7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Removals Company in Mayfair
Moving to Mayfair? Welcome to one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Located in the city’s thriving West End district, this in-demand area became a hotspot of upper-class housing in the 1700s. It has managed to retain its character, affluence, and luxurious opulence to this day.
With such impressive properties on the market, choosing a new home in Mayfair can be quite the challenge. But perhaps even more challenging is choosing a Mayfair removals company. You’ll want complete peace of mind that your belongings are in the best hands, and that your moving partner is able to work efficiently, and with the utmost discretion. How do you find the right one?
Here are 7 simple questions to ask that can help you to make a smart decision:
1. Where can you move me from?
If you’re moving to Mayfair and are hoping to use a local removals company, one of the first questions you should ask is whether that company covers the area you’re moving from. For example, some may operate within the UK exclusively, which isn’t useful if you’re relocating to London from abroad. Ideally, any company you choose should have a strong presence in both Mayfair and in your current location. This ensures your movers are familiar with the intricacies and challenges that come with managing moves in both areas, and that you have a local point of contact for keeping in touch.
2. What experience do you have in the West End of London?
Moving to highly affluent and busy areas such as Mayfair is quite different to moving to quieter regional locations outside of the city centre. This means it’s very important that any removals company you choose is experienced in managing and coordinating moves within London’s West End. At the very least, you should be offered access to a dedicated team who understand what’s needed to facilitate a successful move to Mayfair. And ideally, the movers should have undergone extensive training at a London facility to help them develop the right skills.
3. What type of properties do you specialise in?
Mayfair is known for having more than its fair share of properties with historic importance. From the stunning 18th-century mews homes, to the renovated Georgian townhouses and Grade II listed mansions, the residences here are one of a kind. And if you’re moving into one of these types of properties, it’s important that your chosen Mayfair removals company specialises in these sorts of homes. Each property type will come with its own unique set of quirks from a moving perspective. The more your moving partner understands these quirks, the better.
4. What’s your relationship like with Westminster City Council?
While this may seem like a strange question to ask, it can make a huge difference to how seamless your move to Mayfair goes. When a removals company is able to demonstrate a strong and long-standing relationship with the local council – which for Mayfair is Westminster City Council – it can be quicker and easier for them to obtain any necessary permits or approvals that may be required for your move. For example, parking permits may need to be arranged in advance, or permission may be required for the use of specialist equipment needed for large or bulky items.
5. How do you handle high-value items?
If you’re moving to Mayfair with high-value paintings, sculptures, collectables, musical instruments, or fine wines, it’s important to ask beforehand how these items will be managed during the move. The answer that you should expect from an exceptional Mayfair removals company is that all of your belongings will be assessed by appointment, by an experienced surveyor. Using this information, the removals team will then be able to develop a tailored plan of action. This will enable them to remove these valuable items – and unload them into your new Mayfair property – in the best possible way.
6. Do you pack/unpack items of value?
There’s no definitive ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ to this question. It all depends on your own preferences. Some Mayfair removals companies will require you to pack and unpack your own items, while others – for high-value items especially – will want to use their own techniques to give you peace of mind. It should be entirely up to you: the best answer to this question is when the company offers choice and flexibility, giving you the option to select a packing/unpacking service that meets your needs. This may be a full or partial packing service, a self-unpack or a full maid service.
7. Are you able to store my items locally?
When you’re moving to Mayfair, you may need some time to redecorate or become accustomed to your new property before bringing in all of your belongings. If this is the case, be sure to ask the companies you’re considering whether they can store your items for you. Ideally, they should operate a safe and secure storage facility in London, so you have easy access to your belongings. If you’re moving internationally, it’s also worth asking if the company operates storage facilities near your current location, in case you need to delay a shipment during your move.
At Cadogan Tate, we’re proud to have worked in West End neighbourhoods such as Mayfair for over four decades. As a leading Mayfair removals company, we’re experienced in facilitating seamless, successful moves – from both the UK and abroad – to this wonderful part of the city.
Whether you’re planning to move into one of Mayfair’s original townhouses, or you’re excited about starting afresh in one of the many luxury new builds that are emerging in the area, we’re here to help you enjoy a stress-free move. Our team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to get in touch with us and find out if Cadogan Tate could be the right partner for you.