Porth

what a horrific story.

Saigonjack

get some quotes from anyvan ..Google them

Mitzyboy

With the greatest of respect, that is NOT a good idea

If you want to do it properly then choose only companies in the British Association of Removers. Firstly make sure they have adequate insurance cover for what you need, and with who. Then when they quote make sure they come to view the job, i.e. no guesses over the phone, and then get the quote in writing together with confirmation of the insurance cover.

Package effectys in triwall cartons, number them, and list (roughly) whats in them on a schedule. Seal with good quality security tape, and when you take delivery view with suspicion and double check any boxes where the security seal has been broken.

You'll never be 100% sure of a safe removal, but you can narrow your risks

As a side note, I am using anyvan at the moment for a move in Burnham on Sea of about 2 miles for a piano, and so far it has been a nightmare because they seem to sign up anyone with a van to their site :-)

Saigonjack

ok..I stand aside on that...Ive never used them, but did ask for a quote earlier this year and I got plenty of quotes. some were from guys with white vans !! but some were also from members of the Association with long established companies. Remember its your choice on who you deal with,..so due dilligence....Best option of the lot I think in my case will to be probably hire a van and drive myself )

Porth

You contract with another organisation that does not mean that they cannot sub-contract. If they do not insist upon mutual assurance levels then you could be shafted. A clause they cannot sub contract without your specific approval should be asserted. Then if the sub contractor fails then liability falls back to the original contractor.

Members of the Association what does that mean save for they are members it says nothing as to the professional conduct. In my considered opinion we are now getting near to a Del Boy approach.

VFR

You called ?
http://www.storageplusmovers.co.uk/s...y%27s-removals

https://twitter.com/no1manvan

Mitzyboy

And thats exactly what we did when we moved. We were in full control of everything that happened, we were able to take our pet cat with us, and its quite easy to take a slow drive down, especially if you go via Portsmouth / Santander.

You're missing what I meant Porth. It's a question of reducing risk. Using a BAR member is just another small risk reduction because they are answerable to someone if theres a cock up. You will find good and bad feedback on most removals companies unfortunately, thats why it is such a minefield. Having been in International transport and freight most of my life, why do you think I chose to move myself

Hollyhock

Not sure how to highlight part of your message, but regarding your bit about 'make sure they come in person', I have just had an email quotation from a firm I haven't even contacted!!

Have read small print re the original firm and we should get full refund of deposit. I'm waiting until some more firms have been to see stuff.

From past experience being a BAR member is nothing, a well known company B......A as in 'Rule B.....A' have broken and stolen our stuff in the past.

Thanks for the help so far but what I really need are names of the good guys, not bad. Feel free to PM me some recommendations. Anyone used PSS, or P S S if I am not meant to advertise?

kirstyp

Hopefully I can explain more what the BAR membership means...

One of the big risks you reduce in moving with a member of the BAR Overseas Group (specialist international moving arm of the BAR) is the advance payment guarantee which means your payment is protected if something happens to your mover. http://britishexpats.com/forum/overs...movals-847535/

Member's are also regularly audited for compliance with the BAR code of practice, approved by the Trading Standards Institute, which does govern professional conduct to a certain extent.

I know many people will have horror stories of BAR companies making mistakes or messing up, but hopefully these are the exception rather than the rule, and BAR membership, like Mitzyboy said reduces the risk of rogue movers and hopefully gives some peace of mind as the company has been pre-vetted. And if it does go wrong? Customers of BAR members are also able to use their Independent Alternative Dispute Resolution Service to ensure a fair resolution.

FIDI FAIM is another accreditation to look out for, it's a specialist international moving quality certification and you can find certified movers on their website at www.fidi.org

bigglesworth

Emphasising Mitzyboy's post, it is all a lottery.
We used the probaby largest and best known in the UK, members of BAR, written agreement goods would not be moved once loaded etc. Cost an absolute fortune.
Cost was probably about a quarter of the value of the damage they did.
Avoid like the plague.
And whomever you use, check every single item on and off. Twice.

Mitzyboy

OK. I'll make it simple. No one can give you a guaranteed recommendation. Thats because it is all down to the team that run with your effects. So one person can have the greatest experience ever with a top named remover, and the next could have a nightmare.

The trick, if you like, as I just said above is to narrow your risk. That's what it is all about. That includes trying to use companies in BAR for the reasons kirstyp mentions. Getting them to come out and see what you are moving so there can be no mistake. Checking that they have insurance, and who they use. Documenting your effects, buying good triwall cartons and not egg boxes.

Moreover, take stock of what you have in the UK as it may not fit in very well in Spain. We actually more or less started again when we moved. It saved a lot of hassle and we didnt need such a big vehicle :-)

Hollyhock

Thanks again. One firm has been to take stock and another coming next week, then we'll hopefully get our deposit back from original one.

Porth

Without knowing the background I would not hold my breath as to getting deposit back

Hollyhock

I read the small print and so they should return it. If not, will have to use the 'court' word!