Check to see if the quote is inclusive of VAT and includes some form of insurance covering damage to goods during transit. You may be covered by your home contents insurer during the move. Check your policy.
Once you have your quotes it is important to speak to your removal company in person. This enables you to get a feel for them and will also give you a chance to ask them any questions or advise them on any special requirements you need. Ultimately you will be inviting their employees into your home, and entrusting your treasured processions to them. It is too late when a battered and dirty van turns up, with staff that you do not feel comfortable with.
Choose a removal company that suits your requirements not just your budget.
Van Rental
The DIY approach or mini move isn't for the faint-hearted but if you don't have much furniture then it can be ideal. You can hire a van, ask your friends to give you a hand, load up and away you go hopefully saving yourself some money as well.
The most important thing to consider is whether your insurance covers your goods in transit as the risk of dropping and braking items is high. A household contents policy typically only covers goods that are packed and moved by a professional company.
If you are going to move yourself, hiring a self drive vehicle (van) is more economical and practical to move your belongings than using friends and families cars, fully loaded.
When choosing a vehicle from a van hire company you need to consider exactly what you need to transport. Bear in mind that the bigger the vehicle, the more expensive it will be, the driving license requirements will be different and the fuel costs will go up.
There is a wide choice of self-drive vehicles to choose from. The most popular van is the Transit, for it's size and value for money. This size can easily carry 800kgs- so that's anything from wardrobes, a sofa, kitchen appliances etc and averages at 35 miles to the gallon.
Ask the van hire company about their charges so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Check whether unlimited mileage is included. If not your hire costs could increase dramatically if you exceed a fixed allowance of mileage. So work out how many miles you will be travelling and how many trips you will be making.
Choose a company that has full insurance included in the price. This will cover for any damages, theft or loss throughout your hire period. Remember to ask about any excesses that might apply to the insurance cover.
If you are due to exchange and complete on both the property you want to move from, then the most important bit of advice is make sure you can load the vehicle that you hire in one go. You cannot unload until you have completed on your new property, which may not be until later in the afternoon. By which time if you have not emptied your old house you will have to go back for a second load after the new owners have already moved in. |
