Moving house can be a stressful time, undoubtedly. There’s mortgages to sort, surveys to get through, solicitors to engage and contracts galore. And that’s before you even get to the stage of packing up everything you own to be transported maybe one mile, maybe 1000 miles!
Perhaps that’s the reason, according to data out last year, we only move once every 23 years on average in the UK.
Moving so infrequently as an individual means there’s bound to be worries and questions when it comes to the move itself. But, have no fear. Here at McCarthy’s we have over 50 years of experience in Yorkshire removals. We have seen it all, day in and day out, and we are right by our customers’ sides throughout the process, helping to navigate any concerns.
With our vast removals expertise, we’ve compiled a list of the most common moving mistakes we see – to help make sure you don’t make them!
- Not getting organised early enough – the best removals companies do tend to book up quite quickly, especially at more popular times of the year. If you can, contact your preferred removal company with plenty of notice – even if you don’t have an agreed date for the move yet you can get the ball rolling.
- Choosing a removal firm based purely on price – it’s always tempting to feel like you’re getting a bargain, but it is also always true that you get what you pay for. You’re trusting the removal company you hire to safely transport everything you own. If you’re choosing the man and van route, do you feel confident they’ll manage it alone? How many trips will it likely take? Never hire a removal firm where your only way of contacting them is a mobile phone number – we’ve heard so many horror stories of people moving where the van just never arrived on the day. Carefully compare house removal quotes but do bear in mind the level of service you will receive in tandem with that.
- Failing to check for BAR membership – checking your chosen removal company is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) should be a given – it offers you protection and peace of mind. Don’t just take the company’s word for it though, you can check the database on the BAR website.
- Not starting decluttering well in advance – it will take you longer than you think, so start decluttering early. You’ll be a frequent visitor to the tip and the local charity shops and your wider family will get sick of you trying to foist your things on them! This is a great opportunity to sort through paperwork too. We offer a professional shredding service which can help – we send you one or more of our sacks, you fill it and then we shred it! Simple. Looking for shredding services near me?
- Taking on too much when it comes to packing – packing is an artform. There is a real skill in packing boxes safely and securely and making sure nothing gets damaged. Whilst still ensuring they’re not too heavy to carry! We have lots of packing guides we can help you with – but we can also offer a packing service. You’ll be amazed how quickly the pros do it!
- Not using quality packing materials – don’t be tempted to use scruffy old boxes, you need solid quality boxes held together with decent tape. We have a physical and online box and packing material shop which can help. Remember weaker boxes won’t stack well in the van and you risk things being crushed. And it might be raining which can weaken boxes further.
- Not labelling boxes adequately – we cannot stress this point enough. Label boxes with as much information as you can. You’ll be pleased you did when it comes to trying to unpack. It also helps the removal team know where to put things.
- Forgetting to sort out parking and access for the removal van – if you’re moving with McCarthy’s we’ll make sure all this is covered off with you, but do make sure you consider how the removal van will get to you and if parking spaces need to be secured, or permits obtained.
- Not taking out insurance – insurance is vital when you move house. Make sure you carefully check it meets all of your requirements.
- Having a box of important items to keep with you – don’t pack everything away in the removal van – it makes sense to have a ‘Survival Kit’ with you! In that should be essentials like the kettle, snacks, medicines, baby and pet food, toilet roll, some basic tools, a torch, lightbulbs etc. Anything you might need in a hurry when you arrive – there’s always the risk of delays so you might be later getting in than you think. Some people choose to keep bedding and nightwear in their own car so they can get straight to bed if needed.
- Not having a plan for children and pets on move day – many people prefer to ask someone else to look after children or pets on move day. It’s by no means essential, but it does help. Seeing everything being packed up and rooms looking empty can be or unsettling for children and animals. If you can’t do that, have a plan in place. It’s best to keep pets in one empty room while the move takes place, making sure everyone knows to keep that door closed. The last thing you want is for them to make a run for it through an open door.
Looking for removal prices? Use our removals calculator to get a quote for your next move!