Press Release: Perils of a self-move

29/06/2010

It pays to call in the proFESSIONALS

Five reasons for making a professional home move

 While it may be tempting to try a self-move, the pitfalls are likely to outweigh the benefits, says reallymoving.com, the UK’s leading provider of instant online quotes for home-movers. Professional removals firms will take care of the detail which will make a huge difference to the smooth running of your moving day.

1. Underestimating your hoard – it is surprisingly easy to misjudge exactly how many belongings you have accumulated over the years. While you will remember the larger items that need to move, the extent of smaller belongings can easily add up. Tip: Professional removers are experienced in calculating the volume to be moved so can provide the right number of boxes and ensure you use the correct size of van.

2. Insurance – unfortunately breakages are an occasional feature of the moving process. Check your household insurance covers your contents both in transit and in your new home from day one.

Tip: Trained professionals are better equipped to handle your treasured possessions than you are. They will also be insured against any damage that does occur in transit.

3. Safety – the majority of injuries that occur during the moving process arise from lifting. Negotiating stairways also present obvious hazards, while moving items such as pianos requires specialist knowledge and equipment. Pack boxes evenly so they are not too heavy and label fragile items to ensure they are handled delicately.

Tip: The professionals are trained in lifting and manoeuvring heavy household goods as well being able to pack the boxes and secure items safely inside a removals van.

4.    Time and money – If you’ve enlisted the help of your own team of friends, your inexperience in calculating the process means that a full day might not be enough. Costs will obviously creep up if the move takes longer and friends might not be able to stay around. If you are in a chain this simply won’t be possible.

Tip: Removal companies will ensure the move does not overrun and can offer overnight storage in advance. They can also apply for parking permits from local councils, helping you avoid expensive fines. Ask friends to help when you arrive at your new home; they can be put to work assembling beds or cleaning so that at least you’ll get a good night’s sleep on moving day!

5. Stress – the moving process is extremely hard work so be kind to yourself. You will need at least a day to settle in and unpack before going back to work. Prepare as much as you can the week before moving day to ensure a smooth move and remember to label your boxes.

Tip: Using a removal firm will ensure that the job is done efficiently and within the timeframe you set beforehand, and that boxes are placed in the correct rooms throughout your new property. Many also offer a packing service which can save a lot of hassle.

 Rosemary Rogers, Director, reallymoving.com comments:

“Moving home is never an easy process, whether it’s the emotional upheaval of leaving the family home or whether it represents the culmination of a difficult, drawn out sale/purchase. A professional removal team will use its expertise to make sure you have a well-organised move with the minimum amount of stress. From packing efficiently to moving large items safely, calling in the professionals will save a great deal of time and money in the long run.”

According to reallymoving.com, the average price for moving from a one bedroom flat is £250. The average price for a four bedroom house is £650. The final cost is always dependent on the volume and distance moved.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

About reallymoving.com

reallymoving.com was launched in November 1999, and has become the UK's leading provider of free instant online quotes for home-moving services. The site provides instant quotes for a variety of services including domestic removals, surveys, conveyancing solicitors, and Scottish Home Reports and a choice between local and national service providers.

For more information visit http://www.reallymoving.com

For further information please contact The Wriglesworth Consultancy, 020 7427 1400

Suman Hughes – Account Director – s.hughes@wriglesworth.com

Rob Bartlett – Account Executive – r.bartlett@wriglesworth.com