If you can’t, or prefer not to, pay for the privilege of hiring a Removal Company to shift your goods from your old home (or business) to a new address, there is always the option of doing it yourself.
Hiring a van and rounding up a group of friends and family to assist can save a great deal of money. However, consider the option carefully. If you have valuable furniture, electronics and family heirlooms, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Good planning is vital if you opt for a DIY move:
- Pack all loose items carefully. (See our tips for packing and sorting.)
- If you have pets and/or children, it will be much less stressful for you AND them to arrange for them to be cared for elsewhere while the move takes place. This applies whether you are undertaking a DIY move or hiring a removal company.
- Dismantle all possible furniture such as beds and cumbersome tables. Put all the screws and other bits and pieces in a plastic bag and tape to the item.
- Disconnect all electrical appliances, and make sure the cables and plugs are secure and (were possible) taped to the appliance so they don’t trail and get snagged or damaged. Make sure the fridge is defrosted well in advance).
- Cover the floors at both the “from” and “to” properties with moving blankets/cardboard to protect them during the moving process.
- If possible give the premises you are moving to a good clean before you move your goods in. Cleaning the property you are leaving behind can be scheduled for after the move.
- Be prepared to reward your helpers with liquid refreshment and sustenance – a pile of sandwiches will be appreciated.
- Borrow, rent or buy moving equipment such as ropes, bungee cords, blankets and trolleys.
THE MOVING VAN
The most important item you will need in order to accomplish your DIY move is transportation. A van or trailer is essential.
Unless you are able to borrow a suitable vehicle from your employer, a friend or family member, you will need to hire one. Make sure you have booked it well advance and checked on the delivery/pick up arrangements a day or so before it is required – you don’t want to be left sitting on the pavement with no way to get your goods to your new address.
There are numerous things to consider when you consult with a vehicle hire company about what type and size of van to use for your removal purposes:
- The bigger the vehicle, the more expensive the hire of it will be, and the more it will cost in fuel.
- Large vehicles require special category driving licences and you will not be able to drive them with an ordinary driving licence. Click here to check which type of vehicle your licence allows you to drive. If you need a large van (travelling a long distance) which you are precluded from driving yourself, it would be best to hire a “Man-and-Van” or regular removal company.
- Check the weight as well as the size of the vehicle – overloading is not only dangerous but also reduces the mileage you will get from a tank of fuel.
- A van with a hydraulic tail lift will make loading and unloading far easier, though may be more expensive to rent.
- A van with a high top is useful for taller items like wardrobes, which can stand upright, and a “box” shaped van is preferable for packing. If you rent a tall van, remember to be careful of low-hanging branches, bridges and other hazards en route or during access to the removal sites.
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