Things people ask before they book

Four things decide it: how much there is, how far it is going, how hard both ends are to get in and out of, and how much packing you want us to do. Access swings it hardest in this city — a third-floor Lace Market conversion with one shared goods lift is a different job from a West Bridgford semi with a drive. That is why we survey before quoting rather than reading a number off a list.

The city and its districts — NG1 through NG11. City Centre, Lace Market, Hockley, The Park, West Bridgford, Beeston, Lenton, Sherwood, Mapperley, Forest Fields, Arnold, Carlton, Wollaton and Clifton. We do not cover Mansfield, Newark or Worksop; those are county towns and another firm serves them properly.

Yes, and it is a good share of our city-centre work. Most of the converted warehouses have a single goods lift shared by the whole building, a loading window that has to be booked, and a managing agent who wants our insurance certificate first. We arrange all of that directly rather than leaving it with you.

Where the street needs it, we apply to the City Council for a bay suspension and put cones out ahead of the move. A lot of inner Nottingham is controlled parking and the terraced streets fill early. Some streets do not need a suspension and a well-chosen loading point does the job — we decide which at survey.

As far ahead as you reasonably can, and especially if you are moving at the end of a month or on a Friday. The last week of June is the single busiest stretch in this city because both universities turn over at once — if your date falls in it, book well in advance.

All of it, some of it, or just the materials dropped off. Part-packing is the usual choice: we take the kitchen, the china, the glass and the artwork, and you handle clothes and books at your own pace. Fragile and high-value pieces we would always rather pack ourselves.

Goods-in-transit and public liability cover are both in place, and the limits are stated on your quote rather than buried in a policy you never see. There is a standard per-item limit; if you own something worth more than it, tell us at survey and we will arrange the cover that piece needs before the day.

Note it on the delivery paperwork while the crew is still there, and tell us in writing. The claims process and the reporting window are set out in the booking terms. We would much rather hear about it immediately than weeks later when nobody can say what happened.

Tell us the moment you know. Dates slipping in a chain is entirely normal and we would far rather re-plan early than find out on the morning. A booking moved with reasonable notice is usually just a diary change.

Yes, and for a flat or a smaller house it works perfectly well — you walk us round on your phone, open the cupboards, show us the stairs and the street. For a larger house, or anywhere the access looks awkward, we would still rather come and stand in it.

Saturdays regularly, and Sundays where the buildings at both ends allow it. Some city-centre blocks and most commercial premises restrict weekend moves in the lease, so it is worth checking before you settle on one.

Yes, as part of a move rather than as a self-storage unit you drive to yourself. Goods are inventoried and sealed at your address, held, and redelivered when you say. It is the standard answer to a chain that has slipped, a renovation that has overrun, or a student summer.

Not as a standard booking. Pianos need specialist equipment and the right cover, and there is a Nottinghamshire firm that does this properly — we would rather refer you than attempt it. Tell us at survey and we will point you in the right direction.

No. Waste clearance needs a carrier licence, which is a different business from removals. We can point you at the council service or a licensed clearance firm, but we will not take it on the van.

Our own crew, in our own vehicles. We do not sell your job on to whoever is free. If a move needs extra hands we tell you at quote stage that additional crew are coming, and why.

In a chest of drawers, usually yes if the unit is sound — it saves a lot of boxing. In a wardrobe, no: we bring wardrobe cartons so things travel hanging. Bedside drawers full of books are a no, for the sake of the runners and the person carrying it.

Someone who can make decisions, yes — at the start to walk the crew round and at the end to say where things go. You do not need to stand and watch, and most people use the middle of the day for keys, meters and the estate agent.

Meter readings at both ends on the day, a Royal Mail redirect set up well ahead, and appliances disconnected unless you have asked us to do it. Not our job, but it is the list people most often leave until the evening before.

Anything flammable, explosive or corrosive; gas bottles, paint, solvents and fuel; perishables; plants and anything living; firearms; and anything illegal. Pets travel with you rather than on the van. If in doubt, ask before the day.