Category: Latest News

Whilst many of us are experiencing difficult times, Bell and Sons would like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that we are here to support you with our domestic and commercial moving enquiries.

This current situation has forced many of us, ourselves included, to reflect an adapt, not only in terms of our business exploits but in our everyday lives too. With that in mind, in the best interests of both our staff and our clients as well as for the health of the general public, we have taken the decision to suspend our on-site removals services for the time being.

With that said we are continuing to interact with our customers remotely, planning moves, taking bookings and offering digital surveys wherever necessary, in an effort to support customers when the inevitable upturn comes around.

Now is the time to be pro-active and plan for the future, so if you are planning to move home or business premises then get in touch with us today and we can tailor our removals service to your exact specifications, for exactly when you require them.

In closing, it is vital that we all do our best to try and minimise the effect that this virus has had on our everyday lives by trying our utmost to support one another during this time. If we continue to do so, when the situation eventually passes, we can all come out stronger as both a business and a social community.

In the meantime, we urge you all to stay safe and continue to stay pro-active and positive.

Kind regards,

The Bell & Sons Team

An important announcement for all our customers. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 the British Association of Removers has released the following statement announcing the suspension of its Advanced Payment Guarantee…

“The spread of the Coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented in modern times and its impact on all industries has been sudden and extremely damaging, including that of UK removals. It is against this background that the BAR finds itself having to suspend its Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme with effect from 20/03/2020. 

Existing claims against the scheme will, of course, be fulfilled, but no new claims will be considered from that date. The BAR regrets the necessity to take this course of action and will continue to review the situation over the coming months. 

BAR Members are respectfully requested to append this notice to all quotations issued, and contracts made, for their respective customers, and that your sales staff are instructed accordingly. We would also advise that this notice is appended to your website and/or any other client-facing portals or material that you may use. We will further update any change to this policy statement as and when appropriate.

Thank you for your cooperation and support during these difficult times.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the BAR”

With the colder snap in full effect and summer fast becoming a distant memory, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the time for moving house is at an end until the warmer weather kicks in again.

However, autumn can prove to be the opportune time to plan a move as long as you take a few key points into consideration, there’s less of a strain on removal companies, the kids are back at school and you can be tucked up in your new home by Christmas.

There are a few things to factor in when undertaking an autumn move such as the weather but, as luck would have it, Bell & Sons have provided these handy hints and tips to help your Autumn move go as smoothly as possible.

Raincheck? – Make sure you keep an eye on the weather

As this is the clearest-cut of all the variables you’ll have to endure in autumn when moving home we’ll start with the weather.

Whilst rain is a possibility all year round (we live in the UK after all) it goes without saying that the chances of a downpour are increased as winter approaches, so make sure that all items that could potentially be damaged by water are covered and wrapped up well so they arrive at your new home unspoiled. 

Wrap up warm – Prepare for colder temperatures

Unlike moving in the summer months, your clothing provisions for the few days spent unpacking are going to require more than just shorts and t-shirts.

Make sure you include enough warm layers to last the time it will take you to get your new house in order as well as outer layers for the day of the move in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Perform an autumn clean before you unpack

If you can get hold of the keys to your new place in advance then having a professional cleaning company perform a thorough clean of the house is going to save you a lot of effort. You can also request a steam clean of carpets etc, which is great for ridding the place of unwanted germs and grime before you start the arduous task of unpacking everything.

If a professional clean is out of the question then taking the time to do it yourself might seem daunting, but it’s far better to unpack in a nice clean home than have to move clunky items of furniture to get at the skirting boards and nooks behind them.

Get the timing of your move right

Come moving day, starting and finishing your move at the right time can be the difference between being tucked up on the sofa with a pizza and a movie when darkness falls or fumbling around inside the truck in the dark and the cold.

Consider the timing of picking up the keys (if you haven’t already) and the arrival of the removals van. As with most cases, “the early bird catches the worm”, this way you’ll be able to account for time lost due to unforeseen circumstances (they always happen when you’re rushing) and get the vast majority of your move sorted before the sun starts to drop in the sky.

It might also be worthwhile checking with the estate agents to make sure the power and utilities are up and running in the new house, the last thing you want to be doing is unpacking in the dark with no heating. Still, taking a torch in your provisions, at the very least is always a good shout, just in case.

Make sure you hire a reliable local removals company

The right removals company will make your life a shed-load easier on the day of the move (quite literally). Hiring local is beneficial as there is a good chance the team will know the area well which has its benefits.

Serving the Leicestershire and East Midlands area Bell & Sons offer a fully comprehensive removal service including packing. Whether you’re moving to the city or across the border to Northhamptonshire and even further afield, we can help the process of moving house go as stress-free as possible. 

Contact us today to get your free quotation!

There are fewer more annoying instances when moving house than arriving at your destination to find the box with your glassware sounding… broken! You open it up in a panic to find your fears confirmed and shards of broken glass everywhere! Not the ideal start to life in your new home.

However, before you decide that maybe plastic beakers are the way forward and dismiss the idea of even bothering to pack your breakables, the good folk at Bell & Sons have compiled this handy guide in order to help you avert disaster.

Failing to plan equals planning to fail

It might sound obvious but planning your packing schedule will help give you the time to pack your items properly and help sidestep and avoidable breakages. Start well in advance of moving day and don’t rush to cram everything in!

Make sure you’re equipped

It’s often said that “a poor craftsman blames his tools”, but in this case, the lack of the right tools can have a massive effect on whether your prize china makes it to your new home in one piece…or several pieces! A quick glance down this list will determine the core items that you’ll need.

• Quality boxes – You’ll need a few different sizes
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Cardboard – This needs to be flexible for use as separators
• A decent pair of scissors
• Packing tape

“So how do I actually pack my breakables?” 

Plates and crockery:

Pack plates in medium to small boxes. Use packing paper to line the bottom and the top of the box and wrap up each individual plate in bubble wrap and fasten securely with packing tape. Use the packing paper to separate each plate from the one above and below. Take care as well, not to overpack the box.

Glassware:

Wrap glasses individually, using packing paper and place crumpled packing paper inside the glasses to minimise empty space and increase support. Using small or medium-sized boxes and line thoroughly with packing paper. Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and be sure to fill any empty spaces with packing paper.

Pictures & frames:

The way to pack picture frames depends on the sizing of said frame. Smaller 8-inch frames can be packed vertical with crumpled packing paper in between. Be sure to wrap each individual frame with packing paper and line the box with paper to give extra support.

Large frames (over 3ft) should require the use of a moving blanket. Once secured wrap them in plastic sheeting and move them individually.

Get the experts to do it for you!

If you’re still apprehensive about packing up your breakable items then why not request a packing service from a professional removals company?

Bell & Sons serve the entire Leicestershire area, so whether you’re moving locally or further afield you can rely on a thorough and reliable packing service ensure the best protection for your valuables. Contact us today for your free quotation.

So you’re moving house. You’ve packed up the kitchen, the bathroom, your kids and your pets. You think you’re all sorted but you have that feeling, what did I forget? 

There’s so much to take in when moving home that many things get overlooked, neglected or just forgotten! 

Here is a reminder of things that you should include when packing

Get all the house keys 

Obviously, your house keys are the first things you pick up before moving. However, houses can have lots of keys other than just the front and back door, such as the garage, the shed, the attic, the windows, the basement. Before you settle ensure that all the keys and any copies are signed over. 

Label your boxes

Ok so this may sound like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised with how many people forget to label, or even mislabel their boxes! Packing your entire lives belongings up is challenging and weighty! The last thing you want to do is have your kitchen delicates not labelled and tossed in the bedroom!

Read your meter 

On the last day of your move read and log your meter readings and inform your water and energy providers. That way you won’t be overcharged or incur any unexpected bills. 

• Tip: If you’re renting, to be extra careful, send your previous landlord & letting agents a copy of your meter readings. 

Secure your valuables 

We don’t advise that you pack up valuables, especially jewellery. We recommend that you keep sentimental or valuable items to hand when moving as it’s easy to misplace small items and lose track of them while moving. For that extra security, keep them together and move them first. 

Clean before you unpack

Before you start to unpack, give your new home a thorough clean as there may be grime hidden in the cupboards and dust in the drawers. It’ll be beneficial to give your home a vacuum and wipe down to avoid your belongings being tarnished or damaged. 

• Tip: Invest in a cleaning caddy, instead of packing your cleaning items, store them in a cleaning caddy for ease of access. 

Don’t pack rubbish!

Most of us have a lot of.. stuff. When preparing to move, have a good clear out of your unwanted belongings, separate your unwanted items into categories, Donate, Bin, Sell.  

By having a house clear out you can earn some extra cash by selling your unwanted items at a car boot sale or market.

Inform your employers

Believe it or not but 29% of us forget to inform our employers about our new home address. This may seem like a simple task given you are there every day, but it’s often the most obvious things that are easiest to forget. If you have children don’t forget to inform their school about your move!

• Tip: Create a checklist of everyone you need to inform about your move, you can view our list here.

Pack an essentials bag

It’s important to pack an essentials bag for every member of the house to keep on them during the move. Keep your essentials in there so you don’t need to worry about unpacking straightaway. Here are some things you may need to include:

• Medicine
• Toothbrush
• Toiletries 
• Spare Clothes 
• Kettle 
• Snacks 
• Phone Charger
• Pet Food
• TV Remote

Bell and Sons are the leading providers of removals and storage within the areas of Leicestershire, Rugby, and Northamptonshire.

We provide an array of services, not just storage and removals, so contact our specialists today for a free, no-obligation quote!

In all the hustle and bustle of moving house, it can be easy to forget to notify important bodies about your change of address. So, to help the process run a little smoother and hopefully, as a result, reduce the stress on your shoulders; Bell & Sons have come up with this handy guide to who you should notify of your change of UK address.

Government authorities 

The first port of call once you’re moved into your new home should be to contact the DVLA and update the address on your driving licence and vehicle registration. On top of this, you will need to contact HMRC and the Department of Work & Pensions and notify them of your new address. 

Finally, you make sure you contact your local authority and ask for your final statement of your council tax, as well as this it might be worthwhile to update your details on the electoral register at the same time.

Utility companies

Be sure to take meter readings before you leave your previous abode, and let your gas electricity and water company know the exact date that you’ll be moving. As soon as you move to your new home be sure to take a reading of any meters in the property and get in touch with your energy suppliers.

Phone and miscellaneous bills

If you have regular bills with any company then they will need to be updated with your new address. This is especially true in the case of your home broadband etc as you will need to be set up at your new address.

Insurance and banking 

For security reasons, you should contact your bank and update your details, as this can sometimes be used as a way to verify identity. You will also need to update your home insurance provider to the changes as your policy may be void otherwise. If you drive, don’t forget to update your car insurance details as well!

Use the Post Offices mail redirect service to avoid any loss of mail
This service will direct all your post to your new address and takes ten days to come into effect. You can even keep it for up to 12 months after your move date to ensure that you receive all of your mail.

A reliable removals company

Hiring a trustworthy removals company can really take the strain off of moving house. At Bell & Sons, we have a wealth of experience (33 years to be precise) in domestic removals at a local, national and international level! We even offer a packing service to help box up your possessions safely and securely. Contact us today for a quote and get your move underway.

Summer and moving home often go hand in hand, with over 29% of all moves occurring in the summer months, between June, July and August according to Compare My Move. The figures are understandable, the days are longer, the weather is pleasant (well sometimes!) and the children are on holiday from school.

However, summer poses its own challenges for moving house, the increased heat and the demand for removal companies all add to what is already a very stressful exercise. So, to help make your summer move go as seamlessly as possible, the team at Bell & Sons offer up their top tips to help make moving house in the summer a little more bearable. 

Start early in the morning:

We’re not saying that you have to wake up at the crack of dawn, but the earlier you start moving in the day, the better. You’ll have extra time to deal with all of those things that inevitably crop up on the day and with any luck, be unloading the van before the sun has the chance to bring the full force of its rays to bare. Both your family and the removals team will thank you for this!

Make sure everyone is hydrated:

Even before midday the sun can put out a serious amount of heat and lugging heavy boxes around in heavy overalls is definitely a sure-fire way to dehydrate quickly. Making sure you have plenty of bottled water within easy reach is a good idea. 

Keep a day bag with a change of clothes toiletries and sleepwear:

Much like you would flying, keep a smallish day bag with you with a change of clothes and toiletries. All your clothes will have been packed and you’re definitely going to want to change out of the clothes you’ve been shifting things around in all day, as more than likely they’ll be pretty grubby, sweaty or both! Rummaging around in your suitcase for clean clothes at the end of what will probably be a long day, is not what you want to be doing. 

Keep snacks in easy reach:

You’re probably not going to get the time to sit down for a proper meal, so making sure you have enough healthy snacks within easy reach for when you need to replenish your energy levels is a must. Try and avoid high sugar items as you don’t want the dreaded sugar slump midway through the unpacking.

Why not help reduce the stress of moving this summer by hiring a professional removals team to help you pack up your home as well as provide the transport? Contact Bell & Sons today to have a friendly informal chat and see what we can offer you.

Relocating is a decision not to be taken lightly after all moving house is a stressful enough affair, so upping sticks and moving to an entirely new area is bound to set the butterflies going.

Whatever your reasons for relocating, whether it’s a new job, love or just simply because you want a change of scenery, chances are if you’re reading this that you’ve already made the decision; now you need to put the plan into action.

One of the first things you’re going to want to do is organise your belongings and make yourself a plan. Having a clear checklist on your head is a good way to help avoid unnecessary stress, if you’re struggling to formulate a plan then Bell & Sons can offer you expert advice on how to best approach this. In the meantime, the following tips could help you with planning your big move.

Sort through your belongings

Relocation is a good excuse for a sort out! Going through all your belongings and getting rid of things that you no longer need, use or wear can be good for your own headspace and make moving loads lighter. You’re relocating to have a fresh start. Keeping hold of things that simply clutter your living space will make your new home feel less like a fresh start and more like chaos.

Plan your packing schedule

Create an inventory of your belongings, this will help you organise your packing rota as well as keep tabs on things come the day of the move. Try organising your items by usage, from least used through to most. This way you will avoid packing things you will need too early and avoid having to reopen all your neatly packed boxes.

Start your packing earlier rather than later

Leaving your packing to the last minute is a sure fire way to heap the pressure on your shoulders and cause you to pack in a disorganised manner. This will have a knock on effect when you reach your destination at the other end when you find yourself furiously piling through boxes to find items that you need.

Get a quote from a reliable removals company

Whether you’re moving across the country or even internationally, Bell & Sons can provide you with a free quote to all destinations. We can offer full and part loads to the continent and further afield with the option of either sea or air transportation.

Make yourself at home

Once you reach your destination it’s import to make sure you settle. Introduce yourself to your neighbours and work colleagues. Go out and experience the local area and culture (particularly if you are moving overseas). Joining local activity and community groups are perfect for making new friends.

You can find more information on relocating on our UK, European and International removals pages. Need help with packing? We can help you with all aspects of your move. Call us today or email us for a quote and get your relocation underway.

 

A question that we hear a lot here at Bell & Sons is – do removal companies pack for you?  Our answer is yes, of course. We provide a variety of services to help you get on your way including a full packing service. Our expert team members are experienced packers that ensure every part of your homeware is protected and handled carefully.  

However, we understand everybody’s circumstances and sometimes a home packing service isn’t the right choice for some people. Moving home can be stressful so we thought we could help by sharing our top tips on making your move go as smooth as possible.

1: Start early

For larger homes, we recommend that you start packing two months ahead of your move date, within this time you can aim to pack one box per day.

For smaller homes and apartments we estimate one-month advance packing. We find that when people pack the last minute, items get lost or damaged and overall the experience can be consuming and stressful for everyone.

2: De-clutter

It is always good to de-clutter. There is a famous quote “The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” As moving house can sometimes be a fresh new start for some families de-cluttering un-used items can feel refreshing and could be a weight the shoulders.

There’s also a good opportunity to make some extra cash during a clear out. Organize your unwanted belongings into groups of recycling, donations, and items to sell, We recommend selling at a car boot sale, that way you can sell everything you in one day.

3: Pack in order of convenience

You should start packing up your rooms in order of use, for example, a spare room or a dining room are rooms that can be unused for some weeks prior to your move. The same applies to your belongings, it wouldn’t be ideal to pack in advance and pack your kitchen and crockery away first. Always pack and unpack in accordance with item use.

4: Have the right supplies

When preparing to move homes it is essential that you are fully stocked in packing supplies. Cardboard boxes sometimes just won’t do make sure you have the following:

Heavy Duty Boxes	Bubble Wrap	Labels
Medium Boxes	Packing Tape	Marker Pens
Small Boxes	Old Newspapers	Large Bags

5: Our expert tips

We have been in the business of moving and removals for a while, along the way we have picked up some handy tips on how to make your move go swiftly. We recommend you pack your valuables i.e jewellery in a small container and keep them with you, that way they won’t get misplaced. We recommend you pack a “survival box”. No its not for Z day, it’s for those items that you can’t live without such as your toothbrush, toilet roll, medication a change of clothes, whatever. tailor it to your’s and your families needs.

Ultimately our top tip is to hire us at  Bell & Sons as helping hands through your house move. We provide our own boxes and packing materials with quality and safe transit assured.

We offer services in removals, shredding, packaging, and storage.  Our services cover Leicestershire, Warwickshire and the Midlands, for a quotation click here

 

With Easter around the corner, you are bound to be thinking about time off work, gorging on chocolate eggs and possibly even planning an Easter egg hunt for the little ones.  

But for some of us, the Easter break can be an excellent use of time to de-clutter the house and even getting our decorating gloves on.

We have decided to give you the ultimate tips on why you should invest in a self storage unit over the Easter period and how you can use your storage unit proactively this April.

Easter egg hunt

Easter egg hunts can be a lot of fun but in order to have a successful hunt – you will need a plan of action, especially if you have children coming round!

If you feel you have too much furniture around or there are sentimental items that you don’t want to risk being damaged, one asset you can obtain is a self storage unit.

You will be able to place large or small items in a safe and secure place, allowing you to operate a fun and secure environment for your egg seekers on the big day!

Once your Easter break has ended, you can easily get your belongings back into your property safe and sound, giving you peace of mind and reassurance that your items have been out of reach of accidents.

Spring cleaning

It is that time where we can wave hello to a brand new season and say goodbye to the ugly weather of winter. With the sun out and green leaves on the trees, it is the perfect time to spruce up your home and spring clean your property.

Spring cleaning is a fantastic way of decluttering and producing new life to your home.

A self storage unit can assist you with achieving your goal, without the risk of damaging any valuable items you may have or a higher risk of injury while circulating your property.

You will be able to place large items into storage, allowing you to move around your home freely – guaranteeing safety and security for not only yourself and others, but your items as well.

Decorating your home

Spring is a fantastic opportunity to dust off those paint pots in the attic and get your hands on those home improvement design magazines.

Re-vamping the interior of your property can be extremely rewarding and therapeutic – but be careful of the sofa!

Laying the normal plastic sheets down can only go so far, so if you have any items you don’t want to risk having a new coat of paint on – get yourself a self storage unit!

It is a very popular choice, especially when decorating your home and giving it a brand new look.

With zero risks of damage and permanent paint, you will be able to paint your way through the house with a clear and visionary mindset.

Moving away, near or far

If you are in the midst of a big change such as moving away, whether that will be in the UK or abroad, a self storage unit would be the ideal fit for you and your adventure.

It can be strange to bring the entirety of your home to another, especially if you want to give your brand a new destination and it’s own statement.

Purchasing brand new furniture and items to make a house a home can be an exciting opportunity – but what about the items you have currently?

Well, Bell & Sons are here to help you.

We can provide you with suitable storage units that can provide your old home items with a safe and secure place to be – until you either return to the country or decide to even sell your items at a later date.

Whatever the purpose, we can provide you with a solution.

Your provider is here

Here at Bell & Sons, we put our customer needs first.

We can supply you with a variety of seized self storage units that are ideal for your bespoke circumstances.

So, whether you are organising an Easter hunt, giving your home that much needed spring clean or travelling off to a distant land – we can supply you with the ultimate result.

Feel free to contact our team today with any queries that you may have and come check out our secure containerised storage facility – available for any circumstance you may have.