Choosing a Moving Company Clapham

The problem is we do not usually move often enough in our lives to make it a process we can get used to. We are generally all novices when it comes to moving and this is apparent through our lack of organisation. But, like any process, moving is all about being in control and knowing what you are doing in advance. You are about to discover more about one of the hardest part of the process of moving - choosing a removals company. You will find more information on the other fine points of moving on the menu on the left side of the page.
Choosing a good moving company can be difficult. We have all heard horror stories from friends and families about disreputable companies and it is essential to sort the good from the bad as soon as possible. Wherever you live, you can guarantee that there will be various moving companies eager to help you out. Your hardest task is choosing one that is right for you � it is vital that you get this choice right. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and disruption. Choosing a moving company is very much an individual choice and your decision should be tailored to your actual requirements.
These days, moving companies can offer you a wide range of additional services on top of their basic removal competencies. These can include packing, the sale or hire of packing materials, unpacking, and storage facilities. Some companies will even pack your possessions, transport them, clean your new home, unpack your possessions, and arrange them at the other end according to your instructions. These additional services will obviously cost you more money but can be worthwhile.
As a guideline you should chose your moving company at least 4-8 weeks before your moving day. If you leave it too long and you might find that the good companies are fully booked and you will be left with fewer choices. It is advisable to choose and book your company as far in advance as possible. You should be talking to your shortlisted companies as soon as you have an estimated moving day. Bear in mind that movers are often busy at the end of the month, on Fridays, and at weekends, and may charge more for these premium times. Many will inform you of their quiet days such as Mondays. They may even be prepared to offer you a discount to move during their less busy periods. It is always worth enquiring!
To make the best choice, you need to think about what you want from your move. The first thing you should do before contacting removal companies is make a quick checklist of what you would require them to do. This list will assist you in getting the best quotes, as you can be able to be very precise about your requirements. Examples include:
� Your preferred moving dates
� Are you looking to move locally, long-distance or, even internationally?
� Do you want help with packing, hire/buy packing materials, or simply want to pack up the items yourself?
� Will you need the moving company to transport valuable or fragile items?
� Do you want to hire a vehicle so that you can move yourself?
� Do you need storage facilities?
� How many possessions do you have?
� What insurance will you need?
The best way to find a reliable moving company is by recommendation or reputation. If someone you know has had a good experience, then try and go with the same company. However, you do still need to be careful. For example, if a local removals company successfully moved your mother across town, they might not necessarily have the skills, resources, and experience required to move you internationally. Talk to your realtors or estate agents - they should be able to recommend experienced and knowledgeable companies. If you are looking to move fairly locally, look out for removal vans passing on the roads, or local adverts. This way you might be able to see the vehicles of certain companies on a frequent basis and you can take some comfort from the fact that they are busy.
Many of us will simply choose a removals company from a Yellow Pages or similar directory, or from an Internet search. Some of us will simply choose a recognised name - i.e. a national company - and others might opt for a smaller local company. In all cases, it is especially wise to choose companies who have taken the time and trouble to become accredited members of a recognised removals association or trade body. You can assume from this that they are legit and this will put your mind at rest. They will most likely have to adhere to certain standards and you might have find an alternative company if you do have problems. If you are at all suspicious, check out their membership. You are entitled to ask them for referrals from previous satisfied customers. You do not have to follow up on this but, if the company seem less than willing for you to talk to people they have previously dealt with, you need to consider if they are the right company for you.
Once you have drawn up a shortlist of potential removal companies, you will need to start the negotiation process. You will find a wide variety of costs and services available and various types of pricing. Some companies will charge you on an hourly rate, some by estimated volume based on the rooms of your current property, some by estimating what types of furniture and goods you need to move, and others by the estimated weight of your load.
It is advisable to compile a list before you start talking to people, as you will need to be prepared for bombardment of questions from companies. Write down the number of rooms you have in your existing property. List big items of furniture and try to estimate how many boxes you will be packing. The easiest way to do this is to go into every room in your house, list the big items, and then work out how many boxes it will take to remove the remaining items in the room. Remember to consider any garden furniture and the contents of your garage and attic. Do not worry about it being exactly right - the moving companies will not expect it immediately. Try and be as accurate as possible to ensure the best quote. If in doubt ask the removal companies for advice on how to estimate. You might be surprised at how helpful they can be - many will happily send estimators to your home to put together a quotation.
When it comes to costs, you should aim to get at least 2-3 quotes before you make a final decision. Do not just consider the price but also what they can offer you for this amount. It might be more cost effective to pay a little more to acquire more services. Do not be afraid to ask them about how long they have been in business, their experience, and customer referrals. Talk to them about how long they think it will take to move you. Remember to ask them about their insurance cover, claims protection, and to what extent it extends. You should NEVER select a moving company who do not have adequate insurance. It is also important to get a quote in writing and to make sure that you completely understand how the quotation has been worked out. Remember to read the small print. For example, some moving companies will not cover you for any damage if you pack the goods yourself, unless they have played an obvious role in damaging them. You must make sure that they not only explain your quote to you but that you get a full copy that includes all relevant terms and conditions, bills of lading etc. It is also good to ask how many members of staff will be assigned to your move - the more there are, the less time it will take. Most people generally find that three staff members is an ideal number - this gives you two people to do most of the loading/unloading, and one person to sort out the vehicle. It also enables somebody to be with your possessions most of the time for added security.
You need to be particularly careful if your moving estimate is based on the weight of your shipment. This type of quotation has specific problems, as it can be hard to estimate the weight of goods before you actually weigh them. In these cases, an estimator will generally work out the weight for you before you are given a set price. However, your goods will be weighed once they are packed up and if the weight is higher than the original estimate, you might be liable for extra costs. In these cases always check first about how the moving company's system works and establish how binding their quotation is. You could run into serious problems if you do not clarify this in the early stages. If you refuse to pay excess charges, the mover can hold onto your possessions until you resolve the dispute.  You can also be charged for any storage facilities needed during this time. It is vital to spend time assessing the company. It is advisable to be present when your goods are weighed to check the accuracy of the process. You can ask for a reweigh if you are not sure - make sure that the company agrees to this before the process begins.
Once you have talked to your shortlist of removal companies and have read and understood their quotes, you will be ready to make your choice. You might make your choice depending on costs alone, or you might prefer to go with the company with you feel most comfortable. Once you have made a decision you will probably be asked to sign and confirm a statement outlining your agreement. This is advisable as all parties will know where they stand. All you need to do now is get ready for your moving day - don't forget to contact your movers a few days beforehand to confirm your arrangements!