Moving can be a stressful experience. It is very easy to underestimate how many possessions we have and how much work might be involved in packing and moving them, even when the distances are quite short. Sorting out the mortgage and finding the ‘dream property’ are normally the first priorities. Finding someone to undertake the actual move itself is normally a bit of an after-thought.

Moving can be a stressful experience. It is very easy to underestimate how many possessions we have and how much work might be involved in packing and moving them, even when the distances are quite short. Sorting out the mortgage and finding the ‘dream property’ are normally the first priorities. Finding someone to undertake the actual move itself is normally a bit of an after-thought.

Adam Dracott at Dracott & Fennemore firmly believes a little more planning can make a big difference to stress levels as the big move approaches and ensure your property arrives safely at your new home. Here are his top tips for a stress-free house move:

1. Recommendations are key.
   Ask for recommendations from friends, family, colleagues or via trusted social media. Find out what they used the firm for and whether they had any issues. Social media can be a great way to seek input from people within your circle of friends and acquaintances. Be cautious of recommendations and reviews from people you don’t know though!
2. Get quotes as early as possible.
   Even if the home you are trying to move to changes, the removal quote probably won’t change much and it is unlikely the firm will want to visit again. They can check things like access and parking without a visit. Any professional removal firm will be very familiar with the inevitable delays that occur in a property chain.
3. Ask questions.
   If you think your question sounds stupid, ask it! You almost certainly won’t be the first to do so and any good removals firm would much rather answer the question than risk a mis-understanding later on.
4. Check the written quote – very carefully.
   If something isn’t written on the quote, check it. Your quote should explicitly say what is / is not included. Don’t assume something must be part of the normal service. There are so many variations in the services that can be provided and the things that firms may charge extra to move. Most things can be moved by a professional removal firm – people and pets are the usual exceptions!
5. Ask about the use of storage.
   Storage is increasingly being used as people choose to create an end-point to a chain and move into temporary accommodation. It can put you in a great position when it comes to buying your next home. But make sure the storage facility that will be used is suitable for your property. Is it owned by the removal firm or do they use someone else for storage? What insurance cover is provided or available to protect your property whilst it is there.
   
   If you think this might be an option for you, speak to your estate agent as soon as possible and ask them for their advice. In most cases, shorter chains have a much high chance of being completed and you are more likely to secure your next property as a chain-free buyer.
6. Check the terms.
   It is all too easy to assume the terms and conditions are just ‘legal jargon’, but do check them carefully. What do they say about damage, insurance, delays? Is there anything that you were not expecting in them? If you are not sure, ask for an explanation. Don’t sign the contract without understanding them.
7. Try and secure as long a gap as possible between exchange and completion.
   Removal firms are a bit like builders. If they can start tomorrow, are they the firm you want working for you? Dracott & Fennemore are typically booked about 2-3 weeks in advance. Beyond that, we are generally quite flexible. Historically, there was normally a 4 week gap between exchange and completion. It is now far more common for that to be reduced to 2 weeks or less. If your solicitors start talking about a short period between exchange and completion, talk to your preferred removal firm before agreeing.
8. There are no quiet days of the week for moving any more!
   Don’t assume it will be easier to find the right company on an earlier day of the week. Monday – Thursday can be just as busy and many moves can take 2-3 days to complete with the packing, moving and unloading process. Pick the day that is right for you and the rest of the chain.
9. Keep communicating.
   You may not be in a position to sign a contract for the removal work, but keep talking to your preferred removal firm so they know you are serious. If they get another enquiry for the same dates, they may at least give you a day or two to decide. That might be long enough for you to push solicitors to complete the exchange of contracts. If not, then at least you will have no surprises when you do try to book.
10. Get as much of the packing done a day or two before the move.
    Any professional company will want to do this to minimise stress on the day. It also leaves time to clean. Make sure you keep any day to day essentials out, including the kettle!

Lastly, if environmental factors are a concern to you, ask the firms about what they are doing about the use of plastic and waste. At Dracott & Fennemore we have drastically cut the amount of plastic waste by moving to a range of paper and reusable alternatives. Overall, we have cut our waste by about 75% at very little cost to the business. This may have little effect on the moving experience for our clients, but we believe it demonstrates our commitment to operating in an ethical and sustainable way.

With a little bit of planning, a professional removal firm can help take away some of the stresses associated with moving house. If you have a question about your move, please feel free to contact Dracott & Fennemore. You can also use the live chat service on their website.