March 14th is International Ask a Question Day. All of those questions you’ve been dying to know the answer to…. today is the day! You should ask away!
In honour of this important date, we thought we’d put pen to (digital) paper and answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get here at McCarthy’s, whether about removals, shredding or self-storage.
Hopefully these will help answer any queries you might have – but remember, there really is no such thing as a stupid question, and we are here to help! We can pretty much guarantee that if you’ve been wondering about it, someone else will have asked it before.
Removals with McCarthy’s
- What packing materials does McCarthy’s supply and recommend?
If we are helping pack your items, we will choose the right packing materials for every individual item, all based on BAR (British Association of Removers) regulations. If you’re packing your own home, we receive a lot of queries about using bubblewrap when it comes to wrapping delicate and fragile items. Bubblewrap has its place, but sometimes it is more efficient and just as safe to wrap items in different ways – plates wrapped in paper, mirrors wrapped in blankets etc. Feel free to ask us for advice in our on-site shops – there’s lots of tricks of the trade, including the fact that plates should be stacked on their side, not flat…
- We have a lot of flatpack furniture, and furniture that requires disassembling. Can McCarthy’s dismantle furniture?
Knowing the amount of effort (and blood, sweat and tears) that went into assembling some items of furniture (Ikea shelving, we’re looking at you…), we understand it can seem overwhelming to think that some of it will need to be dismantled before it can be safely moved – or in some cases, before it can be carried out of the house! But, don’t worry, McCarthy’s can dismantle furniture for you – just raise this when discussing your requirements, and it can be built into your quote.
- What if I’ve booked a removal and then the date of my move changes?
Moving house is stressful, and a lot of it can seem very last minute. Even with the best will in the world, things get delayed and moving dates do get changed. If you think this is a possibility then we recommend taking up our cancellation waiver. That way you can avoid incurring charges in the event of a date change after booking.
- Does McCarthy’s move pets?
For all kinds of reasons, no. Primarily because pets find removals stressful, and are best placed away from the ‘action’, so many people put them in kennels/catteries for a couple of days so they can introduce them to their new home once they’re unpacked and settled. But secondarily, we once did a move where a ‘pet’ lion was kept in the garden. So we best avoid it in case ‘Fluffy’ isn’t quite the little kitten we have in mind!
- What happens if my removal runs over two days?
If loading up your belongings takes longer than anticipated, you will be left with essential items so that you are comfortable overnight, whilst the items we have part-loaded into the van will be securely locked and stored in our warehouse. The items won’t leave the van so no one will have access until the van is returned to you the following day. If it so happens that your removal will run over two days because you can’t tie up the moving out and moving in days, again your goods can be loaded onto the van into containers which are then sealed and can be kept securely for as long as needed.
Self-Storage with McCarthy’s Storage World
- Do you have a price list for your storage units?
We often get asked for a price list, but it would be quite difficult to have a standard list. Our prices vary depending on unit size, which vary quite a lot between our three locations – Wakefield, Leeds and Harrogate. We can usually provide a unit tailored in size and features exactly to suit your needs, and people rarely know precisely what size they would need without talking to one of our advisors. Once we know what you require, prices can be provided over the phone, in-store or using our online quote form.
- Do I have to have insurance to cover my items in storage?
Yes, insurance is compulsory and we will require proof of this.
- What do you need from me to take up a unit?
Not very much – simply a proof of address which is no more than three months old, photo ID, and your bank account details.
- What are the opening times to access my unit?
It varies between our branches, but the standard hours are around 6am until 10pm (check with your closest Storage World). However, should you require access at times outside of these hours 24/7 keypad access can easily be provided as an extra.
- Are there any hidden costs?
There are no hidden costs, we’re very upfront about what is included in your rent. We do ask for a deposit on first payment which is the equivalent of two weeks’ rental, but this is refundable when you vacate.
- Can I change my unit size if I need a larger one or smaller one in the future?
Absolutely! Subject to availability, we’d be happy to help you find a unit better suited to your needs. It will just require a new contract to be signed.
- What notice do I need to give to leave my unit?
We require a notice period of 14 days.
Shredding with McCarthy’s Safe Shred
- What can I shred and not shred?
We purely shred paper – and as such any you provide should be removed from lever arch files or plastic folders or bags, to avoid contamination. It is sent off to be recycled, so it’s important we’re only shredding the correct element – i.e. paper! We do, separately, also offer shredding of electronic equipment, including hard drives, CDs, USBs and DVDs, so you can be sure no confidential data could ever be retrieved.
Have you got a question you’d like to put to us? If so, give us a call or talk to us on live chat. We’re happy to help!