Following on from the previous blog post, in the episode “The Secret House Move Tapes Part 2” of the popular podcast Parenting Hell, comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe dive deeper into the logistics of Josh’s big decision to move his family out of London to the countryside in Exeter.
With his offer accepted on his new house and house sold, his next job was to find a professional removal company. As usual, Josh was very real with sharing the stress, worries and careful planning required to move home. Here are some of the key takeaways from his experience.
The Cost of a Removal
- Josh didn’t share the exact cost but joked that it was “a hell of a lot” – you might have had a similar first impression!
- Commonly, people tend to budget for a big house purchase or renovations but often forget to factor in the cost of hiring a professional removal service.
- Safely moving all your worldly possessions from one location to another takes time, skill, equipment, large vehicles and trained removal crews, which is why using a trusted removal company shouldn’t be overlooked.
Getting Multiple Quotes
- Shocked by the initial price, Josh went hunting for other quotes…only to discover that all the quotes were, in his words, “expensive.”
- That’s because a professional removal company reflects the real scale of the work involved. It’s not a small job – it’s a full team, logistics planning, specialist equipment, large vehicles and expert care to get you moved safely and on time.
- Many of our customer reviews mention that moving is one of those times where paying for experience, expertise and peace of mind is worth every penny!
How Quotes Can Differ
Josh noticed that different removal companies didn’t just differ on price – they differed on what they’d actually move! When comparing removal quotes, keep an eye on:
• Services offered and what’s included: packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage options, specialist packing materials and of course, transportation.
• Additional services: move confirmation and cancellation policies, key waivers and even shredding of old documents. These are also important aspects to take into consideration.
• Insurance / Move Protection: make sure your precious belongings are covered.
• Reputation: check Trustpilot reviews or ask friends – you don’t want your priceless teapot left in the rain.
• Experience: years on the road and in the business count for a lot.
• Questions: ask away! We want to make sure you have clarity on your quotation so that you can make the most informed decision on which company is best for your house move.
How Long Does It Take?
- Josh’s move from London to Exeter took two days to pack and two days to move, which doesn’t sound unusual to us for a five-bedroom house and a long-distance removal.
- At Britannia Alan Cook Removals, we tailor every move’s logistics to your home’s volume, access, completion date and personal requirements.
- No, we can’t pack your entire house in a morning – even if Rob Beckett thinks we can. 😄
Pets and Children
- Josh also shared the hilarious logistics of moving fish, hamster, cats and children all the way to Exeter, whilst performing a gig mid-move!
- Smart move of his: split the pets between two cars to reduce stress (and any furry disagreements!).
- In the UK, most people transport their pets themselves; if you’re moving abroad, we recommend PetAir UK to help.
Key Takeaways
At Britannia Alan Cook Removals, we understand that every house move can be stressful, chaotic, exciting and emotional all at once. Especially, if you have a gig to perform the night before your moving day or your children starting the new school term in 48hours from your arrival (Josh!). Widdicombe’s experience shows:
- Professional removals are worth every penny – it’s not just lifting boxes; it’s a full-on service.
- Removal quotes aren’t just about price – look at services, insurance, experience and reputation.
- Pets and children need extra attention – but with the right approach, it can all work out (or be laughed off!).
Our expert removal crews and friendly office team are here to make your move as smooth, safe and stress-free as possible – with the occasional chuckle along the way.
📞 Get in touch with us at 01508 520631 for a free, no-obligation removals quote today.