Moving FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions on Removals

Relocating Property and have Moving FAQs? Browse our House Removals related Frequently Asked Questions for answers to the most common moving questions.

Do I require an estimate from my moving company?

The quote is absolutely free and receiving packing estimate or moving quote is necessary to determine what it involves and the cost of the move. This will also help the removal company in estimating the amount of space your goods will occupy in the removal van or moving truck. You can either obtain this by filling the online quote form or just by calling us, however, the quote will be as precise as accurately you have answered. 

On an inter-provincial deliveries, the total costs are established by the size of your consignment, the distance it travels, and the number services that you select or which become necessary to handle your shipment. Charges for local move are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required.

For large or complicated Moves, we would suggest a quote visit to rule out issues. Our representatives are here to help at every step of the Move, from getting removal quotes to the final finishing touches, just call and relax, let us handle your move with care, whilst you experience the reliable difference with Elephant Removals Company, the trusted Movers.

How can I be certain that the moving company I select is professional and consists of honest movers and packers who will care for my goods?

The first step in selecting a good removal company is to ask the right questions and pay full attention to the provided answers. Many of us have heard plenty of moving horror stories and scams which are mostly reported through the local area's news channels. However, if you select a reputable, registered, legitimate and a caring relocation firm with a lot of experience in the furniture goods transport industry, there will be no need to think twice.

Can anyone recommend in choosing a good reputable removal company?

Our continued presence and supplies of quality relocation services verifies the fact that we are a good and reliable moving company.

How long have you been in business?

Elephant Removals have been in operation now since September 2002.

How much does it cost to move?

The price will depend on a number of factors; for example, the season, the number of bedrooms in the home, the type of premises, the nature of the items, the stairs, steps involved, distance between parking and the main door, and the overall mileage, etc. Contact our friendly and helpful staff who will be more than willing to talk you through the process to assist with a competitive price.

Can the movers and packers at delivery address place each item where I desire?

Yes! Why not, this is one of the many qualities Elephant Removals takes pride in. Each and every one of your items will be placed precisely where you would like them to be placed, hassle free. Our staff will do everything necessary to make sure your entire move is trouble free.

Tip for DIY Packing: Mark Moving Cartons

Kindly write on the top and sides of all moving cartons the contents and destination location information (such as bedroom, kitchen, or basement etc.). This will make identifying the items whilst removal and packing easier for our staff to place your items in the correct corresponding location – of course this will also save plenty of time too! If a box is reused, then using fresh tape over the previous taped area easily eliminates old markings. Please refer to our Packing Tips page for more.

So when should I start planning my move?

That's easy - as soon as you have confirmed the transfer of the keys to your new property, call Elephant Removals and ask for a personal inquiry, we will quickly assess your requirements and establish a time scale, costs and any other special requirements. Remember, there are many things for you to arrange apart from the actual move, such as:

• Final energy Meter readings (Electricity, Gas, Telephone's disconnection date etc.)
• Redirecting Postal Mails
• Tradesman to disconnect fittings such as lights or cookers, Washing Machine or dismantle garden sheds, etc.
• Planning travel/overnight accommodation.
• Please see our moving check-list page for more information.

Will you advise us on the easiest way of undertaking the whole property moving project?

Of course, we are delighted to help. With now over a decade of experience under our belt, there aren't many problems we have not met and overcome! So rest assured we understand the stress of a move and therefore go to great lengths to see that the most efficient service is provided. What's more, we will provide a free quotation tailored to your needs and budget. For example, Elephant Removals can pack everything, part-pack (dismantling beds or cupboards) or provide just a removal service. We can also advise on 'specialist packing' such as antiques, pictures or items of sentimental value.

I assume this move is going to be quite expensive, is there any way of saving costs?

Firstly, it is easy to presume that because Elephant Removals have been around for a while and that we offer a leading service that we are expensive. NO! We have succeeded for many years because we have NEVER been too expensive – as a family established business, we understand the financial burden a move can make, so our prices reflect some of the most competitive on the market.

Secondly, yes, there are always alternative ways to do any job which can affect the price. Simply, your quote will be tailored to your needs. In addition, if you can be flexible about your moving dates and do not mind group moves, we can often arrange to share a long journey Move, and therefore reduce costs.

How much notice must I give to book a date for packing or moving?

The golden rule as with anything; sooner rather later. The more time we have, the better the estimation provided for time and space allocation required for your move. More so, from experience there are always on-going and last minute alterations, with which with enough notice we can assure that any of these alterations are clearly communicated on the move to provide a smooth experience with Elephant Removals. However, generally we recommend that you give a minimum of 5 Days notice, although if this is not possible we will endeavour to meet your requirements. Ideally, as soon as you know when you want to move you should confirm dates with us.

How do I arrange for an estimate for my forthcoming removal?

The easiest way is to call Elephant Removals on one of our numbers, our sales office hours are usually between 08:30 and 06:00 UK time, whilst relocation service operation is 24/7. Therefore provide your details to our Customer Service Agent or another option is to simply fill the 'Free Quotation' form from our Website, and we will get back to you just as soon as possible).

Will a large removal van or truck be able to gain access to the road in front of my property?

If not, we can arrange for smaller vehicles in more numbers.

Do I have to arrange parking through my local council / concierge / local authority, to obtain permits if necessary?

Yes, it is the customer’s responsibility to make sure that they have permit(s) for all the addresses concerned. No Removal Company or Removal Firm in the industry would usually take any responsibility for this. If you could not get one on time, you might be able to ask neighbours for visitors permit to use for that particular day if available and applicable.

Let your neighbours know that a removal van will be parked outside your house and may cause them inconvenience.

Are your removal men properly trained and experienced to pack and move my possessions?

Yes, Elephant Removals have a regular training programme, and employ an in-house experienced training officer.

Can you disassemble and assemble furniture?

Yes we can, provided it is not a specialist assemble or disassemble. The safest way to transport furniture which can be dismantled, is to disassemble them for safety reasons whilst in transportation.

Do you un-plumb or plumb washing machines?

It is not normal for Elephant Removals to do this. Our teams have knowledge to disconnect or plumb machines. However, this takes time and will incur additional costs for the delivery. It should also be noted that we will not be held liable for any damages incurred. It is solely customer’s responsibility to inspect all areas upon completion of any plumbing jobs to ensure all parts are safely secured and together (e.g. washing machine's drain pipe cap is purchased to close where it is being disconnected from or hoses).

Do Removal Companies Move Frozen Food?

Do we have to empty our frozen food from the freezer at the time of our move, or will the removals firm be happy to move it?
If you are moving locally, frozen foodstuff can be okay to stay in the freezer for approximately 4 hours, so your removals team should have no problem moving it. Make sure the movers know about it and the freezer is one of the last things that is loaded on to the removal vehicle so it can be offloaded first.

Caution: make sure to give at least an hour gap (refer to the manufacturer instructions prior to be on the safe side) before turning it on at the destination address as the gas and oil needs to settle down, some fridge freezers have been known to blow up once moved - hence precaution is better than a problem. However, if you are moving long distance or you have a big fridge freezer which is heavy and bulky itself to carry it, then we recommend no frozen food kept in it.

For short distance and large fridge freezer you can empty it temporarily, let the movers load the fridge freezer onto the vehicle, then replace the items with your more cleaner hands and similarly whilst unloading to ease the overall weight considering hygiene and safety as priority.

Can Elephant Removals Company take out windows or remove doors if required?

We can arrange removal of a sash window for items to go through it via our partner company. So do consider the extra costs that this may incur. Our team has removed doors in the past, this can be easily arranged provided it does not require a specialist. Pictures can be sent to expedite the overall process.

Does your moving company supply Packaging Materials and cardboard moving boxes?

Yes, we can supply a full range of Packaging Materials, whether just cardboard moving boxes for storage or full moving kits for property removals. We can supply our branded wide range of top quality Packaging Materials for big or small moves, delivered as and when you need. All our removal boxes and moving supplies are brand new, assured fresh, clean and bug free, contact us now for a free instant quote.

Do you provide safe Storage Units with lock and leave store room solutions?

Yes! Both at the point of origin and at destination. If you require storage we offer discounted rates for consignments, it should be added that we can also arrange for shipping overseas.

How do I confirm a booking with Elephant Removals?

After initial inquiries, we will provide you with a fixed or hourly rate quotation. You can count on your delivery date to be exactly what you want, because with Elephant Removals; the entire moving van or truck belongs to you during your move.

We have trained staff to talk with you and identify exactly what you want and need to have moved as well as when. Furthermore, if you are on a budget we offer a host of helpful tips on how to economise and can move just as much or as little as you need.

I am worried about the safety of my belongings?

Elephant Removals, relocation specialist are thoroughly trained on how to safely pack and handle just about any item and are committed to exceeding your expectations through all stages of the move.

More questions on how to best plan your forthcoming move?

Elephant Removals has several tools to make your move a success including: How to Hire A Mover, Moving Tips, Moving Checklist, Removal Storage FAQ, Packing Tips, Box Guide and many more. Make your move smoother with our comprehensive moving guides.

What is the estimated time to prepare household goods to move with 2-3 professional movers?

Below is an average time in a standard property with 2-3 packers to pack household goods, it varies depending how occupied the property with items is.
Studio to one-bedroom apartment takes between 2-4 hours to pack.
Two bedroom house usually takes between 3-5 hours to pack.
Three bedroom house usually takes between 5-8 hours to pack.
Four bedroom house roughly between 8-12 hours to pack.
Five bedroom house approximately takes between 10-12 hours to pack.

What advice would you give when packing?

• Fold your bedding and leave on beds ready for packing.
• If you have chosen to have your packing done for you the packers will take these items straight from shelves, cabinets etc.
• Leave clothes on hangers and these can be packed into wardrobe cartons. All hangers should be round the same way.
• You can usually leave items of clothing etc in chests of drawers.
• In accordance with insurance regulations removal companies will not carry inflammables.
• Garden tools, lawnmower etc should be cleaned and left ready to be loaded.
• Ensure that all food items are tightly sealed or packed.
• Dismantle/disconnect any fixtures and fittings you wish to take with you.
• Retain all personal papers and documents before putting your house contents into storage.
• Washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and cookers should all be disconnected on the day before your move. Washing machine drums must be secured with brackets to prevent damage. Fridges and freezers should be washed out with detergent and dried thoroughly inside. If any of the above items are not cleaned and dried thoroughly mildew will form during long-term storage. After the move fridge should be turned on next day, you must let the liquid settle properly before it is used again.
• If there is a danger that the chain may collapse because you are unable to gain access to your new property in time it may be prudent to move out on the requested date and put your goods into storage for the short time in between.
• Health and Safety regulations state that unless a loft is fully boarded removal men are not permitted to enter that area. All items should be taken down and placed in a room.
• Simplify your Removals, Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. Simplify your move today by hiring Man and a van, Two Men and a truck or even three men and a truck or more. Your professional residential and commercial movers are here to help.
• If you still have the original packaging of items you have, please use it.
• Consult the manufacturer's manual for instructions for transporting.

How do you ensure top quality?

Our goal is simple: to be excellent in everything we do. We aim to provide the best service we possibly can to all our customers and that means we are always reviewing our processes to see if they could be improved anywhere. This has successfully seen to long term customer relations with a large portion of our business seeing to return customers. Meeting our customer needs is our simple aim, by providing the best services at competitive prices means we can continue to grow the family business.

Can I tip the staff?

Only if you think so, the driver and porters holds 100% of tips. The team is very efficient and always try to cope with the toughest task.

Can I ask your London removal firm any further question?

Yes, you may contact us by phone, email your queries or chat free of cost via live support software through our Website, especially if you are abroad and would like to avoid calling charges.

ElephantRemovals.co.uk was rated by varying removal reviews Website 4.9 out of 5 based on many word-of-mouth and testimonials from previous users.