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Avoiding a Removal Nightmare

It sounds simple doesn't it? You've finally made that life changing decision to 'up sticks' and move to Spain - usually to switch off a little and enjoy a slower pace of life. Everything in the UK is sorted, the kids are happily off your hands, the dog is fully vaccinated and has his own (more expensive than yours) passport, and friends are already booking their visits for the summer. You finally receive a completion date and all you have to do is arrange the removal.

Will a (quite cheap) 'man with a van' be enough? What about if hubby and his brother help out the 'man with a van' - or even better, could hubby and his brother be persuaded to do the whole thing themselves? You could hire a van, maybe a large one, no - hang on, hubby's back has been playing up and that piano is a tad heavy - and it would be very tempting for them to stop off en route for 'a bit of a jolly'. ''Well it's an awfully long way love, we couldn't possibly do it all in one go''

Perhaps you should employ the services of a (quite expensive) 'International Removal Company', who have vast experience of moving 'absolutely everything, absolutely everywhere' - but then you remember the campo track and have nightmare visions of a huge articulated lorry lurching precariously close to the edge of the mountain and then everything having to be carried the last 500 metres (oh no - hubby's back will go again)

The alternative is to use a (reasonably priced) local and well established removal company. A recommendation by neighbours or friends is a good start. Or check out the adverts in the local magazines and newspapers. Be aware though that not everything is always as it seems - watch out for the following -

'Fully insured' - unless you are paying as much for the insurance as for the removal, this should be questioned. Find a company who are honest with you about their insurance, but who do at least have the basics, and not just 'a lorry and a lock up'.

'Door to Door' - make sure the company knows that your particular quaint little village house is only accessible via a narrow street and/or 6 flights of steps. Likewise, in the campo, tell them if your 'road' is still actually a very narrow, bendy river bed (or similar!)

'No Hidden Extras' - well the removal company weren't to know that you would experience a last minute 'hiccup' with the paperwork. ''That will be an additional 500 euros for storage then please''. Make sure you know exactly how much free storage is included, and plan for a bit longer - just to be on the safe side.

What you need to do is chat to the removal company in detail. Any company worth it's salt will be happy to discuss your particular personal requirements and provide advice and helpful suggestions, as well as the all important quotation! Make sure that you 'like' the company you are dealing with, a gut reaction is usually a good one. Are they approachable and friendly, yet professional? Can you visit their premises and meet them in person? Did they respond to your initial enquiry promptly? Do they seem to genuinely want to help you and offer their services, or are they just going through the same old sales routine? Trust your instincts, and don't be misled.

And finally ..... when you and your worldly possessions are happily reunited in your new abode, having been transported some 2000 miles, if you have been pleased with the service provided, let the removal company (and your friends and neighbours) know. It may well avoid a removal nightmare for someone else.