FAQ

Questions, answered properly

Grouped roughly by when people tend to ask them. If yours is not here, just get in touch.

Booking and quoting

How far ahead should I book?: As early as you can, and earlier if your move depends on a completion or falls at the end of a month. Friday and month-end dates go first. Coastal moves in the summer season and large-house moves in the forest belt both need more notice than people expect.
Do you charge for a survey?: No. The survey is how we work out what the job actually is, so it is in our interest as much as yours. At the property or over video, whichever suits you.
Why will you not price it over the phone?: Because a price given without seeing the access is a guess, and guesses get corrected upwards on moving day. Two identical-sounding four-bedroom houses are completely different jobs if one has a driveway in Rayleigh and the other is on a private road in Chigwell with a cellar and a double garage.
What happens if my completion date moves?: Tell us as soon as you know. Date changes are normal in a chain and we will do what we can to hold the crew for the new date. The terms of any change are in your booking contract, which we send with the quote.

My Harlow street has hatch parking. Is that a problem?: It is a planning question rather than a problem. The van stands at the hatch and the load is carried from there, so the carrying distance sets the crew size. We measure it at the survey so the right number of people turn up.
I am on a private road in Loughton. Do you need permission?: Sometimes. A number of roads in Loughton and Chigwell are unadopted and privately maintained, and some residents’ associations require notice before a commercial vehicle uses them, or impose width and weight limits. We check the status of the road rather than assuming it is public highway.
Will the Dartford Crossing hold my move up?: It can, which is why moves through Thurrock get scheduled around the known pressure periods. If the crossing closes on the day we reroute rather than sit in it with your furniture.
My village lane has a weight limit.: Common in north Essex and around the Blackwater, and we check the route rather than trusting mapping. Where the limit bites we use a smaller vehicle and shuttle from a staging point. A lorry turned back at a weight limit ten miles out costs everybody a day.
Do you move listed and timber-framed houses?: Regularly — north Essex is full of them. We protect thresholds, reveals and original joinery before anything moves, and we do not remove window frames or door heads from a listed building to get an item through. Where something genuinely will not fit, you hear it at the survey.

Where do you move to from Essex?: Anywhere in mainland Britain. The M25 and A12 put the whole network within easy reach, and a Thurrock or Brentwood load is on the strategic road system within minutes. Scotland, the North, the Midlands, the West Country and the South Coast are all ordinary work.
Will the same crew deliver as loaded?: Wherever the route allows it, yes, and that is our preference — the people who packed your things know how they were packed. Very long routes involve an overnight stop, which we plan for rather than improvise.
Where does my furniture stay overnight?: In the vehicle, in secure overnight parking, sealed and strapped as it was at your house.
Can you move us in stages?: Yes. Part loads, a storage period in the middle, or a first trip with the essentials and a second with the rest. All normal, all needs agreeing in advance so the crew and vehicle are booked correctly.

Will you dismantle furniture?: Yes — beds, wardrobes, flat-pack units and garden furniture as needed, and reassembly at the other end. Fitted furniture and anything plumbed or wired in needs a trade, which we flag at the survey.
Do you protect the property?: Floor runners, door-frame and banister protection at both ends as standard. In listed buildings and the timber-framed houses of north Essex we protect thresholds and reveals before anything moves.
What will you not move?: Anything hazardous — fuels, gas bottles, solvents. Plants and perishables we advise on rather than refuse outright. Pianos, safes and large garden equipment are all movable but must be declared in advance so the right kit and crew are there.
What if something gets damaged?: Tell us on the day if you can. We carry goods in transit and liability cover, and the terms are explained before you book rather than buried afterwards. The claims process and its time limits are set out in your booking contract.

Next step

Ask it. We would rather answer something now than have it turn into a problem on moving day.