Discussion
Has an awful time finding a good one. Tried the top 5 names and they either take days to reply, or don’t even answer the phone and when they do, they try book you in for a survey in a 10 days time.
Any good recommendations? Anyvan seems cheap but worried it’s a little too automated and what will the service be like.
Any good recommendations? Anyvan seems cheap but worried it’s a little too automated and what will the service be like.
We used anyvan moving from Berkshire to Cumbria.
Was a little worried a about the service but actually it went smoothly.
Two guys turned up on time, loaded their van quickly but very carefully and met us the following day at the new house. Unloaded extremely carefully and took things to the rooms we wanted (was expecting them to leave all boxes in one location).
Anyvan is just a outsourcing site, the wait for movers to bid, so your experience will differ.
One thing is you have to measure and count all the items yourself before the final price. As long as your accurate you should be fine and the website is easy to use and update.
Was a little worried a about the service but actually it went smoothly.
Two guys turned up on time, loaded their van quickly but very carefully and met us the following day at the new house. Unloaded extremely carefully and took things to the rooms we wanted (was expecting them to leave all boxes in one location).
Anyvan is just a outsourcing site, the wait for movers to bid, so your experience will differ.
One thing is you have to measure and count all the items yourself before the final price. As long as your accurate you should be fine and the website is easy to use and update.
I've been in the industry/trade/profession for thirty years.
End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
LuckyThirteen said:
I've been in the industry/trade/profession for thirty years.
End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
Very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to write that. It’s a sizeable move and 400 miles, maybe the distance puts some off. Shall keep searching. End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
Oscarmac said:
Where are you based? We are in Worcestershire and used a company called Warrens Removals. I genuinely couldn't recommend them enough. Polite, efficient and professional at every stage. Only downside, expensive but I guess you pays your money .....
They seem good, but London to Scotland London to Scotland.
That throws up some possibilities!
You could approach firms Birmingham to Manchester / Cambridge up to Sheffield/York.
They'd likely arrange a video survey. BUT, if you have a large 'quality' move you're looking for them recognising that and saying that if you book with them they'll come visit in person.
There's a LOT of logistical sense going for a firm that is in this region. Especially for tachograph reasons, and mitigation of overnights out for the crew.
Then, on a move like this you have to ask yourself where your comfort zone is between service level and cost.
You can have a dedicated crew. Start to finish. You could also have differening crews load and unload. The contents taken north just by a driver.
Then, apply all that I said about quality in my first post to the paragraph above. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions not only about the how, but also the 'who'.
I have no idea if you're in a 1 bed studio flat or a £5m pad with grand piano and £100k of Perez hanging on walls + 500 bottle wine cellar.
How you approach movers ought be dictated by this.
Then. This is multiday, no matter what. A good firm will discuss format at length with you.
Personally, I'd be with a regulated mover for this, a BAR member. On the grounds that they will have proper backup, resources, working practices, insurance and administrative procedures.
That's not to say a non BAR member won't.
See above about checking premises etc. know what you're working with.
That throws up some possibilities!
You could approach firms Birmingham to Manchester / Cambridge up to Sheffield/York.
They'd likely arrange a video survey. BUT, if you have a large 'quality' move you're looking for them recognising that and saying that if you book with them they'll come visit in person.
There's a LOT of logistical sense going for a firm that is in this region. Especially for tachograph reasons, and mitigation of overnights out for the crew.
Then, on a move like this you have to ask yourself where your comfort zone is between service level and cost.
You can have a dedicated crew. Start to finish. You could also have differening crews load and unload. The contents taken north just by a driver.
Then, apply all that I said about quality in my first post to the paragraph above. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions not only about the how, but also the 'who'.
I have no idea if you're in a 1 bed studio flat or a £5m pad with grand piano and £100k of Perez hanging on walls + 500 bottle wine cellar.
How you approach movers ought be dictated by this.
Then. This is multiday, no matter what. A good firm will discuss format at length with you.
Personally, I'd be with a regulated mover for this, a BAR member. On the grounds that they will have proper backup, resources, working practices, insurance and administrative procedures.
That's not to say a non BAR member won't.
See above about checking premises etc. know what you're working with.
LuckyThirteen said:
London to Scotland.
That throws up some possibilities!
You could approach firms Birmingham to Manchester / Cambridge up to Sheffield/York.
They'd likely arrange a video survey. BUT, if you have a large 'quality' move you're looking for them recognising that and saying that if you book with them they'll come visit in person.
There's a LOT of logistical sense going for a firm that is in this region. Especially for tachograph reasons, and mitigation of overnights out for the crew.
Then, on a move like this you have to ask yourself where your comfort zone is between service level and cost.
You can have a dedicated crew. Start to finish. You could also have differening crews load and unload. The contents taken north just by a driver.
Then, apply all that I said about quality in my first post to the paragraph above. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions not only about the how, but also the 'who'.
I have no idea if you're in a 1 bed studio flat or a £5m pad with grand piano and £100k of Perez hanging on walls + 500 bottle wine cellar.
How you approach movers ought be dictated by this.
Then. This is multiday, no matter what. A good firm will discuss format at length with you.
Personally, I'd be with a regulated mover for this, a BAR member. On the grounds that they will have proper backup, resources, working practices, insurance and administrative procedures.
That's not to say a non BAR member won't.
See above about checking premises etc. know what you're working with.
A fountain of knowledge! AWT seem good and stable? I’ll try some midlands based BAR ones tomorrow. Cheers That throws up some possibilities!
You could approach firms Birmingham to Manchester / Cambridge up to Sheffield/York.
They'd likely arrange a video survey. BUT, if you have a large 'quality' move you're looking for them recognising that and saying that if you book with them they'll come visit in person.
There's a LOT of logistical sense going for a firm that is in this region. Especially for tachograph reasons, and mitigation of overnights out for the crew.
Then, on a move like this you have to ask yourself where your comfort zone is between service level and cost.
You can have a dedicated crew. Start to finish. You could also have differening crews load and unload. The contents taken north just by a driver.
Then, apply all that I said about quality in my first post to the paragraph above. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions not only about the how, but also the 'who'.
I have no idea if you're in a 1 bed studio flat or a £5m pad with grand piano and £100k of Perez hanging on walls + 500 bottle wine cellar.
How you approach movers ought be dictated by this.
Then. This is multiday, no matter what. A good firm will discuss format at length with you.
Personally, I'd be with a regulated mover for this, a BAR member. On the grounds that they will have proper backup, resources, working practices, insurance and administrative procedures.
That's not to say a non BAR member won't.
See above about checking premises etc. know what you're working with.
Hello OP
Based on last few posts, I'd recommend you contact M&G for a quote:
https://www.moversandstorers.co.uk/services/moving
Caveat: no knowledge like L13, but I used them in 2020. I got a recommendation for them on here and they were brilliant. Moved from Cambs to Midlands and they ended up storing our belongings for two years whilst we found somewhere. They were very professional throughout and very easy to deal with.
Based on last few posts, I'd recommend you contact M&G for a quote:
https://www.moversandstorers.co.uk/services/moving
Caveat: no knowledge like L13, but I used them in 2020. I got a recommendation for them on here and they were brilliant. Moved from Cambs to Midlands and they ended up storing our belongings for two years whilst we found somewhere. They were very professional throughout and very easy to deal with.
LuckyThirteen said:
I've been in the industry/trade/profession for thirty years.
End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
Excellent post, wish I'd known half of this before I got stung by a (very plausible) cowboy. UK firm, moving us from S. of France to Norwich, took 50% deposit and then went bust a week before the planned date, only found out as I phoned up to confirm all was going to plan and found myself talking to the sad and lonely bloke who basically swept up the depot End Sept is always manic. That's not an excuse for their lack of customer service. It's just a smidge of background.
Professional movers very often judge an enquiry by email by the way it's written. If all of them haven't responded or are trying to fob you off. You might want to look at what you wrote (if you did).
The ladder representing the professionalism and skill of the industry is incredibly long, with many many rungs.
At the bottom, you'll possibly get blokes working for cash on UC, likely who smell, possibly of weed.
At the top you'll get professionals on a career path.
The resource levels, kit and working practices are just as vast.
Right now the industry is in a recruitment crisis (despite professional movers often being paid a higher salary than the person in the Estate Agents office or your conveyancer!). So, supply isn't meeting demand very well.
Especially not at end of quarter.
10 days for an in home survey doesn't sound right. It isn't that busy in the market.
On that topic, a proper in home survey is essential. I've performed more than 37000 of them in my time. Pay attention to how much attention the person actually pays to all aspects from contents, to access, to the physical home as well. Also, you. You need to know they're judging you correctly too.
Customers are not 'all the same' as much as movers are not either.
Remember, you are purchasing something.
The professional firms will ask questions about the chain, about the day, and about how you see the day (or days) unfolding.
Or, you'll have somebody who will fly round in 2 mins, say very little and launch a price at you. Don't be fooled by it.
Check firms out on Street view. Look at where they're based. What vehicles they have.
Then a quick look at companies house.
If they claim a huge fleet, loads of personnel and that they're all singing and dancing...... But you see they are completely skint and their registered address is a home. Worry.
There's a lot that can happen. Burglaries following a move are often down the the crew...... Don't skimp.
If you have a list of questions I'll happily answer them.
I used GB liners to escape London 2 years ago and 200 miles up the country.
They were more expensive than other quotes but could do it the day we needed and seemed very good.
5 of them showed up at 8am to start packing and when I seen 2 transit vans I was a bit worried until I found out it was a local truck from up north that would be filled and driven back up north.
3 lads showed up in a 7.5t truck and they had it all packed by 2pm and on the road.
They had 4 unloaders the next day after overnighting at the local depot, They have depots all over the country so try a company like this one with such a move.
Used a local crew a year later, 1 luton van and 2 lads from a local company, Great at packing but not great at tetrus and took an extra load than planned and were unloading till 8pm on the second day. Did the job though even though they were a bit pissed that they had to stay working late again. They said it was at least a 3 man job and had a fight with the boss on the phone about hiring people!
They were more expensive than other quotes but could do it the day we needed and seemed very good.
5 of them showed up at 8am to start packing and when I seen 2 transit vans I was a bit worried until I found out it was a local truck from up north that would be filled and driven back up north.
3 lads showed up in a 7.5t truck and they had it all packed by 2pm and on the road.
They had 4 unloaders the next day after overnighting at the local depot, They have depots all over the country so try a company like this one with such a move.
Used a local crew a year later, 1 luton van and 2 lads from a local company, Great at packing but not great at tetrus and took an extra load than planned and were unloading till 8pm on the second day. Did the job though even though they were a bit pissed that they had to stay working late again. They said it was at least a 3 man job and had a fight with the boss on the phone about hiring people!
Edited by pacenotes on Thursday 26th September 08:52
Wilco500 said:
Has an awful time finding a good one. Tried the top 5 names and they either take days to reply, or don’t even answer the phone and when they do, they try book you in for a survey in a 10 days time.
Any good recommendations? Anyvan seems cheap but worried it’s a little too automated and what will the service be like.
We used Moray Firth Removals for our Surrey to Scotland move, and would definitely recommend. Though the boss had a health issue (end 2021) so not sure they’re still operating full time. Any good recommendations? Anyvan seems cheap but worried it’s a little too automated and what will the service be like.
We were in a predicament with timing as our completion date suddenly got pulled forwards by about 6 wks, and they really helped us out with only a week and a bit notice. They packed and loaded up first day. Stayed in their lorry overnight on the roadside, and finished loading second morning so we were out by 10am. All our stuff went into their storage in Inverness for around three months and then they moved us in to our new place in Aberdeenshire.
Good luck! Moving just in time to experience a lovely Scottishy winter!
OP, you don't mention where in London you're moving from. But I can whole heartedly recommend James Removals.
They are based in the SE of London and do a sterling job. I've used them 4 times now. Last one from East London to Tunbridge and they go above and beyond to get the job completed to a high standard. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive.
https://www.jamesremovals.com/
They are based in the SE of London and do a sterling job. I've used them 4 times now. Last one from East London to Tunbridge and they go above and beyond to get the job completed to a high standard. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive.
https://www.jamesremovals.com/
I used Pickfords as I needed stuff in storage for 3 months.
Very large house. 2 guys show up. They were great but there was not a hope of them packing up.
I ended up on the phone to the ceo and more people did arrive.
The following day we were out for exactly noon - without the extra bodies lord knows what would have happened.
Pickfords is a big name so i was a pretty unhappy man. They all want paying before the move so your options are then limited.
I then moved again and used a smaller local firm. I was really specific as to how many people would be there and when which they honoured.
Very large house. 2 guys show up. They were great but there was not a hope of them packing up.
I ended up on the phone to the ceo and more people did arrive.
The following day we were out for exactly noon - without the extra bodies lord knows what would have happened.
Pickfords is a big name so i was a pretty unhappy man. They all want paying before the move so your options are then limited.
I then moved again and used a smaller local firm. I was really specific as to how many people would be there and when which they honoured.
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