There’s more to a successful move than throwing your stuff in boxes and renting a truck. Successful relocation is like running a small company-it requires careful planning, budgeting, and strategy. Overlook those factors and you may be looking at a recipe for disaster.

On Today’s article, learn common moving mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

 Moving Mistake You MUST Avoid (Part 1)

1. “Winging It” Instead of Planning Ahead

Moving is a complicated process with many small tasks involved to bring everything together. You need to have a plan of attack and give yourself enough time to execute it. Never try to wing your move as it will almost always turn out worse than expected. If you’re working with a professional moving company, be aware that they get very busy in the summer. Their availability is limited by the large amount of business their good reputation has created for them. By giving yourself some reasonable lead time, you will have more chances hiring your preferred moving company and probably have much more negotiating leverage relative to the price that you will pay.

If you have planned ahead and have some flexibility, you will give yourself a great chance to work with the mover of your choice, which immediately takes a big obstacle off of your task list.

2.  Hiring inexperienced or unrated movers

Instead of just picking the first name in the phone book, you need to go online, ask around, and find out more about the moving companies in your are

Choosing the wrong moving company can mean stolen or damaged property, a move that is far more expensive and longer than originally quoted, and being overcharged for things like packing tape. And once all your stuff’s in their truck, you’re in a terrible position to argue.

When interviewing moving companies, be sure to ask for a list of qualifications and references. It’s a good idea to check that any removal companies you contact is a member of The British Association of Removers. This organisation is dedicated to providing excellence in the removals industry for the benefit of both removal companies and their customers. They set standards and a code of conduct for their members, so you should be reassured of their professionalism and conduct at all times.

Remember that not always the lowest quote is the best deal as quotes may cover different things.

Choose your mover based on a balanced consideration of qualifications, guarantees and overall costs and you won’t be disappointed or surprised when it comes time to pay your bill.

Once you’re armed with quotes and estimates and have met with your favored companies, you will be ready to make the right choice.

3. Failing to ask all the questions you need to ask of the movers and not carefully reading the paperwork or contract.

Before you hire, make sure you ask all the questions you need to ask to ensure that you’re getting what you need out of the moving company. Find out about their estimates, if the insurance will cover your things, and if there are any extra costs for services rendered. This isn’t the complete list of questions you need to get answers for, but it’s a start. For a more complete list, check out this article on hiring moving companies.

And when checking paperwork, another mistake a lot of people make, is not rechecking the inventory sheet to ensure that all the items packed on the truck, arrive at their destination. This is particularly important if your household items are sharing space on a trailer; it’s easy for items to be left behind. If something is missing, do not sign the inventory sheet until the item is found.

This is Trek’s third installment on our series on choosing a removal company.

 Safety First

There’s a lot at stake when you move. There’s the money you’ll spend. The memories you’re taking from one place to another. When you move, your personal property (including valuables) is loaded onto a moving truck and while most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen and some items may be lost or damaged during shipment.

Check if the removalist will provide you with insurance against breakages or loss of your property. Also get in touch with your home contents insurance to find out if your belongings will be insured when in transit.

If a company does not carry any insurance your goods will not be covered in case of any accidents, leaving you unable to claim for any breakages or damage to your possessions.

It’s a good idea to check that any removal companies you contact is a member of The British Association of Removers. This organisation is dedicated to providing excellence in the removals industry for the benefit of both removal companies and their customers. They set standards and a code of conduct for their members, so you should be reassured of their professionalism and conduct at all times.

Choosing a removal firm that has committed to the BAR membership is a good starting point because it shows they’re willing to be held up to a minimum standard. BAR members have minimum standards of conduct for membership which will be in your interests such as legal, licensed vehicles, protection for your deposit and arbitration or free conciliation and in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

Choosing a BAR Member will ensure your move goes smoothly. You will have the peace of mind that comes from using a reputable, professional and safe remover, and in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ve got someone to turn to.

Once your search and choice are complete you should feel confident about it and you should be sure you have taken the right decision. We hope that this article has helped you with your move!

Asking your potential moving company the right questions is very critical in the moving process.

10 Questions to Ask A Moving Company

As soon as you have contacted your removal specialists, you should ensure that you address the following points:

1. Is your company registered with BAR? (The British Association of Removers)

The British Association of Removers is the recognised voice of the removals industry in the UK.  It sets the standard in promoting professional excellence in the industry. This means that any company who is registered with them will follow their strict guidelines and provide a professional service.

2. How long has your company been in business? Is it registered with the Companies House?

The length a company has been in business will give you a good indication in how it conducts its affairs, and if it is registered with Companies House, it means it is less likely to close down and risk its reputation.

 3. Does your company have insurance? What type of insurance?

If a company does not carry any insurance your goods will not be covered in case of any accidents, leaving you unable to claim for any breakages or damage to your possessions.

4. Are your workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance?

Employees of a company need to be covered by ‘Employees Liability Insurance’, as you could find yourself in court if a worker were to injure himself on your property and the employer is not adequately covered.

5. Does your quote include travel time, insurance, the disassembly and reassembly of furniture?

A number of companies offer cheaper quotes by hiding costs in the small print of their contracts, which you only find out about on moving day.  Be sure to read the small print.

 6. Does your company have appropriate moving equipment, at no extra cost?

Trolleys, tools and straps are an important part of the movers’ tool kit. These make moving safer and the chance of damage less likely, but many companies neglect to supply these to cut costs.

 7. Does your company have its own storage facility?

Having a secure storage facility that can be accessed at all hours is important for all removals companies: occasionally a move runs into problems where the client may find himself unable to move into the new home due to unforeseen circumstances. If belongings are left in the removals vehicle overnight, this could leave your possessions vulnerable if left on the roadside.

                                                                                                                                                                        8. What kind of cancellation policy does your company offer?

Understanding a company’s cancellation policy in advance is very important because delays do occur during the sale and purchase of a home, and you need to understand how your company will deal with this issue.

 9. Does your company offer a professional packing service?

Even if you decide to pack yourself, knowing that a company offers a professional packing service will highlight their degree of proficiency.

10. Does your company guarantee moving dates? What happens if I can’t make it on my chosen date?

Good moving companies are in demand, so to avoid disappointment book your move early.  This means they can make provision for your move around the time you think you will be ready. It is important to keep them up to date with how things are progressing with your house exchange.

By referring to this list of moving company questions as you are evaluating movers in your area, you can ensure that you are working with a reputable company that will provide a safe, stress-free, and enjoyable transition to your new home.

Here is the second part of our series on how to choose the right removal company.

Get a number of quotes

When you hire a removal company you should consider both the quality of service and the price.

To find the most competitive price, you should get quotes from more than one firm, but price should not be your only consideration. It is important that you are confident that you are using a legitimate company, one that is BAR registered and one that is adequately covered by insurance. Bear in mind that prices and services vary greatly from one company to another.

You should contact a minimum of three removal companies in order to make a good price comparison.

It is going to be very useful for you to have more quotes from which you can choose and from which you can compare the prices.

You can receive an instant quote online but you can also ask for a detailed assessment from the removal firm. How to choose a removal company should include this because then the removalist will send a sales estimator to your home. He will price the quote in more detail than the instant quote can provide you with. Note that you shouldn’t be charged for this visit. Show everything you have for moving and draw the surveyor’s attention to things that are heavy, large or valuable.

Remember that not always the lowest quote is the best deal as quotes may cover different things. Also request your quotation to be full and ask for a fixed price after the surveyor comes to visit you.

Once you have found a company who will offer you the services you need at a competitive price, don’t be afraid to call them up and haggle on the price. They might also be able to negotiate a small discount, or might throw in a few freebies such as boxes or packing materials.

Before you choose a removal company to help you with your relocation, there are many other things you should consider first. Researching on quality removals should be done in advance and this is why we have decided to offer you this helpful article with practical tips and hints.

Research comes first.

Do a proper and thorough research of the company you intend to hire.

Find removals in the city you are moving to and see what reviews you will be able to find. It is important to know more about a removal company before hiring it: being informed can never be too much when it comes to relocation.

You can also search the Internet for potential candidates. Nowadays, most moving companies in the city have their own websites to make it easier for them to advertise their services. It is also through their websites that they provide potential clients with free quotations.

Maybe the most important is to check the company legitimacy, and then you can check for previous customers’ opinions. The best way to choose a removal company is from a positive recommendation from a friend or family member. This takes away much of the uncertainty surrounding service expectations if you can be reasonably sure of their performance with other customers.

Once your search and choice are complete you should feel confident about it and you should be sure you have taken the right decision. Having confidence in your removal company will make your house moving less stressful.

Today’s blog features several things you must keep in mind in choosing a storage facility.

Choosing a storage facility

You need to find a moving company that provides not only moving services, but storage units, too.

Decide what kind of storage facility

First, you have to decide what kind of storage facility you will require from your potential mover: Should it be long term storage, short term storage or an overnight one.

Research moving and storage providers

Do a lot of research. Do not rent the first storage facility you find. Make sure you gather enough feedback and read plenty of reviews. Choose a storage that will be convenient to you – close to your home, or at least to your workplace, so that you can have a fast and easy access to it whenever you need.

Before booking a storage unit, read some useful moving reviews of moving companies that have storage facilities. This will help you to find a storage facility that will meet your requirements. There are many websites – blogs and forums that provides such services. Also, run a check if your storage provider is licensed and insured.

Storage facility security measures

Choosing a storage facility with good security is a top priority. It is a prerequisite to observe the security features of the storage unit.  In case the security of the storage unit is not up to the mark, we stand a chance to lose some of our most valuable items. It is important to ensure that the storage area is not easily accessible to everyone. Ask questions like: How do they intend to store your goods within the unit itself? Are the security measures different during regular business hours versus after-hours? What kind of neighborhood is the storage facility in? Would you feel comfortable visiting at off-hours?

Storage facility conditions

Look for the facility conditions. It is very important that your storage unit has an easy access. It will save you a lot of troubles during the whole loading and unloading process. Book a facility that is well maintained – climate-controlled, cleaned and lighted.

Size

Discuss your specific current and future needs with the storage facility. This will help companies offer you the most suitable unit for your budget.

Insurance

Insurance is an important issue to research, especially if you plan to store high-value items. Storage companies offer their own insurance, and it is recommended to find out about the facility’s procedures in cases such as fire, flood, etc. Make sure you fully understand how the insurance they are offering will cover any potential damage.

Choosing the right storage company shall help us store our items in a safe and secure environment. We must, however be very careful while choosing the right storage unit. These few things must be kept in mind while choosing the right storage unit.

]]> http://www.trekremovals.com/2013/01/choosing-a-storage-facility/feed/ 0 http://www.trekremovals.com/2013/01/storage-why/ http://www.trekremovals.com/2013/01/storage-why/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:53:25 +0000 admin2 http://www.trekremovals.com/?p=2607 There are many reasons why you might need to look into storage options. Maybe you’re moving from your old house before your new place is ready? Perhaps you’re down-sizing and your new home does not have enough room for all your treasured items? Or there are things you may not need now and you’re saving it for future use or maybe you like to keep memories.

Storage: Why?

Storage facilities offer an opportunity to clear some space at home and still fulfill their customers need for retaining and gathering items. Because it can be rented on a month by month basis it is easy for customers to increase or decrease the amount of storage space they need.

Using a storage facility is also an excellent way to keep important items safe during a move. It’s not uncommon for antiques to get knocked over, crystal to get broken and so on during the process of a move. Placing those items in storage and saving them until the last moment can help preserve and protect those items.

A storage facility can also be used to help store any additional boxes and moving supplies that you need but you don’t need underfoot. This is especially the case if you’re trying to sell your home in the process of a move and you want to make your home as appealing as possible to buyers. By keeping a space handy to move extra furniture, clutter and your moving supplies, you can make your home presentable to any visitors that you might get. This could make the difference between selling your home or having it stay on the market for an extended period of time.

Some people often choose to travel for either work or pleasure for up to twelve months or more. With their house often unoccupied during this period they feel more secure placing their treasured possessions into a secure storage facility.

It can also provide those with elaborate hobbies the space to indulge in their favorite past times. This may include building trains and tracks, collecting and reading comics or simply storing your valuable coin or stamp collections. With extended access hours to visit your storage space, excellent security and a variety of different sized units to choose from at reasonable rates, self storage can provide that extra space you have always wanted.

These are just several reasons why people need to use storage facilities. The benefits of taking advantage of storage are more than just peace of mind but often a sense of relief that your affairs are sorted and you are free to get on with living without your possessions tying you down.

Not only do you need to find the best removal company but you also need to be clear about what you want from your removal company.

Trek Removals – Office Moving Guide

Trek offers a range of services designed to help you with the mammoth task of a commercial move and know through years of experience that every client is different and needs a bespoke approach.  So whether you have the need for office removals or need a company that offers professional commercial removals we can help.

Perhaps most importantly we are a member of the BAR – British Association of Removals, which means we adhere to a specific set of ethics and code of conduct that is designed to ensure quality of service to you.

You may want to decide whether you want us to pack for you or perhaps might prefer to do that yourself and therefore, only need the materials to do it with.  We can help on both counts of course and should you require us to pack for you, you will find that we have a lot of advice on the best way of doing this – hopefully causing a lot less hassle and problems for you when you move to your new location.

For many companies of course, they worry about their IT equipment and with good reason.  After all your IT systems and computers are often at the hub of business today, so we will ensure that once your computers and systems are decommissioned they are then packed carefully to secure a safe arrival at their destination.

Once the high priorities are done, we can then look at carefully packing and putting your files and paperwork in special boxes, to ensure that confidentiality is maintained but that you also have a nicely organised packing system – which will mean that once you get to your new office or location, you can unpack with the minimal of fuss and not lose important business or trading time.

Of course your move may also be a time for you to look in to archiving some of your papers – something we can assist with.

We provide highly secure, 24hr protected storage facilities for a number of business clients and can offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions.

Equally this can be applied to any office furniture that you might not want to take to your new office, or indeed if you simply want time to sort out the papers before hand, we can take your office furniture and put it in to storage until you’re ready for it.

You will also find that Trek Removals has a number of options in terms of specialist removals equipment – for example if you’re going to a building with difficult access – we can provide you with a service that will account for difficult to reach places and equally if you have any particularly unusual items that you would like to take with you we can provide the correct vehicle and equipment to move it for you.

Moving an office is not a simple task – you have lots of things to think about and prepare. Whatever the reason for your moving – downsizing or expanding your business, you need to plan well your relocation.

In today’s blog, TREK will give you a few tips and guidelines meant to help you with your office relocation.

PLAN AHEAD

The first thing in your office moving is to plan. Start thinking about packing and all the other details of your office relocation as soon as you know you are moving – preferably a few months beforehand in order to manage in time.

Plan a time schedule

If you are renting the place of your company consider when the lease is ending and when to move out. If you wish to leave the place earlier discuss with your landlord the options you have. In some cases you may be able to do it. Plan the move out and move in dates. Communication is crucial during commercial move. Make sure to notify everyone, including your employees, landlords, movers and renters of every detail of the upcoming move.

Plan who will do what

Include in your moving an office checklists of who does what. You can assign tasks related to the relocation to a couple of people in every department of the company while the rest take up their working duties temporarily. Everyone should be clear about the goals to achieve and the deadlines to do it. Conduct regular meetings of the team that is taking care of the office move to keep track on the progress, distribute work to be done and give some assistance if needed. To make it easier and more effective you should write short guide for your employees. In that guide describe all the procedures they need to follow during and after the move.

Find a professional moving company

Getting as many costs estimates as you can is a great start to this but it is not enough. Check the movers’ licensing, reputation, working history and of course – read reviews. It is so much worth to take a few minutes out of your time to get to know the way a mover works. Getting the right company to do the type of services it is best at is a step forward in your successful office move.

When moving your business, planning is crucial. The more time you spend moving the more money you lose. The less time you spend moving, the more cost-efficient your move will be for your company. Planning ahead can make the process smoother and help get your new office up and running as soon as possible.

As everyone is trying to find ways to diminish their carbon footprint ,  TREK believes that  with a little creativity, it’s easy to find ways to save resources. Here are some tips for keeping your move eco-friendly.

Let’s go green! – Eco-friendly Moving

Recycle

While you are thinking of throwing away things you don’t need, be mindful about what items can be recycled. Sort out anything that is usable and recycle as much of your trash as possible. Once you are finished with your move you will be left with a large number of packing materials and boxes.  Find your local recycling center online or locate a cardboard recycling dumpster, often behind the grocery or liquor store, and return your boxes here to be recycled.  Packing peanuts and bubble wrap break down very slowly over time and should never be thrown away.  You should recycle these items whenever possible.  One method for recycling your old packing materials is to donate them to your local packing and shipping store.

Sell / Donate or Re – use

Instead of throwing away old clothes and furniture, donate them to a local charity or Goodwill. Even better, having a moving sale and make some money off of your old things. Having a garage sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted but usable items and keep them out of the trash, while websites like Ebay, Craig’s List and Freecycle provide virtual ways to unload unwanted stuff. Books can be donated to local libraries, and most schools will be happy to make use of old computers. In reusing your unwanted items, you are sparing them from laying waste in a dump.

Use – Eco-friendly cleaning supplies

Use only eco-friendly cleaning products when scrubbing down the old place. There’s no better time to be eco-friendly start than when moving into a new home. You’ll probably want to scrub down all the surfaces in your home, and doing it with environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies is a good idea. Chemical cleaning supplies can be very harmful to the environment.  Keep things clean while keeping the earth in mind!

Moving may be an activity that generates a lot of waste, but by keeping your thoughts focused on the environment you’ll be able to play a role in reducing the impact that your move has on Mother Nature.