Moving house

[tahiri]

How much does it cost to move house? I know it sounds like a silly question.
When we next move in a year or two it will be the first time we have not
moved gradually, doing it ourselves. Normal people apparently move house all
in one day and dont even have to pack anything I'm told. Is there a website
anywhere that gives average figures for all the various expenses involved
with moving?
Is it true that removal firms price certain items separately?
T.

 

[GSV Three Minds in a Can]

How much does it cost to move house?

Which bit? if you mean the moving and packing only, probably somewhere
under £1000, depending how much stuff you have and whether you go with
Pickfords, someone smaller, or complete cowboys.

If you mean 'in total' (solicitors + Estate agent fees, etc. etc.) then
2k + 1-2% of the cost of your house, +/-.

I know it sounds like a silly question.
When we next move in a year or two it will be the first time we have not
moved gradually, doing it ourselves. Normal people apparently move house all
in one day and dont even have to pack anything I'm told.

Normal people have to, they need the cash from the house they sold to
buy the new one, and people won't give them the cash until they've moved
out. Nor can they get the keys to the new one until they've paid for it.
Sitting in removal trucks waiting for funds to move is not uncommon,
sadly.

Is there a website
anywhere that gives average figures for all the various expenses involved
with moving?

Google is your friend. Actually getting a quote from several sources is
your best friend. Last time I moved it was two big trucks and two cars
full, and I still had to pack 1000+ cacti myself. 8>.

Is it true that removal firms price certain items separately?

Yes. Grand Pianos for instance. Actually some things they won't move at
all unless they are specialists.

 

[JaffaB]

How much does it cost to move house? I know it sounds like a silly question.

When we next move in a year or two it will be the first time we have not
moved gradually, doing it ourselves. Normal people apparently move house all
n one day and dont even have to pack anything I'm told. Is there a website
anywhere that gives average figures for all the various expenses involved
with moving?

All depends on the number of rooms in the house, and any
large/heavy/delicate/valuable items. Also, depends on what level of
service you want. You have the choice of supply all the boxes and work
yourself, they supply the boxes then you pack and they move, or the
full service where they pack everything for you.

Last time I moved (2 years ago), I got 3 compies out and selected the
option where they supplied the boxes and packing materials, we packed
everything into the boxes, and they did the moving. For a three
bedroom house in the heart of Hampshire, the cost was £700 offical
cost, but you have to give each of the workman a bung to keep them
happy. I guess the cost will vary depending on where you are as well.

Is it true that removal firms price certain items separately?

If you are asking them to move very heavy items (such as a solid oak
bed that will not come apart), a piano etc, or anything where they need
to take doors off or windows out, each will be costed seperatly.

One tip - make sure they have insurance. Your household insurance will
not normally cover anything damaged in the move, and I know one poor
guy who moved house and the removal van was stolen with all his
possesions inside. Insurance company did not want to know.

 

[Tim]

All depends on the number of rooms in the house...

For a three bedroom house...

Would the cost be different if there were exactly the
same things to be moved, but in a five bedroom house?

... you have to give each of the
workman a bung to keep them happy.

Is that beforehand or afterwards?

Tips are normally given on the basis of service given;
if you pay beforehand, you won't know what the
service will be like. But if you pay afterwards, then
why do you want to "keep them happy" *after* the job?

 

[tahiri]

If you are asking them to move very heavy items (such as a solid oak
bed that will not come apart), a piano etc, or anything where they need
to take doors off or windows out, each will be costed seperatly.

One tip - make sure they have insurance. Your household insurance will
not normally cover anything damaged in the move, and I know one poor
guy who moved house and the removal van was stolen with all his
possesions inside. Insurance company did not want to know.
Thanks for the helpful hints both of you.
T.