What are student movers? It’s simply another name for a removal company; or “man with a van” who can help you when moving your possessions from where you’re currently living to your new place. They can often help you with storage too.

Keep reading for more information on the types of things that affect the cost of hiring student movers, the best way to find them and general advice on making your first move as a student.

Student surrounded by boxes

How much does it cost to hire student movers?

The cost of a student mover service will vary depending on a few key things. The main ones are:

• The amount you have to move – The volume of items you have to move will certainly affect how much you pay. For student movers, there’s usually very little to move when compared to a full house move, so it should be affordable and in most cases, a single small van will be enough.

• The distance to travel – The distance you need to travel will be taken into account too. Most student moves are within the same city but depending on the size of the city, there can still be quite a distance from where you’re currently living and where you’re moving to.

• Any additional services – Additional services usually refer to things like packing and cleaning services. The latter isn’t often required for student moves but packing can be a useful additional service if you don’t want to do it yourself and don’t mind paying extra.

• Packing materials – Packing materials can usually be supplied by the moving company you hire and this will also be added to the cost. Of course, if you already have your own boxes and other materials, you can save money by using them instead.

What sorts of services do student movers offer?

The two main services that student movers provide are student removals and student shipping. They’re both similar, in that they’re designed to help students move their possessions but they’re used for quite different purposes.

Below is an explanation of both.

1. Student removals 

Student removals is a service for students who need to move their possessions from their current home to their new one. The movers will load your possessions onto a van or truck and unload them where you’re going to be staying for the upcoming semester, whether it’s a shared flat/house; or your university’s dorms.

There are sometimes additional services available for student removals, such as packing and cleaning but this isn’t always the case.

2. Student shipping 

Student shipping is for students who are travelling long distances and need to take their possessions with them. This might be foreign students who are going back home; or students who are on a gap year and travelling. In either case, student movers will be able to ship your items to the location of your choice.

Going to the airport with all your possessions is impractical and depending on how much you have, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t be able to take them with you. Student shipping helps you avoid this problem and can have your possessions sent to any part of the country or overseas.

What’s the best way to find movers for students?

If you’re about to start a new university semester soon, then you’re likely going to need the services of student movers. But what are the best ways to go about finding them?

• Google search – A Google search is the most obvious way to find student movers in your area. It will give you the ability to look through many different companies and decide which is right for you depending on what your needs are. You can also use a quote comparison service to get quotes from multiple companies at once.

• Recommendations – An alternative to using Google is getting recommendations. If you know other students, then they’re the ideal ones to ask, especially if they’ve used them recently.

Saving money on student movers

Being a student can come with a lot of expenses already, so anything you can do to mitigate that is worth doing. Considering this, below are a couple of great ways to save money when hiring student movers –

• Get quotes from different companies – This is the most obvious way to save money but is an often overlooked one. The rates for student movers can vary quite a bit from one company to the next, so it’s always worth getting at least 2-3 quotes to compare.

• Declutter and pack light – Moving from home for the first time is a great excuse to declutter your room. Not only will this help to make it a more enjoyable place to live, it will also help reduce the number of items you need to take with you and decrease what you pay for student movers.

Advice for making your first move

Of course, making your first move from home as a student isn’t just about organising for your stuff to be taken to your new place. Below are some other great tips for new students living away from home for the first time.

Set a budget for yourself

One of the best habits you can establish early on when you’re living alone for the first time is to set a budget for yourself. If you’ve not been used to paying for the daily essentials, then it can come as a shock just how much they add up. It’s easy to end up spending all your money on things like the cinema, going out, drinks etc. and leave yourself very little for the essentials like food, clothing and your mobile phone bill.

Only pack what you need

If you’re moving from home for the first time, it might be a good idea to take everything you have to your new place. This isn’t the best idea, however. Not only is it going to make it more time-consuming and stressful to pack everything but you’ll also have to pay more to have it moved.

It’s better to only pack the things you’re really going to need and use. Things like your phone, laptop, clothes and toiletries are obviously important but anything that you’re not likely to use on a daily basis is usually best left behind. You can always go back for anything you find you need later.

Familiarise yourself with your surroundings – This doesn’t just mean the dorm or flat you’re living in but the areas nearby too. Knowing where the nearest supermarket, post office, bank etc. all are is essential, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the new area you’ll be living in as soon as possible.

Have a good balance between study and leisure 

Having the correct balance between study time and leisure is something a lot of new students can struggle with. Some do nothing other than study, while others indulge too much in the drinking culture that goes along with university life. The best way is to find a good balance between the two.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Student Movers first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

In this article, we’ll be looking in detail at the main factors that affect how much you’ll pay for a man with a van, as well as ways to save money and FAQs.

Factors that affect man and a van prices

When it comes to man with a van costs, there isn’t a set price since it will depend on a number of factors. Below are the main ones.

• Size of the van – The size of the van needed is a big factor that impacts cost. The larger the van is, the more it costs to run, so for larger removals, you’re going to pay more than if it was just for a small 1 bedroom house or flat. Some companies will give you the choice of what type of van you want when booking.

• Distance travelled – The distance that needs to be covered is another big factor. A lot of moves are local and within the same city but for longer distance moves, the cost is going to be considerably higher. This makes sense when you consider the additional fuel costs and extra man hours required.

• How complex the move is – Another thing to take into account is how complex the job is. The complexity of the job doesn’t just refer to the number of items that need to be moved, although this is a big factor. It also means how accessible your property is, how large the furniture that needs to be removed is, whether or not you have any specialty items that need to be moved etc.

• How long the job will take – Of course a big thing that affects cost is how long the job will take overall. This is mostly determined by how large your property is/how many items there are to be moved, the distance that needs to be covered and any other unforeseen complications, such as difficulty getting access to the property.

• Additional services – If you require help with packing, then this is considered an additional service and will come at an extra cost. The same applies to things like reassembling, packing materials and cleaning services.

The part of the country you live in can affect what you pay for a man with a van too. Generally, on the lower end, you will pay around £30 per hour if it’s just one person. This can go as high as £90-100, with the average being around £60. This figure does go up if more than one person is needed.

Saving money when hiring a man with a van

A man and van price will usually be affordable in most cases but it’s still a good idea to take any steps you can to keep costs down. Below are some of the best ways to do this.

• Compare quotes – Comparing quotes from different companies is one of the first things you should do when you want to save money. The prices can vary a lot for man with a van services, so it’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least a few different companies.

• Declutter the property – Decluttering your property is always a good idea before moving. Not only will it give you a chance to get rid of anything you don’t want to take to your new home but it will also help to cut down the moving costs.

• Pack yourself – When you hire a man with a van, a lot of them will offer to pack your items for you as an extra service. While this can be tempting, it does add to the cost quite a bit, particularly if you have a lot of things to pack. By doing it yourself, you can make sure everything is properly organised and labelled as well as save a good bit of money.

• Book early – Booking well in advance is another thing you can do to save money when hiring a man with a van. Some companies will have same-day services but they often come at an additional cost, so it’s better to book somebody as soon as you know when your moving day will be.

• Book during off-peak times – Most people choose to move during the spring and summer months due to the nicer weather and longer daylight hours. If you can arrange your move outside these months, however, you can save quite a bit of money.

Man with a van FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions people have about man with a van services.

What’s the difference between a man with a van and a removal company?

A lot of the time people use ‘man with a van’ and ‘removal company’ synonymously and while they both essentially do the same thing, there are differences between them. The main ones being –

• The size of jobs they take on – A man with a van will be able to tackle smaller removal and clearance jobs as well as courier work. A removal company will be able to do all types of removals and clearances, even those for very large properties.

• The number of employees – A lot of man with a van workers will work solo although some may have 1-2 employees to help on larger jobs. Removal companies can often have 10 or more employees, making them suited to larger projects.

• The number of vans – As the name implies, a man with a van will usually just have a single van that they use for doing all their work. A removal company will often have a fleet of vans that are used for different types of jobs depending on their size and complexity.

What additional services does a man with a van provide?

This will vary from one person to the next. Some will offer a lot of additional services, such as packing, packing materials, cleaning, etc. whereas others will only offer basic removal services.

Two of the other main types of services that a man with a van will usually provide are:

• Clearances – If you have a property that needs to be cleared, whether it’s a domestic property or an office, then a man with a van will usually be able to help. Whether or not you should hire a man with a van or a removal company will depend on the size of the property and how much has to be removed from it.

• Courier work – Although a lot of man with a van workers will primarily do removals and clearances, some will also take on courier work. This could be anything from small local jobs to contract work covering larger distances.

Summary 

Moving home can be a very stressful time, with so much to think about; not to mention the expense. Hiring a man with a van to help you with your move can help to lessen the stress and make things go that much smoother. Hopefully, you’re now aware of how a man with a van service works, so you can hire one with full peace of mind.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Man with Van Prices Explained first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

Although pianos are extremely heavy and difficult to handle, they’re not impossible to move from one property to another with the right expertise and experience. There’s no reason you can’t have your piano moved for an affordable price without it sustaining any damage. 

Read on to find out more about who you should hire to move a piano, the cost of moving a piano and some of the best ways to save money. 

Is it necessary to hire piano movers?

When you need to have a piano moved, you will absolutely need to hire professionals with experience. It’s never recommended that you attempt to move a piano yourself. Not only would you likely end up damaging your piano and property, there’s a good chance you could seriously injure yourself in the process. 

How does piano removal work?

Because moving a piano is much more complicated than your standard boxes or even other large pieces of furniture, proper planning is vital. Below are the main steps involved. 

Planning

The first step for piano movers when moving a piano is planning. The planning stage involves visiting with the customer so they can ascertain the size of the piano, how accessible it is and how to best remove it from the property. 

Handling

Careful handling is of course an extremely important part of moving a piano. Pianos have lots of moving, intricate parts and they’re not designed to take heavy blows. This being the case, any good piano movers will take extreme care when manoeuvring a piano. 

Removing from the property

When it comes to removing a piano from a property, it’s usually done by placing it onto a dolly. If the piano is in an upstairs room and needs to be taken down a flight of stairs, then portable ramps will be placed on them so it can be taken down smoothly. 

After the piano is removed from the property, it will then be loaded onto the van or truck using the dolly. In some cases, a piano is too large to get through the front door and will need to be removed through a window. This can be done using either a hand-operated lift or a crane. 

Strapping the piano in place

Once the piano is in the vehicle, it’ll then need to be strapped into place. This part is incredibly important too since it prevents the piano from toppling over or moving excessively while it’s being transported. 

How to prepare for piano movers

To best prepare for a visit from piano movers on the day of the move, you should – 

• Make sure your property is as accessible as possible (this might mean parking your car(s) elsewhere
• Make sure any hallways or corridors are completely clear so there’s nothing to trip on
• Make sure you can be conducted easily by having your phone on at all times

How much will it cost?

It’s hard to give an exact figure where piano removals are concerned since there are so many factors that have to be taken into account.

• The size/type of piano – There are many different types of pianos, all in different sizes and weights. Grand pianos are generally the hardest and most challenging to move but there are also baby grands, square grands, uprights and organs. How much you pay will depend on the size and weight of the piano as well as how difficult it is to move. 

• The distance covered – The distance covered will certainly play a big part in how much you pay to have a piano moved. A piano will need a large van or truck to move, with fuel costs adding to the overall cost significantly. 

• How accessible the piano is – How accessible your piano is will be another big thing that affects cost. A piano that’s in a ground floor room that’s very close to the front door and relatively easy to get out will certainly cost less than one that’s upstairs and in a small, cramped room. 

• Additional factors – This could be things like severe weather conditions or traffic accidents on the day of the move. It could also be the case that you have an emergency and need to cancel. Things like this can all add to the overall cost. 

In addition to the above factors, the cost can also vary depending on the company, where in the country you live and whether or not cost is charged hourly or at a set rate. 

A lot of companies use an hourly rate and this is usually set at 2 hours minimum. For companies that have a set rate, it will be based on the factors mentioned above such as the size of the piano and the distance that needs to be covered. 

Ways to save money when having a piano removed

• Compare quotes – Getting quotes from several different piano removal companies is one of the best ways you can save money. The move piano cost set by different companies can vary a lot, so it’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least a few of them. This way you can compare them and pick the one that’s the best value. 

• Make your property accessible – Another thing you can do to lower costs is to make your property as accessible as possible. If you have a large driveway, then you should make sure the movers can get as close to your property as possible to reduce the amount of work needed to load the piano into their van. 

Piano removal FAQs

1. Is it possible to move a piano across the country?

Yes, transporting a piano over longer distances is absolutely possible but it will of course cost quite a bit more than if you were just moving it to another room or somewhere else in the same city. 

2. What if I just want to move my piano to another room?

If you want to move a piano to another room in your house then you might think you can manage it yourself, but this usually isn’t the case, certainly not for grand pianos. 

Professional piano movers will be able to assist you with this and since there’s no fuel costs or need to get it on a truck, the cost is considerably lower compared to transporting a piano. 

3. Is it possible to move a piano overseas?

It’s certainly possible to move a piano overseas but as you’d imagine, it’s very expensive. The cost will be based on how expensive the piano is as well as the distance between the two countries and what method of transportation can be used. 

4. Can any removal company move a piano?

No. Although a lot of removal companies do offer piano removal as part of their service package, you shouldn’t take it for granted that they all do. Moving a piano requires the right expertise and equipment and is very different from moving regular items and furniture. 

5. Can I hire a man with a van to move a piano?

This is generally a bad idea unless they specifically state that they have experience moving pianos. A lot of man with a van services will only have a modest-sized van that isn’t suitable for transporting a piano. Not only this, there’s specific equipment that’s required to move a piano safely and attempting it without this could easily result in it being damaged. 

6. What are the benefits of hiring a piano moving company?

The main benefit of hiring specialists to move your piano is that you know it’s in good hands and isn’t likely to be damaged in transit. A company that specialises in moving pianos will not only be able to ensure that your piano is transported without any damage occurring but they’ll also have the necessary insurance in place. This means if the worst were to happen and your piano was damaged beyond repair, you’d be fully compensated. 

Conclusion 

Moving a piano can seem like an impossible task and if you attempted to do it yourself, it most likely would be. Piano movers have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure your treasured instrument will get to its new location safe and sound.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Moving Piano Cost – What You Need to Know  first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

Read on to find out more about what’s involved in an office removal, the factors that affect the cost, how to hire the right people and some of the best ways to save money.

Office Furniture

What’s involved in an office removal?

1. Planning

The first step when moving office is to plan. Although domestic moves require planning too, it’s especially important with an office since it can disrupt the business quite significantly if it isn’t planned properly.

The first thing you should do is create a planning committee. This will allow you to assign specific roles to each person, whether it’s budgeting, opportunity identification or communicating about the move with other staff.

The next step is to create a specific timeline for the move. What this looks like and how long it takes will depend on the size of the business. Large moves should allow at least 6 months in order to minimise disruption to the business and give you enough time to prepare.

2. Contact office removal company

It’s a good idea to contact an office removal company early on in the process. They will visit the office and conduct a full survey, including the estimated amount of packing materials required. They will also give you a quote for the cost of the move. It’s always recommended to get quotes from more than one company so you can make an informed decision and get the best price possible.

3. Packing

When you’re ready to make the move, the removal company will pack the items in the office. Usually smaller items and personal effects are placed in smaller crates, with larger crates being used for equipment such as monitors and printers.

A good office removal company will be able to remove the equipment from your office in the safest way possible. This is very important with office removals since there’s usually very expensive and easily damaged equipment to be moved.

How much does an office removal cost?

If your company is relocating to a new office, then you’re likely wondering just how much it will cost to hire a removal company.

Some of the main things that affect the cost of an office removal are –

• The size of the office – Office removal companies usually charge per square foot. This means, the larger your office, the more you can expect to pay. The exact rate varies from one company to the next but it’s usually somewhere between £20-60 per square foot.

• Premises survey – Some office removal companies will provide a survey of the premises free of charge but this isn’t always the case, especially for larger offices where a survey might take a considerable amount of time.

• Storage – Another thing that can add to the cost is if you require storage. Depending on the size of the office and number of items to be moved, it might be better to do it gradually. In this case, it’s very useful to have someone secure to store any items before moving them to the new office. Most removal companies will be able to provide this service at an additional cost.

Hiring the right office removals company 

Below are some of the most important things to consider when hiring an office moving company.

• Services offered – One of the first things to find out when you’re researching office removal companies is the services they offer. Any good removal company will be able to assist with office removals but the services they offer can vary a lot. If you require additional services, such as cleaning, packing, storage etc. then it’s important to find out upfront which companies offer this so you can narrow them down.

• Availability – Availability will always be one of the first things you need to find out from any office removal companies you contact. Office removals tend to require a lot of planning, so provided you contact companies early in the process, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding ones that are available at the time you need.

• Professionalism – Professionalism is a very important factor to consider when looking for an office removal company. You can judge the professionalism of a company in numerous ways, from your first conversation with them on the telephone to their website and how they carry out the survey of your office.

• Experience – Experience is a big thing to take into account too. Since you’ll need to trust the valuable equipment in your office to the company you hire, you want to be sure that they have the right experience and equipment to transport it safely.

Saving money when moving offices 

Hiring an office removal company can be quite expensive, so it’s a good idea to take any steps you can to save money when moving offices. Below are some of the best ways to do this.

• Get quotes from several companies – One of the best ways to save money when you’re moving offices is to get quotes from several different removal companies. Having multiple quotes will allow you to easily assess what each company is offering and make an informed decision on which one to pick.

• Declutter your current office – Another way you can save money is by decluttering your current office as much as possible. Getting rid of unwanted or unneeded equipment will help to reduce the overall volume of items that need to be moved when you relocate.

• Plan ahead – Planning ahead is always important with any type of move, especially so for an office move. You need to think about the timeline of the move as well as researching office removal companies. Planning the move will almost certainly save you money since you can think about how to do it in a way that will cause the least disruption to the business.

• Book a moving company early – The earlier you book a removal company, the better. Not only does this give you plenty of time to properly plan and prepare but it also means you’ll save money compared to if you booked at the last minute.

• Negotiate – Depending on the size of your move and the company you speak to, you may be able to negotiate a better price, particularly if you have a cheaper quote from a competing removal company.

• Plan the move for an off-peak time – If the date of the relocation is in your hands, then it’s a good idea to plan it for an off-peak time if at all possible. Most removals, both domestic and commercial, take place in the spring and summer months. This makes sense due to the more favourable weather conditions and longer daylight hours. However, if you can plan it outside these times, then you could save a considerable amount of money.

Summary

An office move can be a stressful time. There’s a lot of planning needed to ensure you cause the minimum amount of disruption. Hiring a good office removal company is a huge part of a successful office move and hopefully, you’re not better equipped to find the right one.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Office Removal Company – Hiring The Right People  first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

In addition to looking at the things you should take into account when hiring a moving company, we’ll also be covering the factors that affect the cost and the best ways to save money.

Hiring the best moving agents

Finding moving agents in your area shouldn’t be difficult. A simple Google search for ‘movers for hire’ or similar will give you a number of moving companies to choose from.

While finding moving companies isn’t difficult, it’s important to know what criteria to focus on so you pick the best one.

Below are some of the most important things to consider when hiring a moving company.

Services

One of the first things to research about any prospective moving company is the services they offer. Some of the most common types of services moving companies offer include –

• Removals – Removals make up a big part of what removal companies do. Most companies will offer a range of removal services, including local moves, long distance moves and office removals.

• Storage – Storage is another common service that many removal companies provide. Storage can be very useful for larger moves where you don’t want to move all your possessions at one time. It’s also commonly used for office removals.

• Cleaning – Some removal companies will also provide cleaning services. This might be provided by their own employees or a third party cleaning service.

• Packing – Packing is something most companies provide and is a very popular additional service for both domestic and commercial moves. In addition to packing your items, the company will usually also provide the necessary packing materials.

Reputation 

Reputation is another important thing to take into account when looking for a removal company. It’s quite easy to research a company’s reputation now, with most having online reviews on various platforms. Try to narrow your list down to companies that have good reviews.

Insurance 

The type of insurance a removal company has is also important. Any reputable company will have goods in transit insurance to cover your items while they’re being moved. If you have special items that need to be moved, such as expensive jewellery or a piano, then a higher level of cover will likely be necessary so this is something to find out beforehand.

Questions to ask movers

When contacting removal companies, it’s a good idea to have some questions in mind to ask them. Below are some of the most useful ones.

1. Are you fully licensed?

You want to be sure that the company you hire is licensed to carry out removals. For any moves that are larger than a 1 bedroom house or flat, the company will be required to have an Operator’s Licence. Without one, they’ll have to use small vans only, which obviously isn’t suitable for larger moves.

2. What level of insurance do you have?

This is another important question to ask since you want to know that your possessions will be fully protected when they’re in transit. Special items that are particularly large, heavy or expensive might require an additional level of cover too.

3. How long have you been in business?

Knowing how long the business has been in operation will give you a good idea of the level of experience the company has. Removals tend to be very varied, with each presenting a unique challenge, so it’s a good idea to hire a company that has plenty of experience with different types of moves.

4. Are there likely to be any additional charges?

Additional charges can be for services like packing and cleaning but they can also be for unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather on the day of the move. You should find out from the company upfront what the likely charges would be in such an event.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

Any good removal company will have a cancellation policy but they can vary. Some will allow you to cancel up to a certain point without any additional charge whereas others will charge a percentage of the original quote if you cancel at any point. It’s a good idea to find out exactly what a company’s cancellation policy is before you commit to them.

6. What’s included as standard?

When you get a quote from a removal company, it will usually be for turning up to your house on the day of the move and transporting your possessions. Services like packing and providing packing materials usually come at an extra cost.

Factors that affect the cost 

• Van size – The size of the van needed for your move is one of the big factors that affects how much it costs. The larger the van that’s needed, the more you’ll pay. Some companies will allow you to select which type of van is used but it’s not a good idea to try and pick the smallest van to save money since it will just mean more trips and could actually end up costing you more.

• Length of the job – The anticipated length of the job is another thing that’s taken into account by removal companies when coming up with a price. Most companies charge either by the hour or at a day-rate. How long the job takes will depend on the volume of items to be moved as well as the distance between your current property and your new one.

• Distance required – The distance between properties will have a big impact on cost too. The further there is to travel, the more it will cost. Nearly all moving companies will be able to assist with local moves within the same city but you might have to be more selective if you’re moving across the country or even abroad.

• Complexity of the move – Another factor where price is concerned is the complexity of the move. This refers to things like how accessible the property is, weather and traffic conditions on the day of the move and whether there are any special items to be moved.

• Additional services – A lot of moving companies will offer additional services, such as packing, cleaning services and storage. These will all come at an additional cost of course.

Ways to save money 

• Get quotes from several moving companies – The most obvious way you can save money when moving is to get quotes from several different moving companies. Getting quotes is very easy to do now and having multiple quotes to choose from will enable you to make an informed decision and get the best value for money.

• Declutter your current property – Another excellent way to save money when moving home is to declutter as much as you can. Getting rid of anything you don’t want or need will reduce the amount you have to pack considerably and lower the cost of hiring a removal company as a result.

Book off-peak – You can also save money by booking a removal company during off-peak months. This is usually the autumn and winter months since most people tend to book from April to September.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Moving Companies  first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

What happens on completion day?

New house keys

Although there’s plenty for you to think about on completion day, the payments should be taken care of on your behalf by your conveyancer solicitor. They will pay any outstanding money that’s owed to the seller, after which you’ll receive the keys to the property.

Once you have the kids, it’s a case of communicating with your removal company and letting them know you’re ready for them to come.

Completion day checklist 

Below are the main steps that occur in the completion day timeline.

1. Money is released from mortgage provider

The first step is for your mortgage provider to release the money so the sale of the property can be completed. This usually involves a solicitor since there’s so much money being exchanged. This step happens a few days before completion day, so it’s important to keep in touch with your mortgage provider and solicitor to make sure things go smoothly.

2. Seller hands over the keys 

After the money has been transferred to the seller, the sale is then complete and they’ll hand over the keys. How exactly this happens will vary but it’s not uncommon to receive the keys from the seller directly, particularly if you’ve been in contact with them prior to the sale.

3. The moving process starts 

Once you have the keys to your new property, you can then start the actual moving process. If you’ve arranged for a removal company to help you, then you should get in touch to let them know you’re ready for them.

4. Land registry is updated

This is something you need to worry about necessarily but the final stage of a property being sold is for the land registry to be updated so it reflects your new ownership.

Finding the right removal company

A couple moving boxes into their new home

One of the most important things to do in order to prepare for completion day is booking a removal company. Finding a good removal company can save you a lot of stress and everything run much more smoothly.

Some questions you may wish to ask potential removal companies may include:

• How long have you been in business? – This is an important thing to find out since it lets you know how experienced they are. It’s not the best idea to trust somebody with handling your valued possessions who’s brand new to the job.

• How many employees do you have? – If you have a bigger property and a lot of things to be moved, you’re likely going to need at least 2-3 people. This is especially true if you also have large pieces of furniture, such as a cabinet or big bookcase that need to be moved.

• Is packing available as an extra service? – An increasingly popular additional service that removal companies offer is packing. It’s not for everyone since it can add a lot to what you’ll pay overall but if you don’t feel like packing your own items, it can relieve quite a bit of the stress of moving.

• What is your availability? – An obvious question to ask early on in the process is what their availability is like at the time you’re planning to move. You’ll need to wait until you have a confirmed completion day before contacting removal companies, so not all of them will necessarily be available when you need them.

• How does payment work? – You shouldn’t pay a removal company until the contracts have been exchanged and you have a confirmed competition day. Some companies will require a deposit upfront but it can vary so you should discuss this with the person you speak to directly.

• When will you be able to send someone to survey the house and provide a quote? – When you have a completion day set, you’ll then need to contact a removal company to come and survey your property and provide a quote. You should find out when they’ll be able to send someone to do this. This part is usually part of the service and doesn’t come at an additional cost.

• Is insurance included in the quoted price? – This is a very important question to have answered, especially if you have any rare or extremely expensive items that need to be moved. Any good removal company will have the correct insurance in place to cover your items while in transit.

Completion day FAQs

What time do you usually get keys on completion day?

You’ll usually receive the keys to your new property early in the day, normally between 9am and 11am. This allows enough time for all the correct money exchanges to take place as well as the moving process itself.

Is it possible for moving day to occur on the weekend?

No. Because money needs to be exchanged in order to complete the sale of the property, completion day cannot be scheduled for a Saturday, Sunday or a bank holiday.

Is it possible for the contract exchange and completion to occur on the same day?

Usually, the contract exchange occurs several days or even several weeks before completion day. That being said, it is possible for the contract exchange and completion to occur on the same day.

If you want to do exchange and complete on the same day, below are some things to bear in mind so it goes smoothly:

• It’s better if you deal with the seller directly since fewer parties being involved means there’s less chance something can go wrong
• If you go through a mortgage lender, then be sure to ask them upfront if it’s possible to do exchange and completion on the same day. Some mortgage lenders will provide this option but not all do so it’s important to check first
• If you’re able to do a cash purchase, this removes the chance of something going wrong with the payment
• You should arrange with your mortgage lender for the payment to be sent to your solicitor the day before to avoid any problems with the transfer

It should be said that trying to do contract exchange and completion on the same day can be quite risky, especially if you’re paying in cash. It leaves you open to unscrupulous sellers who might decide to make demands on moving day, knowing that you’re unable to refuse since you’re packed and ready to leave the property.

How do I get the keys to my new property?

You’ll usually receive the keys to your new property either from the seller’s solicitor or the seller themselves directly. Getting the keys for your new property is obviously a vitally important thing, so you should make sure you’re easily reachable on completion day.

Do I have to hire a removal company?

With all the expense that comes with moving home, you might be wondering if hiring a removal company is really necessary. The truth is that in most cases it is. You likely have way more possessions and things to move in your home than you think and there’s no way the average person with a car would be able to move them all.

How does it work when you’re buying a new-build property?

Buying a new-build property makes it impossible for you to be given an exact completion day in advance. Delays or problems with the building can easily occur at any point, so you’ll need to be prepared to wait longer than if you were buying a house that’s already built.

What are the best ways to prepare for completion day?

It’s always important to be prepared for completion day to minimise the chances of something going wrong. Below are the best ways to do this.

• Plan ahead – There are several things you can do to plan ahead for completion day. The most obvious is decluttering your house and making sure that everything is boxed up. You should also contact a removal company in advance so you can be sure they’re available when you need them.

• Keep in regular contact with your conveyancing solicitor – Your conveyancing solicitor is vital in the process of moving home, so you should stay in regular contact with them throughout. You should also make sure you’re easily reachable for them in case any problems arise that they need to inform you of.

• Make sure the funds are available – Most people use a mortgage provider to buy a new property. If this is the case, then you should make sure that the necessary funds will be available when they’re needed.

Summary

Completion day can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Hopefully having read through this guide, you’re now better prepared and know exactly what to expect when the day arrives. Providing you plan ahead, there’s no reason the day shouldn’t go off without a hitch.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Completion Day Checklist – A Guide on What to Expect first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at the steps you should take in order to get the best firm for the job as well as the average costs for removal services and FAQs.

A couple moving house

Below are some of the most important things to consider when hiring a removal company.

Cost – Removal company costs can vary a lot so it’s important to find out exactly what the cost will be upfront. There’s sometimes a deposit to pay to book and for long distance removal cost, it can be significantly higher.

Services offered – It’s very important to know what services a removal company offers before hiring them. You need a basic removal job where your boxes are all already packed but if you require additional services, such as packing or dismantling, then you should find out upfront if they’re available.

Professionalism – It isn’t just the cost and services offered that are important when you’re hiring a removal company. You should also think about their level of professionalism. You’ll be able to get a good idea about this when they first come to survey your house and give you a quote. If they’re not professional from the beginning, whether it’s because they’re rude, turn up late or don’t show up at all,  then it’s a good idea to look elsewhere

Insurance – Insurance is another important thing to consider. Any reputable removal company should have the correct cover in place. This means not only having their van(s) insured for road risks but also goods in transit cover that will protect your items from loss, damage or theft.

Availability – Availability is certainly key when you’re looking for a removal company. No matter how good a company is, they’ll still need to be available on the day you’re planning to move. Once you know when the completion day is, you can then start contacting removal companies to enquire about availability.

Average removal costs 2023

The cost of hiring a removal company will largely depend on the size of your home. For smaller properties, such as a 1 bedroom flat, the removal costs will usually be around £450-650. This is assuming it’s a local rather than long distance move. Prices for other types of properties are –

2 bedroom house – £550 to £800 for a local move. £650 to £900 for a long distance move.

3 bedroom house – £700 to £1000 for a local move and £900 to £1200 for long distance.

4 bedroom house – £950 to £1400 for a local move and £1200 to £1500 for long distance.

5 bedroom house – £1350 to £2000 for local moves and £1500 to £3000 for long distance.

Below are some of the other factors that will affect how much you pay.

• How many people are required – Depending on the size of your house and how much there is that needs to be moved, it’s possible that multiple movers will be required. This will certainly bump up the cost quite a bit.

• Packing costs (optional) – If you don’t want to pack your possessions yourself, then most removal companies will offer this as an additional service. How much more you’ll pay will depend on how much there is to pack.

• Dismantling and reassembling costs (optional) – Another additional service that can add to the cost of hiring a removal company is dismantling and reassembling. If you have big piece of furniture that you want to keep, such as a cabinet or sofa, it might be necessary for it to be dismantled before being moved, so this is something to bear in mind when thinking about costs.

• The distance to your new property – A big thing that affects the cost when hiring a removal company is the distance from your old house to your new one. The further it is, the more you can expect to pay.

• Specialist items – Specialist items are typically those that are extremely large, heavy or valuable; or a mixture of all three. A piano would be a perfect example of this. Not only is it extremely heavy and difficult to move, but they’re typically very expensive too. If you have such items, then it might be a better option to hire a removal company that specialises in moving them.

• Packing materials – Packing materials would certainly add to the overall cost of moving. If you choose to get the removal company to pack for you, then the cost of the materials themselves will also be factored into the price.

• Your location – The area you’re in will affect how much you pay too. Typically removal companies in London and surrounding areas tend to cost more than many other parts of the country.

How to save money when hiring a removal company 

• Get quotes from several companies – Getting quotes from several different removal companies is one of the best ways to save money. Having multiple quotes enables you to make an informed decision and prevents you from overspending.

• Reduce costs by packing yourself – Many people choose to pay their removal company to pack for them now, but this does significantly add to the cost.

• Book in advance – It’s always a good idea to book your removal company as soon as you know the date of your completion day. This is because hiring at the last minute often comes with a higher cost.

Removals company FAQs

Is it necessary to hire a removal company when moving house?

If you’ve never moved house before, then you might be wondering if it’s actually necessary to hire a removal company. In most cases, it is. Unless you already have a large van that’s big enough to carry your possessions, it’s going to be very difficult to do everything yourself.

You do also have the option of hiring a van but when you consider the expense and work required, it’s usually worth forking out for the cost of a removal company.

At what stage should I contact a removal company?

You should start contacting removal companies when you know when the completion day will be. Completion day is simply the day the process of buying your new property is finalised and you receive the keys from the seller.

Giving plenty of notice will ensure the availability of different removal companies and can also help you to save money.

What if I’m moving overseas?

If you’re moving overseas, then you’ll need to hire an overseas removal company. In addition to making sure your items are well packaged, you also need to think about things like any customs fees you might have to pay.

Is it better to pack myself or should I have the removal company do it?

This really comes down to personal preference and whether or not you can afford the additional expense to have your items packed for you. Most removal companies will offer to do this but you can save quite a bit of money by doing it yourself.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post Removal Company Costs 2023 first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

Although it’s a relatively small country in size, there are plenty of options when moving to Ireland, whether you’re looking for a vibrant and bustling city or somewhere more remote and laidback, Ireland has got you covered.

Below, we’re going to take a look at some of the best areas to live in Ireland as well as the things you need to take care of before moving, the best things to do there and Ireland’s pros and cons.

Let’s start by looking at the best places to live in Ireland.

Dublin at dusk

Galway City

Being close to the ocean and offering some incredible views, Galway City is right up there with the best places to live in Ireland. There are plenty of shops as well as great restaurants and cafes and it’d make a good choice for both families and young professionals.

The property prices in Galway City are quite high due to it being a very desirable place to live.

Blackrock

Blackrock is a very popular commuter town thanks to its regular bus and train services to the main cities in Ireland, namely Dublin and Belfast. It’s a very popular tourist destination during the summer months and has a variety of watersports you can partake in, including windsurfing and paddle boarding.

The property prices in Blackrock are significantly lower than Galway City, with many houses available to rent and buy.

Dublin

Dublin is both the capital and largest city in Ireland. It’s home to a huge amount of shops, restaurants, pubs and theatres, so you’ll never be short of things to do. There are also many businesses throughout Dublin, so it’s an excellent place to move for work.

As you might expect, property prices in Dublin can be very high, particularly the more centrally you go.

Bray

Bray is another excellent place to live in Ireland. It’s an incredibly beautiful place, being right next to the sea and it has an abundance of great natural spaces, walks and parks.

The property prices in Bray are very high, costing even more than Galway City on average, so this is something to bear in mind.

Killarney 

With excellent schools, good public transport and many career opportunities, Killarney is a very attractive place to live. Not only is it in a beautiful location but it’s also home to many great restaurants, pubs and shops.

The property prices in Killarney are quite reasonable and it would be an excellent choice of place to live if you have a family.

Things you need to know before moving to Ireland

Because Ireland is its own country, it’s a little more complicated to move there compared to if you were moving to another part of the UK, such as Wales or Scotland.

Below are some of the main things you need to do before moving to Ireland.

• Research schools – If you have kids, then one of the most important things to do before moving to Ireland is research the schools in the area you’re moving to. Ireland has many excellent public and private schools as well as good universities, so you should have plenty to choose from.

• Pack your possessions – Another thing you’ll need to take care of before your move is packing your possessions. Larger pieces of furniture may not be practical to move depending on how you’re planning to travel to Ireland but any smaller items should be put in boxes and labelled.

• Book a moving company – Once you’ve packed your possessions, you’ll need to book a moving company. The cost of a moving company will depend on who you hire, how many possessions you have to move and whether or not you opt for any additional services. For example, some companies will offer to pack your items for you as well as dismantling and reassembling furniture.

• Obtain medical/dental records – Another important thing to do before moving is obtaining your medical and dental records. Since you’re going to need a new GP and dentist when you move to Ireland, it’s very useful to have these.

• Scan any important documents – With so many things to think about when moving to a new country, it’s very easy for important documents to get mislaid. For this reason, it’s a good idea to scan important documents such as your driving licence and passport and upload them somewhere online that’s secure and only accessible to you.

• Declutter your house – Decluttering your current house is definitely recommended when you’re moving. It will not only mean you have less to take with you but can help you save money too. Anything you don’t think you’ll use, you should sell or give away.

• Pay any outstanding bills – The last thing you want when you move to a new country is to be worrying about old debts and bills. Therefore you should make every effort to pay them off before moving. Outstanding debts can easily affect your credit rating and that will follow you wherever you go, so it’s much better to avoid this if at all possible.

• Open an Irish bank account  – Another thing you’ll need to do is open an Irish bank account. Luckily, this is now quite easy to do, with some banks giving you the option to open an account online.

• Buy some Euros – In case you weren’t already aware, Ireland exclusively uses Euros these days. This being the case, you should buy some Euros before travelling there so you don’t have to rely on only using your debit or credit card.

Best things to do in Ireland

Museum of Ireland

There are so many great things to do in Ireland, from its fantastic castles to theatres, zoos and exhibitions. Below are some of the highlights.

• Kilmainham Gaol – Kilmainham Gaol is a fascinating place to learn about a key part of Ireland’s history. The jail dates back all the way to 1796 and is where those involved in the 1916 uprising were taken.

• Explore the castles – Ireland has many castles to explore, with Dublin Castle being one of the most famous. Most have guided tours but they’re fascinating to explore on your own too. Walking around the many great castles in the country gives you the opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s history. Some castles, such as Ashford Castle, you’re even able to stay in.

• Killarney National Park – Killarney National Park is another must-visit in Ireland. The main building is a former mansion and provides a fascinating glimpse into history. In addition to Muckrock House, there’s also gardens and traditional farms. These are all a pleasure to explore and the beautiful natural surroundings of the area only add to the experience.

• Guinness Storehouse – The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is one of the best beer tasting experiences around. There are seven floors to explore and during your visit, you’ll learn a lot about the process of crafting beer thanks to the excellent tour guides.

• Dublin Zoo – Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s biggest attractions and is home to a huge collection of animals, including elephants, penguins and seals. There’s also some great plant life to discover there.

• The Rock of Cashel – The Rock of Cashel is one of many fantastic heritage sites in Ireland. Perched on a hill in Golden Vale, it’s an incredible looking building and gives you a chance to learn more about Ireland’s history.

• National Museum of Ireland – The National Museum of Ireland is actually a collection of museums, with the opportunity to learn about so many aspects of the country’s history, including architecture, natural history and archeology. You could easily spend an entire day here.

Pros and cons of living in Ireland

Pros

• Affordable property – Although living in major cities such as Dublin can be very expensive, there are many parts of Ireland where property is more affordable. There are many different types of property throughout the country, including modern apartment complexes, so whether you’re planning to move there on your own or with your family, you’ll be able to find somewhere that fits your needs.

• Near to Europe – Another benefit of living in Ireland is its close proximity to Europe. Whether you plan to travel for business or pleasure, being just a few hours away from the rest of Europe by plane is very convenient.

• Beautiful surroundings – There’s no doubt that Ireland is a beautiful country. It has a huge amount of great parks and natural spaces as well as being home to some of the most impressive castles in Europe.

• Good healthcare – Although Ireland doesn’t have the NHS, it does have a tax-funded health service that’s very similar. There are also many private healthcare options available.

• Safety – In general, Ireland is a very safe country. City centres at weekends can be quite rowdy, just like the UK, but on the whole, it’s a safe place to live. Guns are illegal and shootings are very rare, so this isn’t something you need to be concerned with either.

• Plenty of great places to eat and drink – Another good thing about living in Ireland is that there’s so many good places to eat and drink. Ireland is known for its pubs but there are also many excellent restaurants and cafes throughout the country. Larger cities like Dublin are also home to some excellent Michelin-starred restaurants.

• Good public transport – Getting around Ireland is very easy thanks to the country’s small size and the number of excellent transport options available. In addition to the many buses and trains that connect the various cities, there are also rental car options which are very affordable.

• Good work/life balance – Ireland has a thriving economy, with many large companies based there. You can get four weeks of paid holiday each year after completing a certain amount of hours and female employees can get 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. This makes living there an attractive prospect for families in particular.

Cons

• Cost of living can be high – Although there are many places in Ireland where the cost of living is affordable, the larger cities can be very expensive. Because

• The weather – Much like the UK, Ireland isn’t particularly known for its great weather. That’s not to say it’s terrible; the summers can actually be very nice but it does rain quite a bit and the winters can be very cold.

• Waiting times for healthcare can be high – If you require emergency care, then there can be waiting times of 10 hours or more.

Conclusion 

If you’re planning to move to Ireland, then you should now feel much more confident in your decision and be better informed about what living in the country is actually like. With its combination of beautiful surroundings, great culture and thriving economy, moving to the Emerald Isle is surely a decision you won’t regret.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post 5 Best Places to Live in Ireland first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

family moving house

Factors that affect the cost

Below are some of the main factors that affect how much you’ll pay for movers –

• The amount of time required – Most removal companies charge by the hour, with the majority having a 2 hour minimum charge. The total amount of time required to complete the job is one of the biggest factors that impacts cost.

• Number of people required – Another thing that will affect how much you pay is the number of people needed. If you have a large house and a lot of possessions that need to be moved, then you’ll likely need to hire multiple movers.

• • The size of your house – This ties into the two points mentioned above, since the size of your house will determine how much time is needed and how many people are required.

• Distance – Another thing that will greatly affect how much you pay for movers is the distance that needs to be travelled. If you’re moving within the same city, then the costs shouldn’t be too much higher but if you’re moving far away, then you can expect to pay significantly more.

• Packing costs – Packing costs are another thing you need to take into account. Some companies will offer to pack your items for you but it’s usually better to do this yourself since it makes it easier to keep things organised and can save you money too.

• Furniture dismantling – When it comes to large furniture, it’s usually not as simple as packing it in a box. Things like dining tables will need to be taken apart and reassembled. Many firms will offer this service but at an additional cost. How much more you’ll pay will depend on the amount of furniture you have and the time it takes to take apart and reassemble.

• Special items – If you have particularly valuable items, whether it’s expensive jewellery, antiques or pieces of art, you might have to pay more to more to have them moved. This is another reason why it’s so important to hire a removal company that has good insurance too.

• Moving date – The time of year that you move will affect how much you pay too. For example, if you move the week of Christmas, you can expect to pay more. The same goes for moving during the summer.

• Number of items – The more items you have, the more work will be required and the longer the job will take. This is why it’s a good idea to declutter your home as much as possible before moving.

Hiring the right people 

The last thing you want when you’re already dealing with the stress of moving home is to hire movers who are irresponsible and won’t do the job properly. Since they’ll be handling your valued possessions, you want to be sure that the people you hire are competent and responsible.

Before choosing a firm it’s often a good idea to:

• Ask for referrals – One of the best ways to make sure you get the right people for the job is by asking friends, family or colleagues for referrals. A personal referral is priceless since it gives you the confidence that the company you’re hiring will do the job to a good standard.

• Get quotes from different companies – It isn’t just the price you should take into account when hiring a company though. You should consider things like professionalism, reputation and the range of services offered.

• Avoid people who quote too-good-to-be-true prices – Some companies might offer you an incredibly low quote and this is usually a red flag. If you’re quoted a low price, it can often be because corners are being cut, whether it’s them not having insurance, not offering a pre-move survey, not taking care of your items or only offering the most basic of services. You should also avoid any companies that try to charge for a pre-move survey. The majority of companies will offer this free of charge and it’s seen as a standard part of the job.

Men moving sofa in van

How to save money when hiring movers

• Pack yourself – One of the most reliable ways you can save money when hiring movers is by packing yourself. Most companies will provide packing services but it comes at an additional cost, so if you want to keep costs down it’s definitely worth doing it yourself.

• Get multiple quotes – Getting quotes from several different companies is another good way to save money. By getting a lot of quotes, you can easily compare them and go with the company that offers the best value for money.

• Reduce packing material costs – It’s easy to end up overspending on packing materials when you’re moving home. Things like boxes and sellotape can easily add up when you need to pack a lot of items.

• Declutter your house  – Decluttering your house before moving. Most people have a lot of clutter that they’ll never use but haven’t gotten around to throwing out. Moving home is a perfect opportunity to do this and could save you a good deal of money since you’ll have fewer things to move.

Things to do on the day of your move

• Make sure everything’s packed – The most obvious thing to do first on the day you’re moving home is to make sure everything is packed. It’s definitely not a good idea to leave packing until the day you’re moving, even if you don’t think you have that much to pack. It’s easy to overlook things when you’re in a hurry so it’s better to pack at least a few days in advance.

• Take pictures of your house – If you rent your property, then it’s a good idea to take pictures of each room to serve as proof of the condition it was in when you moved out.

• Confirm times with your removal company – It’s also a good idea to touch base with the removal company before they are due to arrive. This way you can make sure you’re completely prepared when they arrive and there aren’t any hitches.

• Return keys – Who you need to hand your keys over to will depend on whether you rent or buy your property. If you rent, then you’ll need to give them to your landlord, usually on the day of moving.

Other things to consider when moving home 

• Cancel your council tax – If you don’t give enough notice when cancelling council tax, you could end up paying for longer than you should. Although you can claim a tax refund if this is the case, it’s much easier to give plenty of notice so it gets cancelled on time. In general, it’s a good idea to give at least a month’s notice.

• Set up new council tax – As well as cancelling your previous council tax, you also need to set up a new council tax payment in the area you’re moving to.

• Inform companies of your new address – One of the most important things to do before moving home is to inform everyone of your new address. This includes your bank as well as any insurance providers or utility companies.

Summary

We hope this article has helped you to be more clued up hiring movers when you’re moving to a new area. Although moving house can be a stressful event, knowing how to go about hiring movers in the right way can save you a lot of money and stress and make the moving process that much smoother.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

The post How Much Does it Cost To Hire Movers? first appeared on HouseMoveHelper.

When it comes to how much you can earn, it will depend on a number of factors, such as your expenses, how many hours you’re prepared to work each week and what part of the country you’re in.

Before looking at how much you can earn as a man with a van, let’s first take a look at the requirements to do the job.

Man with his van

Requirements 

• Your own van – It might seem obvious but to work as a man with a van, you’ll need your own van that’s up to the job. Although vans can be expensive, especially when you buy new, you need to be sure that the vehicle you get will be reliable, day in and day out.

• The correct licence – The good news is that to drive a van in the UK, you don’t need a special type of licence. You will need a current UK driving licence though in order for your van to be road legal.

• The right type of cover – Another thing you’ll need to work as a man with a van is the right type of insurance. When taking out van insurance, you’ll need to think about the cover options that are most important. When you’re transporting other peoples’ possessions, you need to think about more than just road risks when getting insurance. More on this below.

Getting the right insurance as a man with a van 

The right type of insurance is incredibly important when you drive a van for a living. Below are some of the main types of cover you’ll need –

• Road risks – You’ll need to get road risks insurance at a minimum to make your van legal to drive. You can choose from third party only; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive.

• Goods in transit – Goods in transit is another type of cover that’s vital when you’re transporting goods on behalf of customers. It will cover the contents of your van for theft, damage or loss.

• Public liability – Liability claims are always a risk when you’re working with the public, particularly when you’re moving and transporting their valuable possessions. Public liability insurance will cover you for any liability claims from members of the public, including customers.

• Breakdown cover – When you rely on your van for making a living, you want to be sure that if you break down, you’ll be back on the road again as soon as possible. Even if you already have breakdown cover, you might be able to get in cheaper when included in your insurance policy.

Other things to consider

• The size of your van – A big thing to think about when you’re first getting started is the size of van you’ll need. If you’re going to be using your van primarily for removals, you’ll need it to be a decent size. Larger vans do cost more but it will save you money in the long run.

• Additional services – You should also think about any additional services you might want to offer customers. This can include things like packing and unpacking as well as hiring additional workers to help you.

How much can you earn?

If you’ve ever used the services of a man with a van, it’s easy to assume they earn whatever it is you paid them. However, there’s a lot more you need to take into consideration.

A man with a van can earn £50 to £100 an hour. It’s important to point out though that this isn’t all profit. Although a professional person who takes the job seriously can earn a very decent living, there are certain expenses you need to take into account when calculating how much a man with a van can earn. Below are the main ones.

• Cost of the van – The first and most obvious expense is the cost of the van itself. Vans are typically much more expensive than the average car, usually costing £15000+ for a new one. Of course, you do have the option to buy used but you need to be careful when doing this since you’re going to be relying on it for work. You can also rent a van if you don’t have the money to buy one upfront. Rental costs will vary depending on which company you hire from and the type of van you want.

• Running costs – Running costs are certainly going to affect how much money you’re able to make as a man with a van. In addition to fuel costs, you also need to think about maintenance and road tax.

• Cost of insurance – The cost of insurance is another thing that will cut into how much you can earn. How much van insurance costs will depend on a number of factors, such as which company you get a policy from, the level of cover you take out and the value of your van. Although insurance isn’t something anyone relishes paying, it’s very important to get good cover as it could cost you a lot more further down the road if you don’t.

• Traffic conditions – Traffic conditions will also affect how much you’re able to earn. Depending on how congested the area you work in is, there might often be heavy traffic and this cuts into your time and therefore, ability to make money.

• Employees – A lot of van drivers choose to work solo but if you do removals, there’s every chance you’ll need help. If this is the case, you’ll need to factor in the wages of any employees you have when coming up with an hourly rate for customers.

What are the best ways to save money?

It makes sense to earn as much as you can when working as a man with a van. Below are some of the best ways to do this.

• Pay for insurance annually – A good way to lower your costs is by paying for van insurance annually rather than monthly. It’s true that you’ll pay more upfront but most insurance providers will offer you a big discount for doing this.

• Rent rather than buy – Vans can be very expensive to buy, so you can save a lot of money by renting rather than buying. If you find you’re able to make a good living doing this work, then you can always invest in a van later on.

• Limit your insurance – Another way you can save money is to limit the cover options on your insurance policy. It’s important to have good cover but by getting third party only rather than comprehensive cover, you can save a lot of money.

Summary 

Hopefully, it’s now clear that the amount you can earn as a man with a van varies a lot, depending on numerous important factors, with your running costs, hours worked, areas covered and cost of insurance all playing a big part.

What’s certain is that there’s no shortage of work for hardworking van drivers out there and if you’re prepared to put in the hours and take the job seriously, you can make a very good living from it.

Paul Smith

I’m Paul Smith, Founder and Director of HouseMoveHelper. I have a great love of business, marketing, the wilderness and love to travel.  You can learn more about me here.

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