Frequently Asked Questions

As the foremost provider of removals, storage, and packing services across London and Hertfordshire, we get many questions from our customers about the whole house move process and how it works.

To save you time, we’ve put together the following list of some of the more common queries we have received, together with our answers.

Domestic Removals Services

These are the most common questions concerning our domestic removals services.

How far in advance do I need to book my moving date?

The earlier the better. While we can sometimes accommodate a last-minute booking (usually if there has been a cancellation in the meantime) if you want to guarantee our availability on a given date, we would need between 6- and 8-weeks’ notice.

Do I need to disassemble my furniture, or will your movers do it?

Do I need to disassemble my furniture, or will your movers do it

Anything you can do to speed up the loading process will be helpful, including taking apart large pieces of furniture. However, we understand that not all our customers are able to do so, and are happy to assist with these items on the day. All we ask is that you inform us of it at time of booking, so we can work out the additional time and cost associated with it.

Do I need to arrange a parking permit for the removal van?

The short answer is: we don’t know. Different streets and different councils have different rules and regulations regarding large vehicles parked on them during the daytime. Ultimately, the responsibility for any permits lies with you, the customer, so we recommend checking with your local council once you’ve booked your moving day with us.

How long will the removals process take on the day?

Much of that depends on the distance between your current house and your new home and the traffic conditions we can expect between them. Other than that, assuming everything has been dismantled, packed up, and is ready to go, we would normally expect to load a full house worth of belongings in between 60-90 minutes, with a similar time for unloading at the other end.

Are my belongings insured throughout the process?

At F V Removals we are fully insured, so your belongings are covered by our policy for the time when they are in our care. Specifically, this means that we will cover accidental damage and loss to any item from when we pick them up to load them on the van, to when we deposit them in your new house. Any damage incurred before or after these times will be down to your contents insurance to cover.

Commercial Removals Services

These are the most common questions concerning our commercial removals services.

How do you operate a commercial move?

There are so many variables in any move of commercial or office premises that it is not possible to answer that question here. After your first call with our team, we will set you up with a move manager, who will go through the specific needs of your business, pertinent to the move. They will then help to put together a timetable that works for you and your employees, minimising the disruption to your normal working practises as much as possible.

How much notice do I need to give for a commercial move?

Just like with our domestic removals services, the more notice you can give us the better. Normally, we would hope for somewhere between 10 and 12 weeks, with there being so many different aspects of the move to take into consideration when it comes to commercial clients. That being said, we are sometimes able to facilitate moves at shorter notice, depending on our current schedule, so feel free to ask.

Will you move computer and telephony hardware?

Our removals team are quite happy to move any of your office infrastructure to your new premises, but please understand that, whilst we will deposit them wherever you require in the building, we are not sufficiently trained or qualified to install them once they are there.

How can I limit service disruption during an office move?

We will discuss this as part of your moving plan, but we are able to arrange commercial moves outside of normal working hours if this is more convenient to your staff and your customers.

Storage Services

These are the most common questions concerning our storage services.

Is there a minimum amount of time I have to keep my belongings in storage for?

A F V Removals, we offer a variety of self-storage solutions, with both short- and long-term packages available. Whether you need a storage unit for a couple of weeks while you renovate your new home, or for a few years while you travel or study abroad, we can provide you with a solution to match.

Can I change the length of my storage term midway through?

We run flexible storage contracts so, if your needs change, so can your storage solution. Be aware that, since our long-term contracts are designed to be more cost effective, cancelling a long-term storage solution midway through could incur a service charge.

Do I need to bring my belongings to the storage facility myself?

Not at all. As a full-time removals company, we certainly have the vehicles on hand to transport your items for you, as well as the team to ensure that your belongings are loaded and unloaded safely.

Will my items be safe in your storage facility?

Our storage facility is covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system that recordings the comings and goings of everybody entering the building, so you can rest assured that your belongings will be as safe with us as they would be with you.

Will my items be insured whilst in your storage facility?

Our storage facility is insured against fire, theft, and accidental damage for the time that your belongings are on site. Any damage that occurs as a result of environmental factors – for instance, if you put in a bag of damp clothes that subsequently go mouldy – will not be covered by the policy.

Will I have access to my items during the time that they are in storage?

Yes. Any of our customers can access their self-storage unit when they need to. You will have your own key for your storage unit and will be met by a member of our team when you arrive, to ensure full security at all times.

Are your storage solutions for domestic customers only?

Not at all. We have many commercial clients who use our storage facilities for a number of business purposes. Some use them for archiving documents, some for storing stock, and still others for storing office furniture and hardware during a business move. We offer great rates for business customers, who often need our services on a more long-term basis.

Packing Services

These are the most common questions concerning our packing services.

Do I really need a packing service?

Not at all. If you’re happy putting all of your belongings into boxes and so on, then feel free to do so yourself. Many of our customers find this an exhausting experience, both physically and emotionally, and rely on our team of professionals to handle it for them.

I can handle most of the packing, I just need help with a few bits. Can you help me?

Of course! Our packing service isn’t an ‘all or nothing’ deal. If you just need a few of the more delicate or difficult items securely wrapping and packing, we can do that for you, and leave you to the rest.

Will you only pack for a removals job?

Not at all. If you’re making use of our self-storage facility, then we’re just as happy to help pack your belongings ready for storage as we are to do it prior to a house move.

Are my items insured during the packing process?

Our insurance does not cover accidental damage whilst packing your items. Whilst we take every care with your belongings, particularly those you have highlighted as being valuable or fragile, any breakages will be recoverable under your own contents insurance.

What do I need to have ready before you start packing?

We will not do any sorting or separating. If you hire us to pack up a room, then that is what we will do – everything wrapped and packed safely, in as few boxes as possible, without questioning what should go in and what shouldn’t. If you want to do a clear out of your old stuff – that needs to happen before we get there!

I’m planning on packing myself. Can you tell me where I can find good quality boxes?

We can do better than that – we can provide you with them! Not just boxes either. We have a range of quality packing materials, including sturdy cardboard boxes, hard-wearing plastic containers, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Give us a call and we’ll estimate how much you’re likely to need. We’ll even buy back any unused packing materials once your move is complete. We hope you find the answers you’re looking for in the above list. If not, call F V Removals today on 0203 6672 597 and speak to a member of our team.