If you’re moving house and you or someone in your family has a disability, there are a few extra things you need to think about. Here’s our guide…

Plan ahead

It’s essential to plan ahead in order to secure the help and support you will need before, during and after your house move.

You should allow plenty of time for dealing with all aspects of the move, from sorting through and packing up your belongings, to contacting healthcare providers, arranging for any adaptations, dealing with children and pets on moving day, and so on. Think about those areas where you may need additional assistance.

Putting together a moving plan and a moving day checklist can be an invaluable way of helping you to manage and remember all those important tasks, and keep track of everything you need to do – and there’s a certain satisfaction in ticking things off the list as you complete them!

Find out about financial support

If you need to make adaptations to your new home, you could be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from the local council. This might cover such things as widening doorways, installing ramps and stairlifts, handrails and banisters, building or adapting bathrooms and bedrooms, adapted heating and lighting controls, and improving access to the garden.

An occupational therapist will conduct an assessment of the property and make any appropriate recommendations. The grant is means tested for adults, but not for disabled children under 19.

If you are disabled and on a low income, you may also be entitled to reduced rent and/or council tax. To find out more about these and any other available grants and concessions, contact the local authority in your new area.

Inform healthcare and support services

You should contact your local health authority and other support services in good time. If you’re already in receipt of healthcare and support services and any physical equipment or adaptations, you will need to arrange for similar support in your new home.

Remember that different local authorities operate differently. Some physical aids and equipment may need to be returned when you move, and your needs may be reassessed by your new authority, so it’s important to get in contact with the relevant professionals in order to receive continuity of care – the sooner you can do this, the better.

If you have a Blue Badge for parking, there’s no need to apply for a new one when you move house. However, if you’re in receipt of disability-related state benefits don’t forget to inform your local government office of your change of address.

Create a support network

Preparing to move house can be a stressful and exhausting experience at times. If you or a family member have additional requirements, it’s even more important to make sure you have help at hand from friends and family when you need it.

This might include practical, physical or emotional support – from helping you to sort through your possessions, dealing with healthcare issues, helping to explain the move to the disabled person, assisting you on moving day, and helping you to get settled in your new home.

Try to build in some additional time and space to rest and relax, and to allow you and your family members to adjust to the changes.

Talk to your removal company

Your removal team will play a crucial role in helping to ensure that your move runs according to plan. So it’s important to choose a reliable, efficient and established team who are sensitive to your individual needs and will help you to get installed at your new address with a minimum of fuss.

An experienced removals company, such as a Master Remover, will be fully appraised of your moving plan and will be able to assist you at every step of the move – including offering a full packing and unpacking service should you require it, helping to save time and reduce the hassle.

Prepare your children

Children can sometimes feel anxious about moving house, and if you’re moving with a disabled child they may need extra time and support to help them to deal with the change.

You should look to offer reassurance wherever possible. Be prepared talk to your child about the move, or show them a plan or some pictures of their new home. If you can, try to take some time out together, away from the planning and upheaval, and do something they enjoy.

On moving day, seek out a quiet corner away from the noise and activity. Set aside a box with some of their favourite things, including some toys, a teddy bear or blanket for comfort, any special plates or cups, some snacks and a favourite book. If your journey is going to be a long one, be prepared to make some extra stops on the way.

See also our guide to moving house with children.

Consider your ‘moving day essentials’

If you need prescription medication or specialist equipment, it’s essential to keep them close to hand.

We always recommend putting together a ‘moving day essentials’ box to travel with you on your move, and if you have additional requirements this should include any medication, adapted cutlery or other aids, as well as your mobile phone and a list of key contact numbers (and not forgetting the all-important kettle, mugs and teabags!)

If you are transporting any medical equipment on the van, talk to your removal company and make sure it will be available to you when you arrive at the other end.

Getting established in your new home

When you arrive at your new house, you should arrange for the beds to be made up, and for any medical aids and equipment to be installed in their appropriate places as a priority.

Remember, it can take time to adjust to change, particularly for children, but establishing a new daily routine as soon as possible can help significantly. Once you’re ready, you can arrange to meet with your neighbours and investigate the local amenities, to help you and your family to settle in to your new home.

If you’re looking to move house, Master Removers will be there to take care of all the hard work for you, and make sure that your move runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us today.

When you’re moving house, it’s important to think ahead about which plants you plan to take with you. If you’re a keen gardener, you may have spent a lot of time honing your garden and you could find yourself reluctant to leave your favourite specimens behind!

Here we offer the lowdown on what you need to consider when moving your prized plants, from potted indoor plants to larger, more established outdoor varieties.

 1. Draw up a plan

Think about where your plants will go in your new garden. You should try to take into account factors such as the soil type, likely exposure to wind or frost, and the orientation of your new garden – some plants will fare better in the warmth and light of a south-facing garden, while others prefer a more consistent, northerly aspect. Consider drawing up a plan of your new garden – if necessary you could arrange for another visit.

For larger or more specialist varieties, it might be worth seeking advice from a horticultural expert. It may be that some plants are just too bulky or sensitive to move, in which case you could consider taking some cuttings.

 2. Make your plans known

If you’re green-fingered, it’s possible that your hard work may have paid off in more ways than one, by adding to the ‘kerb appeal’, and possibly also the value, of your house. Your garden may even have played a significant role in the buyer’s decision to choose your house.

With this in mind, before you start up-ending that shrubbery it’s important to make sure you specify what you’re planning to take with you – just as you would with the indoor fixtures and fittings. Similarly, you should clarify the situation with the owner of your new house (just in case you were both counting on being the proud owners of that beautiful bougainvillea!)

3. Talk to your removal company

You should also discuss any plants that you plan to take with you – both indoor and outdoor –  with your removal company, so that they can make the necessary arrangements and allow enough space for them on the van. Plants can’t be stacked along with the rest of the boxes, and will require sufficient protection, support and clear space.

Should you need to put any plants into storage for a while, some removal companies will store and water your plants on your behalf, if required. They can also look after garden ornaments, equipment such as lawnmowers, and outdoor items like furniture, statues, pots and fountains. Contact Master Removers here to discuss your needs.

4. Preparing your plants

Once you’ve settled on which plants will be coming with you, it’s time to start making some preparations. As a general rule, plants don’t like being moved, so it’s important to do as much as you can to minimise the stress, by keeping your plants hydrated and protected from damage and extremes of temperature.

Generally it’s better to move plants while they are in their dormant state, and many will not respond well to being ‘re-rooted’ at other times of the year. When it comes to trees and shrubs, it’s much easier to move them when they are younger.

Where possible, outdoor plants should be placed in a dry, sheltered area ahead of the move. Depending on the variety and time of year, it can also be beneficial to give larger or climbing plants a good prune ahead of time. Cutting your plants back will minimise the risk of damage, and make the process of moving easier and safer for all parties!

You should give all potted plants a good check over and make sure the pots are in a fit state for travelling, with no sign of any cracks.

 5. Uprooting outdoor plants

Established garden plants should be moved as close as possible to your moving day. If the forecast is for hot weather, an evening slot is best, while in colder weather it’s best to do your digging in the daytime. Water the soil a day beforehand, to make sure the roots have good access to moisture and that the ground is easy to dig.

It’s important to dig as far around the plant as you can, to help keep the root structure intact. Cover the roots in soil or other organic matter and wrap them in a layer of sheeting or damp sacking, followed by protective bubble wrap or insulation if it’s cold. Don’t forget to backfill any holes you have made!

 6. Keeping well hydrated

Keeping your plants sufficiently watered is one of the most important things to remember. Draining potted plants ahead of time will help to minimise the weight and lessen the likelihood of any messy accidents, but your plants must not be allowed to dry out completely. You can you use a water sprayer to help keep them hydrated where appropriate.

 7. Packing your plants

Unpotted plants can be placed in lined boxes, with long stems or branches gently tied together and canes used for additional support. Smaller houseplants can be placed in lined, open boxes and padded with paper for protection. Larger, stable pots can be placed inside plastic bags.

Your plants should be among the last items to be loaded onto the van, and offloaded as soon as possible at the other end. Larger plants and heavy pots should be transported using trolleys and carefully secured on the van.

 8. Getting re-established

Once you’ve arrived, place your plants in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight. Your indoor plants should be put in a safe corner while the move is taking place, after which they can then be carefully unpacked and given a good watering.

Tend to your outdoor plants as soon as you can, firstly by giving them a good water. If possible, get any shrubs or trees into the ground straight away.  Alternatively, your plants can be ‘heeled in’ until you’re ready to put them in their final position – by soaking the roots in water for several hours, digging a temporary trench and back filling it with soil (making sure the roots are fully covered).

When replanting, it’s important to water your plants immediately and every day thereafter until they are fully established, and you can apply some fertilizer and a good mulch in the Spring.

We have many years’ experience of transporting all kinds of objects, from your favourite flowers to garden statues and fountains. So you can rest assured that you and your plants will be settling in and putting down roots in no time! Contact the Master Removers here.

Moving house involves making a lot of decisions, and your moving day may be one of them. The most common moving day is Friday – but is it the best day? Here’s a guide to the pros and cons of moving house at different times of the week, and some of the key factors to think about….

Should you move house on a Friday?

Traditionally, the most popular day of the week for moving house is a Friday (with the exception of Friday the 13th – people are surprisingly superstitious!), while weekends are the least popular. However, this means that Fridays are also the busiest, so it doesn’t necessarily follow that it’s the best day for you to make your move.

One of the main reasons for Friday’s popularity is work commitments. The majority of people work during the week, and moving on a Friday means that you will only need to take one day off work. Then you can then make the most of the long weekend to start unpacking your belongings (some of them at least!) and settling into your new home.

On the flip side, though, Friday is also the busiest day of the week for removal companies, who often find that their Fridays get booked up many weeks in advance. So if you are planning a Friday move, it’s essential to secure your moving day as soon as possible.

When things go wrong…

In fact, availability is a key thing to factor in when considering what is the best day to move house.

One of the downsides of moving on a Friday is that there could be some serious repercussions if you should encounter any problems on moving day, such as issues with the chain, and payments not going through. As well as the removal firms, banks, estate agents and solicitors are all under additional pressure on the final working day of the week, and if it gets too late in the day there may be nobody available to assist you.

Banking on a Friday?

On the financial side, you cannot legally move into your new property until all of the funds have cleared. Because of their popularity, transactions can take longer on Fridays, and waiting for the funds to go through can lead to an anxious waiting period on a Friday afternoon!

Bank transfers generally need to go through by 3pm at the latest, and if for any reason the funds do not clear by the set time, you may find yourself unable to progress with the move until the following Monday – leaving you and your things stranded over the weekend. In addition, you could also find yourself liable for additional interest or legal fees.

It’s also worth noting that it can be harder to find an available tradesman on a weekend, should you find that you need any help with the plumbing, electrics or other utilities in your new home.

Moving on a Monday

Monday is the second most popular day of the week to move house, meaning again that it can be quite a busy day from a resources point of view.

Moving on a Monday has the bonus of allowing you additional time at the other side of the weekend to pack up and vacate your existing home, and to cover that inevitable last-minute packing rush!

A mid-week move

Moving house in the middle of the week, between Tuesday and Thursday, will mean that removal companies and other professionals have fewer reservations and are generally less busy, allowing you better access to resources, and meaning that in the event of any issues it will be easier to contact the necessary people.

Choosing a Thursday for your house move has the particular advantage of only requiring one additional day off work, while offering that extra back-up should anything go wrong – and you can take advantage of an extra long weekend to help with all that unpacking.

Securing your moving day

If you’re in a chain, it’s less likely that you will be able to dictate your moving day, and more than likely that a Friday will be put forward – but it’s still worth approaching your solicitor and proposing an alternative day of the week for your move.

Of course, if you are only buying and not also selling a house, you don’t necessarily have to complete and move in on the same day. You could complete on a Thursday, allowing you the whole of Friday to get established in your new home.

If you want to help ensure that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible, you should make sure that any mortgage funds are available in time for your completion, to help avoid any unexpected delays.

Choosing your removal company

It’s also important to choose your removal company carefully, and to check your contract to make sure you are clear on the terms applying in the event of any delays. This might include at what point the firm may begin charging for any overtime, how much notice they will give ahead of additional fees being incurred, and whether they will return the following day to finish the move if necessary.

Employing an experienced removals company, such as a Master Remover, will mean that they are better equipped to handle any unexpected issues, if things don’t quite go to plan. An established removal company should also be able to provide storage solutions should you find yourself in need.

Your day, your way

Exactly which day of the week is best for your move will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances. Whatever day of the week, or time of the year, you should choose to move, with a Master Remover you can rest assured that you will be receiving expert service from an experienced team, who will help to get you settled in as smoothly as possible. Contact us today for a quote.

If you’re looking to rent a house or flat, there are a number of different factors to take into account, including price, size, location, and whether you should choose a property that is furnished or unfurnished.

Whether it’s better to rent a furnished or an unfurnished property will depend on your exact needs. Here are the pros and cons of renting furnished versus unfurnished property.

Furnished vs unfurnished – what’s included?

First, let’s look at which items you might expect to find included in your rental property.

Unfurnished property

Exactly what’s included as part of your rental agreement will vary, but as a general rule an unfurnished property is limited to nominal fixtures and appliances, such as a fridge and cooker, basic floor and window coverings, and basic kitchen and bathroom fixtures – but nothing in the way of furniture, free-standing storage units, or smaller items like cutlery.

Furnished property

A furnished property, however, should have everything you need to in order live comfortably, including all of the main appliances, such as a cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine. You can also expect all major items of furniture, including sofas or armchairs, beds, wardrobes and/or chests of drawers in each of the bedrooms, a dining table and chairs, soft furnishings and tableware.

Advantages of renting a furnished property

1. Convenience

One main advantage of renting furnished accommodation is that it’s arguably the easiest and most convenient option. You can move in quickly and easily and be ready to start life in your new home immediately, without needing to worry about sourcing and installing furniture, appliances and other items.

2. Flexibility

If you’re a student without any furniture of your own, a professional working on a short-term contract, or if you’re looking to move in a hurry, a furnished property can be a real benefit. It’s worth noting that there tend to be fewer furnished than unfurnished properties available on the market at any one time.

It may also be the case that you already own some furniture, but are looking to rent for the short term and would prefer to store your items for a period of time. Remember, an experienced removals company, such as a Master Remover, will be able to offer a range of storage solutions to suit your needs.

3. Lower initial expense

The lower initial financial outlay is another potential advantage of renting a furnished property. As all of the key items for day to day living are included, there’s no need to pay out large sums for that new washer/dryer, bed, wardrobe and three piece suite all in one hit.

Advantages of renting an unfurnished property

1. Cheaper in the long run?

On the flip side, supplying, maintaining and insuring the items for a furnished letting involves additional costs for the landlord. This is often reflected in higher rental charges and deposits for furnished properites, which could impact on your savings in the longer term.

If you rent an unfurnished property, once you have purchased any items you can of course take them with you to your next home. If you do need to supply your own furniture, you will be responsible for insuring it.

It’s also worth noting that some companies offer special package deals on furniture for new homeowners who are just starting out.

2. Less risk of losing your deposit

It’s also important to think about damage and wear and tear. When renting furnished accommodation, you could find yourself liable for the condition of the furnishings. It’s essential to make sure that your contract sets out clearly what you will be financially liable for in the event of wear and tear, damage or loss of any of the items supplied, so you don’t end up with any unexpected bills!

It is always advisable to prepare an inventory of items with your landlord, and to take photographs as evidence of the condition of the furniture and fittings when you move in.

3. More scope to personalise

Another important area to consider is whether you are looking to personalise your property. With a furnished property, you will be quite restricted as to how far you can make it your own. If you’re not too bothered about sharing someone else’s taste in decor, this may not pose a problem.

However, if you have untapped creative energies and are looking to stamp your own mark on your home – and that shabby chic three piece suite just isn’t your style – you may prefer to let your imagination run free, with an unfurnished letting!

How to make a decision

So, whether it’s better to rent a furnished or an unfurnished property will depend on a number of factors, including speed and convenience, your own personal taste, and your longer-term plans.

For those who are just starting out, or planning to move on again within a short time frame, a furnished property might best fit the bill – but if you’re in it for the long haul it may be worth engaging with your inner designer and investing in your own things!

If you’re looking to move into a new rental home and prefer to bring your own bed, or if you need to put your existing furniture into storage for a while, remember that a Master Remover can help.

Whatever your future plans may be, our professional teams will make sure that your furniture and all of your other possessions are moved safely and efficiently into your new home. Contact us for a quote here.

As a business owner, you inevitably have to keep a certain amount of paperwork. However, with office space at a premium nowadays, finding room to store your business records can prove something of a challenge – especially over time and as the business grows.

The services of an established removal company can offer a solution, by providing safe and secure storage for your business archives. Here we give the lowdown on what kinds of documents you need to keep, and how a removals and storage company can provide your business archive solution.

Why do you need to keep records?

Businesses are legally required to retain a range of different documents, from tax and accounting records to employee records, and many of these must be kept for a set time – often a minimum period of at least six years.

Proper financial records must be kept for tax and accounting purposes. The information could also be requested by HM Revenue & Customs in the event of an enquiry, so it’s important that you comply with the necessary requirements – failure to do so could lead to a visit from the taxman and some potentially serious consequences!

If you employ staff, you must also keep certain records relating to their employment, including information on their wages and working arrangements, as well as information relating to health and safety.

Data protection legislation also requires that all personal and sensitive data relating to your staff and customers must be stored securely.

So, it’s essential to make sure your records are safe, secure, and easy to access should you need them.

What records do you need to keep?

Here are some of the key business records you must keep by law.

Tax and accounting records

Exactly which tax and accounting records you might need to retain depends on a number of different factors (including the nature and size of your company), but they will commonly include:

• records of sales and income
• business expenses
• VAT records, if you’re registered for VAT
• PAYE records, if you employ staff (see more below)
• details of your personal income

Records of transactions

You also need to keep sufficient proof of your business transactions, to back up your records.

These may include:

• receipts for goods and stock
• bank statements and chequebook stubs
• sales invoices, bank slips and till rolls

Staff records

Again, the exact records you need to keep will depend on a number of factors, but they commonly include:

• Information on staff pay rates
• Payroll information for all employees – including income tax and national insurance deductions, student loan payments, employee benefits and expenses, and statutory payments
• Original signed copies of employment contracts and any subsequent changes
• Records of any paid sickness exceeding four days – including Statutory Sick Pay
• Details of any disciplinary action taken
• Information on any work-related accidents or injuries
• Details of any termination of employment
• Sufficient records to prove that you comply with working time limits, under the Working Time Regulations

How a removal and storage company can help you

An established removal company, such as a Master Remover, can offer a range of safe and effective storage options, reducing the headache and freeing up valuable space. Some key areas to consider when choosing a removal company include:

• Security: your removal company should provide a well-managed storage site, with 24-hour security systems, CCTV, alarms and guarded access
• Safety: your business archives should be packed in specially-designed packaging, and stored in a dry, clean and fireproof environment
• Access: your removal company should provide a full inventory system, so that if you need to retrieve your records you can do so easily and with a minimum of fuss.

Setting aside sufficient space for secure cabinets to store all your business records can be an expensive and time-consuming business. Using your removal company’s storage facilities can offer an efficient and cost-effective way of meeting your business’s needs.

If you’re struggling to find the space to store your business records, contact Master Removers for help.

According to MoneySuperMarket, the average price of a one-bed flat in central London is now £1.13m. And there are plenty on the market that cost a lot more than that.

Here are five amazing properties in beautiful Dorset that you could buy for around the same figure (and if you’ve ever thought about moving to Dorset, here’s our fast track guide to becoming a local)…

1. A 17th century farmhouse in stunning countryside

Ridouts Farmhouse is set in 8.94 acres of land in the hamlet of Stoke Wake, surrounded by some of Dorset’s most beautiful countryside.

It has 5 bedrooms, a proper farmhouse kitchen, a kitchen garden, several outbuildings including a barn with stables, two pony paddocks and a double garage. And there’s also an extra, self-contained 2 bedroom cottage across the courtyard.

View on the Jackson Stops website here.

2. A ‘wow’ house by the sea

Over half of Dorset is consists of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and much of that is coastline.

Close by the Poole beaches and the shopping parade at Canford Cliffs is this architecturally stunning four-bedroom house with split-level open-plan living.

View on the Luxury & Prestige website here.

3. A six-bedroom family home for equestrians

Mad about horses? How about this magnificent 6 bedroom family home complete with stable block, tack room, sand school, three paddocks and 15 acres of land?

It’s at Buckhorn Weston, near Gillingham (which has a good Waitrose).

View on the Knight Frank website here.

4. A 36-acre farm in Nyland

If you want even more land, how about this 36 acres of prime farming land? It has an 18th century three-bedroom farmhouse, complete with original features including exposed beams, inglenook fireplace and flagstone floor.

And the kitchen has a four-oven cream AGA for the perfect rural living idyll…

View on the Symonds and Sampson website here.

5. A five-bedroom house with a veranda and views

Or finally, why settle for one bedroom when you can have five double-bedrooms (four en-suite) in a smart detached home with a spacious hall, open-plan living and a large decked veranda opening onto views of beautiful Dorset countryside?

View on Purple Bricks here.

Thinking of moving to Dorset? Contact us for a safe, reliable move, whatever your budget.

Your moving day represents the final step in the often long and involved process of moving house – the culmination of months of planning and packing. Having secured a buyer, packed up all your belongings, sorted the pets and the children, and told everyone you need to about your new address, the big day has finally arrived.

All you’re waiting for now is the removal men to turn up… but what happens if they don’t? Here’s our guide to securing your removal date and helping to make sure that things run as planned.

Why is it important to secure a date?

One of the main concerns for homeowners when buying or selling a house is that the removal company will not arrive as scheduled, and that the move will not be completed in time. More often than not, a house move involves a chain of buyers and sellers, and not being able to move on the agreed date upsets the entire chain.

Once you have exchanged contracts and reached the completion stage, you are legally bound to move out of your property in order to make way for the new owners, and there could be serious legal and financial implications if you are unable to do so. That’s why it’s essential to establish a moving date ahead of time and to book a company that will be there on the day and will stick to the plan.

The legal issues

If you’re selling your home, you must vacate it within a reasonable timeframe, to allow the new owners to move in. Legally a buyer cannot gain entry to a property until the funds have been cleared.

Sometimes issues can occur which are outside your control, for example delays with bank transfers, which can lead to keys not being released on time, meaning that the removal team have to spend hours waiting in the van – which then in turn delays the process of unloading your possessions at the other end!

What do I need to do?

There are a number of steps you can take to minimise the risk of any problems such as delays, and to help ensure that your removal team arrive as agreed, and that your moving day runs as planned.

Get it in writing

Once you have chosen your removal company, it’s essential to book your moving date as soon as possible and to get written confirmation. Remember to allow plenty of time, as your chosen company may be booked up several weeks in advance.

You should make absolutely certain that the chosen moving date is communicated to all parties, to avoid any issues with double booking or failure to turn up. Don’t rely on a phone call, an email, or a provisional booking in the diary – you should ask for a written contract which details exactly what is included in the service and sets out the agreed removal date.

Read the small print

Once you have received your written agreement, read it carefully. It should include information on what would happen in the event of any delays, and at what point the firm may begin charging for any additional hours, whether they will give you notice of this, and whether they will return the following day to finish the move if necessary. Any additional fees and measures should be reasonable and proportionate.

Book a removal survey

If your removal company miscalculates the amount of possessions they need to move, this could run the risk of delaying the process. By arranging a removal survey ahead of time, you can make sure that they have all the information they need to move your goods safely and on time, including establishing exactly what needs to be moved, which vehicles to send, and how long the process is likely to take – as well as any other special considerations, such as dealing with any large, awkward or fragile items. Don’t forget to include a tour of the loft, garage and garden, so nothing gets missed!

Pack in plenty of time

Many’s the time that people have found themselves still hurriedly throwing things into boxes when the removal company knock on the door. Packing invariably takes longer than you expect, so if you want to minimise the risk of any problems make sure that you’ve sorted your packing before moving day, and that you have disassembled any furniture and prepared white goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines ready for the removal company.

If you end up needing additional packaging materials, or if the move takes longer than expected, you could be charged extra by the removal company. Remember, an established removal company, such as a Master Remover, can offer a full professional packing service, helping to save you time and hassle and ensuring that your goods arrive safely at the other end.

Provide clear direction

Make sure that your removal company has clear directions to both your existing and your new house, and an accurate idea of how long it will take them to get there, together with any necessary parking permits. It’s worth providing a crib sheet with the relevant addresses, postcodes and mobile contact numbers.

Choosing a reliable removal company

Booking the right removal company also plays a vital part in making sure that your house move goes according to plan.

An established firm will have more experience and resources at its disposal, and is more likely to be able to deal with any issues that may come up.

It’s essential that you feel confident in your choice of removal company, so you should discuss your moving day with them ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. This might include how many vehicles and members of staff they will be using, and how much time they are allowing for the move, as well as any additional fees which may apply if the move over-runs, and what will happen if things don’t go quite as planned.

Taking the measures outlined above will help to ensure that your removal company has sufficient time and resources to move your belongings out of your old home, and also help to avoid a situation where you find yourself unable to move in when you reach the new one!

And if the worst happens – a Master Remover can rescue you!

Occasionally we are called by somebody who has been let down by their remover at the last minute. In most cases this is because they have booked a small owner-managed remover who has got a better offer. We have deep resources at our disposal – if you need a last minute removal rescue, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.

With a Master Remover, you can rest assured that you will be working with an established and experienced team, who are not only guaranteed to turn up on time, but will also be able to cope with any unforeseen issues – helping you to cross that final hurdle and get safely established in your new home. Contact us for a quote.

Moving abroad can be particularly challenging for you and your family, with extended journey times, continental crossings and customs considerations to take into account… not to mention settling in when you arrive at your destination.

So it’s essential to make sure that your chosen removal company understands and can deal with the logistical and other issues that an international move entails. Our handy guide considers the 8 key areas you need to think about when choosing a firm to manage your overseas move.

1) Experience

Don’t leave anything to chance! Ask your removal company what experience they have had with similar overseas moves. You need an established firm, with a good reputation and offering competitive rates. Ask for testimonials from previous customers, and take a good look at any online reviews. Find out whether the company is signed up to the BAR code of practice.

2) A dedicated move manager

With an overseas move, there are additional elements which will need to be carefully coordinated. Ask your removal company whether they have a dedicated manager who will be responsible for your moving strategy and who will act as your main point of contact. Find out whether this will be the same person when your reach your destination country.

3) A clear plan

It’s important to establish how your move will work in terms of timings, and what will happen when your reach the other end. You may need to arrive in the country before your possessions, for customs purposes. Your removal company should be able to advise you on all elements of the move, from identifying the most appropriate form of transport for your possessions, to giving you an idea of timescales for the transit of your goods and their passage through customs.

4) Legal knowledge

Depending on exactly where you’re moving to, there may be additional legal requirements and/or restrictions. For example, it may not be possible to pack certain goods into a shipping container for transit. Ask your removal company whether they can assist with any legal forms and cross-border issues. Your removal company should also have sufficient local knowledge and be able to take into account any events, such as festivals, which could potentially affect your moving schedule.

A good removal company, such as a Master Remover, will take care of all the official requirements, including customs paperwork, and make sure you and your goods are well looked after in transit.

5) Specialist packing and storage services

For an overseas move, you should consider making use of your removal company’s packing and storage services. Goods which are travelling overseas need additional protection, and an experienced removal firm will be able to provide expert packing services for export purposes, complete with quality boxes and containers, wrap and other specialist packaging materials. This will not only reduce stress and save time, but will help to ensure that your belongings arrive safe and sound following the long transit – however large, fragile or awkward they may be.

Find out whether your removal company can provide cost-effective packing and storage services, and how they will handle fragile items during their extended journey. You should also ask whether they offer a full unpacking service at the other end, to help get you established in your new home quickly, efficiently and with a minimum of fuss.

6) Transparency on costs

You should make sure that you are clear on exactly what is included as part of your moving package. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included in the fee, and whether there may be any additional costs, such as customs charges. It’s also important to ensure that you have in place appropriate insurance to cover your overseas move. Your removal company should be able to advise you, and offer any additional cover.

7) Opportunities to save costs for smaller removals

Depending on the size of your removal, it may be possible to combine your move with other overseas removals, reducing the overall cost. If you don’t need a full individual removal service it’s worth finding out whether your removal company makes regular consignments to your destination country.

8) Aftercare

Finally, once you and your possessions have safely reached your destination it’s important to consider what kind of aftercare your removal company can offer, and what will happen if there are any problems. Can they help you with settling in after the move, for example by offering multilingual support, and recommending local services such as plumbers or electricians?

If you’re making a move overseas, it’s essential that you choose an experienced and trustworthy removal company who can help with all aspects of the move, from securely packing your goods and coordinating their transit, to dealing with official requirements, and helping you and your family to settle in at the other end.

A qualified Master Remover can offer great value international removals without the stress, ensuring a safe and comfortable passage for you and your possessions throughout the duration of the move and beyond. Contact us for a quote.

Beautiful landscapes and coastlines, sandy beaches, top restaurants and lively towns – Dorset has something for everyone. No wonder it’s become such a desirable location for Londoners, young families and many others.

If you’re considering moving to Dorset, here’s the lowdown on how to settle in straight away and enjoy the area like a local…

Coast and country

Over half of the county of Dorset consists of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so if you love the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place.

Of course Dorset is internationally famous for the Jurassic Coast, the World Heritage Site stretching almost 100 miles from Exmouth to Studland Bay. You’ll already know the iconic Durdle Door natural arch at Lulworth (top), and perhaps Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck. You’re likely to be familiar with  the shifting pebbles of Chesil Beach, and the opportunities for fossil-hunting around Lyme Regis.

But there are plenty of lesser-known spots along the Jurassic Coast that are just as amazing. Kimmeridge Bay on the Isle of Purbeck has some of the best rockpools in the country, while Dancing Ledge is a stunning spot for sea views and strange optical illusions.

Meanwhile, inland there are heaths, vales and forests to explore, teeming with wildlife including otters and kingfishers. The Dorset countryside is famous as the heart of novelist Thomas Hardy’s Wessex. It’s peppered with Iron Age hillforts, stone circles and beautiful villages and towns, such as Sherbourne with its Abbey and two castles, or Shaftesbury with its instantly-recognisable steep cobbled street Gold Hill.

And there’s much, much more besides…

Beach life

Best for a traditional family day at the seaside:

There are ten miles of sandy beaches at Bournemouth and Poole, while perfect swimming and sandcastle conditions make Weymouth and Swanage ever-popular seaside holiday destinations.

Best for beachside strolling:

A local summer treat is to hop on the Mudeford Ferry in Christchurch and cross to the unspoilt Mudeford Sandbank and Beach (home of the extraordinarily expensive beach huts). The Beach House Café serves seafood with great views over Christchurch, while the nearby Hengistbury Head is a special nature reserve with lots to explore. Start at the Visitor Centre.

Best for watersports:

For surfers and windsurfers Kimmeridge Bay ( ‘K-Bay’) is a local legend. Surf Steps is a great surf school at Bournemouth beach (near Boscombe pier). If you fancy trying windsurfing or paddle-boarding, head to The OTC, a purpose-built centre at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, which was the sailing venue at the 2012 Olympics.

If surfing isn’t thrilling enough for you, you can try coasteering (jumping off cliffs into the sea, basically) at several locations including Dancing Ledge with Land and Wave.

Eating out

Dorset foodies really are spoilt for choice. At the top end of the market in Sandbanks (reportedly Britain’s most expensive seaside town) is Rick Stein’s latest world-class seafood restaurant.

Lyme Regis has a fantastic dining scene and is home to HIX Oyster and Fish House. Over at Studland there’s the Pig on the Beach, which as well as being a very trendy boutique hotel is a superb restaurant. And another great, hidden away hotel with a restaurant (and a spa where you can swim under the stars) is Summer Lodge Hotel in the village of Evershot.

For an unbeatable fish soup, head to the brilliant Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock.

Best for knickerbocker glories:

The Bramble Café and Deli in Poundbury is the current venture of superb local chef Mat Follas (he won Masterchef in 2009) and is already becoming famous for brilliant seasonal food and that signature dessert.

Best for afternoon tea:

Moreton Tea Rooms in Dorchester is a local teatime legend (booking advised at weekends). Traditional Dorset cream teas in grand surroundings can be had at the Royal Bath hotel in Bournemouth and the lovely Knoll House in Studland.

Best fish and chips:

You can’t go wrong with a long-established, family-run chippy. Try the Marlboro Restaurant in Weymouth, Chez Fred in Westbourne, Bournemouth or the Fish Plaice in Swanage.

Best pubs:

The Anchor Inn at Seatown (below) regularly wins prizes as a top gastropub, while the Scott Arms at Kingston near Corfe Castle is delightfully cosy.

There are hundreds more, of course. The Square and Compass at Worth Matravers is a hidden gem. Try following the Dorset Pubs Facebook page for more pub crawl tips.

Shopping

Castlepoint just outside Bournemouth is a huge out-of-town retail park with all the national stores you need. Poole has the Dolphin Shopping Centre if you prefer to walk around indoors.

High end brands (plus good lunchtime eating) can be found in Dorchester’s Brewery Square and Westover Road in Bournemouth.

But there are also lots of great independent stores throughout the county. Sherborne, Wareham, Swanage and Lyme Regis in particular have plenty for those who like boutique shops, handmade gifts and so on.

For books, there are such venerable institutions as Gullivers in Wimborne Minster, The Bookshop in Bridport and Bookends in Christchurch.  Replayed Records in Swanage is great for second hand music.

Best local food shopping:

For quality local produce try The Salt Pig farm shops in Wareham and now Swanage. There are farmers’ markets all over the county – see a list here.

Other local independent food shops well worth a visit include the Dorset Chilli Shop in Bournemouth and the very long-running old-fashioned grocers Dike and Son in Stalbridge.

Best markets:

Dorchester Market has been running on Wednesdays since the 1860s, and there’s a car boot variant on Sundays too.

Even better is Wimborne Market and Antiques Bazaar –  a huge covered market with over 200 stalls selling something for everyone.

10 fantastic things you can only do in Dorset

1. Go dolphin-spotting at Durlston

Durlston Country Park is a huge National Nature Reserve with all kinds of habitats, and is one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins. Sign up to receive Dolphin Alerts here and you’ll be told when there are dolphins visiting Dorset (and whales, basking sharks and seals too!)

2. Gaze at Midsummer in Bournemouth

Russell-Cotes is an English Victorian gem – a house, museum and art gallery. The best-known and loved picture in the collection is the 1887 ‘Midsummer’ by Albert Joseph Moore – guaranteed to warm the cockles.

3. Discover the Blue Pool

The Blue Pool at Furzebrook near Wareham, hidden away in acres of woods and heathland, is one of Dorset’s most beautiful secrets. Great for dog walking, and there’s a nice tea room too.

4. Search for red squirrels at Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is in the middle of Poole Harbour, but once you step off the ferry you feel like you’re a million miles away from civilisation. Now a National Trust property, the island is full of wildlife including a healthy population of red squirrels.

5. Have an ice cream at Barford Farmhouse Garden

A real summertime Dorset treat is to visit Barford Farm Farmhouse Garden, close to the River Stour at White Mill and enjoy a local Barford Farm ice cream. Heaven!

6. Make a pilgrimage to St Mary’s Chapel

In the grounds of Lulworth Castle is St Mary’s, a Georgian chapel that’s of the most beautiful little buildings in England. And while you’re at Lulworth, head for the Doll’s House shop for some homemade fudge.

7. Catch a film with at the Castle

On the subject of Lulworth Castle, a few times a year Luna Cinema show classic movies on a big outdoor screen right in front of the battlements.

8. A night at the theatre in Lyme Regis

The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is a charming, vibrant venue with gorgeous décor including a fantastic bar. Always a good night out.

9. Stroll amongst sculptures

Sculpture By the Lakes is a tranquil haven for art and nature lovers: a beautiful sculpture park created by Simon Gudgeon set in 26 acres of Dorset countryside.

10. Have breakfast with a view at Chesil Beach

The Taste Café is fast becoming one of Dorset’s favourite eateries. Go for a full English complete with Dorset black pudding – and stunning views over Chesil Beach.

What’s your favourite ‘local knowledge’ about Dorset? What have we missed? Let us know in the comments.

And if you’re moving to Dorset – or moving within Dorset – contact the Master Removers for a quote.

If you’re hosting a big Christmas event, one of the biggest challenges is how to cope with all the furniture. You may need to shift dozens or even hundreds of tables and chairs to a location. Or you might just need to clear a lot of stuff out of your house for a few days so there’s room for your guests. That can be a real logistical challenge, not to mention all the physical work involved.

Hiring a team of professional removers can take the problem out of your hands, leaving you to concentrate on the catering, invitations and the thousand and one other things you need to organise. It can also be very affordable.

Here are some smart ways a removals firm can help you in the Christmas season.

Christmas parties and events

Short-term furniture storage

If you need to empty your house of furniture for a few days, a removal and storage firm is the perfect answer. A Master Remover can collect your furniture, store it for as long as is needed, and then put it all back in situ when the party is over. As one of our customers put it, it’s a ‘bed and breakfast service for my furniture’.

Moving furniture within a building

Need tables, chairs and other furniture shifted around a house, into a marquee, or within an office building for an event? A removal team can do it swiftly and safely – saving you the heavy lifting and stress.

Bringing tables and chairs to your venue

If you need to transport a large number of tables, chairs and other furniture to A to B, hire a removals team for maximum efficiency.

Bringing Christmas trees and decorations out of storage

Christmas features and decorations such as large artificial trees for office buildings are often stored away off site somewhere for most of the year. A team of movers will have all the necessary muscle, vehicles and equipment to bring them to you in time – and can then collect them again in the New Year.

Special Christmas services

There are many other, perhaps less obvious ways a removals firm can help you in the festive season. At Master Removers some of our more unusual requests include:

• Hamper deliveries – if you or your business gives out bulky hampers at Christmas, using removers with vans to do a delivery run is a cost-effective solution.
• Charity donation collections – some businesses have hired Master Removers to drive round their branches, collecting boxes of charity donations to deliver to a single address.

Master Removers offer much more than just house moves and long-term storage. We have vans, equipment and experienced teams of willing people who love to get a job done and can always find a way of solving any tricky logistical problem.

Call for a quote if we can help you this Christmas.