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Category Archives: Moving tips

London removals jargon buster

If you’re moving house in London and you’ve gone online to do your homework, you might find yourself up against quite a bit of confusing jargon. This is especially the case for people moving to the capital for the very first time. What on earth is a ‘red route’ and how will it affect moving day? And will you need a ‘dolly’ during your house move? Let’s bust some jargon!

Property Survey

Also known as a ‘move consultation’, this is when a member of the Kiwi Movers team pops round to ask crucial questions about the move. They’ll ask about:

  • Whether or not you’re in a chain
  • The parking situation at both the property you’re leaving and your new home
  • Your move date.

 

The survey will also mean taking a close look at your property, from top to bottom. Don’t worry – you don’t need to tidy up! We’ll just be making a note of any large, awkward or valuable items that will need to be moved. The consultant will also check for furniture that’ll need to be dismantled.

Volume

This term is used by London removals companies simply to mean the amount of stuff to be moved. It includes everything from boxes to furniture. An accurate estimate of ‘volume’ is essential to work out how long the move will take and how many movers will be assigned to the job. Finally, what vehicle will be used.

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Congestion Charge Zone and London Low Emissions Zone

Removals companies in London have an extra challenge to deal with as well as getting your stuff from A to B. They must also deal with London’s road restrictions, which includes the Congestion Charge Zone. This is where a daily charge is due if you drive through the zone during certain hours. Another one that London removals companies know all about is the Low Emissions Zone, where vehicles that don’t meet certain emissions standards will be charged for entry.

Red routes

This is another challenge affecting removals companies in London. Red routes are the busiest roads in the city, so-called because of their red markings. There are signs along these routes advising on what you can and can’t do in relation to parking, loading, bus lanes and turns. Experienced London removals companies know about red routes and how to use them, so no penalties are incurred.

Self-store

Don’t want to move everything right now, or don’t have enough space in your new place? Self-store is the solution. It refers to clean, modern storage units where you pay a weekly, monthly or annual cost. In most cases, you can also access your self-storage unit whenever you want.

Dolly

This is a word that London removals companies use regularly, but those not in the industry may not have a clue what it means. A dolly is simply a small, wheeled platform designed for moving heavy objects. Professional movers use dollies to shift all of your bulkier items safely, smoothly and without the risk of injury or damage to your property.

Have any other burning questions? Please call the team at Kiwi Movers on 020 8877 9682* – we pride ourselves on our jargon-free, straightforward approach to London moves.

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London removals in winter – things to consider when moving house in the capital during the colder months

When moving house, timing is crucial. It not only affects the likelihood of selling or buying a house and getting the price you want, but also moving day. Believe it or not, the time of year you pick for the move can affect the cost as well as the smooth running of the day.

Considering moving house in winter?

Many people move house in winter. This could be just the way everything has worked out with their property transaction or when their lease ends, but it can also be more of a strategic decision.

This is because moving house in winter can actually be cheaper. The property market is far less active in winter (as people mainly choose to sell houses in summer when they look at their best). This means less demand for London removals in winter and lower tariffs. You’re more likely to be able to book in the day you want, at a great price.

You may also be able to secure a short notice booking more easily, just in case you need to move unexpectedly early. London removals companies have more space in their calendars, so they can fit you in even at very short notice.

As an added bonus, tradespeople may also have more availability in winter, just in case you need any snagging work done when you move in.

moving house quote bannerMake sure you avoid Christmas

Winter in general may be a cheaper time to book in a removals team, but make sure you avoid Christmas! It sounds obvious, as everything is more expensive at Christmas, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to ‘be in by Christmas’. Wait just a few weeks more and you could save a small fortune on moving costs.

Cons to consider with London removals in winter

London removals in winter are undoubtedly cheaper, but are there any other things to consider? Make sure you bear the following in mind before booking in a winter move:

  • Fewer daylight hours – winter days give you far less daylight time in which to complete your move, so make sure your move is achievable. The last thing you want is to book in another day, if that’s even possible with your property chain.
  • Slippery surfaces – moving in winter can be more hazardous, especially if you aren’t experienced. Slippery surfaces, wet conditions and ice-cold hands are all problems that could make DIY moves very dangerous, so it’s always best to call in the professionals for winter moves.
  • Driving conditions – just like with the above, poor weather conditions can make driving hazardous. This is especially concerning for those carrying a full load of heavy furniture and boxes. Again, it’s best to rely on the experts, with their expertise and winter-ready vehicles and equipment.

 

For London removals at any time of the year or to book in your winter move, simply call Kiwi Movers on 020 8877 9682* for a quick quote.

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How to pack your kitchen for a house move

Packing to move house is something of an art form. It requires careful planning and a good deal of organisation, otherwise you could end up moving many more boxes and bags than necessary. Worse still, you could face the hassle and expense of breakages due to improperly packed items.

If today’s the day you tackle the packing of the kitchen, you’re in for a real challenge. Not only is your kitchen the fullest room of the house in terms of stored items, but it’s also full of breakables.

How to pack your kitchen – 8 essential tips

We’ve put together some essential packing tips to help make the job easier…

  1. De-clutter

This is one of the most important packing tips for any room. Don’t move what you don’t need, or you’re only making work for yourself. Before packing, have a good old sort out. Send unwanted items to the charity shop, tip or pop them online and sell them. Et voilà! There’s far less to move.

  1. Put essentials to one side

Don’t make the mistake of packing absolutely everything, only to find that you can’t find a kettle or mug to have a brew in the first few days of unpacking in your new place. Put these items to one side, to be packed in their own accessible box.

  1. Choose strong boxes – but not too large!

The temptation with a large box is to overfill it, which means a super heavy box that is likely to break. Avoid such a catastrophe with small and medium boxes, ensuring they’re as durable as possible. It’s a good idea to source them from moving companies like Kiwi Movers, as we have the perfect moving boxes for the job.

  1. Get the rest of your packing materials

As well as boxes, you’ll need newspaper or packing paper, tape and marker pens to label each box. It depends how much stuff you have, but moving an average family kitchen requires at least 10 medium, 5 large and 5 heavy duty boxes.

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  1. Sort items into designated boxes

This is a no-brainer, as it makes unpacking so much easier on the other side.

  1. Put items inside each other

Provided you wrap everything carefully enough, this is one of the best tips to take on board when learning how to pack a kitchen. Using the space inside bowls, pans and other items can save loads of room inside your moving boxes.

  1. Moving food

Unopened products can be wrapped and packed carefully, but anything open will need to be sealed with tape or placed in a suitable container first. It could be worth planning ahead to use up as many items as possible before moving.

  1. Call in the professionals to move your appliances

Remove any moving parts that can be easily and safely removed, then let the Kiwi Movers team do the rest. We have experience in moving heavy and awkward items, so we can shift appliances quickly and efficiently along with the rest of your boxes and furniture.

Can’t face packing? Kiwi Movers offers a packing service, making it easier to get you into your new home. Call us on 020 8877 9682* for a quote.   

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What’s an open-first box? The house move essentials you must pack

Failing to pack something called an ‘open-first box’ before moving house is a rookie mistake, but we’ve all been there. In the rush and chaos of packing, we pack literally everything. Unfortunately, that usually means that in the first few days in your new home, you can’t find any of the essentials you need – not even to make a cup of tea. The kettle, your hair brush and even the toilet roll is buried at the bottom of goodness knows which box.

Think of an open-first box as a survival kit. It’ll keep you sane as you gradually unpack and find homes for all your stuff, and save you having to buy everything afresh.

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Packing tips for your open-first box – what to include

Before you start packing, make yourself some lists. This not only makes your feel productive (even if you haven’t actually done anything yet) but it also organises your workload. Make a separate list for your open-first box for moving house, including essentials such as:

  • A couple of mugs or cups
  • The kettle – plus the toaster too if you like
  • Non-perishable food/drink such as coffee, tea bags and snacks
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Soap, shampoo and conditioner
  • Hairbrushes, cosmetics, deodorant and other personal hygiene items
  • Hairdryer
  • At least one change of clothing for every family member
  • A couple of bathroom towels
  • Toilet roll
  • Scissors, a knife, bottle opener and can opener
  • A torch – just in case you have to creep into the cellar to flick a fuse switch
  • A sponge, tea towel, washing up liquid and bin bags
  • A phone charger, plus chargers for other electronic devices
  • A set of cutlery and plates (camping or paper plates are a good idea for the first night)
  • Basic medicine (i.e. painkillers, hay fever tablets) plus any prescription medication.

 

A good way to think about your open-first box for moving house is like packing for a holiday. You need basic supplies for a short period of time. You may find you have other essentials (kid’s toys, electronic devices, books etc) that you can’t do without, even just for a night or two.

Other crucial tips include:

  • Your open-first box should be the last box you seal. You’ll be using all of your useful items right until the last minute, so it makes sense that you’ll pack them last.
  • Take your open-first box to your new home in your own vehicle. Unless you give your moving crew specific instructions to offload it separately, don’t put the box in the van with the rest of your stuff. It’ll likely get lost, or buried.
  • Don’t forget to label it! If the box is the same shape, size and colour as all the others, what hope have you of finding it easily if it’s not labelled?

 

Need help with packing or moving, or both? Simply call the Kiwi Movers team on 020 8877 9682* for a quick quote and a 100% efficient, professional and insured moving service from start to finish.

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How to pack to move house in a hurry

In an ideal world, you’d have many weeks to plan a house move. You could take your time de-cluttering, packing and arranging every detail of the move. Unfortunately though, life doesn’t always work like that.

Sometimes, you may need to consider moving house in a hurry. It might be that things happen unexpectedly with your house purchase or sale, or that the chain of property transactions takes a sudden leap forward. Your plans may change, and you may need to leave your rental property earlier than expected.

Packing to move house in a hurry may not be ideal, but it is doable. Follow these packing tips to pull off a full house move in a fraction of the time, with as little stress as possible:

1. Call removals companies in case of cancellations

You never know, you may just be lucky and a last-minute spot may come up when you need it. Even when all removals firms are fully booked, it’s always worth ringing up just in case. Using a removals firm can make all moves much easier, but especially if you’re moving house in a hurry. Professional movers have the transport, packing materials and expertise to make the day as hassle-free as possible, so you’d be mad not to use them if you have the budget and a cancellation space becomes available.

Call Kiwi Movers on 020 366 89726 to check for cancellations or to enquire about a short notice move.

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2. Make a checklist

Now, it’s time to think about packing. Tackling such a large job can seem overwhelming, but not if you break it down into manageable chunks. It’s up to you how you sort jobs, whether it’s room-by-room or in priority order.

3. Get rid of unnecessary stuff – and be ruthless

Moving house in a hurry is much, much easier if you have less stuff to shift. The last-minute rush can actually be a blessing in disguise, as it forces you to be more decisive about things you’ve been meaning to get rid of. If you don’t use it, get rid of it. You can donate to charity or simply send to the tip.

4. Organise everything into piles

If you’re packing to move house in a hurry, it can make it much easier to organise everything into piles before you put it into boxes. You can sort based on similar items and which will be easier to pack together, as well as things you’re getting rid of. It’s ok to have a ‘maybe’ pile! Once you have your piles, you can see more clearly how much stuff you have and how many boxes you’ll need.

5. Bring in reinforcements

In an emergency, like moving house in a hurry, call on friends and family to help out. If they’re available, they won’t mind. Get them packing those piles you’ve made into boxes, disassembling large pieces of furniture and cleaning rooms – just make sure you’ve got refreshments on hand as a reward for their hard work.

Kiwi Movers can help with moves of all kinds, and it’s always worth giving us a call on 020 366 89726 in case of last-minute cancellations.

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When should I book a removal company? Getting the best price for London removals (even without a confirmed exchange date)

When should you book a removal company?

Like so many things with moving house, knowing when to book a removals firm in London is all about careful timing. So many people wait until they have an exchange or completion date to start looking for movers. However, this can be a huge mistake.

pencil in a move

 

Remember the number one rule – book early, save money

How much notice do removals firms need? The simple answer to this is – as much as possible! In nearly all cases, booking a removals company as early as humanly possible will result in a cheaper rate. The more organised you can be in planning out your move, the more you will save when it comes to moving day.

London is a hugely busy market, with thousands of house moves happening every day. Prices, as with most things in London, tend to be a little higher too. If you lock in a cheap rate early, you’ll make your move much less stressful as well as more affordable.

Booking in a removals firm when you don’t know your move date

One of the key questions to ask removals companies is whether they can be flexible if you book in a date early. Some companies, such as Kiwi Movers for example, prefer you to ‘pencil in’ a date as early as possible. Even if you don’t have a date for your move or even for exchanging contracts, you can still estimate a date and get it provisionally booked in. If this date changes, which it is very likely to do, we will happily reschedule and honour the existing price in most cases where an advance booking has been made – provided of course that you let us know as early as possible.

So, knowing that you can reschedule your moving date if you need to, absolutely don’t hesitate to book a date in now. Don’t wait to find out your exchange or completion date, get it booked in now.

Call Kiwi Movers on 020 8877 9682* to check availability and prices, and to let us know about potential moving dates.

What else affects the cost of hiring a removals firm?

There are other things that may affect your decision when considering when to book a removals firm in London. If you’re keen to save money (as we all are), you can also avoid bank holidays and weekends. This is because these tend to be the busiest times for removals firms, as it’s when everyone wants to move. To avoid peak-time rates, plan ahead and choose a weekday for your move if you’re able to.

You could also use this time, while waiting for things to happen on your property transaction, to de-clutter. If you have less to move, it can be moved more quickly. You may find that the price of moving is cheaper.

Hopefully you now have a better idea of when to book a removals firm in London, with that all-important budget in mind. But if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Kiwi Movers team.

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Short distance removals in London – what’s the best way to relocate locally?

Let’s discuss relocating locally…

Moving locally and short distance moves can sometimes be harder to organise than a long-distance relocation. Some people find it difficult to choose the right solution, whether it’s a full removals service, man and van or tackling the move themselves. But what is the best way to move within neighbourhoods or London boroughs? Here’s why professional movers could be the solution for short distance removals in London.

Don’t fall into the DIY trap

If you’ve ever moved house yourself, you’ll know just how back-breaking it can be. With a few years elapsing between moves, it’s easy for the memory of how tiring, stressful and pretty awful that day was to fade. This can lead to you thinking – “we’ll just hire a van and do it ourselves, it’ll be easy and we’ll save money”.

In reality, it can make the move many times more stressful and difficult than it needs to be. And factoring in van rental and the very real likelihood of breaking or damaging items or property (or yourself!) along the way, it isn’t always a money-saver.

When it pays to bring in the professionals

There are a couple of questions to ask yourself when coming up with a plan for short distance moves. These are:

  • Do I have a lot of stuff? As a general rule of thumb, if you have at least two bedrooms or an attic/cellar full to bursting with stored items, you have a lot of stuff.
  • Do I have anything valuable? This could be expensive antique furniture, or something of great sentimental value like a family heirloom.

 

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, and for many people both will apply, then it could pay to bring the professionals in. A highly trained team of professional movers, experienced in short distance removals in London, can take a huge amount of stress off your shoulders. Choose the right team and you’ll drastically reduce the stress, cost and time spent on the move.

pencil in a move

Professional London removals companies like Kiwi Movers will take extra care with valuable items, drastically reducing the chances of damage. They know how to tackle logistical problems such as tight spaces or multi-floor moves, and they come fully insured for every eventuality for your peace of mind.

Planning short distance moves – which option to choose

The best way to start your planning is early and with a chat with a home removals specialist. You can provide the details of the move, including the new location, how much stuff you have and details of any valuables. The Kiwi Movers team can advise on the best option, from a full crew for short distance removals in London or a great value man and van service which charges by the hour. You’ll also be advised to book as far in advance as you can, avoiding bank holidays and other high-demand times. This is how you’ll get the very best price for your move. Get a callback from a Kiwi Movers specialist here.

You’ll be extremely glad you chose the professional London removals option on the day, when you see just how many heavy, bulky items come out of your house! All the stress and work is handled by someone else, so you can simply look forward to settling in your new place.

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London office relocation checklist – ten things you can’t afford to forget

Considering a London office relocation? There’s a lot to remember, so it can feel a little overwhelming. Take a look at these essential points, to help you prioritise your ‘to-do’ lists:

1. Minimising business disruption is your number one goal

In all of the steps below, remember that everything you do should be to minimise business disruption. Cost is important too, but business disruption can cost you far more so it should take priority.

2. Phased removal

It’s a mistake to try to move absolutely everyone and everything at once. Unless, of course, you’re small enough to complete it and get back up and running in just one day. You need to plan the move in phases, to ensure maximum business continuity.

3. Professional furniture removal

Office relocation companies can be a godsend during a move. It simply isn’t feasible, good value or practical to arrange the removal of a large office or multiple offices yourself. You need a professional, who can move everything quickly, safely and efficiently. Choose a company like Kiwi Movers, which specialises in small office removals in London – with highly trained movers, a fleet of clean, spacious vehicles and full insurance.

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4. IT relocation

Just as important as office relocation companies are specialists who can handle IT relocation for you. You need to ensure minimum business disruption, so you’re back online quickly. Better still, you never go offline completely – this is the skill of a great IT relocation team.

5. Update your Google Business details

Your company will leave more traces online than you realise. If an important detail changes, such as your address, it’s essential to be methodical in updating the information. Start with your Google Business details. This is your main ‘listing’ and can also affect other things such as SEO.

6. Data confidentiality

In the upheaval of a move, it’s easy for data protection procedures to slip a little. This could result in very serious consequences, so make sure you build in a plan to ensure data confidentiality. For example, ensuring unwanted and old digital devices are securely disposed of.

7. Employee health and safety

Are staff members tripping over loose cables and mess, or at risk of being harmed by anything else during the move? As with everything else in this list, you need a plan to minimise health and safety risks.

8. Employee morale

Moving offices can be a stressful time for employees. It will help if you can make the move as stress-free as possible, keep your team in the loop about the relocation and do a full induction on arrival at the new office. 

9. Time the move carefully

For example, avoid relocation during peak periods for your business as this can affect revenue. Consider employee holiday patterns and busy traffic periods in the local area, especially if planning a London office relocation when congestion can be severe at certain times.

10. De-clutter

Before the move, get your employees involved in de-cluttering and taking personal items home so you’ll have less to shift.

For an easy, effective and professional move, contact the Kiwi Movers office relocation London team on 020 8877 9682* for a quick, competitive quote.

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Hotel furniture removals – why you need a specialist for hotel furniture installation

Hotel customers don’t always realise how much work goes into running a hotel, especially when it comes to the furnishings.

Furniture comes and goes all the time, as part of renovations, replacements, repairs and general maintenance. This causes something of an expensive headache for hotel management teams. This is because ad hoc services aren’t cheap and they aren’t always reliable either. This is why the smart management teams choose to work alongside a specialist hotel removals partner.

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Hotel furniture maintenance and replacement

Hotel furniture undergoes heavy use, and much of it consists of bulky, heavy items. This means that once something is broken, worn or in need of replacement, it’s very difficult to move. Discretion is essential in a busy hotel with paying guests around. You must also be careful not to damage other parts of the hotel in the process.

Hiring a man and van for this kind of specialist job simply won’t do. It’s costly to call out these one-off services. Furthermore, many hoteliers have been stung by the lack of experience, insurance and expertise of the casual movers they have employed. Wouldn’t it be so much more convenient to have a specialist in removals for hotels on standby? The Kiwi Movers team can be in and out with your furniture without disturbing your guests (or your wallpaper), turning a nightmare hassle into a simple, quick task.

Hotel removals Renovation

One of the most crucial times to call on the services of a dedicated hotel removals partner is during renovation. This hardly ever involves the removal of one or two items. Instead, you could be looking at whole floors’ worth of furniture, some of it bulky, valuable or brand new. A logistics expert is extremely helpful at this stage, helping you to plan and manage a smooth renovation including:

  • Safe storage of furniture
  • Movement of furniture to other parts of the building
  • Installation of new furniture
  • Disposal of unwanted pieces.

 

Crucially, a hotel removals expert such as Kiwi Movers significantly reduces the amount of time the renovation takes. Think about it – if you speed up the time it takes to get furniture out of the way ready for decorating, and get it back in place just as quickly, that’s half of the battle won.

Need a removals team for your hotel?

Furnishing a new hotel from scratch usually means lots of new furniture, all needing to be installed very carefully. You don’t want to trust just anyone with the care of such a valuable load. You need a hotel removals expert.

Kiwi Movers has been the trusted contract logistics partner for a number of hotels and hospitality businesses, and we’d be happy to help you. Please call our hotel removals team on 020 8877 9682* for a chat about your needs.

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Office removals in London – relocating your business affordably and quickly in the capital

Do you need to relocate your business but keep putting it off? You’re not alone.

A survey in 2015 found that a massive 75% of small and medium-sized businesses fear the stress and anxiety of moving so much that they put it off. The research, conducted by energy company E.ON, also found that office relocation was one of the most stressful tasks that business owners have to deal with. It can also cost an average of £40,000 over five years and cause 7.5 working days to be lost due to the disruption.

If you give in to this anxiety and stay put, you could be stuck in cramped, inefficient premises for years. This could stunt business growth, staff morale and overall success. So surely there must be another way? There absolutely is, and it all starts with looking very carefully at the office relocation companies you choose to use.

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What you can do to minimise the stress

The first, most important way to reduce the high anxiety linked with office relocation is to choose the right moving service. Opt for the most professional, experienced and highly trained office small office removals expert you can find. It will absolutely be worth it. Using an office relocation London company such as Kiwi Movers can take the stress of the physical move completely off your plate. It can ensure that:

  • Excess baggage shipping - door to door service The move is carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. This means no wasted time and no paying for services you don’t use.
  • Nothing is broken or damaged. On the rare occasion a breakage does happen, a professional small office removals firm such as Kiwi will have full insurance to compensate you for the damage.
  • It all happens on time and to schedule. This ensures minimal business disruption and fewer lost working days.
  • You receive a door-to-door service. From packing and moving at your old office to delivery and reassembly in the right rooms at the other side, our office relocation London team handle it all.
  • You receive expert assistance in planning the move. This can be one of the biggest sources of stress ahead of a move. It can make you feel overwhelmed by the scale of the task, with no idea where to start. Here, the guidance of a removals specialist can be invaluable.

 

With the logistics of the move handled by a commercial relocation specialist, business owners and managers can focus on other ways to minimise the anxiety of the move. For example, dealing with the disruption to working patterns or the anxiety affecting employees.

Call Kiwi Movers to start planning your office relocation

With many years of experience in commercial moves, our office relocation London team understand completely how stressful the experience can be. This is why we do our utmost to minimise stress, anxiety and disruption.

We can help you to plan the move from start to finish. We also provide a highly trained, experienced and fully insured team of professional movers to complete it efficiently and on time. Please call the Kiwi Movers team on 020 8877 9682* for advice and an immediate quote.

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Man and van Wandsworth to Southwark – what it should cost and how long it should take

What removals options are available when moving between London boroughs, such as from Wandsworth to Southwark, and not halfway across the country? For journeys like this, it doesn’t always make financial sense to book a full removals crew and pay for a full day of their time.

If you need such a service of course, it is well worth the money. A professional removals team ensures that your move is smooth, stress-free and your belongings are protected. However, for shorter moves there is another solution that promises the same benefits but for a much more affordable price.

 

Get a quick quote for a man and van service

Man and van Wandsworth to Southwark could be the answer

Man and van services are becoming increasingly popular with those making shorter trips with fewer boxes and bags to move. For example, those moving in or out of student accommodation, or furnished apartments.

It only takes around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) to move between Wandsworth and Southwark in inner London. This trip is so much easier with a smaller van and a driver who knows the London streets. Compare this to a full-size removals truck which would undoubtedly face problems with stopping and parking.

How much does man and van Wandsworth to Southwark cost?

The beauty of man and van services is there’s no fixed price or even daily rate. These services charge by the hour, so you only pay for the time you use. For a short move such as the half-hour drive over to Southwark, even including loading and unloading time, you could get the whole move done in as little as 1-2 hours.

Choose Kiwi Movers for your move and select an off-peak time, and you could be looking at just £75-£150 plus VAT. This price, a fraction of the cost of a full removals service and a fraction of the stress of hiring a van yourself, gets you:

  • Two experienced, capable movers
  • Expertise moving all kinds of items into and out of all kinds of spaces
  • Full insurance cover in case of breakages, loss or damage
  • A perfectly maintained, clean and spacious moving van
  • Loading and unloading on each side – a full door-to-door service.

 

man and van Wandsworth to Southwark The best reason to choose man and van? Complete peace of mind

Most people who use our man and van Wandsworth to Southwark team not only do so because of the affordable price, or the convenience of this flexible service.

They love it because when you use a trusted, reliable and specialist company such as Kiwi Movers, you get complete peace of mind. We will always turn up on time, deliver a professional, efficient service and give you excellent value for money. You just can’t guarantee this with a man and van you find on the internet, who may not even turn up at all.

Moving day can be stressful enough, so why take the risk that it could turn into a nightmare? Please get in touch with the Kiwi Movers team to find out more and for an instant quote.

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Man and van Wandsworth to Fulham – what it should cost and how long it should take 

Moving house can be expensive, so it’s important to keep costs down where you can. One massively overlooked area where savings can be made is in the removals service you choose.

Some people go for a full removals vehicle with a whole crew of movers, even if they don’t have much to move or aren’t going very far. These services tend to have a minimum charge of 2 hours or so, but what if you don’t need that long? You could end up paying for time you don’t use.

If you’re moving just a few minutes’ drive away, such as between neighbouring London boroughs, there’s a much cheaper and more convenient option. Man and van Wandsworth to Fulham services make a lot of sense for this less than 15 minute journey, and they could save you a bundle.

Man and Van Wandsworth to Fulham 1 Why choosing man and van is a smart move

Not everyone realises that man and van is a good option for house moves. They only think of man and van as a way to collect a Gumtree sofa from the other side of town or to take a pile of unwanted clutter to the tip after you’ve had a clear out.

It’s actually an amazingly convenient way to move house, as crucially – our man and van Wandsworth to Fulham services charge by the hour. You get the services of a competent mover (or two, if you need them) for as long as you need them, with no time or money wasted.

If you don’t have much stuff, all you really need is a standard van. A smaller vehicle will also find navigating the London roads easier, especially the traffic on the Wandsworth or Putney Bridges, among the busiest in London. And have you thought about parking? Finding somewhere to stop and unload once you arrive in Fulham is much, much easier in a van rather than a huge moving truck.

In short, you just don’t need as much fuss when you’re only moving 10-15 minutes away. You don’t need to wrap everything up three times in bubble wrap like you would on an hour-long journey where the risk of breakages is higher. All you need is a simple, straightforward way to get your stuff from A to B.

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How much does man and van Wandsworth to Fulham cost?

To keep your costs down, you can book your man and van service and only be charged for the time you actually use. Charges are by the hour, so a 15-minute drive over the Thames to Fulham and some time for loading, unloading and parking could bring the whole move in at just £75+ VAT. This is if you move off-peak, as it becomes more expensive during peak times when a lot of people are moving house or the roads become busy.

Cost is of course an important consideration when choosing a man and van Wandsworth to Fulham service for your move. However, you do need to be wary of cowboys or conmen advertising rock-bottom prices, as you’ll likely end up with a rock-bottom service too.

Don’t forget about quality, reputation, training, insurance and professionalism. You’ll get all of this with Kiwi Movers, as well as a great value price. Please call us on 020 8877 9682* for a quick quote.

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Man and Van Wandsworth to Hammersmith – what it should cost and how long it should take

Moving just across the river to Hammersmith? You don’t necessarily need a full removals service complete with enormous moving lorry and a full moving crew. Instead, you could save yourself some cash (and hassle) with a simple yet effective man and van Wandsworth to Hammersmith service.

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Why man and van is a great option for short trips

It isn’t far at all between the thriving London boroughs of Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham. It’s just a short hop over the Thames, a distance of less than 5 miles. On a good day when traffic isn’t too nightmarish, you should be able to complete this journey in around half an hour.

For such a short journey, it simply doesn’t make sense to call in a full removals company complete with all the bells and whistles. But what if you don’t have a car? Not many Londoners do, with public transport networks being so good and parking being nigh-on impossible. You can’t get all your stuff on the tube and driving a hired van across London yourself can be extremely stressful – and shifting everything can be exhausting too! This is why the best solution is to hire a man and van service, with all the heavy lifting, driving and parking taken care of.

You pay by the hour, rather than having to book in a full day when you might only need a fraction of that time. It’s also a good option if you only have a few boxes to move, rather than a whole houseful plus grand piano, four-poster bed and collection of family heirlooms.

It’s a great choice for:

  • Students moving in or out of halls
  • People moving in or out of fully furnished properties
  • Small or short-distance moves.

 

How much will man and van Wandsworth to Hammersmith cost?

Our man and van service from Wandsworth to Hammersmith and Fulham charges by the hour, so you only pay for time you use. Our team are super-efficient too, so if we can shave some time off to save you money, then we will.

If you can be all packed up and ready to go outside your house, you could get the whole job done in as little as an hour. At our great value hourly rates, this means a total price of just £75 plus VAT. Top tip – this is our off-peak price, so make sure to choose a quieter time for your move to save cash.

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The importance of choosing wisely

In one way, house movers are lucky to have such an enormous choice of Wandsworth to Hammersmith man and van services to pick from nowadays. It seems like everyone with a van has started up their own business. On the other hand, this means that there are likely to be a lot more cowboys, con men and simply inexperienced services about – especially online and on social media. It’s crucial to choose carefully, only going with a company you feel 100% comfortable with.

Kiwi Movers has an exceptional reputation for man and van house moves. We have an experienced team (who won’t break your stuff) and a fleet of clean, well-maintained vans (that will always turn up on time). We’re fully insured, great value and promise to make moving day a breeze. Call on 020 8877 9682* to book your move.

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Man and Van Wandsworth to Kensington – what it should cost and how long it should take

If you’re moving house and not going far, such as the short hop from Wandsworth to Kensington, you don’t necessarily need a full removals service. In fact, it could end up being far more expensive than you actually need. A man and van Wandsworth to Kensington service could be far more convenient and cost-effective.

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Why consider man and van for your move?

The journey from Wandsworth to Kensington is only around 4.2 miles if you take the Wandsworth Bridge Road. A professional, reliable man and van team could complete this journey in under half an hour. For such a short journey, you simply don’t need to pay for unused space in a large moving truck or for a full team of movers to bubble-wrap every single piece of property you own.

This kind of service is really flexible, as you only pay for the time you use for your move. Our man and van Wandsworth to Kensington service here at Kiwi Movers charges by the hour – which includes a fast, efficient and ultra-professional team.

There are many circumstances in which man and van is clearly a winning choice, but here are just a few:

  • You don’t have very much to move, so it’ll all easily fit into a small to medium van
  • You don’t have far to travel, but no transport of your own
  • You’re moving out of (or into) a furnished flat, so you don’t have a lot of stuff
  • You’re a university student moving in or out of halls
  • You need to move but don’t fancy hauling your stuff on public transport!

How much does it cost for man and van Wandsworth to Kensington?

The great thing about this particular journey for house movers is that it’s short. Man and van services charge by the hour, so you won’t be paying very much at all for your move. Choose Kiwi Movers and move at an off-peak time, and you could pay as little as £75 an hour plus VAT. This gets you two strong, professional movers and a reliable, fully serviced van with plenty of space for your stuff. It also covers loading, unloading and comprehensive insurance, so that you can feel confident that all your belongings are covered during the move.

chelsea removals

What man and van really buys you though is peace of mind and a stress-free move, provided of course that you choose the right company.

Watch out for man and van cowboys!

The internet is stuffed full of ads for man and van services, especially on social networks. You need to be extremely careful when choosing a company for your move, as not everyone with a van is able to provide a reliable, secure moving service. Be wary of ‘too good to be true’ rates, as this could mean:

  • A clapped-out van
  • No insurance
  • An unreliable service – they may not even turn up!
  • Damage to your stuff.

 

When moving house, you need to keep stress to a minimum. You don’t want to be worrying about whether the team will actually turn up, or if your belongings will survive the journey. This is why we would always recommend choosing a quality, reliable service which offers complete peace of mind. Get in touch with the highly rated Kiwi Movers team for an immediate quote for Wandsworth to Kensington man and van services.

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Man and Van Wandsworth to Merton  – what it should cost and how long it should take

Moving to Merton soon? If you’re moving from a nearby London borough like Wandsworth, a man and van service could be a cost-effective option. So, hold fire before you call in a full removal crew and take a moment to consider your options.

When man and van is a smarter choice

If you aren’t moving far or don’t have very much to move, you don’t necessarily need a full removals service. A far more flexible and cheaper option is man and van. A couple of moving professionals (who won’t damage your stuff and will always turn up on time) in a handy-sized van to help you move for a couple of hours. These services charge by the hour, so you’re not paying for time you don’t use.

If you’re moving out of a furnished tenancy, for example, you aren’t likely to have very much stuff. It would be a huge waste of money to use a full removals service. However, you also don’t want to be cramming everything in your car or schlepping it across town on public transport. The solution – man and van.

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Man and van Wandsworth to Merton – how long should it take?

It doesn’t take very long to travel between these two neighbouring London boroughs. The drive takes roughly around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on your starting point, destination and of course traffic.

Man and van Wandsworth to Merton – how much should it cost?

If you use Kiwi Movers’ man and van Wandsworth to Merton service for around 2 hours (to cover loading, unloading and any traffic you may run into), this could cost you just £150 plus VAT.

This gets you two moving experts, who have extensive experience between them of moving quickly, efficiently and safely. They’ll move everything from door to door, providing you with a convenient, stress-free service. Our movers know that your time is money, so there’s no hanging around.

If you move during peak hours, this cost will be higher – so a good tip to save money is to move at quieter times. For example, avoiding bank holidays and weekends when everyone else is trying to move house.

Why it’s important to choose man and van services carefully

You may see man and van services advertised cheaply on sites like Gumtree. In our experience though – you need to be very careful when choosing who to use. Many of these ads are posted by people with no experience of moving, with no insurance and with no testimonials or reviews from customers who have actually used them.

Moving day can be stressful enough, so the last thing you need is worries over the van being late or not turning up at all. In the worst cases, some of these man and van ads are posted by con artists who happily take the money and are never heard of again. Yikes!

How Kiwi Movers can help

What the Kiwi Movers service ultimately guarantees is complete peace of mind. We’re fully insured, so your property is completely covered at all times. You don’t have to worry about anything getting damaged during the move, and we could even save you money due to our speedy, efficient service.

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We promise to always turn up right on time and will never leave you hanging around on moving day. Kiwi is known for reliability, honesty and top-notch customer service. Our man and van service is one you can trust, which unfortunately can’t be said about some of the questionable ads you see posted online.

Give us a call on 020 8877 9682* to see how our man and van service could help make your move from Wandsworth to Merton a piece of cake.

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Man and van in London – Choosing the right service for your move

Choosing a moving service is not always as simple a decision as you may think. Not just any man and van in London will do. If  you choose the wrong one, it could make moving day incredibly stressful.

Man and van services – what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong when you choose a man and van service out of the local paper or from a listing on your local Facebook group.

Unfortunately, some people start ‘man and van’ businesses simply because they happen to have a van at their disposal. What they don’t have is the attention to detail and experience needed to complete a house move smoothly. These services may be fine for shifting a few boxes, but not for full moves. You should always approach with caution if you’re moving house or have anything valuable to move.

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But just how bad could it be? The Kiwi Movers team has heard all kinds of horror stories from people following a bad experience with a man and van service. Common problems included:

  • Failure to turn up at all, leaving movers standing on the doorstep with their belongings. If you’re part of a chain, this could cause major problems. Someone may be waiting to move into your property and you lack the transport to move out!
  • A van that is too small, leading to many more trips back and forward. Even worse, you could be charged for these extra journeys
  • A van that is far too large and can’t fit down the street or driveway. This means a long walk back and forward to the van for each load
  • Careless loading or driving. If you fancy having your belongings arrive at your new home in one piece, it’s recommended to choose your moving service carefully.
  • No insurance. If something gets broken, your man and van service should have insurance in place to cover it. If they don’t, there’s no way for you to claim back the costs of repairing or replacing the item. This can leave you out of pocket.
  • No door-to-door service. To some movers, this is a chargeable extra, but many movers expect their stuff to be delivered into the property itself. Unfortunately, without checking this in advance, you could find your belongings simply left by the roadside. Or, you’ll have to pay extra to have everything brought inside.
  • Missing items. It’s easy to put your trust in your movers. After all, this is what they do for a living, right? However, man and van services aren’t always professional movers. You may even be their very first job after buying a van. This means that they aren’t experts at what they do, and they may not even be trustworthy. Sadly, we’ve heard lots of stories about property going missing, as well as whole van loads of stuff simply being driven away by unscrupulous conmen.
  • Damage to your home. If you’ve spent all that time cleaning your old home ready for moving out, the last thing you want is a mishandled box taking a big chunk out of the paintwork. If a company isn’t insured for damage to property, you could end up paying for that damage yourself.
  • A completely rubbish van. The picture with the ad may show a pristine white moving van with lots of clean space for your belongings. What turns up on the day may be not much more than an old banger. You absolutely do not want your perfectly packed possessions inside a dirty, tatty van that looks as if it may break down at any moment. But if you’ve no other options on moving day, you may have to go ahead. Fingers crossed!

If a service seems a bit too cheap, it’s worth trying to find reviews or recommendations from previous customers to see if it really is too good to be true.

Not all man and van in London companies are the same…

The good news is that there are man and van services out there in London that will save you money compared to a full-scale removals service. Crucially, they can also be trusted to do an exceptional job. There are five key things to look for when choosing a company for your house move:

  • Quality
  • Training
  • Insurance
  • Reputation

Consider these in priority order, remembering that a cheap service is not really good value if the service isn’t good quality. A shoddy service can make moving day a real nightmare, raising your stress levels through the roof. If you’re stressed out, exhausted and behind schedule, surely this undermines the whole point of using a moving service in the first place?

Removal man moving boxes Kiwi Movers have an extremely handy man and van in London service that comes highly recommended by our happy movers. It’s essentially a scaled down removal service for smaller moves, or for those who aren’t moving far. You may not need the full belts-and-braces removals service complete with packing, unpacking and all those extras. You simply need a trustworthy couple of professionals with transport to move your belongings safely.

The key message in here is to always look for a professional setup. A person may buy a van and think they can offer the same level service as a company that specialises in house moves. This rarely happens. Approach man and van in London services with caution, making sure to ask lots of questions and get an assurance of quality before agreeing to go ahead. And never hand over any money unless you’re sure!

To find out more about our affordable man and van in London services and to get an immediate quote for your move, simply call the Kiwi Movers team on 020 366 89726.

No matter where you’re moving or how much stuff you have, we’re confident we can find an affordable, great quality service to suit you. Above all, we’re fully trained, fully insured and have the best vans in the business.

 

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International movers – how to select the right overseas removals company

Moving overseas is no small undertaking. Unless you have no possessions and are planning to start afresh, you’ll need to arrange for a house-load of items to be shipped overseas. There are quite a few things to consider with overseas removals. For example, the cost of shipping and protecting property from damage. There’s also the potential loss of items and the condition everything will arrive in on the other side to worry about.

Using an overseas removals company vs DIY

You may be tempted to arrange the shipping of your possessions overseas yourself. However, you’ll quickly find that this can be both complicated and expensive. You may be fine to move house in the UK by yourself and may even save money in the process, but for an overseas move it’s usually best to call in a specialist. A firm of international movers can handle everything for you, including:

  • Packing and wrapping to ensure no damage to your items
  • Door-to-door shipment of your stuff between transport hubs
  • Transit of your shipment by road, sea or air
  • Clearing customs, paying fees and other necessary paperwork and procedures related to international shipment.

 

Excess baggage shipping banner ad

 

When you get a quote from an overseas removals specialist like Kiwi Movers, it’s all in. Every part of the process is included in the quoted cost, so all you need to do is sign up and pay the fee. Moving overseas will inevitably have a cost, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be stressful. Using a moving firm can take the hassle of arranging everything off your plate, so that you can focus on your other plans – and there’s likely to be lots to do if you’re moving abroad!

overseas removals company How to choose an overseas removals company

It’s important to select the right international movers to handle your job. After all, it’s pretty much your whole life that they’ll be packing up and shipping hundreds or thousands of miles! Here are some essential features and services to look out for:

  • Tracking – letting you check in on the progress of your shipment, which can offer great peace of mind
  • A dedicated project manager – to oversee every aspect of the move and to be there when you need to ask a question
  • A strong global network of trusted handlers
  • Flexible collection times that work for you
  • Ability to handle shipments of any size
  • Affordability – even when factoring in the convenience of using a comprehensive international removals service, it still needs to be affordable.
  • Full insurance to cover all of your belongings while in transit.
  • A door-to-door service at both the point of departure and the destination. It’s not a convenient service if you have to handle the final stage of the journey yourself.

 

For a quick quote on your move and to speak to a specialist international shipping project manager, call Kiwi Movers on 020 8877 9682*. We’re an experienced overseas removals company with the expertise to handle moves of all kinds and sizes. No matter where you’re moving to, we can help.

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Where to get free cardboard boxes in West London

If you’re moving house in London, you’re going to need boxes, and lots of them. Finding enough or the right kind of boxes for all of your belongings can be a real challenge, especially if you don’t fancy paying a fortune for them.

Luckily, we have some insider tips for where to find free cardboard boxes in West London. Give these a try:

• Supermarkets and shops. Major retailers, including supermarkets and appliance shops, are places that are the most likely to have a large quantity of boxes. You can also try off-licences and fruit and veg shops, retailers who’ll have boxes of the right size and strength for your purposes. Most retailers will be happy to let you take them off their hands, but you may need to visit a few places to get the numbers and sizes you need.

 

Supermarkets in West London where you can free cardboard boxes

• Freecycle and Freegle sites. You’ll be amazed what you can find for free on sites such as this (or local Facebook groups), and cardboard boxes are often listed for free. People who have just moved house realise just how useful their old boxes can be for others, so are happy to give them away.

Moving house in West London? 020 366 89726 for a quick quote

• Friends and family who have recently moved. Do a shout-out on social media to see if anyone you know has just moved, as it’s likely that they’ll have a load of boxes just lying around.

• Recycling centres. This may not be the easiest way to find free cardboard boxes in West London, but it’s worth a try if money’s tight. If you’re prepared to get your hands dirty, you can pick up all the boxes you need at your local recycling and waste management centre. Ask the staff there if you can have a look at the cardboard recycling section. As long as they agree and it’s safe to do so, you can have a rummage and will likely find at least a few free cardboard boxes.

Wardrobe Box Beware: free boxes can be unstable boxes

We would be remiss in our duties as professional West London movers if we didn’t mention a very important consideration that you must keep in mind when getting hold of boxes.

Free boxes, begged and borrowed from wherever you can, are not always the most suitable for moving. They aren’t reinforced in the same way as proper moving boxes, nor are they as strong. This can lead to instability, with boxes collapsing spectacularly at the very worst moments.

At best, it’ll be annoying having to pick all of your books, papers or other bits and pieces off the street. At worst, it could result in a valued item or breakables being smashed to pieces as the box is moved. Can you take the risk?

To prevent this from happening, either be extra careful about what you pack in what type of box or use professional moving cardboard boxes. Kiwi Movers are happy to supply moving boxes, and we are proud to offer a range of sizes at an affordable price.

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Man and van in London or a removals service – what’s the best choice?

Luckily for anyone wanting to move house in London, there are a huge number of different options to choose from. You can go for a full-scale removals service, handling everything from packing and storage all the way through to unloading and even unpacking. Or, you can keep it casual and hire a man and van service in London by the hour.

But which is the best option to choose?

First things first – your budget

Moving house is always more expensive than you think it’s going to be, usually due to extra costs you didn’t realise you’d have to pay. One of the costs many people forget about is removals, but this is an expense that can be well worth saving a little money back for – especially when you realise how back-breaking and stressful it can be to do it yourself!

That being said, there are ways you can save money on moving house in London. One of these is to use a man and van in London rather than a removals service. This can be much more affordable if you aren’t moving far or only have a few items to move, simply because it doesn’t involve hiring a whole team of movers for a relatively small job. It’s a great option for students moving in or out of home or halls.


Get a quick quote for a man and van service

 


How far are you moving?

Before you plump for man and van in London services though, consider whether your move is suitable. If you need stuff shifting between nearby London postcodes, it’s a good choice. However, if you’re moving a long distance, a man and van won’t necessarily be able to help – or may not be the cheapest option.

If you’re moving far, or moving internationally, a removals service is most definitely your best bet.

DSC 1939 What are you moving?

Some man and van services, such as here at Kiwi Movers, offer full insurance and also have a great deal of experience in moving valuables and bulky items. Many don’t though, and choosing man and van over removals does carry the risk that your items will be broken or damaged. Removals experts know everything there is to know about the challenges of moving, so could be the only option to ensure your property arrives safely and on time.

How much do you want to do yourself?

If you use a man and van service, you’ll inevitably have to do some work yourself. This doesn’t necessarily mean moving anything (although some services will want you to have your stuff in a certain place all ready to go) but you may need to pack and unpack at either end. If you want to avoid doing any dirty work, a removals service can take every part of the process off your hands.

For quick quotes for both our man and van in London services and full home removals, please don’t hesitate to contact the Kiwi Movers team on 020 8877 9682*.

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Excess shipping to New Zealand – how much does it cost and how long does it take?

If you’ve ever tried to ship excess baggage with an airline, you’ll know just how much hassle and expense it can be – especially if shipping long distances such as the UK to New Zealand.

Using an airline’s excess baggage service is very much not the cheapest or most convenient way to send your belongings over to New Zealand – nor is it always the quickest. If you’re moving house, working away or travelling for a few months, you should know that there is a far better way to ship excess baggage.


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Looking to ship your stuff internationally? Kiwi Movers are typically cheaper and easier than using an excess baggage service.

Get a quick, no obligation quote now.


 

 

Removal man delivering goods to house of client Door-to-door services

If you make use of an excess baggage service from a removals and shipping specialist such as Kiwi Movers (also a New Zealand specialist), you can say goodbye to lugging all of your boxes and belongings to a delivery office or airport terminal.

Just like it can be much easier (and less physically exhausting) to use a removals company to move house, a dedicated excess baggage service can make the process as simple as answering the door. If you have your stuff ready, all you need to do is to arrange a pickup from your home or another location. Simple! This is how easy everything in life should be.

How much does it cost?

The cost of excess shipping to New Zealand is nearly always cheaper than using an airline’s baggage service, but how much it will cost all depends on what you want to ship. Pretty much everything can be shipped via an excess baggage service, from sports equipment to a whole home’s worth of boxes, furniture and possessions. It is all covered by a reassuring guarantee, so you can sleep easy knowing that all of your bits and pieces will be safe on their long journey.

The good news is that it is simple and quick to get a personalised quote, and you can even do it online. Simply use Kiwi Movers’ shipping slider to indicate how many of each baggage type you wish to ship, then just choose your destination city. The quote you receive includes doorstep pickup of your belongings, shipping and even customs and quarantine clearance.

Shipping even just one accompanied item can be extremely affordable, while for larger removals – you can get a bespoke quote to suit your budget.

How long does it take?

You no longer need to wait months and months for your items to be shipped, or be left in the dark as to when it will arrive. Kiwi Movers can guarantee the safe delivery of your belongings and baggage within just 10-12 weeks, plus you can track the shipment at every stage of its journey.

For an instant quote on excess shipping to New Zealand or another international destination, head here to use the shipping slider and quote calculator. If you have a lot of items to ship or a more unusual request, please feel free to give the Kiwi Movers team a call on 020 8877 9682* to see how we can help.

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