A removals industry veteran with over 30 years’ experience has outlined seven frequent mistakes homeowners make during property relocations, highlighting issues that can significantly impact moving costs and timelines.
Dennis Rogers, Managing Director of Redpath Moving & Storage, a North London-based removals firm, has identified patterns of errors that recur across residential moves, from small flats to period properties.
Price-driven decisions
According to Rogers, selecting removal companies based solely on cost represents the most common error. “The cheapest quotation can often become the most expensive option,” he stated, citing instances where budget providers fail to allocate sufficient staff or appropriately sized vehicles.
Rogers noted that firms offering significantly lower quotes than competitors often lack proper insurance, adequate equipment, or sufficient time allocation. Cases of removal companies failing to attend on moving day have been reported to the firm.
He recommended assessing experience, trade body membership, and service inclusions alongside pricing when selecting providers.
Volume miscalculation and timing issues
Underestimating possession volumes emerged as another significant issue. Rogers indicated that accumulated items in storage spaces, lofts, and garages are frequently overlooked during initial assessments.
At Redpath Moving & Storage, property surveys are conducted in person or via video to determine accurate volumes. Incorrect assessments can result in inadequate vehicle capacity, insufficient packing materials, or extended moving timeframes.
Packing timelines also present challenges. Rogers described arriving at properties on moving day to find kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, and bookshelves still unpacked, despite homeowners believing themselves nearly ready.
The firm recommends beginning packing with infrequently used items and using proper boxes supplied by removal companies rather than supermarket cartons, which may prove inadequate for protection and handling.
Access and decluttering considerations
Access restrictions, particularly in London locations, can substantially affect moving operations. Parking restrictions, controlled parking zones, narrow roads, and properties without lift access all impact logistics.
Rogers cited areas of North and North West London, including Hampstead streets, as presenting particular challenges requiring advance planning regarding vehicle parking, permit requirements, and stair access.
Decluttering prior to moves can reduce costs and volumes. Rogers noted that items are frequently transported directly from one storage space to another without being used between relocations.
Completion day variables
Completion day timing remains subject to factors beyond homeowner control. Key releases can be delayed, banking transfers may take longer than anticipated, and previous owners may not vacate as scheduled.
Rogers advised building flexibility into moving day schedules, noting that overly tight planning can be disrupted by minor delays. Communication between customers, estate agents, solicitors, and removal companies is essential, particularly given risks associated with property transactions.
For long-distance moves, the firm sometimes recommends overnight hotel stays with next-day unloading rather than same-day completion.
Crew credentials
Rogers emphasised the importance of verifying removal company credentials, including physical addresses, British Association of Removers membership, and crew experience levels.
He stated that professional removal crews require skills beyond basic lifting, including furniture protection, space assessment, item disassembly and reassembly, and problem-solving capabilities.
The company employs trained staff with designated team leaders for moves, contrasting with firms that may use casual labour.
Rogers concluded that successful moves depend on accurate surveys, early packing commencement, access consideration, and coordination among all parties involved in the transaction. While property relocations inherently involve stress, advance preparation can reduce complications, he noted.
