Press Release: Keep Safe And Sound On Moving Day

20/09/2010

In all the excitement and stress of moving, keeping your possessions safe and sound is important. To coincide with UK Home Security Week 2010, reallymoving.com, the UK's leading provider of instant online quotes for home-movers, has these tips for a secure moving day.

1. Choose a reputable removals firm

You want the peace of mind that your possessions are in safe hands, and that the firm has the right insurance. Reallymoving.com vets all removals companies that feature on the site and the star-rating system lets you know what other users thought.

2. Start Early

Start early in the day to give yourself the best chance of being in your new home by dark, especially in Winter, when the days are shorter.

3. Don’t unload onto the pavement

When unloading your belongings, take them straight into the house. Don’t unload onto the pavement or front garden, leaving items in sight for opportunistic thieves.

4. Replace locks as soon as possible

Check that you have all the right keys for your new home, and that the previous owner hasn’t left a set under the doormat or with a neighbour!! You should think about arranging for a locksmith to change the locks on the front door at least, especially if the house has previously been rented.

5. Check your insurance policy

A reputable removals firm will be insured for your belongings in transit, but not when they are in your new house, so make sure your contents and buildings insurance will be valid at your new address before you move.

6. Secure the garden and garage

The front door is not the only way to access your property! Burglars will look for weak points such as garden gates, garages or gaps in fences so make sure you check that they are all secure and locked.

7. Get to know your neighbours

Introduce yourself to your new neighbours as soon as you can after moving in. If they know you and your family, they will be more likely to notice anything untoward or suspicious.

8. Hang Curtains

You should hang curtains in your new home as soon as you can to help keep prying eyes out. Curtains will keep your valuables out of sight.

9. Check your burglar alarm

Burglar alarms are one of the most effective ways of making a home more secure. Check that you have the code to operate any alarm at your new property, and reset it as soon as possible with a new combination.

10. Install outside lighting

Motion-sensitive security lights are another highly effective security feature. Install lights at both the front and rear of the house.

Rosemary Rogers, Director, reallymoving.com comments:

“Moving home is an exciting time, but it is also when your belongings could be at their most vulnerable. Taking just a few sensible security precautions prior to moving and on the day will make sure that you and your possessions are safe and sound from the start.”

-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, Energy Performance Certificates and Scottish Home Reports and a choice between local and national service providers.

For more information visit www.reallymoving.com

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

Fiona Brandhorst – Director – f.brandhorst@wriglesworth.com

Suman Hughes – Senior Account Manager – s.hughes@wriglesworth.com

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