A Move In The Life Of A Removals Specialist

EVERY MOVE IS UNIQUE

In the moving industry, no two days are ever the same. Each and every move possesses its own set of unique challenges and rewards which, in-turn, keep the job dynamic and engaging. One day we could be transporting a young student, excited to start university life, and their personal belongings into halls. Another day, assisting a family relocate to a larger residence in Scotland, or even, completing an entire office move to the adjacent street. Our line of work can lead us to different neighbourhoods and cities nationwide and what comes with that is the pleasure to meet an eclectic range of clients from all walks of life who boast their own unique stories and requirements. The variety of challenges that come with every move allow us to learn, adapt and refine our specialist skills.    

 

Let’s rewind to the start of the working day and see how a move in the life of a moving specialist could pan out... 

 

06:00AM: GOOD MORNING FINEST MAN!

Rise and shine. The day begins bright and early for a moving specialist at Finest Van. The 6AM alarm buzzes, beckoning the time to surface and prepare for a day of graft, commitment and dedication. But first thing’s first, kick-starting the day with a hearty nutritious breakfast - vital to staying focused and razor sharp as moving is physically challenging and we will need all the energy to provide only the finest service.

 

07:00AM: ON THE ROAD TO THE PICKUP ADDRESS

A coffee in one hand and a croissant in the other, they propel me with that extra bit of oomph as I plan my journey and hit the road to meet my colleague, Sensai Master Mover, Joey, close to the job. Upon meeting, we have a brief discussion about the job and our plan of action (with a bit of banter thrown in for a morale boost). From the starting line we are on course to do great things moving forward. 

 

08:00AM: MEETING THE CLIENT

Our first client of the day has booked for a two-man four-hour Luton van for a two bedroom flat. As we pull in to this quiet side-street in the suburbs of Lambeth we are lucky enough to find a parking space outside the entrance of the pick-up address and then call the client to give them a heads up that we have arrived. We greet the client with a warm smile and have a run-through of the property where we assess all the items to be transported to their new home, taking into consideration any special instructions from the client. From the smallest of fragile keepsakes to the largest pieces of furniture, every item is accounted for and handled with only the utmost care and attention.

FINEST TIPS: 

1. Introductions are important as it builds up rapport and trust between the client and moving specialist, setting us in good stead for a pleasant move.

2. A door stop always comes in handy! 

 

08:05AM: THE TETRIS CHALLENGE COMMENCES

Loading a van efficiently can be likened to playing a classic game of Tetris. Methodically assessing the items to be loaded in terms of weight, shape and how delicate they are, and meticulously positioning them within the van is crucial so: 

• The most amount of items can be packed, therefore maximising van volume space
• Ensuring all items are as compact as possible, minimising any potential risk of movement and damage.

Packing the van: 

1. First third; We aim to build a ‘wall’ with heavier and square items at the bottom such as Chest of drawers and boxes. This creates a strong foundation for us to build upon to stack fragile and light-weight items, such as bags and cushions, on top.
2. Second third; Next to come includes the dismantled bed frame, mattress and flat-pack furniture which are covered in protective blankets and securely strapped to the sides. This is followed by large-medium-sized furniture such as sofas (standing), tables, frames and uniquely-shaped items. 
3. Final third; Smaller items and boxes to fill in the gaps, followed by any garden furniture, bicycles and plants to fit in snug towards the end.     

FINEST TIP: 

1. Building a rigid sturdy base and filling in any gaps between items is essential to prevent any movement and minimise any potential risk of damage during transit.

 

10:00AM: DESTINATION: DELIVERY ADDRESS

Before we depart, we do one last quick sweep of the property with the customer and confirm delivery address details to ensure all is well and that everything has been accounted for. With the load ready to be transported we set off. Our route is planned via our clever SAT NAV system which directs us with the most efficient route to our destination to avoid traffic and allow a timely arrival.   

 

10:45AM: UNLOADING AT THE DELIVERY ADDRESS

Pre-planning our route shows the delivery address is located along a bustling high street in Kensington so we park in the nearby Mews where everything is then unloaded in reverse with lighter items carried out first so we can assess the property access for larger items to come later on. Clear communication with the client from set go is key to good coordination knowing where everything is to be allocated and allows for a constant flow of items to be unloaded, saving time and reducing any potential risk of damage.   

 

12:00PM: FINAL CHECKS & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Once all the personal belongings have been unloaded we then assist the client with any final furniture placements and provide helpful suggestions to ensure everything is positioned how they envisioned. We then thank the client for their custom, show a welcoming hand should they require our assistance in the future and finally wish them the very best in their new property. 

 

THE FINER THINGS...

That final reassured smile and sigh of relief from a client as we offload their very last cherished personal belonging from the van and place it into its new home is what gives us removal specialists a real sense of pride where we realise all the effort was worth it. A sense of fulfilment that we have been able to deliver yet again another triumphant moving experience, stopping at nothing short of providing the finest service with only the utmost care, dedication and professionalism. It is moments like these when we realise that we’re not just part of any man and van firm... We are part of the Finest Van team.

 

ONTO THE NEXT REMOVAL ADVENTURE...

The blankets are folded, straps are neatly tied up and the floor is swept. The van doors are closed and the postcode for the next client is clocked in on the SAT NAV. We have a quick breather and the Finest Team set off on their journey to their next moving adventure...

 

#FinestVan #FinestBlog #MovingSpecialists 

 

  

 

DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer: Described above is what could be an estimated time-scale for a two-man, four-hour Luton van job for a two bedroom flat starting at approximately 08:00AM and finishing at 12:00PM. 

Due to the nature of the work, timings can often be varied and unparalleled. Factors that could influence this could include: 

• Whether the customers goods are required to be carried via stairs in the absence of a lift 
• The access to the property (Are we able to park and unload in close proximity to your property boundary?) 
• The access inside the property
• How well-packed the items are
• Items requiring dismantling and reassembling 
• The overall amount of goods to be transported (Is a second trip required?) (Sometimes we underestimate and overestimate the amount of things we have. We are human after all!)
• Whether a full or partial pack-and-move service is required
• The distance in mileage to the delivery address (Is the drop-off within London or further a field?)
• Time of day, including traffic
• Are there multiple pick-up and delivery stops?
• Is it a completion move, part of a chain?