At last the question I have been waiting to ask, can any of you recommend any removal companies, I do not want to move myself as with the 5 kids and Jason already in Spain don't need the extra work

I would like someone to pack for me and have about 43 cubic metres which is probably a lot, any advice readily accepted.

Amber

Hi We found Union Jack very good, they did all of our packing and everything arrived intact, no breakages or problems, so would happily recommend them

Our friends used Britannia and couldnt find a fault with them. They were well priced, packed everything and not a single thing was broken. They even packed the bread that was on the top in the kitchen....needless to say it was rather mouldy when it got to Spain

Please remember with companies like Brittania that your service is as good as the crew that is assigned to you. Many of the big companies use owner drivers.

Deja vu

My tip would be to look out for members of the british association of removers (BAR) and who have other quality awards such as British Standards or FIDI accreditation - this shows they've been independantly audited on their quality of service, both their removals operatives and from an organisational point of view. Also look for companies who's employees (your moving team) are full time, and fully trained.

Any good company will offer you a free, no obligation quotation, and I would recommend getting at least three different companies to visit you to assess your needs and provide a quote and move plan. Dont just compare them based on price, but also based on the level of service you will be recieving.

Hope that helps.

But how do you audit someone someone who uses sub contractors Kirsty? Then the sub contractors have to be audited.

You're right about using someone who only uses their own employees

Also important to ascertain the insurance cover and check the small print!

Hi,

Uniform standards of service can be a big problem in the industry with firms who subcontract, or use franchises. Within Europe the bigger companies dont subcontract, for example we at Bournes use our own full time employees and send one of our own vehicles to locations such as Spain, so you will always get the same company and usually the same crew throughout your move.

On an international shipping basis most members of FIDI (the worlds largest network of independantly audited removal companies) will only use other FIDI agents at destination, which guarantees that they too have been audited to the same high standards as the origin agent.

That is also an excellent point re: Insurance, check carefully what cover the company is offering you. Only FSA approved companies can sell full tailor made insurance products covering you from door to door, whilst others can only use their standard or extended liability (which can be difficult and time consuming to claim through with you having to prove negligance) - so be careful to ask!

Interesting points raised on here.
I am debating whether or not to simply hire a van and make 2 trips down to Denia area because at least that way I have control of looking after my precious belongings and know how I packed the stuff.
Ultimately it does come down to cost issues and I reckon it costs in the region of £1500 per trip because I did a run in April down to Valencia.This cost included van hire,fuel,ferry,insurance etc.
I have been struggling to even get quotes from a few removal companies.
If your stuff goes as a part load on say a 38 ton artic then surely there is a risk of something going missing?
Also I am guessing at a cost of £5k for a firm to come in and do it for you.
I accept that not all people have the time or may not be able of doing a self move due to health reasons etc but I am weighing it all up right now and may do the 2 van trips piggy backed and may be able of negotiating a discount for 2 weeks hire as opposed to one?
If anyone is after bringing any stuff back from down that way to the UK in next few weeks or possibly early next year let me know and it may benefit us all? I am based in Staffs.
regards,
Jeffers

Hi Jeffers,

Why are you struggling to get quotes from Removal companies? They should be more than willing to come out and do a free survey for you - and this should be completely non-obligatory, so dont worry that you are only speculating at the moment.

In terms of comparing prices it would depend entirely on how much you have to take, and a survey is the best way to get an idea of cost from a removal company, but also bear in mind when you compare the two options the stress of organising all this yourself. The packing alone can be a huge task and take a lot longer than you think! If you can afford to use the professionals do, it will make the move alot more enjoyable for you!

Get at least three quotes if you can, and dont be afraid to go back to a company if you like their proposal but arent as cheap as their competitors - there may be some negotiating to be done.

Good Luck!

Kirsty

Must be people don't like me? lol lol lol

Seriously tho I have done all my packing into boxes and 95 % the way there and it keeps me fit.
I enjoyed the road trip back in April, its a man thing! lol lol
Also we managed to bring a van full of ale back as a bonus (even tho it had to be paid for!)
At the moment we have no where to put our stuff so we may need storage but it all costs money so we are trying to sort out a property ASAP even if its rented initially.
I am a firm believer in fate and everything happens for a reason so lets see what tomorrow brings. Shed loads of sunshine so I hope?
Jeffers

I did the same trip you are talking about in a LWB Luton van and your costs are about right. You also have a near guarantee that your effects arrive in one piece, and when you wanted them there.

No Subcontractors

Only full time, trained, professional removalists. Moreover they are with you from start to finish. The crew that load are the crew that unload.

No swopping vehicles, No fannying around trying to fit someone elses quad bike in with your goods.

Just the same service as if you were moving 2 miles in the same town / village.

www.moversandstorers.co.uk

and, yes - BAR members

Blimey, they still going
I used M&G years ago!

C'mon then - when did M&G move you, il look it up, can you remember the date ?