What you need to know

Plan: Work out where you want your possessions in the new home drawing a plan is helpful or sticking post it notes with the names of the room on each respective door. Make sure someone is at the new house to show where things go. It is useful to label boxes in the name of the room they are going to this saves the removers asking where to put every box that is unloaded.

Parking: If there are restrictions at the new house, warn your remover. You need about 50 feet of parking for one moving van. It helps if the vehicle can park close to your property. If parking is a problem it is the customer’s responsibility to arrange a dispensation.

Flats: You will need priority of the lift! If the lift is small (or non existent) advise the remover in advance do not leave it until the van arrives.

Unloading: You’ve seen the new house the remover hasn’t. Warn about unexpected hazards such as poor access, small doorways, and spiral staircases or difficult access or restrictions. Small problems: Try to have children and pets looked after by relatives or neighbours on the day of removal you will have enough to do without worrying what they are up to. As both children and pets can be very inquisitive especially where moving home is concerned.

Moving Day: Try to avoid Fridays. Everyone wants to move on a Friday which is why it can be difficult and with some removal companies more expensive. Other busy days can be the first or last working day of the month especially if these fall during a school holiday or bank holiday or even both.

Insurance: In January 2005 the FSA took over regulating insurance and as a result we are now no longer able to offer our customers insurance as we are not FSA qualified brokers and as we understand from the FSA it is a criminal offence to do so. However what we do offer is restricted liability cover for customers who do not wish us to provide cover for their items and cover is restricted at £50.00 per item /article. Regular liability cover is for a sum of up to £20,000 cover for your belongings and is charged at 10% of the cost of your removal. Extended values are available and will be quoted for individually. This does not affect your statutory rights. Always arrange suitable cover for total peace of mind, It costs very little and protects you against the unknown. Remember that liability cover will not cover items that you have packed yourself (another good reason for leaving it to the remover).

Valuables: The remover can not accept responsibility of important documents, jewellery and valuables such as handbags which is why they should be kept in a safe place.

Children and pets: Try to have children and pets looked after by relatives or neighbours on the day of removal as both children and pets can be very inquisitive, especially where moving home is concerned.