FAQS

Removals Service

A brief guide to the way we work with you.
We believe the best way to support you is by offering a flexible removals service, tailoring each move to suit your needs. Questions will naturally arise and we are always happy to answer them, the selection below may help with core points
 

2. How much will it cost?
It's always ideal for us to visit your home to determine the cost of your move, as it depends on numerous factors such as packing, access, size of lorry, number of staff etc. With this information we can compile an accurate quotation tailored to your individual move.

3. What time should I expect the vehicle on removals day?
Unless you have been told otherwise the vehicle will arrive between 8am and 9 am. This is largely dependant upon traffic on removals day. In the event that the vehicle is running late you are more than welcome to telephone us to check on the status of the vehicle.

4. What areas do you cover?
We cover the whole of the UK and Europe with our own transport offering full, part and return load services. And of course, we can move you virtually anywhere in the world, in conjunction with our network of partners around the globe.

5. Do you offer removals at weekends, or on an evening?
The time of day, or the day itself are not a problem, neither are overnight removals. The only point you might note is that weekend moves are popular and booking early will ensure this is available.

6. How much notice do you require?
UK household removals are usually booked between 7-14 days before the expected move takes place. For European removals ideally at least 21 days notice is required. Please always try to give as much notice as possible

7. What size are your vehicles?
We operate a range of vehicles from 3.5 ton vans up to 17 ton purpose built removal vehicles. Please let us know if there is difficult access at either address as this will allow us to plan your move with smaller vehicles or make the necessary arrangements to tranship your goods.

8. How do I arrange parking bay suspension?
It is usually the local council who deal with this matter. Telephone numbers are different for each area, contact a telephone directory company for numbers in your area.

9. Do you dismantle and re-assemble my bed, wardrobe etc.?
Unless this was agreed at the quotation stage, then all items needing dismantling are expected to be dismantled and ready to move prior to our arrival. If agreed at the quotation stage our staff will carry out dismantling and re-assembling to the best of their ability. It is essential that we know what is required at the quotation stage to allow for the necessary resources and equipment to be provided.

10. Should I unpack my chest of drawers? 1st Choice Removals
You will need to take out any heavy or breakable items such as magazines or perfumes. Light items such as T-shirts or underwear may be left in the drawers provided the unit is sturdy enough. Self assembly furniture does not respond well to moving so this type of furniture must only be moved while completely empty.

11. Will you disconnect my washing machine, dishwasher and my cooker?
Our members of staff are neither qualified of insured to carry out this activity. If you are not confident with disconnecting any of your white goods it is best to call a plumber to do this. Similarly an electrician is the best person to disconnect your electric cooker.

12. Should I flat-pack my self assembly furniture?
The official advice on this is yes you should flat pack all self assembly furniture. If. however, you decide to have our staff move these items in an erect state you must be aware that we cannot take responsibility for their safe transit. You will also be responsible for the protection of flat packed furniture, ideally with bubble pack, due to the large number of sharp fitting that usually protrude from this type of furniture.

13. Can you pack and unpack the entire household for us?
This is a natural part of our removal service and can be the best way to move. You save time and your new home is immediately ready for use.

14. We have a few valuable antiques, will these be looked after?
Apart from removals, we also offer packing, shipping and storage services specifically for antiques and fine art. Our staffs are experienced in handling the most precious, or delicate of objects.

15. What should I do with my gas cylinders or flammable liquids?
Gas cylinders cannot be transported on our vehicles. Flammable liquids, however contained, must not be submitted for removal either. These items are not covered under our insurance, other arrangements must be made. Equipment such as garden mowers and chainsaws should be drained of all liquids beforehand.

16. Will you empty my loft? 1st Choice Removals
Our insurance does not cover our staff for this activity. It is also inherently time consuming and that does not lend itself to a swift, smooth relocation. It is best if you have places all loft items into a spare bedroom or garage before removals day. This also gives you ample opportunity to sort and pack these items.

17. Access may be difficult at my new premises, what should I do?
Your quotation is based upon good access at both premises unless you have told us otherwise. As soon as you know that access may be difficult at the new premises you must tell us immediately. We will then have the opportunity to visit the premises and assess this ourselves and make adjustments accordingly. If you are moving out of your current area and it would not be practical for us to visit your new premises then find out from your vendor who is moving then out of their property and we can contact them for details of access.

18. How should I pack my television and hi-fi?
It is always best to move these items in the original packaging. This is usually available from your local electrical dealer for a small charge. If you cannot obtain the original packaging then standard packing materials must be used such as bubble pack, heavy duty cartons and perhaps export blankets for your television.

19. How should I pack pictures and mirrors?
Pictures and mirrors should be bubble packed and inserted into a picture carton. Mirrors with plaster of paris frames should ideally have a wooden case made to measure in addition to bubble pack. Oil paintings should not be bubble packed directly but covered in an export blanket first then bubble packed and finally placed into a picture carton.

20. Do I need to defrost my freezer?
For clients that are moving on multiple days this is compulsory. If your removal is to take place on one day only you may leave your freezer cold but take the frozen goods in ‘cool bags’ yourself. If you decide to leave goods in your freezer our staff cannot be liable for either the frozen goods or indeed the freezer itself. Whilst the freezer may seem a heavy duty piece of equipment they are easily damaged if they are moved whilst full.

21. How do I pack my clothes?
Clothes from drawers and shelves should be placed either into cartons or utility bags. Hanging garments will be places onto garment carriers on the day of the removal by our staff. (Please ensure that all top buttons are ‘done up’ and hangers all face the same way). If you are flat packing your wardrobes it may be necessary to purchase some temporary wardrobes or wardrobe cartons.

22. What should I do with my jewellery and valuables?
Under no circumstances should any jewellery, valuables, documents or monies be submitted for removal. Our insurance policy specifically excludes these items and they are safest if transported by you.

23. Does my furniture get placed to my requirements?
It is always best if you have a clear idea of where you want your furniture to be placed. Our staff will endeavour to arrange the rooms to your liking but will not have the time to rearrange your room multiple times.

24. Can I take my pot plants?
Yes, you can. Provided that all items that you want to be moved have been shown to your relocation consultant, you can take any garden plants that you require. You must ensure that the pots are cleaned prior to the relocation and that ‘prickly’ plants are pruned and/or tied up to prevent injury. Also earthenware pots are prone to cracking after they have been exposed to frost and we can take no responsibility for their safe transit.

25. I have a lot of hanging clothes how do I pack them?
We will provide boxed garment rails so that clothes don't crease.