Advice for moving home

There are a number of things you can do to make the process of moving home less daunting and more efficient. The more you can you do before your move day, the better. Below we have listed a few tasks you can you do in the time leading up to your move, as well as some things you can do on move day.

Before your move day

• Book your removal company and ensure you have a written quotation with terms and conditions. Be sure that your chosen removers can assist you with all your requirements such as storage and packing

• Declutter and donate any unwanted items to your local charity. There are a number of local organisations who can help but we usually recommend one of the following:

  British Heart Foundation

  https://www.refurnish.org.uk/

• Acquire a good collection of suitable packing materials including boxes and bubble-wrap

• Start packing early, Begin with unused rooms and do not forget to include garages, sheds, lofts etc

• Create a document box for such items as passports and paperwork

• Prepare an essentials box including first aid kit, children's favourite toy etc

• Find a pet sitter for the day as moving home can be traumatic for your pets

• Notify your GP, Insurers, Bank, DVLA etc of your new address and date of move

• Setup mail redirect with the Royal Mail

• Save some space in your car for items such as paint, fuel and other flammables as most removal companies will not be insured to take these

On your move day

• Dismantle and disconnect furniture and appliances unless you have agreed for your removal company to include this

• Strip beds and pack bedding ready for beds to be transported

• Take final meter readings and provide to utility companies

• Collect keys from property agents if not already done

• Ensure your phone is fully charged as this will be needed throughout the day

• Save a parking space for your removal company's vehicle

• Complete a final check of your property ensuring nothing is left behind and all doors and windows are secured

• And finally keep the kettle and teabags at hand!

Packing tips

Should you choose to pack your own belongings, remember the following:

• Make good use of suitcases and bags to pack clothes in

• There is no need to empty clothes in drawers as these can be transported full. We do ask that books and breakables are removed from units though

• Clearly mark boxes with which room they are for

• Do not over pack boxes with heavy items as these can break during transit

• Keep a handy collection of tools available just in case

• Ensure water is drained from kettles, coffee machines and fridge/freezers are de-frosted

• Use plenty of bubble-wrap for fragile item

• Use cushions / spare linen to pad out boxes and add protection to fragile items

• Start packing early, start with unused items, clear lofts etc

• Speak to your removers for any packing advice

Remember that good removal companies should be more than just turning up on your move day. Empire Removals are always on hand to assist with any queries or offer any advice so contact us today and we will be ready to help.

Don't panic

If you have not already booked your removal company and your move is upcoming then do not worry. Good removal companies will be able to plan and implement at short notice. Due to the nature of the industry, we are often having to plan moves at short notice so whilst this may be stressful for you, we have the expertise and experience to organise your move for you.

If you are having to move at short notice and are worried about how this will work then contact us today and we will work hard to meet your requirements.

Packing materials

We are able to provide a supply of standard recycled packing boxes and tape free of charge when using our removal service. We also offer a number of packing materials for a small additional cost should you require them and we would be happy to deliver to your address prior to your move date. Consider using our packing service if the packing is getting too much for you.

If you do choose to pack yourself and wish to source your own packing boxes then ensure that you choose high quality, strong packing boxes. If you don’t have all the extras to go with your packing, it might be good to go for a moving home kit, that includes the bubble wrap, tape, and different sized boxes. Again this is something we can assist with if you would rather save time.

If you are re-using old boxes, check that they can hold weight, and cover any previous labelling so you don’t get confused about the contents. You may be able to find free or discounted packing materials online using Marketplace or similar websites.

Moving Home in Exeter: Quick Things to Plan Early

Exeter has its own quirks that can catch you out on moving day if you leave them too late. A bit of planning in the first few weeks after your sale or tenancy is agreed makes the day itself much smoother.

Parking and access - City-centre streets, period terraces, and flats off roads like Sidwell Street or around the Cathedral Quarter can be tight for a large van. If you are moving to or from one of these, check early whether you need a parking bay suspension or dispensation from the council, as applications take time and a blocked space on the day costs hours. Mention it when you book so your removals company can plan the right vehicle size.

Flats and upper-floor properties - If you are moving out of a flat with a single stairwell or a lift with restricted dimensions, tell your removals team the access details early. It affects how long the job takes and what equipment they bring.

Start packing earlier than you think - Most people underestimate how long packing takes. If your removals company includes free boxes and tape, ask for them a week or two ahead and work through room by room. Books, out-of-season clothes, and anything you will not need before the move are the easiest to start with.

Meter Readings - Take gas, electricity, and water meter readings at both properties on the day -- ideally with a timestamped photo. Send them to your suppliers the same day. This protects you if there is a billing dispute after you hand over the keys. It takes five minutes and is worth doing.

If your dates do not line up - Exchange and completion dates do not always match cleanly. If you complete on your sale before you can get into the new place, short-term storage bridges the gap. Our Newton Abbot base, roughly 15 miles down the A380, can hold your belongings and deliver them when you are ready.

Book a survey early - A free home survey means your quote is based on what you actually have rather than a rough guess, and it gives the team a chance to flag access issues, fragile items, or anything that needs dismantling before the day.

Address Changes - Start notifying contacts two to four weeks before your move. Work through this list:

- HMRC and DVLA (update your driving licence and vehicle registration)
- Your GP, dentist, and any regular prescriptions
- Bank accounts, credit cards, and savings
- Employer payroll and pension providers
- Electoral roll (register at your new address via Gov.uk)
- Home, contents, and vehicle insurers
- Subscription services and online shopping accounts

Set up a Royal Mail redirection as a safety net; it runs for three, six, or twelve months and catches anything you missed. It does not replace updating your records, but it prevents post going to the wrong address while you work through the list.

For more on what to expect on the day itself, visit our house removals page or contact us to book a free, no-obligation survey.

For removals across Exeter, see our Exeter removals page. To arrange a free, no-obligation survey, contact us.

Choosing the right removal company

Moving home can be a stressful process. When moving your treasured possessions, you want to make sure you choose a removal firm you can trust. It is easy to ask on Social Media for recommendations but often this can be people recommending their friends and family, rather than previous customers who have actually used their services.

Price should not be the only factor when choosing your removal company. Be sure that your removers are adequately insured and that their quoted price is not subject to hidden extra fees. An example of this would be where a local firm has quoted to move your house by saying it will need “2 vans”, but on the day your belongings do not fit in their 2 vans and they then try and charge you more for another van or another trip. Have they been out to survey and see the exact job? This is vital as there are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the removal cost, such as access, parking, volume to move, number of staff required, specific packing requirements etc.

Checking customer testimonials and reviews is always recommended. We have plenty of fantastic reviews from previous customers on Google, Yell and various other platforms. Beware for the fake reviews as we often get offers to purchase fake reviews online for a fee. These are usually easy to spot when compared to genuine customer feedback.

Look at Facebook and Social media for photos of their work. Are they using protective equipment such as furniture covers, mattress bags, blankets for covering your furniture to avoid scratches and damage etc. Do they protect your carpets from getting dirty during the removal? All of these should be taken into consideration when comparing your removal quotations.

Find out how the removal company would like to be paid. Be dubious of firms who insist only on a cash-in-hand payment or a sizeable cash deposit. Reputable removal companies should be able to accept payment by credit/debit card, bank transfer as well as cheques and cash. Do you get a receipt for your deposit and removal payments? Is the deposit refundable if your date changes?

First contact? How was your initial enquiry dealt with? Did the removal company respond promptly and in a professional manner? Were they helpful and friendly? If you are handing over all your belongings and precious possessions to one company, it is important that that you can trust them. Choosing a removal company that makes you feel at ease will go a long way towards reducing your stress levels on moving day and make the moving experience much more enjoyable.

Please get in touch with us to discuss any questions you have relating to your house move and we will be happy to help.