Removal & Storage

Once a date has been set for you to move into your new home you need to start planning your move.

The first step is to book a removal company after obtaining estimates from two or three removers. Don't forget to include the contents of your loft, garage and garden in the estimates.

Remember to make arrangements well in advance with service providers such as your telephone company and gas and electricity boards so final bills can be prepared and also, if necessary, for the disconnection of appliances.

It is usually best to leave all the packing to the removal company. (Anything you pack yourself will not be covered by insurance, but your removal company can offer insurance cover.) Most companies supply free packing cases and wardrobes.

The removal company will advise how best to deal with fine art, antiques and pianos; in fact, some companies specialise in their removal.

Well in advance of your move you should start running down foodstocks in your deep freeze and fridge.

It is not usually necessary to empty drawers containing clothes or small objects, but leave them unlocked.

Drawing up a plan of where you want your possessions positioned in your new home is helpful as is labelling the packing cases.

Before your moving date advise the removers of possible obstacles at your home, such as difficult access, narrow stairways or doorways or parking restrictions.

Let your remover have a key to the new property in case they arrive before you do. A map and a contact telephone number are also helpful.

Remember to let your doctor, vet, bank or building society have your new address and telephone number.

Organise for your mail to be re-directed and send address cards to friends and relatives.

Storage

If you've sold your house and plan to live in furnished accommodation while you're between homes, you may need to have your house contents put into storage.

Many removal companies offer containerised storage.

Self-storage systems are becoming more popular - these offer you your own private storage unit. You store your goods...you lock the unit...and you keep the key! Access is usually during working hours.

Your mover can arrange adequate loss/fire insurance cover which needs to be in effect before you move.

Storage charges are usually payable monthly in advance.

Check what the handling charges will be when you want to take your goods out of store.

If freezers or fridges have to be stored, they need to be defrosted and cleaned about a week before you move. Washing machines should also be clean and dry.

Ensure important documents such as passports or birth certificates are not put into store - you never know when you may need them!