August’s Mortgage Boom Means Autumn Moving Madness.
August’s all time high of mortgage lending means Britons will be scrambling to relocate this autumn.
Neil Paul, removals expert and director at Cadogan Tate, comments on the boom and a new breed of difficulties affecting the removals craft: “A mortgage spike, like the £32.7bn borrowed in August means that, after contracts are exchanged and sales completed, we’ll see an explosion in the number of moves this Autumn. Relocation is changing as a craft and people planning to move need to know about special considerations that weren’t there two years ago – during the last mortgage boom.”
Paul continues: “People now have more fragile and specialist items that need careful attention. More people now want to completely personalise their homes. This means we need to organise the removal of custom fixtures. Hi-tech equipment such as home theatres and sound systems are also increasingly popular. We’ve made a point of developing partnerships with experts in handling these 21st century moves.”
Besides specialist items, there are important logistical factors that many people fail to consider. Paul shares some tips on how to plan for a less-stressful move:
1. A stress-free move begins with meticulous planning - the moment you decide to relocate. You must decide what you’re taking and what you need to dispose of. Don’t forget about the contents of the attic and the guesthouse.
2. If you decide to use a removals firm, do thorough research to check out who you’re trusting with your worldly goods. Check out the British Association of Removers’ website at www.removers.org.uk, and pay attention to firms’ professionalism during the appraisal and their references. Never choose a firm based on price alone.
3. Don’t try to avoid an at-home visit from an estimator as they will instantly detect areas and items that will require special attention, saving you any surprises.
4. Leave rugs, pictures and mirrors in place. Trained removals men have the experience to best pack and wrap these.
5. Make sure removal men are trained to handle your specific needs or work with outside experts. Whether it’s IT or musical instruments, a book collection, plants or anything that requires discretion – your most prized objects deserve to be handled by qualified and vetted craftsmen. Remember that removals firms range from being three heavies in a van to ones that employ experts, use specially-designed vehicles and bespoke equipment. A full-service firm is prepared to handle the entire move once you toss them your keys. Ask as many questions as you need to ensure you understand their approach.
6. Make sure that you’re really getting quotes from different companies. There are many removals firms who operate under various names at the same time.
7. There are also simple issues like making arrangements with the council to park the removals van; otherwise you may not be allowed to park it in front of the property.
8. If your things need to be stored for any period of time while in transit, don’t forget to check out the security precautions the removals firm is taking. Better ones will have secured depots while others may simply leave the van parked outside.
9. Don’t forget to notify the post office of your new address and the date of your move well ahead of time. But remember, you will still need to contact people and organisations directly to notify them of your new address. This will avoid any costly and stressful confusion.
10. If a removals firm offers insurance, make sure that they comply with the Financial Services Authority, as required by law. Don’t forget to find out about any limitations on the policy before making a decision. Not reading the fine print can mean being in for a big shock should something go wrong.
Moving – whether it’s simple household items or priceless antiques – will go much smoother if extra time and attention are given to fragile, large and heavy items. Considering these in advance, rather than when the van is already out front, will spare unnecessary relocation anguish and strife. Neil has an additional tip to keep you sane when relocating, “Pack the kettle and tea last and label the box clearly. You’ll be glad you did when you’re settling into your new home!”