Why do I need a surveyor to come and view my property for a quotation?
You need a surveyor to visit for a free quotation so that we can allocate the right size of vehicles for your moving day. We also need to calculate how many boxes you require, and which furniture covers we would need on the move day and what tools we would require to dismantle furniture. All these factors are missed with a phone/email estimate.
When & how will I receive the quotation?
You will receive your quotation by e mail within 24 hours. If the quotation is urgent you can ask my sales consultant to get this sent out within 24 hours by e-mail.
How many men will I require on removal?
The size of the removal crew is based on the information we have collected during the survey and is based on the volume to be moved, the distance you are travelling, the access at the two properties and whether we are offering packing or whether you pack yourself. By completing an onsite quotation the size of the crew is our responsibility, whereas if you take on a company that prices without a visit then it would be your responsibility if there were any issues.
What size vehicle will I get?
The size of the vehicle(s) is based on the volume of furniture and boxes at your property and this is calculated by our surveyors when they visit your property. It is our responsibility to volume the job because we would not expect a customer to do so and therefore we offer a Free onsite quotation.
Can I move at the weekend?
We are happy to carry out your removal at any time that is convenient to you, whether during the week or at the weekend.
Will my furniture be protected?
Yes, we use specialist covers for Sofas, TV’s, Pictures, Mattresses and our surveyor will list which covers are required for your move. Also on the vehicles we have hundreds of transit blankets for protection.
How will my clothes be transported?
We provide hanging wardrobe cartons to transport your hanging clothes from one property to another. These wardrobe cartons are allocated to each vehicle and cannot be left behind unless paid in full.
Will my Carpets / floors get dirty? Do I need to supply dust sheets?
Our Staff will do our best to keep carpets clean and tidy, although we may need a little help from you, if you have some spare dust sheets lying around. We supply Floor Covering to protect your carpets from the dirt on shoes whilst the team are walking between the vehicle and your home, and we also can lay down some blankets for extra protection. If you have spare dust sheets then we can use these as well for added protection, as when the weather is bad and we are carrying large furniture in and out of properties it is sometimes difficult to walk on the floor covering.
How long will my removal take?
There are several factors that affect the time it takes to complete a removal. The obvious ones are the amount of goods and the distance they are moving. Some may be less obvious but are just as important. Simple things like having to park ten feet further from your house due to parked cars can severely affect the time it takes to load or unload. Try to inform us of anything that may happen or be different on the day of your removal, even if it does not seem that important.
What size are removal boxes?
Bolt Removals use three types of Box, (1)A general purpose box is often referred to as a Pack 2 which is 18″ x 18″ x 20″. (2) The book box is smaller to restrict its weight and is suitable for heavier items not just books. It is also known as a Pack 6 and is 18″ x 13″ x 13″. (3) We also offer wardrobe boxes which are 20″ x 18″ x 40″. Packing materials for moving, do you provide them? If you are doing your own packing we can supply boxes within 24 hours of the confirmation. Our surveyor will estimate the quantity of boxes and we deliver them in advance. If we deliver you more boxes than you need you only pay what you use and if we under estimate how many boxes you require is not a problem because we will make a 2nd delivery for you.
It’s just a small move, will a man and van do?
A man and van is most often used for furniture collection. It's rare they can manage a complete move. If they work alone, they may ask a mate to help with a bigger job. That's a completely different service compared to that offered by a professional removals company. Can a man and van offer the standard of service that a Which Trusted Trader could offer? If your possessions are important to you, you will want to use the services of a reliable moving company. Bolt Removals has plenty of experience and complies with the Ombudsman code of practice. You can check our reviews on Google and Which Trusted trader to see why we are the favorite removals company in Cardiff. Please note that if you are completing on a property the same day you move out of your property the man and van company would have to clear the property fully by lunch time and cannot start unloading until you have keys, so if they are trying to complete a few trips this will not work and you could receive a fine from the vendors solicitors that you the customer are liable for.
What should I look for in a removal company?
You'll be glad you chose a removal company that is affiliated with a trade body. Bolt Removals are certified members of the Which Trusted Trader!
How many removal companies should I ask to quote?
Most customers usually get 2-3 removals quotes. Lowest price is not usually the most important factor in deciding who to trust with the move. Moving is personal so you want to know who is handling your belongings. You can get a a feel for who is more flexible, who offers the personal touch and who has full time office staff 6 days per week with sufficient call back services and professional websites so if you have a question you can make contact with them. Bolt Removals have full time office staff in from 7.30 – 6pm Monday to Friday, 8 till 1 (or later) on a Saturday and on a Sunday you can leave a message and we will call you back at the next possible opportunity.
Do you do international removals?
Yes, we offer international moving services. We partner with removal companies and shipping agents around the world, so that you can have a single point of contact. Bolt Removals complete the United Kingdom and Ireland part of your move and liase with our partners in foreign parts for the rest of your move.
What do removal costs include?
The removal costs include the vehicle allocation, a team of experienced, trained Staff, furniture covers for extra protection & floor protection if required. Priceless is the trust between our company and you in ensuring that we take the full stress and strain out of the move for you and your family.
Do you do piano removals?
Yes we remove pianos and other large or unusual property. We have specialist vehicles, equipment and staff experienced in moving pianos.
How long does it take for the removal van to get to my new house?
Once our crew has fully loaded your goods onto the Lorry/Van, we will head directly to your new property unless we have agreed that the move plan requires multiple days. Our lorries and most of the Luton vans are restricted to 56mph so if you had planned to reach your destination based on 70 mph, we may arrive later. We care about our drivers so we insist they take the necessary breaks. By law our drivers must take regular rest breaks to abide by the driving hour rules and regulations. A long distance move can take several days but this will be calculated during your survey and allowed for on the quotation before you book your removal.
How do I pay for my removal?
Deposit can be paid by BACS. The outstanding balance can be paid on the moving day prior to finishing unloading, or lastly cash to our driver on the removal day when the job is completed. Payment by credit cards are subject to 2% surcharge and AMEX 4%.
How long will my removal take?
There are several factors that affect the time it takes to complete a removal. The obvious ones are the amount of goods and the distance they are moving. Some may be less obvious but are just as important. Simple things like having to park ten feet further from your house due to parked cars can severely affect the time it takes to load or unload. Try to inform us of anything that may happen or be different on the day of your removal, even if it does not seem that important.
How do I pay for my Storage?
We quote a weekly/monthly storage price per unit and insurance. Once your goods are placed into secured storage our accounts team send out an invoice for the first 4 weeks/ 1 month. This amount can be paid via standing order or BACS. If you have your goods delivered back during a period of time you have already paid for then we can refund you on a weekly basis or deduct from your redelivery charges.
Can I access my goods in Store?
When you store goods with us you can have access to them but we need 24 hours notice. Your key will be available in the reception and an ID will be required in order to get your padlock key. Our members of staff will give you directions to your unit. Before leaving the storage please make sure your return the key to the reception. We can offer self-storage units at various sizes 25 square feet up to 250 square feet and you can visit in between our opening hours. (9AM-6PM Monday to Friday 10AM-4PM Saturday-Sunday) You will be required to either supply a padlock or purchase a lock from our shop.
Are my goods insured in storage?
Your goods will be insured by our Goods In Storage insurance. We offer our insurance free of charge!
What items are we not allowed to move or store?
Generally, any flammable liquids or gases however they are contained cannot be submitted for removal. Paint and oil cannot be transported either due to the high risk of damage to your goods should they leak. The same rules apply for storage with the addition of foods and house or garden plants. There are other items that cannot be stored or moved, firearms, ammunition and drugs. For a full and detailed list of exclusions, request and read the terms and conditions.
Do I have to arrange parking?
If parking is difficult outside your property or there are restrictions, you will need to contact your local council and organise parking or a dispensation. We can advise how much room or time will be required to carry out your removal. Any parking fines incurred will be added to your final bill and be paid by you. If there are no parking restrictions but you have issues with neighbours/commuters cars then I would suggest putting the bins out over night or some cones or park your cars outside to ensure nobody takes the spaces and then heads off to work. Also a friendly note through every door saying goodbye and please could you refrain from parking outside also goes a long way.
How much notice do you require?
We require as much notice as possible, but you should be given 7-14 days’ notice. We recommend that if you have a provisional date that you book in the removal company’s diary and then confirm when you get the final confirmation at least 5 working days before the booked date. You can change the moving date as many times as required with no financial loss as long as we change the date at least 5 working days in advance.
Do you dismantle and reassemble my furniture?
Unless this was agreed in the quote, all items needing dismantled are expected to be done and ready to move before we arrive. If agreed in the quote, our staff will carry out the dismantling and reassembly as agreed. It is essential that you say what is required at the quotation stage to allow for the necessary time and equipment to be provided. Trampolines we only can only dismantle because if our team put one together and there was to be an accident of any kind then we are not insured for injury so it’s best that the client completes this task.
Will you empty my loft?
Removal Companies are not insured to enter lofts, although we are happy to do so if requested but on the understanding that we are not insured for damage to goods / person / ceilings, and if the loft is not boarded out then our staff have the right to refuse assistance and they would have the backing of the office. Please ensure that if we help that all flooring is boarded out and there is sufficient lighting and proper ladders for entry. If help is required with moving stuff from the loft or into the loft at the new property, please notify us during the survey.
Do I have to empty my drawers?
As long as there are no heavy or breakable items left in drawers then it is usually ok to leave them full. Some types of furniture like self-assembly units don’t travel well and it is advised that you empty these completely. As long as the furniture itself is sturdy then items like clothing and bedding can and should be left in. You may find that our team can take the draws out of the unit, and move them separate placing them back into the unit on the vehicle and then repeat the process at the new property.
Can I do my own packing?
Yes is the simple answer. If you do your own packing, use boxes that are a suitable size and strength. Make sure you seal all your boxes as well, open top boxes like banana boxes make it impossible to safely stack your goods in the van. Always find out how packing your own boxes affects your insurance, most companies will only recognise damages if the box has been dropped or crushed. If you are unsure or struggling to get suitable boxes, we can supply you with what you need.
What time will the van arrive?
We usually inform our customers that the vehicles will arrive on the removal day between 8– 9am, this gives our crew time to load the vehicles in the morning with the correct materials, and then get to your property ready to load up. If you are having a pack service, the day prior then we usually say around 8am but you can dictate the times for packing.
Are my goods insured in storage?
Your goods will be insured by our Goods In Storage insurance. We offer our insurance free of charge!
What if my Wardrobe/Sofa is too big for the new property?
Our trained staff will do there absolutely best for you, if an item of furniture is too large for the new property, and by using specialised sofa covers we can manoeuvre sofas through tight door ways with the covers taking all the pressure rather than the sofas or the walls. If an item is too large but you would like them to try and move it, but my team feel damage could be caused then they will ask you to sign a waiver sheet before move the item in to the property because if damaged is caused and we advised you that the item does not fit then we cannot be liable.
I am very particular, do you offer a higher level of service?
The answer to this is yes, although we treat every customer and every move with the greatest of respect we do offer a Platinum service. The Platinum service includes an onsite FOREMAN, who will be present for the duration of the move, he will be your point of contact, and ensure that everything is running smoothly, and be in charge of the move from start to finish. Please speak with our manager regarding this service.
I have a room full of boxes, what shall I do with them?
If you have moved within the local area we would be more than happy to arrange a box collection to collect the flat pack boxes when you have finished unpacking. If you have moved long distance then I would recommend calling a local removal company to see if they want them for free, or disposing of them yourself. We re-use the cardboard for protecting furniture on our international moves, and give some to local charities or businesses, and if they are in good condition we can re-use them ourselves.
Where are my goods stored? Is it dry and secure?
Confidential and secure, we provide cost effective storage for home, business or leisure. All our units are clean, dry and well lit in a modern and purpose-built facility. Your goods are stored inside our secure CCTV operated storage facility. The self-storage containers have doors with padlocks because the general public have access during the days.