragile goods and keep them separate and safe, if it’s something particularly sentimental take it with you in the car, the piece of mind is worth it. Take a picture on your phone of all the relevant utility readings to ensure you’re not later smacked with unexpected charges. Ensure everything is closed and turned off as you say goodbye to your old home.

Make sure the kettle, tea and biscuits are packed in one place and clearly marked as this is the first thing you’ll want out on the other side. Once you’re in your new home, immediately take a reading and picture of the relevant utilities to be sure you start off where you should. Do a sweep of the house to ensure nothing has been left behind and place it in a safe and separate box for later delivery if it has. Put your important documents box somewhere safe and out of the way; the bathtub is usually a good spot. Give directions to your removal team and let them get to work, then just sit back, relax and wait until you’re needed. Check out this post for tips on reducing the cost of your move.

We want to make your big move as smooth and easy as possible. We hope this guide is of some use and if you want to chat or begin planning your own move give our dedicated and knowledgeable Bristol Removals team a call today on 01275 810 105. Alternatively for smaller moves you may be interested in our Man and Van services.

Ombudsman Invoked in Removals Case

/in /by

You should get yourself the best Removals Bristol has to offer to ensure that your house move is as smooth as possible.

One family found out the hard way, and are now seeking help from the ombudsman after they move went wrong.

The claim that a chair, dining table and flat screen television were damaged in the process of their move on 15 December las year.

It is thought that some of the damage occurred when the dining table was moved incorrectly, what should have been done by two people was attempted by one. This then caused damage to a number of items, the family alleges.

However, their movers have claimed that they have offered them compensation, but won’t offer any more as the family didn’t take out extra insurance for the move.

Hamilton’s sales director Tony Smith told Eastern Daily Press the company had tried to resolve the issue.

“We did admit there was a problem with the table and decided to offer 55pc back for their removal,” he said. “It is very rare we go back to a customer who has taken no insurance with a good will gesture. On this occasion, we felt it was probably justified.”

The ombudsman is there to investigate issues when the people involved cannot come to a mutual agreement.

It is important to clarify the insurance status of a move, as the contents of a home can easily reach £10,000s, and often are worth much, much more. That is without even mentioning the sentimental value of your belongings.

Get in touch with us to hear about what we can offer you, on your removal day, to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Home Moving In The UK ‘At Highest Rate In 10 Years’

/in /by

The heat is on for removal companies in Bristol as the number of house movers is at its highest in ten years.

This is according to fresh data from Lloyds Bank published in The Daily Telegraph, which has revealed that the number of homeowners getting a mortgage for a new home rose by two per cent to some 370,300 in 2017, which is up from the 361,300 new mortgages in 2016.

This positive result for the property market has been stimulated by on-going low mortgage rates and an increasing demand for houses, indeed the estimated total number of mortgages agreed in 2017 was the highest it’s been since 2007 at 729,300 – up 4.1 per cent from the 700,800 agreed in 2016.

First-time buyer mortgages were also on the rise, reaching a 10-year peak in 2017, missing 2007’s high by just 900, according to the Lloyds report, further stimulating upward movement in the property market.

Nevertheless, demand for homes is still 43 per cent below the pre-financial crisis peak of 653,700 in 2007.

Lloyd’s Bank’s Andrew Mason was quoted by the newspaper as saying: “House price increases will have boosted equity levels for many home owners, enabling movement along the housing ladder. For the first time, homemovers are choosing to pay an average deposit of over £100,000, with Londoners putting down nearly double this.”

However, London was the only part of the UK to experience a decline in the number of mortgages agreed by home movers, with a six per cent slide year-on-year.

Bristol Most Desirable City For House hunters

/in /by

Bristol is now the most desirable city for house hunters, so the best Removals Companies in Bristol are likely to be in high demand.

A new poll by the online estate agents RightMove has shown that Bristol is the most popular place that people looking for a home search for outside of London.

It is followed by searches for homes in these places:

  1. Bristol, Bristol
  2. York, Birmingham
  3. Norwich, Leeds
  4. Edinburgh, Manchester
  5. Sheffield, Nottingham
  6. Birmingham, Liverpool
  7. Cambridge, Glasgow

It is popular among both renters and buyers, with many attracted to the city due to the diversity the local area offered.

Sam Riddell, senior branch manager of Andrews Property Group in Bishopston  told the Bristol Post: “Bristol has something for everyone, from the bohemian streets of St Werburghs to the grandeur of Clifton Village.”

Bristol was named the best place to live back in 2017, according to the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide.

Many cite the quirky city’s nightlife as a big draw for many people, with the city boasting a university and young demographic. However, the technology jobs in the local area, coupled with the arts scene there have cemented the city as a favourite.

The Sunday Times list considers crime rates, schools and house prices, among other aspects in order to decide which areas are the best places to live in the UK.