- Before the end of your tenancy
- Start by writing a detail removal check-list, including deadlines and eventual costs. Naturally, all your personal belongings that you plan to take with you to your new home should be included, along with all pieces of furniture, appliances, equipment, plants, etc. – everything that you own and want to relocate.
- Identify any unwanted items – there is no point in packing and carrying into your new place things that you no longer need or use. Once you begin to go through the closets and storage space to sort out your personal belongings, you may be surprised how many of them are being kept for nothing but sentimental reasons or for no reason at all. You can have a sale (for example, on eBay), donate them or take them to your local recycle bank. This will save you at least few boxes and will make the moving a bit easier.
- Make sure that everything that you plan to bring into your new residence fits where you want it. If it is impossible to take a certain item to your new home because it is too large or simply because it would look out of place, you could sell it as well. In case you want to keep it for another time, you would prefer to put it in storage.
- If you choose to do the packing on your own, collect boxes. Most people underestimate the number of boxes they would need in order to fit everything. You can arrange to collect free boxes from local shops, restaurants, bars, etc. Starting early would allow you a better choice. However, you could save yourself the trouble and ask the removal company to provide the boxes and even to carry out the packing.
- Find out which removal companies can be hired in your London area. You could ask your friends, colleagues or neighbours for recommendations, and read reviews online. Hiring a removal firm is an important decision so the earlier you start to explore your options, the better. In you have any large, heavy or specific items such as a piano, not every mover will be able to accommodate your needs. Another reason for you to do your research ahead of the relocation date is that many removal firms are booked weeks in advance.
- Get moving quotes from the local companies. Look for a competitive price but avoid any deals that look too cheap. Choose a removal service at a reasonable price which you can afford but don’t let the price be your only concern – focus on the experience, reliability and the range of services provided by the company.
- Make sure that the chosen company is registered, properly licensed and insured. All the certifications of the company have to be current.
- Make sure that your items are properly insured, especially if you have expensive pieces of art, antiques, heirlooms, etc. Find out the removal firm’s policy on damaged or lost property, as well as on a delay.
- Discuss the payment options. A solid, reliable company would accept various methods of payment. Hiring a firm that only accepts cash or requests a large deposit is a risk.
- Discuss the services that you will need with the removal company. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Read carefully the moving contract and be sure that you understand everything before you sign it. Give all the necessary directions and instructions regarding your old and new home alike!
- On the relocation date
- Prepare your open first box for moving. The box should contain all the basic essentials that you will need at the first day in your new home, such as some clothes and shoes, bathroom essentials, sheets, pyjamas, packed snacks, coffee, cups, dishes, cutlery and so on, according to your personal needs and preferences. You can take it with you and transport it yourself.
- Be present and available to answer any questions and to provide instructions and directions if needed.
- Read all the moving related documents, checklists, etc. before you sign them.
- Make a last tour of the entire property before the movers leave so you could be sure that everything is taken care of.
- Final destination
- Be available to answer questions and give instructions on where the items should go.
- Make sure that there are no missing or damaged items before signing the delivered inventory checklist.
Step 1
Make all the necessary arrangements
Step 2
Book a reliable removal service
Step 3
Hire experienced cleaners
