Avoid the headache- your guide to a successful move

Moving home can be a daunting prospect...

Moving home consists of packing and transporting often thousands of different objects, each of different Value, shape and size, from one location to another.

Given the stress of selling, buying and renting homes, it's no wonder that people often give little time to thinking exactly what will or will not be moved to Their new home.

Always choose a BAR member

BAR companies have the experience, expertise and Facilities to handle your move properly. If you need advice, call us on 01923 699 480.

Plan your move well in advance

Contact your local moving company up to one month before you hope to move even if you don't know exactly when the big day will be. They will tell you exactly what they offer and the areas you need to think about. This way you can plan your time and concentrate on the essentials.

Don't do the packing yourself

If you can afford to have it done professionally, do so. Packing is not expensive. BAR companies use a range of appropriate packing materials and employ fully trained staff who will pack your things professionally and safely.

Insurance

No matter how much care is taken with packing and handling, accidents do sometimes happen. All member companies must have insurance which meets BAR standards and we strongly advise you to discuss this with them.

Don't move on Friday

If you can, avoid Fridays as this day is always busy. It's often cheaper to move in the middle of the week.

Make Sure that you don't forget anything important on your moving day!

You must notify DVLA and update your driving licence and V5 logbook.
See this page on the DVLA website for details

Moving home is a difficult time for any household pet as animals do not like their routine disturbed. Separation from their owner, a change of environment and a host of new smells can all cause stress, so don't forget about that extra member of the family on moving day.

Dogs

The sight of its owners packing and a house full of strangers can be very worrying for a dog so keep them away on moving day. Ask a person with whom your dog is familiar to look after it. Once your dog is out of the home, keep it away until you can take it with you to the new home. When you arrive at the new house, wait until everything is indoors and their basket and toys are ready before introducing you dog to its new home. Try to keep everything as calm and normal as possible (not always easy on moving day) and reassure your dog if it is nervous. It is also wise to encourage your dog to go to the toilet before entering your new home.

Cats

Cats have a tendency to run away or hide when they become distressed, so to avoid frantic searching, ask a friend or neighbour to look after your cat on moving day. When transporting your cat always use a proper travel basket. The last thing you need is a terrified cat escaping from an inadequate box halfway between houses. Make sure that you have some cat food and water with you, as missed meals will only add to the stress. As with a dog, the sight of familiar things such as a basket or favourite rug can be very comforting on arrival.

Birds

Birds: If possible, put their cage in a position in the new home as similar as possible to the old home. Caged birds will normally travel quite well and will be happy with you in the car, but the journey needs to be short and they need their food, water and ventilation.

Fish

Fish: Fish should be taken out of their tank and put into a proper container designed for their transport. These are available from any good pet shop or specialist fish retailer. The fish tank should then be emptied, dried and protected with polystyrene packing for the journey. Please talk to your mover about these details before the move starts.