FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS
SOLUTIONS
Before you move
- Disconnect your appliances
Our staff are not authorised to disconnect such items as cookers and washing machines unless special arrangements are made with our estimator. We therefore recommend that you organise this with a plumber and the appropriate Gas and Electricity Board.
- Heavy items
Secure the drum of your washing machine. Freezers need not be defrosted unless going into storage but it will be very useful if you could place all your frozen food into strong polythene bags which can be quickly removed and replaced when carrying the freezer.
- Fixtures
Please ensure you remove all fixtures and fittings that you intend to take with you.
- Loft
You should normally clear out the loft yourself, unless otherwise previously arranged.
- Outbuildings
All garden and garage tools should be prepared in such a way that they can be easily and quickly carried to the van.
- Garden
Please let us know if any plants are to be moved. In this case they should be made secure and watertight. Swings and climbing frames should be dismantled in advance with all relevant bolts safely retained.
Packing
- Heavy items
When packing, give a thought to our poor staff! Books, for example, can be very heavy and should be evenly distributed and mixed with lighter items.
- Labelling
Mark each box with details of the contents. Please also clearly label anything that you will be taking with you in your own car and also anything that is to remain behind.
- Packing cartons
These will be delivered to you in good time before your move following your discussions with our estimator. Please ensure when packed, both the top and bottom of the cartons are securely sealed with packing tape.
- Self-assembly
We suggest that you dismantle self-assembly furniture as it tends to be not as strong as regular furniture unless previously arranged with our estimator.
- Delicate items
Glass and china items should be individually wrapped in packing paper and lighter items should be placed on top of heavier items. Try to pack vertically, if possible. Tiny objects should be wrapped in tissue and kept in a specially marked box. Ensure liquids are in leak-proof containers and are not flammable.
Who To Tell
- Electricity, gas and water
Ensure the appropriate meter readings are taken and that disconnections and re-connections are made at the right time.
- Telephone
Arrange for your account to be rendered on moving day and organise the relevant connections with the local telephone companies.
- Post Office
To redirect your mail you should contact the Royal Mail at least one week before moving. TV licences should also be amended, as should pension books, if necessary.
- Property Tax
Notify local authorities with regard to your property tax.
- Libraries
Return all relevant books and cards.
- Schools
Advise all relevant authorities about your change of address.
- Medical
Your doctor, dentist, the DSS and possibly private health companies and hospital clinics all need to know you are moving.
- Insurance
Don’t forget your contents and motor insurance.
- Motoring
Notify the DVLA, as well as any relevant motoring organisations.
- Income tax
Inform your Inland Revenue Department.
- Bank
Advise your bank and/or your building society and amend your standing orders and direct debits. Don’t forget to notify the relevant companies, too.
- Employer
Ensure you advise your new address in writing.
- Credit cards
Fill in the change of address section when making your next payment. Remember HP companies, Premium Bonds, shares and football pools, as well.
- Subscriptions
You should advise all relevant organisations, publishers and mail order companies.
- Friends and family
Don’t forget to tell them!
On the Day
- Furniture
We protect all your furniture where necessary.
- Clothing
Hanging garments can be packed into wardrobe cartons which we can supply to keep your clothes clean and crease-free. Likewise, other clothing and non-breakable objects can be left in drawers.
- Carpets
If possible, release the edges. We’ll roll them up at the appropriate time.
- Pets and children
As they say in the film industry, never work with animals or children! Younger children are best left with a neighbour or friend until it is time to go. Pets, cannot travel in our lorries and vans due to hygiene and health and safety.
Final Checks
- Utilities
Make sure water and electricity supplies are turned off.
- Doors and windows
Check that everything is locked and secure.
- Personal items
Take all your important personal items with you.
- Keys
Hand over your house keys to the new owner, estate agent or solicitor etc.
- Miscellaneous
The above list may not be complete in your case. What about telling any local clubs, for example?
CODE OF PRACTICE
Abbreviations:
NGRS = National Guild of Removers and Storers
NIRII = National Independent Removals Industry Inspectorate
RIOS = Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme
Accurate and honest information
The Member agrees to ensure that claims they make verbally, in writing, in advertisements or in marketing material are honest and accurate.
Annual inspection of members
The Member agrees to give any Inspector of NIRII access to its premises and paperwork once a year to enable NGRS to assess its suitability for continued membership of NGRS and inclusion on NIRII and its continued participation in RIOS.
Conciliation
The Member agrees to fully co-operate with NGRS in relation to the conciliation service operated by NGRS from time to time. The Member accepts that where they and their client agree that a dispute should be settled through the NGRS conciliation service they will abide by its decision. The Member further accepts that where their client refers any matter to RIOS, that they will abide by any award made by the Ombudsman.
Changes to member’s ownership
The Member undertakes to notify NGRS immediately by recorded delivery letter if it is sold, changes hands, or if there is any change in its circumstances that may affect its Membership status. If the Member is sold or changes hands it will advise the new owners by recorded delivery letter (with a copy also sent to NGRS by recorded delivery letter), that they cannot continue to use NGRS name or logo nor the RIOS name or logo in advertisements, marketing materials on vehicles, stationery or in any other way unless they have written permission from NGRS to do so.
Complaints
The Member agrees to deal with complaints rapidly and courteously. When complaints are referred to NGRS Conciliation Service the Member agrees to give all assistance to NGRS to help resolve the matter. When matters are referred to the RIOS the Member agrees to give all assistance to and provide any information or documentation required by the Ombudsman to help resolve the matter. In any case the Member undertakes to reply in writing to all correspondence concerning complaints, be it from the client, NGRS or the Ombudsman, within ten working days.
Estimates / quotations, avoiding mistakes
Wherever there is sufficient time between viewing and carrying out the removal the Member agrees to provide written estimates or quotations for all work. The Member further agrees to ensure that all such estimates or quotations are in duplicate, that they incorporate the Member’s terms and conditions of business and that, wherever possible, prior to work taking place they are in receipt of an acceptance copy signed by the client.
Insurance documents
The Member agrees to provide to any inspector of NIRII with documentary proof, and allow independent verification from its insurance broker(s), that The Member has insurance in place relevant to the removals and storage process, namely:- goods in transit, goods in storage, vehicle (fleet) and public and employee liability.
Insurance claims assistance
The Member agrees to assist any of its clients by rapidly forwarding to them, insurers, or any other party materially involved in a claim, documents that will enable any insurance claim to be processed.
Insurance information
The Member agrees to provide to their clients, when requested, the insurance information as supplied to an inspector of NIRII, detailing insurance The Member has in place relevant to the removals and storage process, namely:- goods in transit, goods in storage, vehicle (fleet) and public and employee liability.
Removal supervision/Staff training:
The member agrees:
i. Only persons having adequate knowledge and experience will supervise removals.
ii. Surveyors, drivers, packers and porters are trained to a good commercial standard.
Spot Checks
The Member agrees that wherever possible an inspector of NIRII and/or the NGRS nominated representative will be given access to the Member’s premises and facilities for spot checks.
Storage
i. The Member undertakes to ensure that their storage facility is weatherproof, clean and secure.
ii. The Member agrees to advise clients as to whether their goods will be stored loose or containerised or a combination of the two.
iii. The Member agrees to supply clients with a detailed inventory of goods, to include notes of any markings or damage, which are going into store. A duplicated signed copy of such inventory is to be retained by the Member.
Terms and conditions
The Member agrees to print its terms and conditions on the reverse of their quotations/estimate documentation or to include a copy of the terms and conditions with any such quotations/estimates. The Member agrees to ensure its terms and conditions are fair and reasonable and comply at all times with statutory or other regulatory requirements and the requirements of NGRS.
Type of work, equipment and maintenance
i. The Member agrees only to undertake work where it has the expertise and equipment to carry out the contract efficiently and safely.
ii. The Member undertakes to ensure that all equipment is maintained to the highest standards and meets legal requirements.
Vehicles
The Member agrees to ensure that all vehicles meet the Department of Transport’s regulations, and the interiors kept clean. The Member agrees to ensure that all vehicles used on removal work are suitable for that purpose. The Member agrees to annually provide details to an inspector of NIRII of the holder of its Department For Transport Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Operators Licence and Certificate of Professional Competence that enables such vehicles to operate within the law